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If you’re new to skiing, you might be wondering what you need to bring with you on the slopes.
It’s harder enough to learn how to ski, so you’ll want to make your day as comfortable and enjoyable as you can.
Here is a breakdown of everything I take with me when I go skiing for the day in more depth:
Everything I take skiing.
Skis
Pretty essential right?
Ski Boots
This is what your feet go into and attach to your skis. Ski boots are tricky to walk in but keep your ankles protected. (My bootliners where drying when I took this).
Ski Poles
Ski poles help you move on the flat, support you on steep terrain and help you setup your turns.
Ski Jacket
Waterproof jacket with a big hood, plenty of pockets and a warm fleece lining. Keeps you dry and has a sleeve pocket for that all important ski pass. Read full guide.
Fleece Layer
Ski jackets are warm but most of the time you’ll need an extra fleece to preserve body heat.
Ski Trousers
Waterproof trousers keep you dry. Special wide bottoms so you can fit over your ski boots.
Base Layers
Base layers are thin undergarments like tight pyjamas that preserve body heat in sub-zero temperatures.
Gloves
Keep your hands warm. They’ll need to be waterproof and fleece lined. My hands were always cold until I invested in a nice pair. Choose gore-tex if you can afford it – If you’re looking for a quality pair I recommend Burton Men’s Gore-Tex Glove.
Goggles
The sun is bright, goggles protect your eyes from snow blindness (a real thing) and allow you to see everything much clearer. Especially the hidden dips in the white snow. Read full guide.
Helmet
Helps protect you from serious injury. Keeps you warm and other great benefits…see why I recommend wearing a helmet.
I attach my GoPro to the attachment on the top to get some cool wide-angle action shots and video.
Ski Socks
Ski socks are longer, warmer and cosier than any other socks you’ve worn. Always try out new boots wearing your ski socks for the perfect fit. Brings multiple socks for a multi-day ski week.
Backpack
A light and sturdy backpack to carry the days essentials is a must have. I’ve tried many backpacks over the years and they always let me down. I invested in a North Face Vault and it’s by far my favorite.
What’s in my Backpack?
Essentials..
Tasty Snacks
Snack snacks snacks. I always bring plenty of high energy snacks to keep my fuelled (dates, fruit, chocolate..) and a normally a packed lunch of home cooked food (pasta, rice..).
(Ok I admit, this photo isn’t my pack lunch, it’s a food bloggers.)
Water Bottle
I always bring my trusty Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle to quench my thirst throughout the day. It’s easy to get dehydrated skiing all day and you don’t want to have to head back to the station to buy a water bottle that’s plastic / wasteful & expensive.
Suncream
This one’s easy to forget. Always bring suncream. Every skier’s best friend. Use generously on your nose and cheeks. Ski burn is real and can ruin your ski trip if you forget this one thing.
Sunglasses
Whilst skiing I wear my ski goggles, but at lunchtime when I stop, I like to give my head a breather. The sun is fierce at high altitude and wraparound sunglasses are a must to enjoy your breaks comfortably.
Balaclava
On a warm day this stays in my backpack, on a cold day it never leaves me. A neck warmer / gaiter or balaclava is essential in cold weather.
Lipbalm
Chapped lips are common in the dry air. SPV lip balm will protect you from the elements. Any is better than none, but most agree that CARMEX is a top-notch choice.
Luxuries I bring….
Camera
I use my trusty iphone 7 to take all my photos and videos.
(I also occasionally videochat friends and family from the slopes)
Video Stabilizer
I love taking video when I’m up skiing. I recently got gifted a Osmo Mobile 2 which I attach to my iPhone to get silky smooth videos. I usually take it out for a few runs and then sling in my backpack when not in use.
The Locker Tip
At my local resort, they have handy lockers at the top station. I usually pay a couple of euros and store my lunch box, extra snacks, shoes and anything I don’t need at that moment.
That way I don’t have to weigh myself down with everything in my backpack all at once. Keeping me light and nimble.
I used to leave it in the car, but that was a long walk away from the gondola. It took my a while to discover the lockers, (I would think that plenty of resorts have them. )
Now f I need anything, I can just ski down to the locker and swap things about. Easy peasy.
Kitted Out
Here’s me locked and loaded on the first run of the day.
Why I always bring trainers and a t-shirt.
I usually bring my trainers up to the top ski station (where the gondola drops me off) and leave my trainers in the locker. That way at lunchtime or right after the days end I can take off my boots and put my shoes on.
The relief when you get those boots off after a long day on the slopes is something else!
While we’re on the subject of tight ski boots; I’d highly recommend loosening a few straps at lunchtime to give your feet a break. It’s worth the few minutes it takes.
Having a great t-shirt is also a great idea. After hours wearing a tight base layer, it’s nice to take it off when you back in town or hitting the apres. Saves having to go back to your hotel or car.
Final Thoughts
Most of this will apply if you’re going on a ski trip or holiday but doesn’t cover what you’ll need off the slopes.
There might be a few things you’ll want to bring that aren’t on my list, but hopefully, this has given you a rundown of the most important things you need for a day skiing.
Pack light, but pack for warmth, comfort, and safety.
Enjoy your time on slopes.