Top 14 Ski Essentials

For outdoor enthusiasts, snowsports holidays have all the ingredients for a perfect escape – stunning scenery, glistening slopes and fresh mountain air. The most important thing is to dress for it. You can plan your chalet, resort and activities down to a tee but if you neglect to research the right ski gear, your snowy dream could turn into a nightmare. 

Seasoned ski bums and green run first-timers all share the same essential kit list. Don’t miss a thing with our head to toe guide on dressing for the elements.

No matter if you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, a ski helmet is an essential piece of gear. The popularity of helmets has soared in recent years - and for good reason. Protecting your head should always be a top priority when skiing.

• Safety First: Helmets help protect your brain from serious injury.
• Widely Recommended: Most ski resorts now strongly encourage or even require helmets.
• Peace of Mind: You can ski with more confidence knowing you’re protected.

Ski helmets come in a wide range of prices, from around £20 to £500, depending on the level of protection and extra features such as ventilation, audio compatibility, and adjustable fit systems.

But remember:

• The most expensive helmet won’t protect you if it doesn’t fit properly.
• A helmet should fit snugly - secure but not uncomfortably tight.
• It shouldn’t move when you shake your head.
• For children, never buy a helmet that’s too big with the idea they’ll “grow into it.” This compromises their safety.

We recommend getting your ski helmet professionally fitted. You can visit our Snow+Rock stores for a free fitting to ensure you get the perfect fit and maximum protection.

When you’re out on the slopes, clear vision is crucial for both safety and enjoyment. Ski goggles provide a protective lens that shields your eyes from snow, ice, and the sun, helping you see the piste clearly in all conditions.

• Protect your eyes from wind, snow, and ice.
• Reduce glare from the sun and snow, making it easier to spot changes in the terrain.
• Improve visibility in flat light and changing weather conditions with specially designed lenses.

Many top goggle brands now offer interchangeable lenses, so you can easily swap them out to match the day’s weather and light levels.

• Always check that there’s no gap between your helmet and goggles - this helps protect your forehead from the cold and prevents discomfort.
• A proper fit keeps your goggles secure and prevents fogging.

Take your helmet with you when shopping for goggles. This ensures you find a pair that fits comfortably and works perfectly with your helmet, giving you the best protection and performance on the slopes.

While it’s tempting to pick a ski jacket based on style alone, its main job is to protect you from the elements. Your jacket is your biggest barrier against the cold, so it needs to be both wind and water-resistant.

• Wind and Water Resistance: Essential for keeping out snow, wind, and moisture.
• Breathability: Prevents you from overheating by allowing sweat to escape.
• Zip Vents: Help regulate your temperature on warmer days or during intense activity.
• Secure Zip Pockets: Keep your valuables safe and accessible while you’re on the slopes.

Ski jackets come in two main types:

• Insulated Jackets:
  • Feature built-in synthetic or down insulation for added warmth.
  • Great for colder conditions or those who feel the chill easily.
• Shell Jackets:
  • Act as a barrier against wind and water, but have little or no insulation.
  • Offer versatility, as you can layer up with an insulated jacket or mid-layer underneath for extra warmth.

Choosing the right ski jacket means balancing protection, comfort, and practicality - so you can focus on enjoying the slopes, whatever the weather.

When temperatures drop on the mountain, a good thermal base layer is essential for staying comfortable. Acting as your first line of defense against the cold, a base layer helps regulate your body temperature and wicks away moisture to keep you dry all day long.

• Moisture-wicking: Draws sweat away from your skin, preventing chills.
• Temperature regulation: Helps you stay warm without overheating.
• All-day comfort: Keeps you feeling dry and fresh, even during intense activity.

Merino Wool:

• Highly breathable and naturally insulating, even when wet.
• Antibacterial properties mean it resists odours, so you can wear it for several days without worrying about smell.
• Soft and comfortable against the skin.

Synthetic Base Layers:

• Perform well at wicking moisture and drying quickly.
• Can develop odours after a few days of use.

