Everything You Need (and What You Don’t) for Your First Ski Trip
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Skiing is a tough activity to get into. It’s expensive, often involves travel, and requires a lot of gear. And that’s all before you’re even on the slopes actually learninghowto ski. If you didn’t grow up skiing, it feels pretty intimidating to get started — or at least that’s how I felt when preparing for my first ski trip. As I was getting my gear together, I found myself in a tough spot, wondering whether I should invest in higher-quality stuff in case I wanted to continue skiing or just get the cheapest things I could find. I also didn’t know which qualities were most important to consider for any given piece of gear. Online research often led me toward products that were considered the best, but as a beginner, I just wanted something affordable and good enough to get me through my first trip (and hopefully last for a few more).
Now I’ve got more experience, but to help my fellow adult learners decipher what they’ll need for their first time, I spoke to skilled skiers for recommendations on affordable gear, what to buy and what to rent, and where to splurge versus where to save. And as Jack Weissman, a clean-energy analyst and a skier with 15 years of experience, told me, “The one thing you should absolutely buy is a lesson.”
You’ll need three main layers of clothing: a base layer, a mid-layer, and and an outer layer
Wearing the right layers for being active in cold weather is the only way to ensure you’ll stay comfortable and warm enough without overheating. The basic formula involves a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer, but every skier has their own specific approach and preferences. The more you ski, the better idea you’ll get of what you like.
Base layers
The base layer generally consists of a fitted long-sleeved shirt and fitted long pants, essentiallylong underwear. “The first layer on your skin should be a moisture-wicking layer of some sort,” says Genevieve Schmitt, founder ofwomenwhoski.org. That’s because you will be sweating underneath your layers, and if your clothes absorb too much moisture, you’ll end up feeling colder. The two most common materials for base layers are polyester and wool; you can often find poly-wool blends. Cotton is the material to avoid as it can easily become waterlogged.
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Analisa Price, who works in apparel product management and writes the blogFemignarly, prefers wool because it insulates better than polyester when it’s wet. That extra insulation may be especially beneficial for beginners, who may be stuck waiting in long lines for the ski lifts at easier runs or will befalling a lot. “I love REI for beginner gear,” Price says. “They do a good job of maintaining really great materials at a really nice price point.”
But if you’re looking to save a little extra, polyester works too. “The price on the REI synthetics is also pretty sharp,” Price says. I own the exactpoly-blend base-layer pants from REIabove and they’ve worked great for me so far.
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Strategist junior writer Bella Druckman wears her Heattech long-sleeved T-shirt and leggings as a base layer, which are more affordable than REI’s offerings.
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For an even more economical option, look atathleticwearthat isn’t specifically designed for skiing. Romell Ward, executive director and founder of theBIPOC Mountain Collective, says a basic athletic tee can work well as a base layer as it’s close-fitting and moisture wicking. You may even be able to use something you already own, such as a long-sleeved hiking shirt or yoga top, says Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang.
Mid-layers
A mid-layer is a thinner jacket that goes between your base top and outer jacket. While it’s not always essential, it’s helpful, depending on the weather, for staying warm or giving you the option to remove a layer if you warm up throughout the day. Kevin Hickey, president of theHoboken Ski & Snowboard Club, notes that mid-layers can be especially important for new skiers, who will take more breaks than advanced skiers.
“This is a place where synthetics really shine,” Price says. “They don’t absorb moisture much at all.” Afleece jacketworks well for adding warmth without too much bulk. Price and Druckman both like thePatagonia Synchilla; for a more affordable option, Price recommendsREI’s Flash Hyperstretch Fleece.
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Another option is a lightweight puffer jacket. Price recommendssynthetic fill over down, which can compress when it gets wet, reducing its ability to keep you warm. Her top pick is thePackaway jacket from L.L.Bean. “That one has the best components in terms of a cut that moves well with the body and durable materials,” she says. But there are many similar options, like thePatagonia Nano Puffand theNorth Face Thermoball.
Outer layers
An outer layer will consist of a jacket and pants, both of which are waterproof. For the top, the main options are a shell or an insulated ski jacket. (The difference is that a shell isn’t insulated, so you’ll want a thickermid-layerif you opt for a shell.) If you already own a waterproofpuffer jacketor rain jacket, those can often suffice for your first time skiing. For the bottom, the main options are either snow pants or snow bibs, which are essentially snow overalls.
Both can often be rented at the mountain or a nearby gear shop if you don’t want to commit to a big purchase. If you’re buying, most of the experts I spoke to recommend going to your local outdoors or ski shop to try things on. Yang notes thatCostcoandBurlington Coat Factoryoften carry discounted gear. Additionally, while snow gear is often labeled for skiing or snowboarding, the main differences are aesthetic: Skiers tend to wear more fitted clothes, while snowboarders, taking inspiration from streetwear, tend toward baggier fits. The most important thing for either sport is comfort and ease of movement.
