Skiing & Snowboarding – Check List

Skiing & Snowboarding:

When hitting the slopes for skiing or snowboarding, the key is to stay warm, dry, and safe while having fun. Proper gear and an understanding of mountain etiquette are crucial.

Here’s what travelers need for Skiing & Snowboarding:

What to Bring/Prepare for Skiing & Snowboarding:

Appropriate Outerwear:

  • Waterproof & Breathable Jacket: Essential to keep you dry from snow and sweat. Look for features like powder skirts and pit zips.
  • Waterproof & Breathable Pants: Similar to the jacket, crucial for staying dry.

Layering System (No Cotton!):

  • Base Layers (Thermals): Moisture-wicking long underwear (tops and bottoms) made of synthetic materials or merino wool. This is your skin’s first layer.
  • Mid-Layers: Fleece jacket, lightweight puffer, or wool sweater for insulation and warmth. You can add or remove these based on temperature.

Head Protection:

  • Helmet: Highly recommended, if not mandatory, for safety. It protects against impacts and keeps you warm. Many resorts offer rentals.
  • Beanie/Warm Hat: For warmth when not wearing your helmet or after skiing.
  • Neck Gaiter/Balaclava: Protects your neck, face, and chin from windburn and cold.

Eye Protection:

  • Goggles: Essential for protecting your eyes from snow, wind, and UV rays. Choose lenses appropriate for various light conditions (e.g., sunny, cloudy, flat light).
  • Sunglasses (Optional): For sunny days off the slopes or during breaks.

Hand Protection:

  • Waterproof, Insulated Gloves or Mittens: Crucial for keeping your hands warm and dry. Mittens are generally warmer.

Socks:

  • Ski/Snowboard Specific Socks: Thin to medium-thickness, moisture-wicking (wool or synthetic) socks that come up past your boot top. Avoid thick cotton socks, as they can cause discomfort and blisters.

Ski Boots/Snowboard Boots:

  • Proper Fit is Key! Your boots are the most important piece of equipment for control and comfort. Renting is common, but owning your own ensures a perfect fit.

Skis & Bindings/Snowboard & Bindings:

  • Rentals are readily available at resorts. If you own your gear, ensure it’s tuned and serviced.
  • Poles (for Skiing): Typically rented with skis.
  • Lift Pass/Ski Card: Your access to the lifts. Often needs to be visible or in a specific pocket for RFID scanners.
  • Small Backpack (Optional): For carrying water, snacks, extra layers, and personal items. Choose one suitable for skiing/snowboarding.
  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm with SPF: High altitude sun is intense, even on cloudy days. Apply generously to all exposed skin.
  • Water Bottle/Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is important.
  • Snacks: High-energy snacks (granola bars, fruit, chocolate) for breaks on the mountain.
  • Portable Charger/Power Bank: Cold weather drains phone batteries faster.
  • Basic First-Aid Kit: For minor cuts, blisters, and pain relievers.
  • GoPro/Action Camera (Optional): With secure mounts for helmet or chest.
  • Post-Skiing Comfort: Change of dry clothes, and comfortable shoes for après-ski.

Etiquette and Responsible Behavior for Skiing & Snowboarding (Your Responsibility Code):

  • Always Stay in Control: You must be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. Ski or ride within your ability.
  • People Ahead Have the Right of Way: It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  • Stop in a Safe Place: When stopping, stop where you are visible to others and do not obstruct a trail.
  • Look Before Starting Downhill or Merging: Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  • Use Devices to Prevent Runaway Equipment: Ensure your skis have leashes or brakes, and your snowboard has a leash.
  • Observe Posted Signs and Warnings: Respect ropes, closures, and warning signs. They are there for your safety.
  • Keep Off Closed Trails: Do not enter closed terrain.
  • Know How to Use the Lifts Safely: Follow instructions for loading, riding, and unloading.
  • No Impaired Skiing/Snowboarding: Do not ski or ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Be Patient: Be patient in lift lines and crowded areas.
  • Respect the Environment: Do not litter. Stay on marked trails.
  • Help Others: If you witness an accident, provide assistance and notify ski patrol.

By dressing appropriately, understanding your gear, and adhering to the responsibility code, you’ll have a fantastic and safe time on the mountain.