Ski season is upon us and you have finally decided that this is the season to try out this alpine sport. One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for this adventure will be finding the best gear to keep you warm. A day on the slopes without the proper gear can leave you miserable and even second guessing your new winter ski workout.
If you ask a skier what is the most important body part to keep warm, the answer will usually be their feet and head. This is why we have picked the following gear as our fave’s for making sure that your first day on the slopes is as good as the 100th.
Anyone familiar with skiing Whistler Blackcomb, B.C, temperatures can drop to a chilly -12°C (11°F). This is the perfect day to be wearing the Men’s New Apex Premium Ski Sock ($23) by Helly Hansen. This is a tight fitting ski sock that gives you ultimate contact with your boot. Perfect when you want to go really fast. It also features a compression construction that simulates blood flow and allows you to ski harder and longer.
Also important to note is that this sock is made of merino wool that keeps your feet dry and extra warm. It is the perfect combination of thickness and wicking, with a little extra shin padding for your tight boots. This sock is thin, so you can keep your boots tight, but it manages to perfectly insulate your toes from the elements. For those who are particular about keeping socks on the appropriate feet, Helly Hansen has incorporated Perfect Match™ – Custom made, marked left and right foot socks for long lasting perfect fit.
If the thought of being cold prevents you from skiing, you could sit in front of the fire and watch all your friends ski from inside the lodge, but what fun is that? When your hands go unnoticed while skiing, it probably means they’ve achieved optimal warmth and comfort such as what might be found inside the Women’s Spyder Sestriere Gore-tex Glove ($150). Fingers stay nimble thanks to high-performance fabrics usually only found in expensive outerwear jackets. A GORE-tex® waterproof and breathable membrane keeps hands dry, shunning outer snow and inner perspiration. Fully waterproof fabric is an added shield against rain and snow. Dexterity is improved by comfortable stretch material, allowing you to grasp and hold with ease.
When it comes to headgear the Alpine Hat ($28) by Outdoor Research, made of windproof fleece will protect and seal the heat in during cold, gusty conditions. This hat is cut to cover your ears, which is essential for the lift time on windy days. The hat fits perfectly under a ski helmet, for it is thin yet warm. The contoured ear band wraps the back of your head and ears. If the only downfall can be found in its lack of style, the Alpine hat makes up for with practicality and warmth.
Where will you be hitting the slopes this season? Let us know below with a comment.
Source: Flickr user skistar trysil
About Suzanne Zilkowsky
