Ski Essentials for Beginners: Top Picks from Amazon

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Learning how to ski can be an exciting yet intimidating experience, and between the lift tickets, lessons, and travel and accommodation costs, the sport can certainly feel expensive. Investing in quality gear can help you stay warm, comfortable, and agile— which is especially important so you can focus on learning and improving your skills without distractions. The essentials listed below are highly-reviewed and well-priced, and all items together total less than $200. Read on to see what you should purchase and pack for your first ski trip.

Other essentials that you will need for your first time skiing can be rented from a local ski shop or resort: skis, poles, boots, and a helmet. Depending on where you will be skiing, you can usually make gear rental reservations ahead of time, and the staff at a ski shop will usually ask for your height, weight, and ability level, and can provide recommendations while you are getting fitted for your gear in person. Prices vary depending on the location, but most ski shops will offer discounts for multiple-day rentals.

What you should buy for your first time skiing

1. Goggles with Interchangeable Lenses

A big part of learning how to ski is getting familiar with the conditions, which can change greatly from day to day or even hour to hour. Ski goggle lenses are designed for specific lighting conditions, and wearing the wrong ones (for example using a bright-light lens on a low-light day) can seriously affect your ability to see the snow in front of you. If you’re prepared on your first day of skiing with the proper lens, you’ll already be at an advantage. The goggles linked here are available in many colors, and come with two lenses: a bright/medium-light lens and a low-light lens.

 
 
 

2. Thermal Layers

Proper thermal layers will keep you warm on the slopes without feeling bulky under your jacket and pants. Your thermals should have a slim fit while still being comfortable and easy to move in. This two-piece thermal base layer set is breathable, fleece-lined, and available in many colors.

 
 
 

3. Snow Gloves

Stay warm with a set of quality ski gloves— they should be windproof and waterproof, because if you’re just learning to ski you might find that your hands may come in contact with the snow or the elements often. This set linked here is unisex, available in sizes from XS-XL, and has wrist leashes to prevent you from accidentally losing them, and clips so you can always store the pair together when not in use.

 
 
 

4. Merino Socks

Proper socks for the snow are important because you’ll want to wear something warm yet breathable. Cold toes and feet can be particularly distracting and can easily prevent you from having a great day while you’re learning how to ski. This pack of three pairs of socks is great if you’re skiing multiple days in rental boots and don’t have access or time to do laundry every day.

 
 
 

5. Ski Jacket

Your ski jacket should be also be waterproof and windproof, and this option from Amazon is highly-rated for its fit and warmth with its fuzzy lining. A well-fitting jacket is important for skiing, and you should order this well in advance of your ski trip to make sure you have a comfortable range of motion in the arms and shoulders, and can have time to exchange for an alternate size if you need. This jacket also has a pocket at the chest where you can safely store your ski pass.

 
 
 

6. Ski Pants

These ski pants are insulated, waterproof, and high-waisted to prevent snow and cold from getting in. They’re available in multiple colors, and similar to the ski jacket listed above, you should also order these well in advance of your trip to make sure they fit well and are comfortable while you’re bending and moving.

 
 
 

Having tested multiple ski brands while spending 50+ days on the slopes over the last few ski seasons, I’ve learned what makes a piece of gear or apparel great— and the items included in this list are my top picks of highly-reviewed essentials for beginner skiers. If you’re interested in my favorite pieces of ski gear and apparel that I’ve invested in, click here to see everything I pack for a trip to the mountains. I’ve also written an article with my tips for improving your ski skills, which you can read here. Happy skiing!

 

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About the author

 

Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:

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