For jackets, Price says REI offers one of the best bang-for-your-buck options; the brand’sPowderbound jacketsare smartly designed to cut out some of the costlier elements of higher-end jackets (which can range from $400 to over $1,000) without sacrificing functionality. Some handy features include Velcro around the wrists and toggles at the waist to help seal in body heat. Price also appreciates the armpit zips, which let you vent fresh air into your jacket if you feel too warm.
Ward recommends the brandsDope SnowandBurtonfor baggier snowboard styles at reasonable prices. He also told me about an Australian brand calledNobody’s Princessthat specializes in plus-size women’s outdoor gear, as it can be difficult to shop for functional snow gear if you’re on the curvier side.
You’ll often find snow pants and bibs at the same retailers that sell outer-layer jackets. Whether you choose pants or a bib comes down to personal preference, though bibs can be better for keeping snow out of your clothes when you fall. They also keep you a little warmer since they cover your torso and provide additional pockets. Just be sure you can move comfortably while wearing them.
Outer layers for skiing can be very worthwhile to buy secondhand. “Most people are only going to ski five to ten days a year,” Price says. “Bodies change, and you’ve got pieces that have barely been worn and they’re designed for hundreds of days of durability.” Because of their design, ski clothes don’t tend to stretch or wear out. Aside from local sales or gear swaps, Price recommends shoppingArc’teryx’s resale siteorPatagonia Worn Wearfor upgraded jackets at a discount; she has also scored great used gear fromPoshmark. If you live in a ski-oriented area, check Facebook Marketplace, too, as most skiers want to ensure their used gear ends up in the hands of someone who will use it, rather than getting binned at the thrift store. If you are an REI member, Schmitt advises checking itsRe/Supply sectionfor used outerwear (which is available only in stores).
Plus a few accessories to stay warm, comfortable, and safe
Socks
Ski socks should be tall, moisture wicking, and warm. They come in a variety of thicknesses and padding levels, but Price recommends starting with a thin sock. “Everybody thinks because it’s cold they need the burliest, warmest, thickest sock,” she says. “But your feet are what’s steering the plane, so you want that good connection between your foot and the boot board to be able to steer really precisely.” And while you’re layering up on the rest of your body, Ward cautions to wear onlyonepair of socks — if you double up, you’ll get friction from the two pairs rubbing against your skinandyou’ll reduce your level of control. If you already own tall wool socks that aren’t too thick, you may be able to use those for your first time skiing. Otherwise, a pair of specialized ski socks is a good investment.
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Price and Weissman both recommend the brand Darn Tough, which offers a range of thicknesses and styles of merino-wool-blend ski socks. Price owns some Darn Tough socks that have had ten-to-15 years of weekly wear and are still going strong.
Gloves and mittens
Waterproof gloves or mittens are extremely important, especially for skiers new to the sport. Not only are your hands out in the elements and gripping your poles, but if you fall, your hands will have to push you up from the snowy ground, Price says. Gloves allow for more dexterity, but if your hands tend to get especially cold, mittens provide extra warmth.Ward notes that gloves are usually better for snowboarders because they have to frequently undo their buckles getting on and off the lift.
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Look for gloves labeled with Gore-Tex, the go-to material for waterproofing outdoor gear.Dakine’s Sequoia gloveswere Price’s first (theTitan version for menis similar) and have several features experts recommend looking for, including zippered pockets for hand warmers, a wrist leash to prevent you from losing them, and wrist cinches to keep out snow. They also have a built-in thumb goggle squeegee, to remove ice or snow from your lenses.
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For a more affordable option, Yang suggests Kinco gloves or mittens. Originally designed for working outdoors in the cold,Kinco’s leather mittensare popular among skiers. They have an inner glove surrounded by the leather mitten and come with waterproofing wax that you’ll use to keep the leather dry.
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Ward also recommends shopping for gloves at Walmart or stores that sell workwear, likeBig RorTractor Supply Co. As long as the gloves are waterproof, you don’t necessarily need all the features that more technical gloves like the Dakines provide.
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If you’re skiing in an especially cold area or simply want the additional warmth, Schmitt advises wearing a thin liner glove inside your waterproof mitten or glove. “I can take my hands out of my thicker gloves and punch out a text or take a picture,” she says. A merino-wool pair like these, with tech-enabled touch points on the fingers, will work nicely.
