One of the greatest things about skiing is how much it can accommodate people of all shapes and sizes. No matter whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner just getting started, there’s always room for improvement.
On the slopes, you’re bound to meet people of all ages, and it’s great to see how everybody enjoys themselves. Bounding down the slopes or cruising around on the chairlift, you’re bound to make new friends, which is one of the joys of spending time in the great outdoors.
Unfortunately, not all the snow and the fresh powder are made equal. There are certain things that you need to check before hitting the slopes with your gear, including the bindings. Different resorts have different requirements, so take your time figuring out what’s needed for the experience you want to have.
Table of Contents
The Basics
When the snow starts to fall, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the basic requirements for your ski gear. You won’t need to be weighed down by extra clothing, and you’ll be able to move around more freely. Start by checking the size of the ski garment you’ll be using. Some resorts require you to use a smaller size than what you’re used to. A good rule of thumb is to take your normal size and add 20 to it. It’ll help you find the right fit for the slopes.
Ski Boots
Ski boots are an essential part of every ski outfit, so it’s important to make sure they’re the right fit for the job. If you have a wide foot, you might want to get a pair of wide- fitting boots. If you have a narrow foot, you might want to get a pair of narrow- fitting boots. It really depends on what you prefer. Once you have your boots, it’s time to move on to the tricky part – getting them adjusted to your feet.
Ski Bindings
Ski bindings are the devices that hold your ski boots in place on your feet while you ski. If you’re already familiar with snowboarding, bindings are very similar to snowboard bindings. Just make sure you’re not using them on a push bike because they’re totally different!
When you first start riding, the fit of your skiing boots is everything. There are certain bindings that are better suited for wider or narrower feet, so make sure you try them out before committing to a purchase. If possible, get a trial run before making any kind of purchase decision. Once you find the right fit, it’ll be well worth it. You won’t have to worry about your boots flopping around as you push yourself down the mountain, which can be both dangerous and uncomfortable. Just look at how different the fit of a narrow- versus a wide- fitting boot can make or break your entire ski experience.
Ski Equipment
Next on the list is the most important piece of ski equipment: ski equipment. This is where you’ll spend most of your time on the slopes, so it’s important to ensure that you’ve got the right equipment. You need a pair of snow pants that are thick enough to keep you warm but not so thin that they become transparent. You also need ski jackets and ski vests, which are similar to a sweatshirt and a warm sweater, respectively. When it gets really cold, you can also get a pair of ski goggles to protect your eyes from becoming snowy, as well as a ski mask to protect your face from the whipping wind that you’ll encounter while skiing. You also need to have the right accessories with you such as ski bags and pouches to keep all your essentials organized and easy to reach. When you arrive at the resort, take time to remove your ski equipment and store it in lockers located at the top of the ski slope. This will make getting dressed for the next run considerably simpler because all your gear will be ready and waiting for you. Having your gear ready takes out all the stress of having to hunt for your stuff as soon as you’re done skiing.
Miscellaneous
Along with the essentials, it’s also a good idea to have some extra equipment with you. This will depend on what you plan on doing at the resort, but it’s always a good idea to have some protection from the cold and wind. You might want to bring something to keep your hands hydrated or warm gloves, a hat, a scarf, and a beanie. When you arrive at the resort, make sure you remove all these items and store them in your luggage or hang them from your car. Wearing these items will protect you from overheating and experiencing some adverse health effects due to the cold. If you feel that you’re not properly equipped, there’s a gear shop nearby that can help you out. Alternatively, you can contact the ski patrol, who will be able to help you find the appropriate gear for the conditions. If necessary, they can even loan you some equipment to get you started. It’s always better to be over-equipped rather than under-equipped, so it’s never a bad idea to overestimate the amount of gear you’ll need. This will also prevent you from bringing an unnecessarily large amount of gear with you, which will make you more manageable in case you do run out of something. This scenario is completely avoidable if you have everything necessary in advance.
When you’re making your final preparations to hit the slopes, it’s important to take a few moments and go over any last-minute details. It’s also a good idea to chat with the people at the resort to get a feel for the atmosphere. Once you have all your gear packed and ready to go, it’s time to depart. Enjoy your time at the resort and take lots of memorable photos, because in no time at all, you’ll be back on the road to chasing that perfect powder day.