Skiing can be an expensive sport, so it’s important to be well prepared with all the right pieces of equipment to make the most out of it. This will be a long-term investment that will keep you safe, warm and dry on all your snowy adventures for years to come.
Ski Jacket and Trousers
Ski Jacket
This purchase depends on how cold you get and how much you will ski. If you rarely stop, your body will produce heat and keep you warm, so buying a breathable jacket is a good idea. But if you go downhill a couple of times, your best bet is an insulated jacket. A good ski jacket should have:
- A snow belt to prevent snow from getting inside the clothes;
- Elasticated and adjustable sleeves to keep the warmth in and the cold out;
- Ventilation in the armpits for when you sweat;
- Waterproof zipper;
- Many pockets and reflective elements.
Ski Trousers
Same as the jacket, the isolation rule applies to trousers as well. They should be comfortable on the waist and the knees and match each other with the loops. They should feature:
- Strips or belt loops to keep them in place;
- Anti-knee caps to prevent the snow from going in;
- Shaped knees for improved flexibility;
- Pockets for storing your belongings.
Boots
Although it may seem overwhelming at first, buying the right pair of boots for skiing is essential for your overall experience on the slopes. Make sure they’re the right fit, size and model. Male and female boots are different because women have lower and bigger calf muscles, and men have wider feet. To take the correct measurement for your ski boots, you should use the Mondopoint system. And the other measure to consider is the forefoot width of the boot, also called the last. By combining these measurements, you should be able to find the right boot size for you.
The shape and volume of the boots are also important. A narrow-lasted boot has less volume in the lower boot, and cuff and wide lasted boots have more volume. The instep area of the foot is sensitive, and having low volume footwear will compress the leg, and too much volume will allow the foot to move around.
The liners inside the boots are made out of foam and provide insulation. In time, they can compress, so you should find a boot fitter to make new ones that will fit perfectly. Another element is the power straps. They wrap around the leg to keep the shin in touch with the liner. Many components need to fit the right way, at the perfect angle, for you to be able to ski without an issue. When you buy boots for skiing, be careful and patient, the wrong measurements can lead to bruises, discomfort and accidents.
Helmet
Every skier agrees that wearing a helmet can be a lifesaver. This also applies to snowboarders, ski bikers, etc. Even the slightest blow to the head can lead to severe damage and trauma. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a helmet.
- Size – to get the right size, measure your head above the ears and eyebrows and to the broadest part of the back of your heat with a tape measure.
- Ventilation – the ventilation system controls the helmet’s temperature and prevents the fogging of your goggles. There are three types of ventilation, essential with 2-8 vents, efficient with vents plus ventilation channels and optimum with vents, channels and the ability to open and close the vent holes manually.
- Ear Covers – usually, all helmets come with an ear cover. They can be removable to fit your needs and keep you warm.
- Visors – these protect the face, but it may not work out if you wear them with goggles. Don’t combine the visor with regular sunglasses to avoid eye damage in case of an injury.
Gloves and Goggles
Even if the weather outside is sunny, you should wear goggles. If you can, buy the helmet and goggles together to try them on at once. This is important because the helmet’s ventilation system works together with the goggles. There is a small, medium and large fit, depending on the size of your head and the size of the helmet.
When buying gloves, make a fist. The fabric should be comfortable and not stretch and create tension across your knuckles. There should be 1-2cm of extra length at your fingertips for smoother movement and breathability. Look for waterproof options to keep your palms dry and warm. Many ski gloves have an ergonomic curve to the shape that helps with the movement and overworking of the hand. Leather is the best material for this type of gloves. It’s waterproof, insulating and durable. We recommend wearing a glove liner to absorb the moisture if you have sweaty palms.
In Summary
Skiing is a great sport if you have the proper clothing and skiing equipment. Even though Australia is mainly a warm country, there are places you can visit and enjoy skiing on the breathtaking slopes.