OutdoorGB will stop you getting piste off when trying to find Ski equipment.
As skiers ourselves here at OutdoorGB, we know how important it is to have quality equipment that will last season after season. Ski equipment shouldn't be disposable, when buying your equipment you should see it as an investment that will last you, not something to be binned as soon as you get home.
Skiing is an ideal way to relax and forget the stresses of everyday life, but with the wrong equipment your stress-less ski session can turn into one big headache. Fogged up goggles, unbreathable base layers and feeling absolutely freezing are just a few of the hiccups that can threaten to ruin your ski holiday.
We have put together this guide to help you select the best products that won't be binworthy after a week on the slopes.
Choosing goggles
The most important thing to consider when buying ski goggles is whether you will be able to see properly, especially if you wear corrective lenses. For those who don't wear glasses, regular ski goggles are the best good choice as they are smaller and more compact than the goggles which fit over your glasses. Those who wear glasses should look out for over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles.
Tints are for varying sunlight conditions and the tint determines how well the contours of the mountain stand out. Yellow or yellow/brown tints are the most popular and will work well in all levels of sunlight.
Goggles should fit comfortably over your helmet, they shouldn't be pinched or tight on your face. Goggles that fit correctly over your helmet should be able to rest comfortable on the top of your helmet. When pulled down to cover your face, they shouldn't feel too tight. There should be enough adjustment length in the goggle strap to guarantee that the goggles will fit any size helmet. There is a strap in the back of the helmet that holds the goggle strap in place. Make sure the goggle strap has adjustment room there also. If goggles are too loose, they will not keep the snow and wind out of your eyes. If they are too tight, they will be uncomfortable. So, it's extremely important to find goggles that will fit you when wearing on your helmet.
When it comes to goggles, newbies who don't know if they are going to make skiing the hobby of a lifetime, should look to the Bolle Sharkfin Ski Goggles. Offering great value for money at £22.66 at OutdoorGB, the Sharkfin Ski Goggles feature a double lens thermal barrier that provide exceptional optics and a superior seal to prevent fogging. The anti-fogging lenses offer full UVA and UVB protection.
More seasoned skiers who will be spending a bit more money should cast their attention to the Uvex Apache Pro Goggles. The Apache Pro Goggles just refuse to fog up. Good enough for the pros these goggles can take some punishment featuring impact resistant construction and scratch-proof lenses. At £78.83 at OutdoorGB, these googles are a professional product at an amateur price.
Featuring a deeper chamber with frame cut-out, the Bloc Spirit 2 OTG Goggles allow you to wear your everyday glasses to give you the best vision for safe skiing. A vented lens air system helps equalise the temperature between the lenses, thus reducing fogging.
Caring for your goggles
Nobody wants to put on their ski goggles and find that they are scratched or scuffed. Your ski goggles need to be clear for optimal vision. The following tips will help keep your ski goggles clean, clear, and scratch-free.
To keep your goggles smooth and unscratched, always store them in the soft bag they came with when you purchased them. This will make sure that your goggles do not get scratched by other gear in your ski bag. If you do not have your goggle bag with you, you could always store them in your fleece gaiter/neck warmer.
When cleaning your goggles, always use a very soft cloth.
When handling your goggles, treat them gently and try not to touch the lenses.
Do not place your goggles lens-down on the table. Instead, place them so the lenses are facing up towards the ceiling.
Choosing a Ski Helmet
There has been much debate over wearing a helmet whilst skiing, some say it is the preserve of snowboarders, but here at OutdoorGB, hopefully without sounding like you mother, we think it is better to be safe than sorry. To put it this way a crash at 30mph is equivalent to falling onto concrete from a second-floor balcony.
Before you buy a ski helmet you will need to find your helmet size or your "hat size". Finding this isn't difficult, as most helmets are sized in centimetres based on the circumference of your head. To get a measurement, use a tape measure around your head, just above your eyebrows.
A good entry-level ski helmet to look at is the Uvex X-Ride Motion Helmet, ideal for both skiing and snowboarding, this helmet will protect your head whilst also meeting EN 1077 and ASTM F 2040 standards.