Helmets
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While it’s not always required by law or ski-resort policy, wearing a helmet is always a good idea. One can typically be rented at the resort or a ski shop, which may be the easiest route if you’re renting other gear anyway. But if you want to start buying your own gear, Hickey says a helmet should be one of your first purchases. Since many people like to try both skiing and snowboarding when they first start out, a helmet is one piece of equipment that’s not specific to either sport. And when you purchase your own, you’ll know exactly what kind of protection you’re getting. A good rule of thumb is to look for aMIPShelmet, which has a flexible lining to help reduce concussion risk.I’ve linked the helmet I wear hereas an example, but truthfully, you’ll want to shop helmets at a brick-and-mortar store so you can try them on and ensure you get a good fit. If you don’t have a local ski shop, outdoors stores like REI generally carry helmets.
Goggles
Visibility is important on the slopes, so you’ll want some kind of eye protection, preferably goggles. “If you’ve got a bigger pair of biking or running sunglasses and the weather looks nice, you can kind of get away with those if you’re just trying the sport out for the first time,” Price says. But goggles also go a long way toward keeping your face warm and protecting your skin. Start out with less expensive ones — they take a beating anyway, so you can upgrade later when your first pair needs replacing, Schmitt says. Increases in cost primarily denote improved vision clarity, but a high level of precision isn’t always necessary for beginners, Price adds. One tip from Hickey: If you’re buying a helmet and goggles from the same brand, they’ll be designed to fit together without a gap. Otherwise, try on your goggles and helmet together to make sure you don’t have a forehead gap where cold air and wind can hit your skin (and make you look a little silly to more experienced skiers).
Neck and face protection
“All our veins and arteries are very close to the surface of the skin on our necks,” Price explains. “So it’s an easy place to feel like you’re losing heat.” That’s why you’ll likely want a buff, gaiter, orbalaclava. There are lots of styles to choose from, but which isbestgenerally comes down to personal preference. Ward suggests picking one up at the resorts where you ski, as both a keepsake and conversation starter. “You may be riding in Pennsylvania with an Arapahoe Basin balaclava and someone says, ‘Oh hey, I’ve been to Arapahoe Basin,’ and you just made a new friend,” Ward says.
Worthwhile extras
Aside from your ski gear, you don’t need to bring much else to the mountain. “The more you can get it dialed and bring less, the better things tend to go,” Price says. But here are a few worthwhile extras to carry in your pockets or store in a locker at the resort.
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Nearly every expert I spoke to advises bringing hand warmers. “If you are getting a little chilly or you didn’t layer correctly, you can put them in your gloves or in your pockets to keep your body warm,” says Price.
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“On a sunny day, what we call ‘bluebird day,’ the sun reflecting off the snow is extremely bright,” Hickey says. You should already be wearing sunscreen, but its even more important if your face isn’t completely covered. A smallsunscreen stickfits in your pocket for easy reapplication throughout the day.
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Yang and Schmitt both emphasize that you should carrylip balmin your jacket pocket as lips can easily dry out in the cold.
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Most ski jackets have plenty of pockets to store essentials, including your phone. But if you want to have easier access to it without unzipping, get a phone lanyard. Schmitt prefers a retractable one; a clear, waterproof one can be better for people who want to take a lot of photos.
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Promix Protein Puff Bar - Vanilla
Ward also recommends stashing aprotein baror another quick snack in your pocket. “You’ll get tired and hungry, and if you’re eight miles from the lodge or you don’t want to leave this awesome powder, chew on that a little bit and you’ll be good,” he says.
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Hickey recommends using OpenSnow for the best real-time, on-the-ground weather reports. The app covers ski resorts across the globe so you can get accurate weather information about your destination, no matter where you are.
A note about boots, skis, and poles
All the experts I spoke to recommend renting boots, skis, and poles the very first time you ski. (Though Yang notes you may not even need poles for your first time — and if you take a lesson, the instructor may recommend against using them initially.) “I’ve seen some people get really sure that this is going to be their new hobby and they want to buy skis immediately,” Price says. “But the ski you need on day one is not the ski you need on day ten.” However, if you have been skiing a few times and want to begin investing in your own gear, boots are the best place to start. You can generally continue to rent skis and poles but wear your own boots, which will give you much more control.
Rental boots are designed to fit the widest common denominator, Price explains: “And they say they’re unisex, which is usually a sign that they’re built for men.” She adds that women tend to have longer, sloping calves that taper at the ankle, whereas men have calf muscles that ball up just below their knee. “I’ve known some women, especially women with wider calves, who went skiing for the day and couldn’t get into the boots, so that ruined their ability to even take their lesson because the boot really wasn’t designed to work well with their body,” Price says. No matter your gender, if you find that rental boots aren’t working for you, getting a properly fitted pair can help you level up your ability. But this is one purchase you definitely don’t want to make online; visit a boot fitter at a ski shop to ensure you get the right fit for your anatomy.
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