Skiing is a popular getaway activity that takes playing with snow to a whole new level. According to a report on the ski and snowboarding industry by Forbes, 10.5 million skiers visited resorts in the United States from 2020-2021, and more than one million of those visitors were first-timers. Whether it’s in Aspen or Breckenridge, skiing is perfect for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies.
Before planning your next skiing adventure, there are some things you should consider. In our previous article about snow forecasting, we mentioned how areas affected by warmer temperatures can have less snowfall, which could affect your skiing experience. Monitoring snow forecasts helps you plan how you can make the most of your time on the slopes — and whether it’s safe to do so. Skiing is an extreme sport that can also result in injuries, so paying close attention to the weather and wearing the right gear is important to protect you from harm. Here are some tips for picking the right snow gear for your next ski trip.
Your hands help you stabilize movement with your poles when skiing, and it can be pretty distracting and difficult to navigate the slopes if they're cold or lack grip. To ensure your hands are at their best during your ski trip, remember to bring gloves that provide adequate insulation to keep them warm. Waterproofing on your gloves is also crucial, as it helps your hands keep dry in the snow. Don’t forget to test if the gloves provide a good grip on your ski poles and allow your fingers to move easily as well. The North Face’s Etip Recycled Gloves are a great find if you’re looking for durable gloves that provide warmth and a good grip on a chilly trip to the mountains.
Wearing snow goggles is important when you’re high up in the mountains to ski, especially because your eyes are at risk of exposure to too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which could lead to vision problems such as photokeratitis or snow blindness. The ski goggles from Oakley carry the brand’s patented Plutonite lens material, which provides 100% UV protection and is included in their Flight Tracker and Target Line models. These goggles also have the Flexible O Matter chassis that allows for a comfortable fit to your face and meets the American National Standards Institute’s impact requirements. Using quality goggles during a ski trip is crucial for vision protection and helps you avoid any unfortunate trips to your eye doctor.
Wearing a helmet during a ski trip is necessary for preventing serious head injuries that may occur when you fall or hit obstacles. A study on snow sports injuries found that incidents of head or neck injuries were highest in freestyle skiing, which is why a good helmet is important to prevent fatal fall damage when you’re up in the mountains. Choose a helmet with a hard outer shell and a comfortable fit to help you have a smooth and safe skiing experience. REI Co-op’s Smith Method Mips Round Contour snow helmet is perfect for your trip, especially since it meets American standards for snow helmet certification and is lightweight with impact protection.
Ski boots connect your body to your skis, so you need a pair that enhances your balance, performance, and enjoyment to avoid any injuries. Make sure you have boots with a hard outer shell to avoid risks of ankle injuries and a soft inner layer to provide warmth and comfort for your feet. You can try the Radical Pro ski boots from Dynafit, which are light and comfortable and have a Hoji Lock system that allows you to use them comfortably when you’re climbing or descending.
Using the right gear for your next ski trip prevents possible injuries and enhances your overall experience and performance. Be sure to follow these tips for a safe and comfortable skiing adventure.
