Stay Dry - Be Warm

When selecting what to wear skiing, your goal is to stay dry and warm on the slopes. For this reason, you want to wear outer-shell nylon that sheds water, but have sufficient insulation to trap body heat. Remember that air is the best insulator, so dressing in layers is an effective way to avoid losing too much heat. Obviously, your location and current weather conditions will determine the extent of your layering. For example, in Maryland (USA) a cotton shirt and nylon windbreaker will be sufficient, but skiers in Maine (USA) may require multiple sets of long underwear in addition to a heavy nylon coat. To review the weather in your area, check out our weather highlight link to the left. And remember, how you dress determines how much fun you'll have skiing. The worst experience while skiing is becoming ill in the first hour of your trip, ruining the rest of your slopeside fun. Be Prepared!

Print Out this check list for your next ski trip

Check Box	Clothing	Description
[]	Knit Hat	Often called a stocking cap, this essential piece of equipment keeps heat from escaping (you lose most of your body heat through your head) and can be pulled over your ears. A regular baseball-style cap will not do the job. Even if you think a knit hat will not be needed, just stick one in your coat pocket in case the weather turns.
[]	Gloves Mittens	Most people prefer gloves for better finger movement. However, mittens have been proven to keep your fingers a bit warmer, based on the fact that fingers are kept togather and radiate heat in one compartment, rather than five. Whichever you choose, be sure to take along proper hand coverings, as finger are especially prone to frostbite. If you'll be skiing for more than a day, it might be a good idea to take along an extra pair.
[]	Goggles	Many ski resorts operate snow blowers durring the day, making it difficult to see your fellow skiers. A pair of goggles will protect your eyes, improve visibility, and can even keep ice crystals from forming on your eye lashes. Goggles are available in a variety of styles and colors. When purchasing a pair, remember that the color you choose will be used for skiing during the day and night.
[]	Face Mask	Although a face mask may not be required in lower altitudes, one can protect your face from windburn while conserving heat. This is another small item that can be stored in a pocket until needed
[]	Chap Stick	This handy little medicine can spare you the pain and embarassment of chapped lips. Always apply before visiting the slopes.
[]	Snow Pants	Often called Ski Pants, a pair of nylon pants will reppel water and snow while insulating. Warmup pants over sweat pants will also suffice. Avoid wearing denim clothing like jeans, as denim absorbs and traps water. If you've ever stepped in water while wearing a pair of blue jeans, you'll know not to try skiing in them.
[]	Coat	Another essential, a good coat can keep you dry and warm, without sacreficing style! Ther are two common types of coats: wastecoats and parkas. Wastecoats have an elastic band around your hips that keeps the coat closed and snow from entering. For active skiers, the elastic band has a tendancy to shift up one's back, creating an annoyance. Parkas are waistcoats that don't end at the waist. Like a trench coat, parkas are longer with an inner belt around the hips.
[]	Socks	Do not wear thin stocking-like socks. Try thick wool ones that absorb moisture. Ski boots are uncomfortable at first, and you can minimize your discomfort by wearing thick socks. Sporting goods retailers sell special ski socks, but regular wool ones will do ust fine. You might want to wear a thin poly sock underneath the wool one as an extra layer of insulation.