First time on a winter sports trip? This ski equipment is necessary!
Essential
A good ski outfit is crucial. The most important thing is that you can safely glide down the mountain and that skiing itself is an enjoyable experience. Most of the time, you can rent the necessary ski gear at your ski destination. Additionally, you can purchase them in the Netherlands from specialized ski shops or borrow them from a friend or family member. The latter is generally not recommended, as many ski items are tailored to your own height, weight, skill level, or skiing style.Skis
First and foremost, it's important to decide what type of skis you want. If you plan to do freestyle skiing, for example, you'll need different skis than if you just want to ski down the slopes. Therefore, it's crucial to select your skis based on the skiing style you intend to practice. You should also consider the terrain you'll be skiing on. The seller or renter can always assist you with advice.Additionally, ensure that your ski bindings are suitable for your skis and fit precisely. Incorrect binding adjustments can lead to injuries, and you certainly want to avoid that!
Boots
The right ski boots also prevent injuries. Moreover, footwear plays a crucial role in comfort while skiing. A proper fit enhances your performance on the slopes, as some boots allow for easier movement. This gives you better control over the skis, resulting in making better turns. Furthermore, ski boots simply keep your feet warm. Oversized boots can allow cold air in, giving you cold feet, which is very unpleasant!
Poles
Ski poles provide skiers with extra balance and stability, are used to make steering movements, and assist in skiing uphill. They serve as supportive tools. Therefore, having the right ski poles is essential. The key is that the poles have the correct length. If the poles stand upright in the snow and your elbow forms an angle of about 90 degrees, you know you've found the right length.
Head Protection
Since you can reach high speeds while skiing, wearing the right helmet is essential. However, speed is not the only reason why wearing a helmet is important. There could always be unexpected ice on the slopes, or you might underestimate or overlook a hill, leading to a hard fall. Therefore, to prevent (serious) head injuries, always choose a helmet that provides good protection, fits well, and complies with the applicable safety standards.
Ski Goggles
Wintersports enthusiasts wear ski goggles not just to show off but also for their practical protective function. Sometimes, the slopes can be literally blindingly white. It is crucial to wear the right goggles to protect your eyes from these light conditions. Additionally, the goggles shield you from wind, snowfall, and harmful UV rays. If you prefer skiing with sunglasses, opt for polarized ones. These provide better protection against the glare of the snow and are less tiring on the eyes.
Clothing
A complete ski suit usually consists of a jacket, pants, and matching gloves. The suit is equipped with insulation material to keep the body warm and is also waterproof and windproof. A high-quality suit also has breathability, ensuring that moisture and sweat are expelled from the body, preventing overheating.
It is recommended to dress in layers to be prepared for various weather conditions. Adjust the number of layers based on the weather. Consider, for example, thermal underwear, a T-shirt, and a ski pullover. Good ski socks, of course, fall into the category of essential clothing as they keep your feet dry and warm. A scarf or neck warmer is handy to keep your neck warm.
To stand out in adverse weather conditions or when skiing off-piste, you can choose a suit with bright colors and patterns. This not only has practical advantages but is also fashionable. A win-win situation!
Sun Protection
It is crucial to bring sun protection on a winter sports trip, even in cold temperatures. The combination of snow and sun can significantly increase the risk of sunburn. So, bring sunscreen and apply it to exposed skin. Don't forget to protect your lips by using lip balm with SPF.
Optional
Every skier needs the aforementioned equipment if you stick to the groomed trails. However, if you're so enthusiastic that you plan to go off-piste, wearing a back protector is also recommended. Additionally, the proper avalanche gear, such as an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, is essential. By the way, snowboarders are always advised to wear a back protector.
Check
If you've had the right ski equipment for a while or are borrowing from someone, it's important to check it. Verify whether the equipment is well-maintained and shows no signs of wear or damage. If you have doubts about the current condition of your gear, consult a professional at a specialized ski shop.
Packing List
To briefly summarize this blog, we've compiled a concise packing list of all the necessities. You can find it below:
- Skis or snowboard
- Ski bindings
- Ski boots
- Ski poles
- Ski helmet
- Ski goggles
- Ski clothing: consisting of a jacket, pants, gloves, thermal underwear, T-shirt, ski sweater, and ski socks
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Off-piste equipment: including a back protector, avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe