One of the nicest things about winter is being able to enjoy the mountains and have fun playing in the snow and on the slopes!
I know that for some of you, the snow is a big inconvenience and burdensome during this long winter. Nevertheless, it is best to look on the bright side as the mountains are covered with an excellent snow pack and they are waiting for you to come around and play!

Here are the 10 things you should think about before going skiing:

1. Ski Helmet- If you are planning on hitting the slopes, be sure they don’t hit you back so don’t forget your ski helmet. Ski accidents can be pretty dangerous and cause great bodily injury, so protect your head with a solid and cool looking Red Hi-Fi Helmet and be careful out there.
2. Ski Boots - Buying the right boots is very important as they are going to be the link between your legs and the ski. Before deciding on a pair of quality ski boots, be sure to try on a few before making your final decision as you are going to wear them at least 5 hours per day, so getting the right fit, comfort and support are all key features to look for. They should be flexible yet rigid at the same time. Most importantly the fit needs to be snug and they must hold your heels firmly in place. You can go wrong with a pair of Ski Boots Rossignol.
3. Skis : if you only ski occasionally, then perhaps renting would be the better option for you as opposed to buying skis. If you are in fact a regular skier and you would get good regular usage out of having your very own set of skis, then be sure to take your time during the selecting process.Be sure to try lots of different brands and models and find the perfect one that fits your needs. First of all, be honest about your ability and don’t overestimate your skills. Buying expert skis if you are only a beginner will only be a waste of money and will actually hinder your abilities since they are designed differently. A good pair of skis should suit your size, weight, ability and style. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice at the store and be sure to be open, and truthful, when giving them the necessary information about your ski abilities.
4. Snowboard: If you are thinking of buying a snowboard, you need to make sure that it suits you. Don’t get fool by the trendy graphic designs, no matter how cool they look!. It really depends on the type of boarding that you are intending to do, if you are going to do piste, off-piste or snow park, then length, width and flex are important features that you need to be weary of for your final decision. Burton Snowboards can be a good choice for start.
5. Ski goggles – To protect yourself from the intense sun reflection you should never ski without a good pair of goggles or sunglasses. When you buy them,  make sure that they are good quality, and preferably you should pick one with wrap-around and make sure that they are plastic, Oakley Goggles are great and good looking.
6. Gloves : It may sound obvious, but it is important to have a good pair of ski gloves, like the Dare2b Gloves. Make sure that they are warm and well-insulated. Thrust me, if your hands get wet and cold you won’t enjoy your skiing as much and the last souvenir you want from you trip is a cold!
7. Sun protection cream – Even if it is probably about 0 degrees out there, the sun that reflects off the snow can be very aggressive for the skin and is far more intense than you might think. Therefore, you should  never ski without a good quality sun cream like the Clarins Sun Care Cream with a protection rating of at least SPF 20. Apply the cream evenly when it is not sunny and don’t forget to re-apply the cream at regular intervals throughout the course of the day, especially for the younger ones who are more prone to sunburn and have delicate skin. You should also regularly use a good Lip Balm Moisturizer, as the combination of the extreme sun and the cold wind are among the worst weather combination. An After-Sun Cream will relieve your pain if you are over-exposed but it unfortunately won’t repair the sun damage.
8. Rucksacks - a good practical rucksack can always be very useful to carry your accessories, like the Gelert Rucksack. Make sure that is a compact one and that it has a waist strap to keep it in place.
9. Women’s ski wear: This year the all-in-one suit is definitely back! It is not always the easiest to wear, but Salomon, O’neil and Bergahus have some great choices in their latest ski wear collections. Don’t hesitate to try loud colours as it is important that you are visible on the snow. That said, be sure to refrain from choosing red as this colour is usually reserved for ski instructors and first-aid workers.
10. Men’s ski wear: A major trend this winter for men is loud patterns like the Columbia ski jacket, such as plaid and stripes. Whichever look you choose, the most important thing is that it has to be hi-tech fabric, such as the Nasa approved “Outlast” fabric available at Peak Performance and Burton. This fabric is amazing as it can regulate the temperature, keeping you warm but not too hot. Another hi-tech clothing must-have is the new Gore-Tex jacket that is breathable fabric, yet at the same time offers the most advanced and effective windproof system.

Did you know: It’s worth remembering that 80% of skiers are intermediates and 80% of those think they are experts!

-Isabelle

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