If you want a base layer that keeps you warm, dry, and fresh for the whole holiday, merino wool is hard to beat. No more worrying about stinking out the gondola by day three!

When you take off your goggles for lunch or après-ski, the mountain sun can be dazzling - and even dangerous. Without proper protection, your eyes can get sunburned, leading to a condition called snow-blindness, which is a temporary loss of vision caused by overexposure to the sun’s UV rays.

• Prevent snow-blindness: Protect your eyes from intense sunlight reflected off the snow.
• Block harmful rays: Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light.
• Comfort during breaks: Give your eyes a rest from goggles while still staying protected.

• Look for lenses that offer full-spectrum UV protection.
• If you prefer wearing sunglasses with your helmet instead of goggles, always take your helmet with you when trying on sunglasses to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Remember, wearing sunglasses with a helmet and goggles means you’ll need to keep your face topped up with sun cream to avoid some rather embarrassing tan lines!

Sunglasses are a small but essential part of your ski kit, keeping your eyes safe and your style on point when you’re off the slopes.

Nothing ruins a day on the slopes faster than cold feet. The right pair of ski socks can make all the difference, keeping you warm, comfortable, and ready for adventure from the first lift to the last run.

• Warmth: Designed to keep your feet cosy in freezing temperatures.
• Comfort: Prevent blisters and discomfort, even after hours in ski boots.
• Moisture-wicking: Draws sweat away from your skin, helping your feet stay dry.

• Material: Choose socks made from synthetic fibres or wool for the best combination of warmth and moisture control.
• Fit: One pair of well-fitted ski socks is all you need. Wearing two pairs can actually reduce circulation and lead to cold feet.
• Design: Look for socks with extra cushioning in key areas and a snug, supportive fit.

Don’t let something as simple as cold feet cut your ski day short - pack a few pairs of quality ski socks and enjoy every moment on the mountain!

It can be tempting to stick with your favourite cotton underwear, but when it comes to skiing, wicking underwear is a game-changer for all-day comfort. This simple switch can make a big difference in how you feel on the slopes.

• Fast-drying: Wicking fabrics dry much faster than cotton, so you stay comfortable even after intense activity.
• Moisture management: Draws sweat away from your skin, helping you avoid that clammy, cold feeling.
• Stay fresh: Keeps you feeling dry and ready for whatever the mountain throws at you.

Switching to wicking underwear may seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the easiest ways to boost your comfort and confidence on the slopes.

Your mid-layer is the secret weapon for trapping precious body heat when you’re high up in the mountains. Worn over your base layer and under your jacket, this layer is crucial for staying warm without overheating.

• Synthetic fleeces: Tight-fitting and lightweight, offering excellent warmth and breathability.
• Down or insulated jackets: Provide extra warmth for colder days.
• Hoodies and softshells: More relaxed fit, great for comfort and style.

• Breathability: Just like your base layer, your mid-layer should allow moisture to escape to prevent unwanted sweat buildup.
• Thermal efficiency: Choose a layer that keeps you warm but doesn’t cause overheating.
• Style: Mid-layers are often the most visible piece of clothing at après-ski, so pick one you love to wear both on and off the slopes.

Whether you’re carving down the mountain or dancing on tables at après, a good mid-layer keeps you warm, dry, and looking great all day long!

Just like your ski jacket, your ski pants - also known as salopettes - are vital for keeping you comfortable and protected from the elements. Whether you prefer a baggy or a tighter fit, the right pair will keep you warm, dry, and ready for action on the slopes.

• Quality insulation: Keeps you warm in cold mountain conditions.
• Waterproofing: Essential for staying dry, especially if you take a tumble or sit on snowy lifts.
• Zipped ventilation: Allows you to regulate your temperature when things heat up.
• Zip pockets: Perfect for keeping your ski pass and small valuables secure and easily accessible.

