Ski Suits

A ski suit is the warm apparel that is worn over other clothes including thermal underwear while skiing. The suit may constitute a coat and pants or a one-piece garment. There special suits designed for different types of skiing such as speed skiing, alpine skiing. cross-country and snowboarding.

 

Ski Jacket: The ski jacket is a warm insulated parka that covers the skier’s arms and upper body. Ski jackets are specially designed for warmth and are wind and water resistant. The jacket is lined with liners made of either nylon, silk, cotton or taffeta and sometimes filled with down. Often jackets are made with a material called Polartec which is a water-repellant fleece for protection from both common elements when skiing-snow and cold. Jackets come equipped with various zippered pockets for organization of ski gear (hand/feet warmers, chap stick & sunscreen). 

 

Ski Pants: When purchasing ski pants, it is wise to look for waterproof and durable pants. If you experience a fall on the mountain, maintaining warmth and dryness is crucial.  

 

Ski Gloves: Another important piece of ski apparel are ski gloves. Again, they need to be made of material that is waterproof and will keep your hands warm. Gloves are usually lined with polyester and soft fleece. When purchasing ski gloves, it is important to ensure they fit properly and come up far enough to cover your wrists. The glove should come lined with thin fleece that will provide warmth without bulk. Kevlar is a material that is added to ski apparel because it allows for durability and breath ability. 

 

Ski Suit:  The ski suit can be worn over other clothes while skiing. Like other ski apparel the ski suit is made of wind/water-resistant or waterproof fabrics. The one-piece ski suit ensures extra warmth and ease of skiing. Suits are available with without hoods and similar to the ski jacket comes equipped with zippered pockets for skiing essentials. The ski suit usually zips and may come with a belt for added coverage.

 

Hats: With every other part of your body protected from the cold, it is important to cover your head, too. Even though your ski jacket may come equipped with a removable hood, that is not enough coverage on a cold mountain. Hoods won’t stay in place as you are zooming downhill! A hat is the answer to keep your head warm. The popular beanie ski cap keeps your head warm and will stay in place even during a fall. Fleece headbands that double as ear warmers and as neck warmers are also a good buy for your ski vacation. Earmuffs can also substitute for a hat to keep ears warm as you fly down the mountain.

 

Thermal Underwear/Socks: Due to the extreme cold experienced during skiing, it is important to not only have warm ski outerwear but underwear, too. Thermal underwear is made of materials such as silk, cotton, nylon and spandex. For maximum warmth, purchase both a top and bottom. Ski socks can be made of wood or synthetic materials that keep your feet warm and snug. A good sock is important to help make the awkward ski boot more comfortable. It is important to keep your feet warm and dry.

 

Ski Boots: The ski boot is a specialized piece of skiing equipment. They not only provide warmth but they attach to the ski bindings and complete the skis. The boots are constructed of plastic with attachments at the toe and heel to fit snuggly into ski bindings. Beginning skiers prefer a softer, padded ski boot whereas the advanced skier requires hard, stiff plastic. Just because you are planning a ski trip doesn’t mean you have to purchase a pair of boots. They are easy to rent when you rent skis. Renting is a cheaper way to purchase ski equipment. The boots are custom fit to your feet and your skis. Trying on the boots and skis for proper fit comes with the territory when renting ski equipment.

Goggles: If you are planning a ski vacation, a pair of protective goggles is a necessity. They enclose the eye and protect it from the elements during skiing. Goggles used for skiing are constructed of two layers of lens that prevent the goggles from fogging and impeding vision. The goggles are also tinted to prevent the bright snow from damaging eyes and interfering with vision. Ski goggles protect the eyes from glare of the snow. They also protect eyes from icy particles and snow that are a part of the ski adventure.