What items do I need to carry whilst skiing?
Picture this, seconds before the first run of the day, sun rays glistening off the freshly groomed slopes, crisp air. Everyone giddy with excitement all together ready for the first day of the holiday. Then it hits… your ski gloves are back at home on the table. Morning, sometimes even the day ruined.
It is very frustrating and has happened to most of us, whether it is gloves, goggles, sun cream, wallet etc. Forgetting an item can ruin the day. Below is a list that I run through to make sure that I have everything I need to enjoy a day on the hill whilst instructing.
This list is of the items either with, or on me every day whilst working as a ski instructor. With a brief summary of how they can be useful on a ski day.
Clothes
Underwear
Comfort is key, skiing is a sport which requires movement. Wearing something that is comfortable and can be worn for a full day.
Thermal Underwear
This includes bottom and top. Thermal leggings, sometimes referred to as long johns. As well as a thermal top, or vest. With both, beware of thick elasticated ends to the arms and legs, and with other equipment on top, such as gloves, and ski boots. These can become extremely uncomfortable.
Ski Socks
I live and work in Zermatt, Switzerland where often it can reach -20 degrees and below on the glacier. As a result, many instructor friends of mine and guests wear heated ski socks. These are not a must. But something to consider if cold feet is a day ender for you.
T-Shirt
As mentioned above it can be cold where I am based, therefore a t-shirt on top of the thermal top for me is a must.
Mid-Layer
This could be a fleece top, or a puffer top. Anything that can fit comfortably beneath a jacket. When it comes to warmth, layering is key. It is warmer to have a few thin layers (thermal top, t-shirt, mid-layer, shell jacket). Than one large thick jacket.
Jacket
My uniform jackets have more often than not been shell jackets, meaning that they are water proof, however they are extremely thin. This is fine when worn with the appropriate layers beneath. For me, a thermal, t-shirt and mid-layer with the shell on top is great for most weathers, as it is easy to remove one of the layers if needed. Also most shell jackets have ventilation zippers underneath the armpits, ideal for warmer spring days.
Ski Pants
Like the Jacket, you can either get thick or thin ski pants. With thin ski pants, thermal bottoms, and potentially thermal shorts may be needed as well, if heading out on the -20 days.
Gloves
Ski gloves are a must, for warmth and safety. Skis are sharp and a ski glove can protect from injury as well as keeping the hands warm throughout the day.
Inner gloves
Some people are not fans of inner gloves, and do not wear them. However, others feel that these are essential on the extremely cold days. Also in a pinch, inner gloves can be worn if big gloves are misplaced. They are light and can easily be thrown in a spare pocket with minimal hassle. Could be a day saver.
“Use code ‘BLOG20’ for 20% off the eBook below”
Equipment
Goggles
Goggles, an essential bit of kit, which can be worn with a helmet or ski hat. Goggles perform well in all weathers, they protect the eyes from sun, wind, and snow. Over the last few years a lot of new technology has been put into the lenses of goggles, to be able to perform in different types of light. However, it is most common to find either a lens that is more suited for an overcast day, or a sunny day.
Ski Boots
Dry, ski boots are a must. Wet boots can easily be a day ender.
Sunglasses
It is worth having sunglasses in a pocket, for either a sunny lunch spot or apres. Putting them in a secure case is recommended, as a fall could easily snap a pair of sunglasses.
Helmet/Headwear
Helmets deliver more protection and are more waterproof than most ski hats. For children, in most ski schools helmets are a requirement, and the child will not be able to attend if they do not have one.
Skis and Poles
It is worth asking at reception of the hotel or check online if there are lockers on the mountain, or at the bottom of the lift, to allow for a ski free walk to the lift. Not having to walk the skis and poles back to the hotel every night can make a big difference to the end of the ski day.
Watch
I always wear a watch, handy to know whether you can sneak another run in or whether the lift is about to close.
Other
Sun cream
Essential, for skin protection both from the sun and the harsh weather that skiing can bring, cold dry weather can harm the skin if not protected. Often better to buy in town, as it can be expensive to purchase on the mountain.
Lip Balm
Worth having a lip balm with sun protection, to stop lips from cracking and getting sun burnt.
Wallet
Essential to have some money, both the local currency and a card as many mountain restaurants/huts/shops do not accept card payment. ID card, and insurance card in case of an accident. Some people keep an I.C.E card too with an emergency contact number on, which is short form for ‘In Case of Emergency’.
Phone
A mobile phone, with full battery. A mobile phone can be used for several things. However with cold temperatures it is worth noting that videoing, and some ski tracker apps eat up battery extremely quickly. Keeping in a layer closer to the body, rather than a pocket on the outside of a jacket will keep the phone warmer than if it was on an outside jacket pocket. If the snow is a worry, a zip lock bag can keep the phone dry, and a touch phone can also be used through a zip lock bag.
Piste Map
Keeping a map of the area is a useful tool to keep track of where you are on the hill.
Snack
An energy bar, or snack bar could be a day saver on a cold lift or allow for a few extra runs before lunch.
Water bottle
A camping collapsible bottle or water holder can be very handy.
Headphones
They are useful to have when making or receiving calls on the mountain. Whilst wearing a helmet and gloves. Communication is key as knowing when and where you are meeting family, or other members of the party can create a stress-free day on the hill.
Fanny pack
I personally do not carry daily, but more and more people I work and ski with do. They are an easy way to carry some of the essentials from the list above.
Extra phone battery/Charger
If you have electronics, video camera, go pro, mobile phone etc. It might be worth packing an extra battery, or some form of mobile charging device. As the cold weather can quickly empty a devices battery. I have the Apple iPhone battery case; this gives me another full charge which is plenty to get through even a cold day on the hill.
You can use this list as a quick check in the morning to make sure everything is present for a fun day on the hill. Adjusting the list as necessary for individual needs, such as medical supplies, an inhaler, medicine, EpiPen etc.
Feel free to share this with anyone who you think may be interested, using the sharing links below.
Thank you for reading.
Steve
If you need any more information on anything written here or have any suggestions for more blogs that you would like to read. Please don’t hesitate to let me know below. Thank you.