Gear
It’s the night before a ski day, and your gear is scattered throughout your house. Why? Because at the end of your last day out, you laid everything out on your floor to “dry out” without actually putting it away. Now, what are the essentials you need to track down and prepare tonight to have a successful day on the slopes tomorrow? There are the obvious things, such as skis and boots, to be able to ski, but there are also many less obvious items that will significantly improve the quality and comfort of your day.
The bare necessitiesÂ
So you’ll need a way down the hill, something to actually ski on. This includes boots, skis, and poles (don’t say you don’t need poles, park rats). If you have a quiver, check the conditions report and bring the skis that fit the day.
Ski Pass or AT setup
To ski down the mountain, you must get up first. Get yourself a season pass—we all know day passes are far too expensive now. Or, if you instead prefer to hike up the mountains you ski, get yourself an AT setup. This requires special boots, bindings, and skins that are specifically designed to fit your skis. If you opt for this, don’t forget to tell everyone who doesn’t ask that you earn your turns.
Outerwear
Skiing naturally takes place in a harsh environment. Yes, there are bluebird 30-degree days, but you must also be prepared for those windy, single-digit days. My preference is a shell Gore-Tex jacket and pants that protect against the wind and wet while also not suffocating you in the heat.
Inner layers and Merino Wool socks
It may be weird that I specifically mentioned merino wool socks, that is, unless you have worn merino wool socks. These layers are essential for heat and comfort. I love a top-to-bottom merino wool base layer, and for colder days, an insulated mid-layer as well.
Food
There is no ski day without fuel. A quality breakfast is a great start, but it won’t be sufficient for the whole day. Unless you are willing to spend 30 dollars on some lodge tenders, fries, and a Red Bull, packed food will be a saving grace. A deli meat sandwich is a great option, but a protein bar and an apple are super easy and work wonderfully.
Friends
Don’t get me wrong, I adore skiing solo as well, but those chairlift rides between runs with friends are almost as fun as the runs themselves. Scouting out all the hits you see, runs you want to do, and laughing about the sketchy landing you just barely pulled off—that is where memories are made.
Stoke
Yes, I know this isn’t an object, but it is undoubtedly as important when it comes to having a great ski day. Your mindset and energy can be the difference between any ordinary day and one that you look back on for years to come.
Now pack your things, plan your day with friends, and make great memories on the slopes—because a good ski day doesn’t just happen, it’s built the night before, with the right gear, the right people, and the right mindset. Stoke high, socks dry, and sandwiches packed—you’re ready for whatever the mountain throws your way.
