Skiing is a fun activity. I love skiing and I would not trade it for any other pass time. Whenever I find some free time, I tag along with my buddies and head north towards Breckenridge. It welcomes me with a white carpet as I make my way to the Breckenridge Ski resort. Initially, when I started skiing, around 20 years ago, I can recall how I struggled while managing my kit. I could never understand the concept of winter clothing and I was not able to find the balance between speed, warmth, and style (20 years ago I was a city slicker). Now, after years of skiing in a variety of weather and terrain conditions, I think I have cracked the code.

Hand and Neck Protection

You cannot afford to compromise on dexterity, when you are moving through hazard-ridden skiing trails. Cold reduces the strength of your grip and can leave you in a difficult situation. One should protect his/her hands by wearing mittens. If you suffer from cold hands, you can bolster the protective shield by wearing silk glove liners under mittens. For protecting the neck, it is best to wear a woolen muffler or a balaclava and neck warmer.

Head and Eye Protection

Your head is the most important part of your anatomy and you don't want it to be exposed to unrelenting chilly weather. If the cold gets to your head, you won’t be able to think straight and maneuver your way through the tricky snowy slopes. Depending on the temperature, you can choose between a wooly hat or a helmet. If the weather is way too cold, you can wear a thin helmet liner or cotton headband. Wearing extra protection will prevent the wind whistling through the little holes in the helmet’s ear pads. You can put on woolly hats lined with fleece, for double insulation and extra cosiness. For protecting the eyes, it is best to invest in high-quality goggles.

Layering

Layering is the key to staying warm on the snowy hilltops. Unlike a large coat that is bulky and weighs you down, layers can be customised as per an individual’s choice. When you add different clothes in your ensemble, you create multiple layers that are able to trap air. Wearing clothes, one-over-another, creates a mechanism that allows you to stay protected from the elements. With the added protection of layers, you can counter the threat of cold-related ailments like reduced blood flow and hypothermia. It is best to start with a baselayer made of Merino wool or polyester. As your mid-layer, you can choose a fleece jacket and then complete the look with the ever-reliable down/shell jacket.

Feet Protection

In the past, I used to wear multiple layers of socks to prevent my feet from the cold. However, I realised soon enough that my many socks were adding unnecessary bulk to my feet, restricting my movement. I recommend that you buy good quality thin Merino ski socks that can keep you cosy at all times. Also, invest in high-quality ski boots from trusted brands such as Roxy/Quiksilver or Trespass. Buying customised shoes that fit you perfectly is a great idea. It is also advised that you keep your skiing style in mind and buy the shoes accordingly.

All the above tips can help you keep warm and ski safely in unforgiving cold conditions. By breaking your gear in before you head on a trip, you will be able to understand its impact on your movement. This will help you get familiar with the kit, and you will be able to ski with confidence.