When packing for your next ski or snowboarding trip, there are so many different gear types and brands that it can be hard to know the essentials. Knowing what to pack can save you time and money. Check out the checklist our team put together to help you with your packing:
Helmet - Finding the correct helmet for you is crucial, regardless of your experience level. Make sure your helmet fits properly; a good helmet for you should not have gaps between the lining and your head. For those looking for additional safety, helmets made by SMITH (such as the Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet) have a unique honeycomb Aerocore construction that allows them to absorb more impact and includes 21 adjustable vents to control airflow.
Goggles - Nothing is worse than being blinded by the snow all day while shredding down the mountain, which is why we recommend getting a good pair of goggles. For the fit - there should be no holes between the foam and your face that allow wind or snow to get in. The goggles should have a uniform, snug fit all around the periphery and should not pinch or damage your face. For a fantastic pair of goggles, we’d recommend SMITH's Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop; the ChromaPop provides HD-like colour fidelity that translates to the slopes with incredible clarity in various circumstances. The lens' ability to emphasize minute details—bumps, dirt, or debris—in low light is particularly impressive.
As goggles are very expensive and easy to scratch on the mountain, we recommend you bring a gogglesoc with you on your next ski adventure. In addition to being stylish and helping you make your outfit unique, they also provide crucial protection for your goggles.
Jacket/Pants - A good jacket and winter pants are required to truly enjoy your winter adventures as you immerse yourself in the vast cold outdoors. When selecting your gear, there are three primary factors to consider:
Lightweight materials (you don’t want it to be too heavy on the mountain), a good outer layer that keeps out wind and moisture, and an insulation layer (that helps maintain your body temperature and retain heat).
Gloves - Gloves can be fashionable, but they must primarily serve their purpose. It's impossible not to get a little soggy or wet when playing in the snow, but wet hands should be avoided at all costs. An excellent pair of gloves should be waterproof and constructed of polyester.
Boots - Your boots connect you to your skis; thus, flexibility, structure, and fit with your legs and body are essential. They will be more responsive the better they are tailored to you and your style, allowing you to ski freely and comfortably. They should be long-lasting and comfortable for your feet and calves, and insulation and waterproofing are key!
Skis - The most crucial consideration when picking skis is the type of terrain you'll be skiing on. Will you be off-piste or on groom trails with packed snow? In different conditions, different skis will perform better.
Track skis: ideal for groomed tracks and terrain.
Groomed/powder Mix: choose all-mountain skis that are adaptable and broader.
Backcountry: use freeride skis to crave out the beaten path.
Downhill racing: look for narrow race skis.
Terrain park: for tricks in the snow park, freestyle skis are best.
Ski Poles - Stand in your ski boots and hold your poles to make sure they're the proper length. The angle of your elbows should be 90 degrees.
The extras:
Don't forget sunscreen and lip balm, the winter sun can be strong and reflective. Also bring along some extra footwear for enjoying some après ski!