What Ski Gear Do Beginners Need?

We are going to talk about the clothes you’re going to wear for a good ski day, because next to your skis, the clothes and the gear that you put on is going to be the most important factor to having a great time.

What to Wear?

As a beginner, you need to focus on getting the basics right.

Get a good pair of skis, boots, and bindings, and make sure they fit well. Get some useful ski accessories. Get some lessons to learn the basics of skiing, and practice skiing with proper form.

Once you have the basics down, you can start adding more advanced gear like helmets, goggles, and gloves. With the right gear and some practice, you'll be skiing like a pro in no time!

So starting at the top of your head, the first thing that you’re going to want to remember is your helmet. Helmets are important for a couple of reasons.

First of all they’re going to keep you really warm and keep the heat from escaping your body, but they’re also going to protect your head in case you have any accidents with the tree or the ground.

Next up you’re not going to want to forget goggles for a couple of reasons. First of all they’re not just going to keep any debris or tree branches out of your eyes, but they’re also going to act as sunglasses as well.

After the goggles, and this sounds a little crazy, you’re going to want to remember to wear sunscreen. Even though it’s cold and even cloudy outside, the sun reflects off of the snow a lot and sunburns from skiing are very very common. 

The Basics for a Beginner: What Clothes, Skis, Boots and Bindings Are Gonna Do the Job?

When you're new to skiing, it's essential to have the right information about the needed gear. The most important pieces of equipment are clothing, skis, boots and bindings.

Layering

Moving on down to your torso area, there’s a couple of things that you’re going to want to remember and there’s three layers involved. The first one is what we call your next-to-skin layer, your base layer. And you have two options here. It can be a synthetic layer or a merino wool layer, and basically the point of your baselayer is to wick the sweat away from your body. Second layer is going to be an insulating layer, so that can be anything that’s going to keep you warm. And then finally on the outside you’re going to want something that’s basically going to keep mother nature out of your clothes and it’s going to keep you dry.

Snow Pants

You’re also going to want a pair of snow pants which are insulating, so you can stay dry when in the snow. Snow pants these days all have built-in gaiters on the inside, so after you put your boots on you’re going to want to take the gaiter and pull it over the top of your boot, and then snapping it at the bottom, and then pull your snow pants over that, so that way if you get into some deep, knee-deep powder maybe, it’ll keep the snow out of your boots and obviously your feet will stay warm and dry.

The Ski Socks

The next thing that you’re going to want to pay attention to is the socks that you put on your feet, because these are kind of important when you’re going on snowboarding lessons or skiing lessons. You’re going to want to make sure that they’re probably made of wool, not only to keep your feet warm, but also to wick the sweat away so you don’t get all clammy and disgusting, and then additionally, ski socks have a lot of padding on the front of your shin that helps prevent kind of a boot slam so you don’t get bruised on the shin. When you put your ski socks on you’re going to want to pull them up as high as you can, because then you’re going to pull your ski boots over the top of them and you’re going to want to make sure that everything is smooth with no wrinkles, because any type of wrinkles or creases tucked into your ski boots is going to cause a pressure point and after a day of skiing with tight boots cinched around your shins it’s going to make it very uncomfortable.

Skis

When you're just starting out, it's best to get a pair of all-mountain skis. These are versatile skis that can be used on any terrain. Once you've gained more experience, you can start to narrow down the types of skis you're interested in. It is important to keep in mind your skill level when choosing skis. Beginner skis should be shorter and wider than advanced skis. They should also have a softer flex. These features will make it easier for you to control your skis and prevent you from getting tired as quickly.

Ski Boots

Ski boots should be snug but not too tight. They should also be comfortable enough to wear all day.

Bindings

When you are in the market for new bindings, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to make sure you are getting the best possible product for your money.

First, consider the type of binding you need. There are bindings for alpine skiing, telemark skiing, and cross-country skiing. Once you have determined the type of binding you need, take into account your own personal style.

Do you need a binding that will offer a lot of support and flexibility or one that is more simple and more straightforward?

Also, make sure to pay attention to the materials the binding is made of. Bindings can be made from plastic, metal or a combination of both.

What to Look For When Buying Skis, Boots and Bindings For Beginners?

