About Gear

I’d love to share some of my personal thoughts on gear to help make your skiing experience solid and enjoyable!

One of the first things you should buy when starting out is some good socks. I prefer wool because they keep your feet warm and wick moisture naturally. Make sure they go over your calf and cover your entire leg up to the top of your boots. Socks are super important since the only thing that goes in your boot are your socks, and you want them to be smooth to prevent any rubbing that could annoy you by the end of the day.

Next on your gear list is a solid pair of goggles. Be sure to get ones that fit over your helmet, whether you own it or rent it. And don’t make the mistake of buying kids' goggles if you’re an adult! Here’s a little tip: many new goggles come with anti-fog coatings, so avoid touching the lens with your fingers to keep those properties intact. When it comes time to clean them, skip the usual cloth and go for a mild detergent with a microfiber cloth instead. Most goggles even come with a microfiber carrying bag that doubles as a cleaning tool. As a backup for when the sun comes out and it warms up and gets bright, keep a pair of sunglasses in a pocket too.

Always ski with a helmet. It not only protects your head on the hill but also keeps your noggin safe when you’re walking around the base while dodging others with skis over their shoulders. Plus, these days, it just looks silly to ski with only a hat!

You’ll need a ski jacket or something warm to wear in the winter weather as well as warm, flexible, pants, and trust me, pockets are key! You really want decent pockets to stash your essentials. I’ll dive into that more later.

Now let’s talk gloves! Keep those hands warm, or everything else will feel miserable. Leather gloves are warmer than fabric, and mittens are generally warmer than gloves—yes, I’m a mitten person! I usually size up on my ski gloves and always wear glove liners. You can use cheap dollar store gloves or specialized moisture-wicking ones—the cheap ones work great for me since I tend to lose liners a lot. They’re also handy to take on and off as the temperature changes.

Fueling Up on the Slopes

You’ll need to carry quite a bit when you’re skiing, and having your hands free for your poles is essential. Here are a few key items to keep in mind:

Water

This is the most important! Carry a small flat water bottle that easily fits in your pocket, or stick with basic single-use bottles from the grocery store. Just know that the latter can be awkward, and their lids often go missing. Hydrating on the slopes should be your first priority, not something you remember when you’re back at the car. You don’t want to keep stopping every hour to grab a glass from the cafeteria.

Snacks

A lot of people love to bring granola bars, which are great for a quick snack, but they can be really dry. Be sure to pack plenty of water along with them! I also recommend carrying carrot sticks or apple slices because they provide moisture and calories. For something even more convenient, I often take baby food pouches filled with applesauce or puréed vegetables; they’re hydrating and a quick source of energy. Plus, a cool bonus is that these packets are refillable with water! When I carry any kind of bar, it’s usually a protein bar, as you burn way more calories at altitude than at sea level while skiing. You really need to fuel up every couple of hours, and while protein is a trendy topic now, I can tell you it worked for me before it was cool!

Recovery Drinks

As for recovery drinks, chocolate milk really is a winner! According to a medical study conducted at the University of Indiana’s med school, it has the perfect mix of protein and sugar. Plus, milk hydrates and stays in your system about 50% longer than plain water, so it’s worth giving it a try!

Alcohol at Altitude

When it comes to drinking alcohol at altitude, it's essential to be mindful! For every glass of beer, aim to drink three glasses of water to stay properly hydrated. Your body works harder when you're skiing, and alcohol can amplify the effects of altitude sickness. Most importantly, please don’t drink while skiing—staying sharp and alert is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you. That’s what après-ski is for!

Final thoughts on What else to Carry in Your Pockets

Here’s my final take on some essentials to keep handy in your pockets while skiing:

• Sunglasses: Perfect for those bright, sunny days on the slopes!
• Chapstick: Check the SPF rating—your lips can get sunburned, and that’s no fun.
• Sunscreen: If you're planning to be away from your car all day, bring a small bottle of sunscreen for touch-ups throughout the day.
• Kleenex: Always handy
• Phone: Great for capturing those fabulous moments on the hill. Plus, it’s a smart idea to share your contact information with friends in case you get separated. As a backup, familiarize yourself with how to reach Ski Patrol just in case you need them.