Skiing essentials for beginners

The first time is the hardest. And when it comes to preparing and packing for your first ski holiday that’s even more true. All those decisions. All that jargon. All that time reading gear specifications pretending you understand them. Well, here’s the bare minimum of what you need to take:

• Jacket – We recommend borrowing this if it is your first time
• Salopettes / Ski Pants / Trousers – The name’s are interchangeable so don’t worry too much about that. Again, consider borrowing them
• Base Layer
• Woolly Hat
• Gloves
• Ski Socks
• Sunglasses or Goggles – Weather forecast plays a big part in this. If it looks like sunny conditions, goggles may not be necessary.
• Lip Balm
• Suncream
• Buff – Or something that warms your neck

Universal Essential Ski Gear

Essential clothing

• Ski jacket
• Salopettes
• Base layers
• Mid layer
• Ski socks
• Neckwarmer

Essential accessories

• Helmet
• Goggles
• Woolly hat
• Gloves
• Backpack/Rucksack

Other essentials

• Ibuprofen
• Lip balm
• Sun cream
• Insurance
• Deep heat

Other Essentials For A More Advanced Skier

If you go skiing a bit more regularly, it’s probably worth also the main gear:

• Boots
• Skis/snowboard
• Go Pro

Still need to buy some ski kit? Take a look at the great range from Surfanic.