The right skis, boots and bindings can make a big difference in your skiing experience. Here’s what to look for when you’re buying men or women ski gear for the first time. Skis: When you’re choosing skis, it’s important to think about the kind of skiing you want to do. Are you interested in downhill skiing or cross-country skiing? Do you want to ski on groomed trails or off-piste? Once you’ve decided on the type of skiing you want to do, you can start narrowing down your ski choices.

When you're shopping for ski boots, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, you'll need to decide what kind of skiing you'll be doing most often. If you're mostly a downhill skier, you'll need a different boot than if you're mostly cross-country skiing. You'll also want to make sure the boots you choose are comfortable and fit well.

Finally, you'll want to consider the type of binding you'll use with your boots. Different bindings work with different types of boots, so you'll need to make sure you get the right combination. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect ski boots for your needs. If you're in the market for bindings, you might be wondering what to look for. Here are a few things to keep in mind: The right bindings will provide support and comfort for your feet while you're riding. Make sure the bindings are compatible with your snowboard. Consider your budget and the features that are important to you. Take the time to try on different bindings and find the ones that fit you the best. Ask for advice from experienced riders or from the staff at your local snowboard shop. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect bindings.

More Advanced Gear: Goggles, Helmet, Gloves and Neckwear

When you’re just getting started in skiing, you may not know what gear you need. Sure, you know you need skis and poles, but what about all the other snow equipment? Do you need a helmet, goggles, and  gloves?

Here’s a quick rundown of what ski gear beginners need. Helmets are essential for safety on the slopes. They protect your head from collisions and falls. Make sure to get a helmet that fits well and is comfortable to wear.

Next are goggles. They protect your eyes from the sun and wind. They also help you see better in snowy and icy conditions. Look for a pair of goggles that fit well and are comfortable to wear. To round out your ski outfit you’re going to want to remember to bring mittens or gloves with you, and a word to the wise, make sure you pull your jacket sleeve over the top of your mitten, so if you do have a big fall in some snow, that keeps the snow out of your gloves and obviously your hands will stay warmer longer.

Finally, you’re going to want to remember to bring some type of neckwear to protect your face. Something like a neck gaiter or a buff that you’re just going to pull on over your head and tuck it up under your collar, and then you have that piece of fabric to pull over your chin and your mouth if it gets really windy or cold.

Final Word

If you’re just getting started skiing, you need to ensure that you have the proper gear before hitting the slopes.

The most important pieces of gear for skiing are the skis, boots and bindings.

Once you have the proper equipment, you can focus on other important aspects of skiing, such as technique and safety. With the proper gear, you’ll be able to enjoy skiing to the fullest and stay safe on the slopes.

A friendly advice: Don’t wear anything made of cotton. There’s that old expression that cotton kills and while it’s a bit extreme there is some truth to it. Cotton gets wet and cold very quickly and if you have a layer on, that’s made of cotton, once it sweats through you’re going to freeze all day. Uh, and jeans are really uncomfortable to wear and they’re cold, so it’s probably best to leave those at home as well.

FAQ

What ski stuff do you need for the first time?

In short, for skiing, you will need beginner ski gear such as skis, ski poles, ski bindings, ski boots and winter clothing like a ski jacket and trousers. That said, it is important to consult with a seasoned skier or ski shop before making any purchase so that you get the gear that is best for you and your skiing level. With the proper gear, first-time skiing can be an enjoyable and memorable experience.

What gear is needed for skiing?

Gear for skiing includes ski clothes, skis, boots, poles and a helmet. Skis are long, thin pieces of equipment that are attached to your boots and allow you to glide across the snow. Boots are specialized shoes that are designed to keep your feet snug and warm while you're skiing. Poles are long, thin sticks that help you balance and steer while you're skiing. Helmets are important for safety and help protect your head in case of a fall.

Can I wear leggings while I ski?

What most people don’t know is that you can actually wear leggings while skiing. Although you might not be as protected from the cold as you would be in traditional ski pants, leggings will still keep you warm and dry. Plus, they’re much more comfortable to move in. If you’re looking for a more comfortable and stylish option on the slopes, go for leggings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the ski and snowboard space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.