| Hard Goods Hard goods is the term for all of the | | | | Your next to skin layer should be silk, wool or a |
| equipment you need for the slopes. Make sure | | | | hollow core synthetic fabric for best results. Fabrics |
| everything is dry and stored properly when not in | | | | that wick moisture away from your skin will keep |
| use. | | | | you dry and warm throughout the day. |
| - Skis, Snowboard (or arrangements for a high end | | | | - Layering Pieces |
| demo) | | | | What you layer with will be determined by the |
| Most enthusiasts own their own skis or snowboard. | | | | weather and what you are wearing for your outer |
| It makes parking lot to slope time shorter and your | | | | layer. Add items to your holiday wish list that will |
| skills will develop faster with the consistency the | | | | increase your choices and flexibility. |
| same equipment provides. If you do not own your | | | | - Vest |
| own skis or board be sure to make arrangements | | | | A vest is one of the best ways to keep your core |
| for rentals or a high end demo in advance to avoid | | | | body warm. They keep bulk down while maintaining |
| long delays. Ski blades are a fun alternative to skiing | | | | warmth around the torso keeping the vital organs |
| or snowboarding. | | | | toasty. Keep in mind if your core body is warm more |
| - Bindings | | | | warm blood is available for your extremities. So, if |
| A safety check on all bindings is recommended | | | | your hands or feet get cold, wear a vest! |
| before heading out to the slopes. If it has been a | | | | - Sweater or Fleece |
| while since you were last out have them checked by | | | | Wearing a sweater or a fleece over your thermal |
| a certified technician. | | | | underwear is the most effective way to maintain an |
| - Boots | | | | even body temperature. Most ski sweaters and |
| Boots are the most important piece of equipment. | | | | fleece are low in bulk so still allow the addition of a |
| The proper boot with a good fit is the best way to | | | | vest if necessary. |
| enjoy your day on the hill. | | | | - Fleece Pants |
| - Poles | | | | Fleece pants are not only a cozy apres ski piece but |
| Poles come in a wide variety of prices and styles. | | | | essential for those cold days on the slopes. They also |
| Does it make a difference? Yes, and no. Any pole will | | | | make shell pants more versatile by providing added |
| do but once you try a good, graphite pole your | | | | insulation when needed. |
| average aluminum pole simply won't cut it any more. | | | | - Jacket and Pants or Suit |
| - Helmet | | | | Your outer layer should consist of a jacket and a |
| Protecting your noggin is the smartest thing you can | | | | pant or a suit. These pieces may be insulated or not |
| do for yourself. It is also very warm. Make sure it fits | | | | (if they are uninsulated they are referred to as a |
| properly for maximum protection. | | | | 'shell'). If they are shell pieces be sure to layer |
| - Goggles or Sunglasses | | | | effectively under them according to the weather. |
| Goggles and sunglasses not only look cool they will | | | | - Hat |
| protect your eyes from the elements. Oddly enough | | | | Even if you have a helmet, a hat is an essential piece |
| being able to see is pretty important on the slopes, | | | | of clothing for the winter. You won't be wearing your |
| quality sunglasses or goggles with anti-fog protection | | | | helmet off the slopes and things get pretty chilly |
| can help. | | | | when the top is left uncovered. |
| Soft Goods Soft goods is the term used for what | | | | - Gloves or Mittens |
| you wear when you head out to the slopes. Dressing | | | | The choice between gloves or mittens is a personal |
| properly can make for a much more enjoyable day. | | | | one. Mittens are warmer but most people feel more |
| - Socks | | | | comfortable in gloves. The point is to keep the |
| Socks are the key to dressing properly. If your feet | | | | fingers covered and if they still get cold use a pair of |
| are cold nothing else matters. Use silk, wool or a | | | | chemical heat packs. Some gloves and mittens have |
| hollow core synthetic weave for the best results. | | | | specially designed pockets to hold heat packs or |
| Keeping your feet dry is of top importance so stay | | | | invest in a pair of glove liners with a built in pocket. |
| away from cotton and only wear one pair of socks. | | | | - Neck Gaiter |
| More is not better in this case. Make sure the sock is | | | | The neck gaiter is the simplest layering piece you can |
| fitted, with a formed heel and toe, this will reduce | | | | own. It keeps your chin and neck warm, which |
| bulk and binding which may reduce circulation resulting | | | | decreases your sensation of cold. You can change |
| in cold toes. | | | | the entire look of your outfit by simply changing the |
| - Thermal Underwear | | | | color of your neck gaiter. |