When picking your ski gear…
…layers are the best way to keep warm (and can be taken off easily if you do get hot!). Choose a thin, wicking base layer, plenty of mid layers (Microfleeces and soft shells are ideal). Your top layer of clothing should be a windproof, snow proof ski jacket and snow pants/salopettes to make sure you stay dry and warm all day on the mountain.
How cold is it going to be? American resorts are often colder than European ones, but also, if your resort is particularly high or you are going at a very cold time of year, you will need to take this into consideration and take extra mid layers and warm outer layers. Maybe also consider mittens instead of gloves as they are the warmer option.
Take a scarf or choob to keep out snow and chilly draughts, but remember you can lose up to 30% of your body heat from your head…so make sure you have a warm hat that covers your ears as well. Helmets have also become extremely popular and are highly recommended. Children are even required by law to wear them in America and in most European ski schools. A great idea to make sure you (or your child) stands out from the crowd, is a helmet cover. They come in lots of colourful designs and make great stocking fillers! Even if you decide to hire a helmet from the resort, take a cover along so you or your child can be identified easily amongst other skiers.
As well as the cold…don't forget the sun will be much stronger at altitude and the reflected UVA and UVB rays from the snow can be dangerous. Take a high factor sun cream and lip protector designed for this; check out our handy combination sun cream and lip protector kit! You must also wear sun glasses or goggles at all times when skiing, even on dull days, to protect your eyes from the strong rays.
Once you've finished skiing for the day…it's time for après ski! A brilliant idea for making sure you don't slip over and injure yourself when carrying your skis from the slope is having traction aids ready in your pocket to put on over your ski or snowboard boots. When you do get the chance to change, après ski boots are a much more comfortable alternative to your ski boots for evening activities and they will keep your feet cosy, with great traction for the snowy, icy terrain. And why not get out there ready to après ski with a bum board or sledge? (They're not just for kids!!)
Check out our Skiing Guide for more information and advice on picking the right ski and snowboard kit.