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Ski Clothing
- Ski Jackets, Icebreakers, Ski Goggles
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If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding but ready to try, before you decide what clothes you need
to buy, it’s a good idea to head to your local indoor slow slope. The
lessons aren’t too expensive, and it will help you get the basics right
before leaving for the resort. This means that when you’re on the
mountain, you can spend more time on the big slope, less on the nursery
slope, have more fun and get better value from your ski pass.
Whilst you’re at the indoor
slope, visit the resident ski shop and chat to the staff. They will
help you understand what the essential items are, and what kind of
ski jackets you should be looking at as a beginner. Here’s a list
of items that you should definitely either borrow or buy before you go
away, because if you end up needing them when you’ve arrived, you’ll
have to pay resort prices which is usually something to avoid.
Ski Jacket
Try not to make the mistake of buying a standard winter jacket; it
won’t have a powder skirt and you could end up with a wet and
chilly midriff. Lightweight, waterproof and windproof are the
criteria to look for, and ease of access to pockets can come in
handy when you’re trying to dig your lift pass out with gloves on.
Ski Trousers or Salopettes
Lightweight and comfortable wins with the trousers; most of the
products on the market will be waterproof and offer a level of
warmth, but if you find the mercury plunging while you’re away then
you can just add an extra base layer. Which brings us neatly on
to...
Base Layers
Not to be underestimated, base layers
make all the difference when it comes to regulating body temperature.
New fabric technology has provided good solutions to ‘wicking’ away
moisture from the skin, which means you stay comfortable and warm after
exerting energy on the downhill run. Some of the best base layers by
leading brands like
Icebreaker are made from Merino wool, which is a very effective
natural solution. |
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Ski Goggles
It is extremely important to protect your eyes when you’re on the
slopes, because on a sunny day the sun’s rays are intensified as they
bounce back from the snow on the ground. This can even lead to ‘snow
blindness’ if eyes remain unprotected. Good sunglasses are ok when the
weather’s more clement, but if it’s changeable ski goggles with a good
de-misting function are a better option.
Woolly Hat, Beanie or Helmet
Most of the body’s temperature loss
occurs through the head, so it’s an important thing to cover up in
colder conditions. If you’re getting more confident and picking up
speed, if conditions are icy or you’re thinking about venturing off
piste, then wear a helmet. You’ll see most good snowboarders and skiers
in one these days, and it’s definitely the safest way to protect your
head, and keep it warm.
Ski Gloves & Socks
Good gloves or mittens are essential for
obvious reasons, and if you’re boarding it’s worth investing in a pair
that have a tough outer layer, because fiddling with bindings can cause
softer fabrics to deteriorate. Regarding the socks, most ski boots and
boarding boots are extremely well insulated these days, but in extreme
temperatures you will still need extra protection from the cold. So
choose a sock that will respond to the heat of your feet, such as
Smartwool, which once again uses Merino wool to keep temperature
balanced.
Claire Carlile - January 2012
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