Selecting the Proper Ski Equipment

To get the maximum fun from your ski vacation, you need to have the right equipment. Your ski equipment is to protect you as well as to help you enjoy your experience.

Most ski resorts rent equipment but most experienced skiers like to have their own equipment.

The basic equipment:

• Clothing
• Boots
• Gloves
• Hat
• Goggles
• Skis and poles

To start, you need to consider the clothing you will wear on the slopes. You need to dress in layers to retain your body heat because the weather will be cold. The items you need are thermal underwear which fit snugly under your clothes and a ski suit or ski pants as your outer layer. Your outer clothing should be waterproof so you are not wet and cold at the end of your run.

It is important that your ski boots fit properly. They should fit more snugly than your normal shoes. Skiing creates pressure on the ankles and you do not want to risk twisting or breaking your ankle. The socks you wear inside your boots should be wool and thin. Thick heavy socks such as those you might wear for hiking will not keep your feet warm.

It is essential that you keep your hands warm while skiing. The gloves you wear should have a thermal lining. They should also allow you to get a good grip on your poles. Your gloves need to fit so you do not lose them while skiing.

Your head and ears need to be kept warm. You can wear a cap and ear muffs or you can wear a cap with flaps for the ears.

The sun will probably be shining so you want to wear ski goggles to protect your eyes from the glare and from any debris you may kick up while skiing.

Skis and ski poles can be bought as a set or separately. You will have a wide selection to choose from based on the type of skiing you will be doing. You should try the skis on to make sure they fit properly and you should wear your gloves when selecting your poles. You want to make sure you can get a good grip on your poles. You also want to see if you can put your skis on with your gloves.

Ski equipment can be expensive. You should decide on how much to spend based on how much skiing you will be doing. You want durable equipment. If you ski often during the winter you may want to purchase top-of-the-line equipment. Otherwise, moderately price, durable equipment may be just what you need.

There are ski stores or sporting goods stores that sell equipment in most cities. You can research products online so you have an idea of what you want before you go into the store. You want to be able to try on the skis, boots, and make sure the poles are right for you before you hit the slopes. If you do shop online, make sure you can get your back if the equipment is not right for you.

Select the right equipment and have fun on the slopes.