When it comes to children wearing a helmet is an absolute must, the Uvex Jet Ride Flash Junior Ski Helmet is an ideal helmet to protect little heads. Featuring a climate regulating system, the Jet Ride will ensure your childs head is kept at optimum temperature.
Sorting out your Ski Clothing
Your ski clothing has a bigger impact on your ski day than you might think. Skiing in ill-fitting ski clothes is not only extremely uncomfortable, but it can hinder your performance too.
The ideal way of dressing for skiing is to use different layers. In order of importance, the keys to a successful layering system are warmth, weight, moisture management, and packing the right number of layers. Generally, it is advisable to follow the 3 layer system. The first layer is the base layer which consists of thermal underwear . The middle layer is general clothing or a fleece jacket. Lastly, wear an outer jacket which protects you against the elements.
Although not a traditional item, everyone at OutdoorGB thinks Buff scarves are a perfect item to add to your ski kit.
When optimum performance is necessary, the Helly Hansen Prowool Pants are perfect. Designed to provide warmth, moisture control and overall comfort even in the coldest conditions, this bestseller is available for both men and women.
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With it's polar bear-like hollow-fibre technology and warm merino wool combination, the Helly Hansen Ice Men's Crew Top will ensure that you'll be comfortable and in style all day, even in the coldest temperatures.
The Montane Extreme Jacket is the definitive high-specification soft-shell, lightweight jacket offering comfortable use over a wide range of winter temperatures.
Never think "damn if only I had my gloves and scarf" with the Loki Tak Light Shell Jacket. A sensational high performance jacket, the Tak features integral mittens and scarf that easily stow away when not needed
What to wear "Apres-Ski" - The OutdoorGB guide to fashion off the slopes.
While some skiers choose to stop at the apres-ski scene right after their last run, spending the night in insulating layers, snow pants, and worst of all - ski boots, is not going to make for the most comfortable experience. Consider what you might wear for an ordinary night out, but keep in mind the cold weather. After all, because you're at a ski resort, you have the excuse to incorporate a few "alpine" pieces (such as what's already in your ski wardrobe) which you might not be able to get away with at home. As important as fashion might be to your apres-ski attire don't forget function too. Your apres-ski clothes should be comfortable. Also, if you are coming right from the ski resort, it might be a good idea to remove a few of your layers, because it's likely that you're going to heat up quickly in the a buzzing bar or restaurant.
What's Great to Wear for Apres-Ski
Your Favorite Fleece - A nice fleece jacket is perfect for casual socialising after the last run of the day.
A Vest - Whether it's fleece or down, a vest can be thrown over the most basic shirt and still look great. Vests are also practical because they can be easily removed if you feel too hot.
A Sweater - A sweater is always a great option for the apres-ski scene. Even if it's just a sweater that you ski in, a sweater is perfect for the apres-ski scene.
Your Ski Jacket - Especially if your ski jacket fits well and looks modern, it's great to wear to an apres-ski event. However, if your ski jacket is too bulky to keep track of once you take it off, it might be a good idea to reserve your ski jacket for the actual slopes.
Your Soft Shell Jacket - If you have a soft shell jacket, consider wearing it to the apres-ski scene. After all, it looks great because it just screams "Skier!"
What’s Not so Great to Wear for Apres-Ski
Your Ski Accessories – Ski goggles, ski helmets, ski masks, neck gaitors, and gloves are just too much for a night on the town.
A Ski Suit – If you prefer to ski in a ski suit, don’t wear it for apres-ski, you will overheat, and removing the ski suit will just be an unnecessary hassle.
Heavily Insulated Snow Pants – If you have heavily insulated snow pants, don’t wear them for the apres-ski scene, most likely, you’ll find yourself uncomfortable as they’ll be too bulky and much too hot.
Your Ski Boots – After a long day of skiing, why spend unnecessary time in your ski boots? Indulge your feet and put on a comfortable pair of apres-ski boots, plus, the uncomfortable “ski boot walk” is slightly unattractive and much too awkward in a tight crowd!
