Equipment |
Equipment
EQUIPMENT |
SKI EQUIPMENT |
| The right equipment can mean the difference between a great day on the slopes and a frustrating one. You don’t need to buy your own gear, but it is important that you ensure the equipment you hire or borrow from friends is the perfect fit for you. There are ultra fast professional skis for more advanced skiers and slower, easy-to-maneuver skis that are more suited to beginners, so you’ll need to find skis to match your height and abilities before hitting the powder. And it’s not just skis that make a difference, keep in mind that ill-fitting goggles, bent poles and unsuitable clothing can also make a difference to your performance and enjoyment on the mountain. If you’re buying your own, make sure you know your correct size before you hand over the money. There’s some pretty cool gear out there to suit everyone from the professionals to the learners and even the fashionistas, just make sure it’s right for you! |
SKI EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST |
| For the beginner or intermediate skier, you’ll need the following: • Helmet • Goggles or sunglasses • Base layer long T-shirt (thermals) • Jumper • Waterproof jacket, lined with fleece • Waterproof gloves • Base layer pants or thermals • Waterproof ski pants (salopettes) • Ski socks • Ski boots • Skis with bindings • Ski poles |
| * TIP |
| It’s also a good idea to wear sunblock – it may be snowy and wintry, but the UV in the clear mountain air is very strong. Also layer your clothing – you’ll get warm skiing and may need to remove a few layers as the day heats up. |
SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT |
| When it comes to snowboarding, it’s all about the perfect fit. You should feel as though your board is an extension of your feet and a part of your body. Remember it’s you that controls the board, not the other way around, so it’s important to make sure your boots, binding and board all fit together well. Whether you’re hiring or buying your gear, take the time to try on a few pair of boots until you find the ones that are just right for you, yes, just like Goldilocks! You’ll also need to choose a board that suits your height, too long or too short and you’ll find making those quick turns a little more cumbersome, and when you’re learning, every little bit helps. And don’t forget, if you’re heading to the terrain park, helmets and wrist guards are highly recommended. Check out our articles for more great tips on getting kitted out for some fun. |
SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST |
| For the beginner or intermediate snowboarder, you’ll need the following: • Helmet • Goggles or sunglasses • Base layer long T-shirt (thermals) • Jumper • Waterproof jacket, lined with fleece • Waterproof gloves • Base layer pants or thermals • Waterproof boarding pants (salopettes) • Thin woollen socks • Snowboarding boots • Snowboard with bindings • Wrist guards (optional) |
| * TIP |
| Remember, snowboarding boots must fit perfectly, provide support, keep you warm and hold your heel firmly and snugly. Shop for your boots when your feet are at their largest, such as in the afternoon/evening as your feet can swell up to half a size while snowboarding. If you're trying on soft boots, you should be able to wiggle your toes. For hard boots, you should feel minimal movement. The most important indicator of a good fit is the heel holding power. You'll know the fit isn’t quite right if you can lift your heels. |
HOW TO RENT YOUR GEAR |
| Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, a trip to the snow does require plenty of ‘stuff’. And not just any stuff, you’ll need the right stuff. And, of course, by stuff, we mean equipment. It’s important to have the right type of skis or board, boots and poles to suit you. Helmets are also recommended and are now compulsory for kids taking lessons. And although you’ll feel pretty warm in full sun at the top of the mountain, especially after you’ve worked up a healthy sweat, you still need to be prepared for all weather conditions. All this ‘stuff’ can become quite expensive, especially if you’re kitting yourself out for the first time. Luckily, there are easy ways around this. You can hire equipment either in the city before you leave or at the snow. If it’s your first time to the snow, it probably makes more sense to hire gear once you’re at the snow – either at your resort or from the nearby towns. The flexibility of renting on the mountains and being able to chat to rental shop experts will make life easier all round. You’ll be able to try out different gear and swap it if needed. Plus, you won’t need to haul it all the way there and back. If you decide, after your first trip to the snow, that you’re going to be a regular visitor, you may want to consider buying your own gear. A good way to do this is to buy a piece or two each time you take a trip to the snow. That way you can add to your collection without spending a lot of money upfront. And don’t forget, to save on costs you can organise your clothing before you arrive at the snow. If this is your first trip to the snow, it’s often a good idea to borrow gear from friends or family so you can get an idea what you’ll need before deciding to purchase your own. Just be sure to pack clothing that you can layer, such as long underwear tops and bottoms (or thermals), fleeced vests and sweaters. |
| *TIP |
| Once you know your size, the brands you like and what you need, why not look on eBay or other websites, you may be able to pick up some great second-hand bargains. |
