I'm going skiing. What should I wear and what should I take?

Question

Please be specific. There are so many types of ski jackets and pants that I'm super unclear about what I really need. Thanks!

Answer 1

For the first time skier or snowboarder:

A lot of people think they need to buy everything to have a good time on the hill. The truth is that you probably already have everything you need. You just need to pack it.

Although I have upgraded to proper snow gear, I think that novices should go with the minimum on their first time. This is to prevent over spending on a sport they might eventually not end up enjoying. The next time you go you can then customize the experience exactly how you want; thus, smart shopping. As I said, you probably already have the minimum.

The minimum is:
1) Sunglasses (~$20)
Cover your eyes with 100 percent UV block lenses. The sun will be reflected off of the snow and vision is paramount. Ski goggles are good, but you don't need to shell out $30-100+ dollars. I don't like the way goggles feel and I still use sunglasses.

2) Water resistant gloves (~$30)
Since you're new you'll probably fall down a lot. Wet hands get cold fast.

3) Water resistant jacket (~$20)
You can use jackets such as wind breakers or even sports jackets. This doesn't have to be heavy.

4) Water resistant pants (~$30)
Acrylic jogging pants will work fine. Just like the jacket, your outer layer acts as a water resistant.

5) Beanie (~$15)
Something warm to cover your head. 70 percent of body heat is lost through uncovered heads.

6) Socks (~$14, ski socks) ($20 wool socks, optional)
People think the thicker your socks the warmer it is. But actually you want knee high thin socks so that the entire boot warms up. Don't double layer your socks because there's a chance of it rubbing against your skin. But when you're not skiing, wool socks are the best thing ever!!

7) Layers (thermals ~$20) (layers are free)
Thermals are great, but if you don't have them then just layer it on. And the more layers, the less it hurts when you fall (I've tried this).

8) Scarf (~$15)
Something to cover your neck such as a scarf or high neck fleece to cover your neck.

10) Proper equipment. (~$30 a day for rentals)
The most important part are your boots. A good boot fitter will always save the day. Make sure they know what they're doing.

11) Sun tan lotion (~$8)
Where the sun can effect your vision, it can also effect your skin. Ever wonder why so many skiers are tan?

11) Optional: A light water resistant backpack, walkie talkies, camera, ski helmet, face mask


In the end you'll probably pay less than $222 for minimum gear. You can always ask your friends who aren't skiing to borrow their gear too.

All being said, you might be wondering about style. Nobody really cares. Skiers have the same mantra as surfers. Everyone is really nice and don't care how you look. As long as you're safe, courteous, and have a good time nobody will care how you look. If you're face is buried in the snow you'll always look like a doofus. Shred up the mountain and you'll look like a hero. Have fun!

Answer 2

There is tremendous variety out there for ski equipment and all sorts of prices. You need all the stuff people mentioned, plus some warm underwear for layering. So buy the clothing, but RENT THE GEAR. The reason, everyone is different and you won't really know what you like until you try it. So rent the boots, bindings skis and poles.

Probably the most subjective piece of clothing you will buy is the jacket. The guy who said buy anything can't be very experienced. You need to ask yourself questions like

1. how warm does my jacket have to be?
2. do I want a shorter jacket (better mobility), or do I want my butt covered?
3. do i want a hood, or am I going to use a helmet or hat instead?
4. do I want a "system" jacket that i can wear for spring skiing as well as winter?
5. do I want something I can wear around town as well as on the slopes?

Spyder is a great brand for a ski jacket, but it is expensive. They have a less expensive brand called Stryke that might be in your range.

Marmot, North Face, Mountain Hardware are all great brands, and they make jackets that can be worn on and off the slopes. They also make system jackets that include removable liners (usually fleece that can be worn on its own). Columbia makes pretty good stuff too, and is usually a little cheaper than the above brands.

Other places that have their own quality brands at lower list prices are LL Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and REI.

Arcteryx, Oakley and Burton are also great but expensive.

