During my childhood, I was lucky enough to spend many winter weekends skiing at a small private club in Upstate New York. As I grew up, I was lucky enough to be able to explore the slopes in New England, the Rocky Mountains, and most recently, the Swiss Alps. My husband and I even got engaged on the way home from a ski trip to British Columbia. It has been a few years since we have been to Verbier, but I am always looking for the next opportuntity to follow the snow.
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| Red Mountain, BC |
No matter where in the world I am going to ski, I will always have to pack up kit as the mountains are unfortunately not on my doorstep. Having the right kit will make your time on the slopes much more enjoyable. Here are my suggestions on what to have to survive the elements:
1. Merino base layers and socks– Merino wool helps keep regulate body temperatures by wicking moisture away from your body and doesn’t smell even when you sweat. Cotton will keep wet fabric near your skin and that will get cold quick. The Techwool 190 Zip allows for some ventilation if you heat up riding down the hill but get chilly on the chair lift on the way up.
2. Waterproof trousers– I love these pink Slide 500 Women’s ski trousers that are fitted, stretchy and waterproof. My ski jacket is bright blue and would lovely pairs with them. Believe me, no one likes a wet bum from sitting on the chair lift when it is dumping powder.
3. Sunscreen– The snow can reflect the sun and the cold wind can make your cheeks turn red too. Keep your skin fresh by applying sunscreen before you head out in the morning. (Although having a ‘ski google tan’ when you arrive back at the office is priceless).
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| First trip to Verbier |
4. Helmet– It is important to play it safe these days. When selecting a helmet, be sure to get one that observes the CSN EN 1077 European Standard. Also, find one that has enough ventilation holes for you if you tend to overheat when you exercise. As you know, I have a thing for pink and really like this Uvex Gamma WL Titanium helmet.
5. An action camera– Document all the slopes you shred by mounting a camera to your helmet or board. The Garmin VIRB X is an affordable alternative to a GoPro, and it is currently on sale at Decathlon.co.uk.
6. Gloves– This is another piece of kit that you want to be waterproof. Consider it an investment into your long-term happiness out on the slopes all day. It also needs to be breathable so your hands don’t sweat. You may need to treat your gloves each year with Nikwax, or something similar to keep the waterproof quality. Kids will spend a lot of time falling down and making snowballs, so these Chill Heat Jr Ski Gloves, would be a perfect fit.
7. Friends– After getting first tracks, my favorite part of the day is après ski. Relaxing with friends in sunshine, surrounded by gorgeous views, is not a bad way to end the day.
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| The Chalet gang |
These are just a few suggestions from my personal experience out in winter conditions around the world. What can I say? I like to be warm and dry. What essentials would you suggest to someone going to ski or snowboard for the first time? Let me know today during a Twitter chat at 6pm to talk about what it takes to get #totheslopes.
This post was in collaboration with Decathlon, who have a laarge range of afforable ski and snowbaord wear available on their website to get you ready for your winter holiday. All views and opinions are my own.
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