When hitting the slopes, making sure your gear fits correctly is important for achieving comfort, performance, and most importantly: overall enjoyment. Whether you’re an expert or a certified newbie, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to making sure your gear fits your properly – and stays that way.
Here are 5 tips to make sure you're ready for any ski adventure:
1. Layering Compatibility
Any experienced skier will tell you that it’s common, or, expected even, for ski conditions to change dramatically from first chair to your final run. That’s why we can’t recommend layering enough as a strategy to keep you warm enough during your first run and comfortable when you start sweating around midday.
Proper layering includes a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer, each of which has its own function, from moisture-wicking and insulation to protection against the elements.
To make sure each layer doesn’t bunch up against each other, try them on together before heading out on the slopes. This not only helps in assessing comfort and mobility but also ensures there are no restrictive areas.
2. Ski Pant Length
While yes, it’s important for your ski pants to fit your waist properly, finding pants that are the right length is important as well. The right pants should be long enough to cover the top of your ski boots to create a seal against snow, but shouldn't be so long that they drag on the ground, serving as a potential tripping hazard.
When trying on ski pants in a ski shop or after they’ve been delivered to your home, put on your ski boots to get an accurate sense of how they fit together. Ski pants that fit correctly will keep snow out and stay comfortably in place throughout the day.
3. Wear Ski-specific socks
Sure, your favorite hiking socks might technically fit under your ski boots, but will they remain comfortable throughout the day? Probably not. That’s why we can’t recommend purchasing ski-specific socks for long days on the mountain. These socks are tall enough to rise above your boot, ensuring that bunching, slipping, or chafing doesn’t cause discomfort. While you might be surprised by how thin ski socks are, they’re made from materials like merino wool that naturally wick away moisture while keeping you warm.
For folks with blood circulation issues in their feet, we’ve found that opting for ski socks (in addition to our next tip, getting professionally fit for ski boots) can make long days on the slope more comfortable.
4. Get Professionally Fit for Ski Boots
Brand new skiers, folks who just *love* a deal on Craigslist, or those on the receiving end of a friend’s gear closet cleanout: this tip is for you. While we’re fans of used gear for its ability to get more people on the mountain, we’re even bigger proponents of gear that really fits.
So before you strap into your friend’s old ski boots, take them to your local gear store for a professional fitting– including safety checks.
5. Try an Elastic Ski Belt
Now that you have proper ski boots, adequate layers, and ski pants that are the right length, it’s time to talk about the overall fit of your apparel. If you’re experiencing a waistband that’s too loose or layers that shift as you carve turns, a ski pants belt will help. Belts for ski pants are constructed from performance stretch webbing that moves with you, and feature a durable, lightweight buckle that dials into your exact fit. And don’t worry about maintaining another piece of gear – simply throw your belt in the washing machine at the end of the day for an easy clean.
By keeping the above fit tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to staying comfortable on the slopes all day long. While our team can’t help you with every piece of gear you’ll need, we can point you in the direction of our snowboard belts – the ultimate companion for any kind of adventure on the slopes. We carry a range of options in different colors and designs so that you can express your unique sense of style, while staying safe and comfortable.
