Ski Holidays: Your Guide To Choosing Your Kit
With ski season just around the corner, avid skiers and winter holidaymakers across the UK will be gearing up to hit the slopes. From cross country and downhill skiing to snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even sledging, there are plenty of ways for us to thoroughly enjoy the snow.
No matter how you choose to spend your winter holidays and vacations, choosing the right kit for your favourite winter sports and activities will make all the difference when it comes to staying warm, comfortable, and safe in the colder weather.
As we head into winter, our team of passionate adventurers have assembled this handy 101 guide on how to plan for and choose your perfect winter kit.
Find the right fit
While shopping for winter and outerwear might seem a little overwhelming (particularly if you’re new to it or haven’t replaced your kit in a while), it doesn’t have to be. From ski gloves and socks to jackets and ski trousers, by keeping the below tips and tricks in mind, building an ideal winter kit that fits, feels great, and performs well is straightforward.
Tip #1: Choosing the right sized ski jacket and trousers
When it comes to choosing the ideal ski jacket or ski trousers, it’s important to think through the type of activity or sport you’ll be doing. For example, fast-paced downhill skiing will require well-fitted ski jackets and trousers to improve agility and reduce wind resistance when going down the slopes.
On the other hand, snowboarding (especially in fresh or deep snow) will require far more rigorous movement, so having the space to move freely is also extremely important. If in doubt, research the best fit depending on the activities you’re looking to take part in and build your kit accordingly.
Tip: #2 How to measure for glove size
No matter what winter activity you’re enjoying, chances are you’ll need a warm, high-performing pair of gloves. Whether it’s form-fitted gloves that keep your fingers nimble or a pair of durable ski gloves with added extra grip and insulation, ensuring they’re the right size is important for staying warm and safe on the slopes.
Here at TOG24, our selection of winter gloves and mittens are popular with skiers and lovers of winter sports. That’s why we’ve created a useful guide detailing how to measure for glove size:
- Total Length: to find the total length, measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm.
- Width at widest: to find the width, measure around your hand above the thumb and below the knuckles.
- Finally, once you have your measurements, simply refer back to the size guide chart here.
Invest in quality ski accessories and equipment
When out on the slopes, you’re likely to face the throes of wind, rain, sleet, and snow. When taking part in fast-paced winter sports like snowboarding and downhill skiing, there’s also the risk of falls and tumbles, so ensuring you have a durable, weather-resistant and safe kit is key.
Investing in quality equipment will not only provide added protection against injury, but it will also mean that it lasts far longer, making your winter activities more enjoyable. Ill-fitting accessories like goggles and helmets can lead to chafing, fogging, and general discomfort throughout the day, so taking time to find quality items that work for you is an important part of building your kit.
If you already have a kit and are looking to extend its life, here are some simple tips and tricks for getting the longest and best use out of your accessories:
Tip #3: How to keep ski goggles from fogging up
A common issue skiers and snowboarders may face on the slopes is loss of visibility due to fogged goggles. In most instances, this fogging is caused by condensation forming on the goggles due to differences in temperature on the outside and inside of the goggles. If your goggles tend to steam (or you simply would like to know how to handle this if it ever occurs) these handy tips will ensure you know how to keep goggles from fogging up:
- Ensure the goggles fit snugly around the head and eye area
- Avoid placing the goggles on the forehead or around the mouth when not wearing them - body heat and/or breath will likely encourage fogging
- Avoid tucking headbands or face covers within the seams - this will compromise the seal and potentially allow cold air or moisture in
- If your goggles have air vents, keep them clear of snow or other obstructions like clothing
- Invest in anti-fogging goggles with double lenses and speciality coatings to prevent condensation
Tip #4: How to pick the right ski helmet
Much like choosing a quality pair of goggles, it’s important to consider functionality and overall quality when choosing a ski helmet. Many people will not know what to look for when searching for a ski helmet, and there’s a chance that some of us are wearing the completely wrong size or style of helmet for what we might need. If you’re new to the wonderful world of winter sports and are in the process of choosing or even renting a helmet, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Always check that the helmet adheres to the accepted safety standards (such as EN1077)
- Do some research around the best helmet type for your favoured winter activities
- Ensure you have the right size for you - measure your head in centimetres around the brow line and choose accordingly
- Consider the features you may require such as added ventilation, ear warmers, or a protective visor, depending on the sport and your personal preferences
- Check for adjustable straps and cogs for a customised fit
Ultimately when searching for your ideal winter kit, fit, quality, and safety standards should be at the top of the priority list. Understanding how to measure for your ski clothing and accessories is key in ensuring you build the ideal kit for the sports you enjoy each ski season.
Happy skiing!