• Choose salopettes that fit well but still allow for a full range of movement - crucial whether you’re skiing or snowboarding.
• Try on multiple pairs in-store to find the best fit for your body shape and personal style.

The right salopettes make all the difference, helping you stay warm, dry, and comfortable from your first run to après-ski.

A well-chosen backpack can make your day on the slopes much smoother, letting you ski longer without constant stops to refuel or grab extra gear. The key is finding a pack that’s spacious enough for your essentials but not so bulky that it throws off your balance or makes it tricky to use ski lifts safely.

• Size matters: Choose a backpack that fits your needs—big enough for snacks, water, and spare layers, but compact enough to stay out of your way.
• Multiple compartments:
  • Keep valuables organised and easy to reach.
  • Prevent snacks from getting squashed or lost.
• Secure fit:
  • Look for shoulder, chest, and waist straps to keep the pack stable and comfortable, even during active skiing.
  • A snug fit helps maintain your balance and makes the backpack feel like a natural extension of your gear.

A good backpack keeps your essentials close, your valuables safe, and your day on the slopes hassle-free - so you can focus on the fun, not your stuff.

Beanie hats are a simple but essential item for staying warm in the mountains. When temperatures drop, keeping your head covered is key - if your head gets cold, the rest of your body is likely to follow. That’s why it’s important to pack a high-quality beanie for your ski trip.

• Heat retention: Helps keep your body temperature up in chilly conditions.
• Versatility: Perfect for après-ski, walking around the resort, or sitting outside at lunchtime.
• Instant warmth: As soon as your helmet comes off, your hat should go on to prevent heat loss.

• Look for a well-made, insulated beanie that fits comfortably.
• Pick a style you love - you’ll be wearing it a lot off the slopes!

Top tip: Did you know? A bobble on top of your hat can help you retain up to 12% more heat!

A great beanie is the perfect finishing touch to your ski essentials, keeping you cosy and stylish all holiday long.

There’s nothing worse than trying to grip your ski poles with frozen hands. Cold, wet fingers can quickly turn a great day on the slopes into a miserable one, so investing in quality handwear is essential.

• Waterproof construction: Keeps your hands dry, no matter how many snowballs you throw or how often you fall.
• Insulation technology: Ensures your fingers stay warm, even in freezing temperatures.
• Thermal inners: Consider separate thermal liners for an extra boost of warmth on particularly cold days.

• Gloves: Offer better dexterity for adjusting gear and handling small items.
• Mittens: Tend to be warmer, as your fingers share heat inside one compartment.

Make sure your gloves or mittens are up to scratch before you hit the slopes - your hands will thank you!

A neck warmer - sometimes called a buff - is a small but mighty addition to your ski kit. Not only does it keep your neck warm in chilly mountain air, but it also adds a splash of style and versatility to your outfit.

• Quick-drying fabrics: Stay comfortable even after hours on the slopes.
• Breathability: Prevents overheating and allows moisture to escape.

• Versatility:
  • Wear it as a hood, scarf, bandana, balaclava, or headband.
  • Easily adjust it to suit changing weather or activity levels.
• Compact and lightweight: Easy to pack and carry in your pocket or backpack.

A neck warmer is one of the most adaptable pieces of gear you can bring - keeping you cosy, comfortable, and ready for anything the mountain throws your way!

If you plan to ski off-piste or venture into the backcountry, a transceiver is a non-negotiable piece of safety equipment. This small device could save your life - or the life of a friend - in the event of an avalanche.

• Transmission mode: While skiing, your transceiver continuously sends out an electronic signal.
• Search mode: If someone in your group is caught in an avalanche, the others switch their transceivers to receive mode to help locate the buried person quickly.

When heading off-piste, always carry:

• Transceiver: For locating and being located in an emergency.
• Probe: For pinpointing the exact location of a buried person.
• Shovel: For digging out someone once they’re found.

Never head into the backcountry without these three essential items - and make sure everyone in your group knows how to use them. Safety first, adventure second!