If you’re looking forward to the perfect winter excursion this year – skiing down alpine peaks or faraway snow-covered mountains – but aren’t quite sure where to begin when it comes to all of the overpriced gear, this article is for you. As someone who was thrust onto a pair of skis as soon as they could walk and has been away on dozens of trips, I’m here to tell you exactly what you’ll need and whether it’s best to buy or hire for your first trip.
A Sturdy Helmet
Don’t listen to that one wannabe-daredevil friend who risks death and brain damage on every run. You need a helmet, especially when you’re a beginner, because chances are, you’re about to spend an awful lot of time falling over.
If it’s your first time skiing, it might be a good idea to rent a helmet instead of buying, just until you know for certain that it’s a hobby you will continue to invest in. Having said that, if your head is on the larger side, I would highly recommend buying a cheaper helmet, as rental helmets for those of us with heads on the larger side are known to cause insufferable headaches.
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A Proper Ski Coat
This one’s fairly obvious. Given that you plan on moving at speed down a snowy mountain in the winter months, you’re going to need a coat that will keep you warm. And no, your standard waterproof probably won’t cut the mustard.
You can buy a good beginner ski coat for double digits. It is possible, despite how gloomy things may first seem when you sort by ‘price: lowest to highest’ at major online retailers. The most important factors to look for are a distinct colour (not black or white) so that others can see you on the slope, thick padding that will keep you warm when conditions are challenging, and a strong outer coating that will protect you from wind chill.
A Pair of Salopettes
Despite what some beginners out there clearly think (those of you wearing jeans, I’m looking at you), a proper pair of salopettes is absolutely essential. Like I said earlier, you’re going to spend a lot of time falling over, so the last thing you want is a wet bum. On top of that, salopettes are great for safety, as they’re thick and firm enough to help cushion the impact of a fall.
The good news here is that you don’t need anything too flashy. A basic, black-coloured pair of salopettes will keep you set for years to come, and they’re among the most affordable items on this list.
A Thick Pair of Socks
This is one that a lot of people tend to forget. You’ll need a thick pair of socks for a couple of different reasons. The most obvious, perhaps, is that it’s going to be cold. Especially when you aren’t skiing – say, if you’re on a draglift or chairlift – that’s when you’ll feel the cold the most. So having a thick, warm pair of socks can make all the difference. The second reason is that your boots will almost certainly be uncomfortable, so a pair of thick socks will give you some much-needed padding.
Despite what a lot of snowsport retailers tell you, you don’t need a pair of sporty, branded ski socks. A standard pair of walking socks will suffice.
Sunglasses or Goggles
A good pair of sunglasses or goggles is another must. This might not be immediately obvious if this is your first time, but the whiteness of the slopes, in combination with the sun, makes the whole visual aspect of skiing pretty unpleasant on the eyes; it’s all just too bright. That’s why you should get some eye protection – preferably polarised.
But which to get: sunglasses or goggles? I’d recommend goggles, for a few different reasons. First off, they’re more comfortable with a helmet, as they are strapped to the outside, unlike sunglasses, which are inside. Sometimes the pressure of the helmet against the sunglasses can get pretty unpleasant for me, but your mileage may vary.
Secondly, they are better at keeping the air out of your eyes; when you’re moving at speed, some air can still get behind sunglasses and into your eyes, causing them to dry out. It’s really distracting. Goggles, meanwhile, completely block out all of the air – though the only downside to this is that they can sometimes fog up.
Skis, Poles, and Boots
These are the items you will hire while you’re on holiday. Do not buy skis, poles, or boots until you’re a more confident skier and are willing to invest more money into it. I’d recommend buying boots first, as having your own makes a huge difference to comfort and quality of life.
Conclusion
So there you have it. All of the ski essentials you’ll need for your first getaway to the slopes. You can find them all online or in stores, typically in major cities. Unless you can find a car park in London, you’ll probably have an easier time finding it all online, albeit with a bit of trial and error getting your sizes right.