If you want to save some dough, I would try the Web bargains section of campmor.com, or the outlet at backcountry.com. Both of these places have good quality stuff at good prices. I would also consider the outlet at EMS.com

You can also try ebay, but a lot of the hot jackets there are knockoffs made in China, so be careful.

By the way, most everybody who makes jackets also makes pants.

good luck

Answer 3

What To Wear Skiing

Answer 4

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avaZk

I ski and don't wear a mask. But I do have one. Sometimes I wear it and take a toy gun to a bank or a convenience store and we all have a big laugh! It's fun, try it. So it's not just for robberies. You can play a joke on a bank with it.

Answer 5

If you are going now in the very cold time of year you definitely need thermal underware...under armour. Northface has a variety of clothing that will be appropriate. Dress in layers and get Gortex as it is breathable and yet water repellent. Don't forget a hat that covers your ears, They make special socks for skiing as well that keep your feet warm. Goggles are useful depending on the weather, but definitely bring sunglasses and sunscreen even if it doesn't look necessary. :) Good luck and have fun.

Answer 6

Downhill skiing: [this is what I pack, ]
- ski pants, or ski overralls
- ski jacket..WARM..no light jackets, these are big and warm
- turtlenecks or longsleeves are good and keep you warm, or a t-shirt if you've got a wicked bod.temp.
- thermals..you should wear thermal shirts and pants under your pants and shirt and over your underwear
- thin sweats or pants or leggings to wear under ski pants..(not everyone does this but I am still cold after wearing so many layers)
- socks..try packing looong socks..(above your ankle but below your knee)..it HURTs when the snow falls in your sock and feet..uhh its cold!
- hat
- gloves
- snow goggles or sunglasses
Downhill skiing is chilly and you need to layer yourself.
I advise you to bring an extra pair of..shirts, pants, socks, and maybe even gloves or hats.
You can find most of these things at REI, Sportsmart, Sports Authority, Big5, and some retailer stores are selling them now too.

If you are going to do alpine or cross country skiing, then you need special ski jacket, shirt, and pants. You can't wear cotton and you wear as little as possible. Your outfit consists..
- alpine ski jacket
- alpine ski pants
- alpine ski shirt or any I guess..you can find them at a sports store
and hats, gloves, goggles..socks.

Extras..
hands, feet warmers (they have 2 in a pack, you put them in your glove or on your feet and it warms you)
Chapstick

*some stores in resorts let you rent jackets if you don't want to spend your money buying it. just to be safe, maybe you should get one in ahead of time so you won't have to buy it at a more expensive price

here, check this website out and you can look at the items,
http://www.rei.com/skiing

hope this helps, and have fun! :)

Answer 7

Make sure you take good thermals, socks, gloves and hat for starters.
next layer - a nice woollen jumper to wear over your thermals. Dont worry , on a nice fine day on the mountain you will take the jumper layer off.
next layer - a good jacket, zip up and with a hood that may or may not zip away into the collar. You can go for bib overalls to wear on your lower half, but actually I would just wear a reasonable pair of ski pants. All in ones are a pain - I would never own one of them. Dont go there - do you know how difficult it is to use toilets in mountain resort areas in just SKI PANTS, never mind trying to shimmy out of full all in ones??!!
Tips to remember - good gloves are vital - it sucks when your fingers go numb, and it gets dangerous if you are out in the snow for a long time and your gear isnt very good.

Answer 8

You need ski pants, jacket, a beanie, ski gloves (very imortant), long sleeve T shirt, sweater (not too thick), thick socks and SUNGLASSES.

Everything else such as scarves goggles, and heavy sweaters etc will be cumbersome and prevent you from moving and you'll get too hot. I'll have enough to worry about with the heavy gear.

Answer 9

Spyder Ski Jackets and Spyder Ski Pants

Answer 10

i assume down hill
you need
1. warm ski jacket, doesnt really matter what kind, just get one
2. ski pants
3. ski boots that fit, dont have them too small or else it will restrict circulation, resulting in frostbite
4. mittens, i highly reccomend them, much warmer
5. balaclava or face mask
6. ski poles, a bit higher than your waist
7. ski goggles
8. helmet
9. optional: hand warmers

have fun