Buying the Right Ski Equipment

Skiing is a fun winter sport but to get the full enjoyment from it you need to have the right ski equipment. This is also necessary in order to help you remain safe while you are skiing. While most ski resorts rent out equipment, you will find having your own makes it an entirely different experience.

Thermal Underwear

You will need to dress in layers when you go skiing to preserve your body heat because the weather will likely be cold. The thermal underwear you buy needs to fit you snugly so it isn’t moving around under your other clothing. You will need a ski suit or ski pants for your outer layer of protection. You want items that are waterproof so you won’t end up wet and cold as the day progresses.

One of the most important pieces of your ski equipment is what you will wear on your feet. Ski boots need to fit correctly or you will have a very difficult time. They need to be snugger than what you would wear for your normal shoes. Your ankles have a great deal of pressure on them while you are skiing so if your boots are too loose you risk twisting or breaking your ankle.

Ski Socks

The socks you wear with your ski books are important too. You want them to be thin and made from wool. Too many people make the mistake of thinking heavy socks such as those you wear for hiking are a good idea, but they actually aren’t going to keep your feet as warm as you would think.

Keeping your hands warm is essential while skiing so look for gloves with a thermal lining. You also want those that offer you an excellent material for gripping so you won’t lose your ski poles. Gloves for skiing need to fit well or you risk losing them while you are skiing. To keep your head and ears warm you want a hat that can also stay firmly in place. Ear muffs can be worn to cover your ears if you don’t want a long hat.

Image via WikipediaYou can purchase your skis and the poles as a set or separately. There are plenty of different types of skis to select from based on the type of skiing you plan on doing. Make sure you try on the skis to be sure they will securely hold your boots. It is a good idea to try them on with the gloves you will be using. This allows you to see if you can easily secure the skis with your gloves on or not.

The amount of skiing you will be doing should affect the amount of money you wish to spend on such equipment. Those that only ski a few times per year need to look at moderately priced ski equipment that is durable but not expensive. Those that plan to hit the slopes on a regular basis will really want to consider investing in top-quality merchandise as it will definitely provide them with a good return on their investment.

You can purchase quality ski equipment at sporting goods stores or online. (Even Amazon.com now carries ski gear!) Many items you want to be able to try on to ensure they are a good fit. If you aren’t able to do this make sure the company offers a money back guarantee. This way you can either exchange it or get your money back if it doesn’t work for you. You want your ski equipment to be durable and well-fitting so you can spend your time on the slopes instead of inside trying to get warm (or nursing an injury).

A Few Common Items of Ski Gear: