Before my first ski trip, I was pretty nervous. I kept picturing myself crashing into a tree, and I had no idea what to pack. Honestly, both of those things freaked me out about the same amount.
I couldnt find any blogs that answered my questions. They all seemed like they were written for people who already skied, and I had questions like, Do I really need a special ski jacket? Whats the difference between ski clothes and snowboarding clothes? and Do I wear regular pants to the slopes, or do I change there? (Yes, I spent a lot of time thinking about that last one.)
The good news is, you dont have to buy all the special ski gear. Ski and snowboarding clothes are mostly interchangeable (except for boots), and whether you choose mens or womens clothes is just a style preferencekind of like regular clothing.
On every trip, Ive worn a mens ski bib I borrowed from a friend. And you can totally skip packing regular pants; just wear your ski pants or bib straight to the slopes. Trust me, ski bibs are so comfy, and they might just be my favorite piece of clothing ever.
So, Ive put together a list of must-haves for a day on the slopes, along with a few nice-to-haves. Ive also added whether you should rent, borrow, or buy each itemor just use something you already own.
If you’re wondering what to do once you’re actually skiing (like how to use the chairlift or what the color-coded trails mean), check out my Clumsy Beginners Guide to Skiing. Its packed with all the tips I wish I had before I started!
The Beginners Guide to Ski Gear
Ski Pants or Bib
Carrie Says: Rent or Borrow
Youll probably fall a lot, so ski pants, a ski bib (like overalls), or snowboard pants are designed to handle it. They wont rip, theyll keep you dry even if you’re sitting in the snow for a bit, and they wont let snow sneak under your waistband. I personally love a ski bib because overalls are fun! But it really depends on what you prefer. (A plus for a ski bib is that snow is less likely to get under your waistband if you fall, but pants are easier if you need to use the bathroom.)
Skis and Poles
Carrie Says: Rent
Some resorts provide poles at the base of the mountain, while others will rent them with the skis. Just ask where you rent your skis to know which way it works.
Columbia Women’s Bugaboo Iii Fleece Interchange Jacket
The Columbia Women’s Bugaboo III Fleece Interchange Jacket offers versatile, 3-in-1 protection with a waterproof shell and a warm fleece liner for all-weather comfort.
Ski Boots
Carrie Says: Rent
Ski boots match your shoe size, but if you’re between sizes, go for the smaller size because they should fit snugly. My mother-in-law, a tough welder, described getting ski boots on like “trying to escape a bear trap”and honestly, it feels like that sometimes! Heres how to make it easier:
Tips for Putting on Ski Boots
First, take a deep breath. Its easier if youre calm.
- Loosen the buckles and pull the tongue of the boot out.
- Stand up to slide your foot in; gravity helps!
- Adjust the tongue inside the boot. (You can walk around a little with the boots unbuckled if you need a break.)
- If your boots have a velcro strap at the top, tighten them first.
- Then, tighten the toe buckles, followed by the buckles at the top. They should be snug, but get them on first and adjust after.
Your feet might swell as you ski, so you can loosen the buckles during breaks. If your feet hurt, try some ibuprofen and unbuckle your boots during lunchyour feet will feel better quickly! If you’re hurting during the day, take a short break to unbuckle, prop your feet up, and drink water. It makes a big difference.
Jacket
Carrie Says: Rent, Borrow, or Wear Your Regular Coat
When we skied in a warmer place, I just wore my regular puffer jacket and was perfectly fine. But when we went to Telluride, which was colder, I bought a snowboard jacket. Look for a jacket thats waterproof, breathable, and good for movement. A ski jacket is usually bigger, has a nice hood, and plenty of pockets, plus a spot for your lift ticket.
Ski jackets come in different warmth levels. Mine is medium warmth, so I can use it in warmer places (like North Carolina) and add layers when its colder (like Telluride). If you plan to layer up, get a jacket with some extra room.
Warm Mid-Layer
Carrie Says: Buy (or Wear One You Own Already)
Skiing takes a lot of energy, so youll get hot fast, and the weather can change quickly. Its nice to have a mid-layer you can take off when youre warm or put on when it gets cold. I love my Patagonia Better Sweaterits warm, comfy, and fits perfectly under my jacket. But you can use any fleece if youre on a budget.
Base Layer Top and Bottom
Carrie Says: Buy (or Wear What You Have)
Choose something breathable and warm. Youll probably see the top of your base layer when you take your jacket off, so pick one you like. Most people wont see the bottoms, so go for whatevers cheapest. You could wear yoga pants instead of a base layer, but they wont be as warm or breathable. Just remember, youll be wearing waterproof pants on top, so they wont breathe as much as yoga pants would.
Helmet
Carrie Says: Rent
Some old-school skiers say helmets arent necessary, but most people wear them these days. Beginners tend to fall a lot, and its easy to hit your head when you do. Its a good idea to wear one, just in case.
Arctix Men’s Essential Snow Pants
Arctix Men’s Essential Snow Pants provide durable, water-resistant protection, keeping you warm and comfortable during outdoor winter activities with adjustable waist and lightweight insulation.
Goggles
Carrie Says: Rent or Borrow
Goggles arent very expensive, so you could buy a pair, but most rental places have them. Just slide the strap into the back of your helmet when you wear them.
Socks
Carrie Says: Buy (or Wear What You Have)
You can buy special ski socks, but regular thick socks work too. Ski socks are like knee socks with extra padding where the ski boot buckles are. If you have a pair of thicker socks, just wear those. Some blogs suggest bringing different sock thicknesses for the best boot fit, but I found the boot buckles were enough to adjust the fit. Extra socks just get in the way.
Mittens or Gloves
Carrie Says: Buy (or Wear What You Have)
Mittens are warmer than gloves, and you can get mittens with an inner glove for the best of both worlds. I use a pair of gloves I already owned under my mittens, and it works fine. I bought mittens for Telluride because it was super cold, but for places like North Carolina, I just use regular gloves. Anything that works for playing in the snow will be fine for skiing in warmer places.
Gaiter
Carrie Says: Buy or Use One You Already Have
I wear a Buff Gaiter made for cold weather. It keeps you warm and is super handy during COVID, too. You can pull it up over your face when youre on or near the chairlift, as it works as a mask where masks are required.
Optional Things I Bring:
Hat
When you stop for a break or meal, youll want to take off your helmet. Your head will get cold, and youll probably have helmet hair! A regular knitted hat or beanie works great. You can easily stuff it in your pocket while youre skiing.
Sunglasses
When youre not skiing, sunglasses are helpful to protect your eyes from the glare off the snow.
Walking Boots/Shoes
Some people wear their ski boots all the way from the parking lot to the slopes, but I find them hard to walk in theyre bulky, heavy, and you cant move your ankles. I prefer wearing regular boots to the slopes and leaving my ski boots in a locker for the day. After skiing all day, slipping on cozy boots feels amazing!
Silk Base Layer
Silk base layers are super light (about the same weight as tights) and breathable. On cold days, I wear it under my regular base layer to stay extra warm.
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove offers superior warmth, durability, and waterproof protection, designed for skiing and snowboarding in harsh winter conditions.
Small Backpack
At first, I skied without a backpack and stuffed everything in my jacket and ski bib pockets. I thought backpacks were for experienced skiers, not beginners. But once I tried using a small backpack, I loved it! Its way easier than trying to squeeze everything into jacket pockets, especially since they dont have zippers. Heres what I keep in my backpack for a day of skiing:
I pack light so I have room for my mid-layer if it gets warmer. I sometimes just shove the backpack behind me on the chairlift without taking it off. (Now that Im more used to the lifts, I take one strap off to get into it while Im on the lift, but its nice to have the option not to take it off at all.)
Also Read: How much does it Cost to Start Skiing?
How Do I Rent?
Use Google to find equipment rental places at the ski resort youre going to, and make sure to check their website or give them a call to confirm they rent the gear Ive mentioned and whether youll need to reserve or book an appointment. If theres a Ski Butlers nearby, I highly recommend using them. They offer great personal service and save you from dealing with long lines. (This isnt a sponsored recommendation I just had an awesome experience with them!)
I know skiing for the first time can feel intimidating. Its totally normal to feel nervous, but I hope this blog can serve as a checklist to give you more confidence and less stress. You might still feel a little scared, and thats okay! At least youll know youve got everything you need.