Taking your kids skiing can be a fun and rewarding experience that encourages them to live a healthy, active lifestyle. About to stop by the ski shop for some kids-sized ski gear in Ridgefield ? Read this Q&A segment to make sure you’re fully prepared for your skiing trip and can relax and enjoy watching your little ones out on the bunny slopes.

Q: Are there any child-specific tips for ski clothes that I should know?

A: When purchasing kids’ ski gear, the main thing is to keep your child warm and dry. Your local ski shop will likely have many child-specific options available. Keep an eye out for breathable moisture-wicking materials, such as merino wool, for base layers, and avoid dressing your kids in cotton. Remember that the little things can go a long way when you’re up on the mountain—consider buying your child a neck gaiter to protect and warm the face, and carry an extra pair of mittens with you, as his or her first pair will likely get wet quickly.

Q: I don’t wear a helmet when I ski. Does my child need one?

A: While many adults choose to go without helmets, children should always wear them. Not only will a helmet protect your child from injury, it will also provide more warmth than a hat. Think your child will throw a fit about having to wearing a helmet? Try to give him or her some incentive to wear it. For example, you can allow the child to decorate the helmet with stickers so that he or she is proud to wear it (only if you own the helmet, of course!).

Q: I’d love to take my kids skiing, but isn’t skiing with children expensive?

A: Fortunately, many ski lodges and resorts make skiing with children an affordable experience. Lots of resorts allow children under the age of 6 to ski for free. Adult lift tickets often include free kids’ passes, as well. Finally, junior skiers can often get season passes at discounted rates, meaning your child can keep practicing all season long.

You may be a killer skier, but if your ski boots don’t fit properly, chances are you won’t be at your peak performance. Looking for ski boots near Westport with a proper fit? Your local ski shop can help you choose the best boot for your needs.

When it comes to safety and comfort, good ski boots are one of the most important pieces of ski gear that you can wear. If your ski boots are poorly fitted, they’ll be uncomfortable and may even ruin your day at the slopes. But that’s not the worst of it. Ill-fitting ski boots won’t properly stabilize your feet, putting you at risk for a fall and possibly causing a fracture or sprain.

With properly fitted boots, you’ll have full control over your skis so that you can make progress in practice and show off when it feels good. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of ski boot fitting and customization services at your local ski shop to ensure that you have the best possible ski season.

Snowboarding, like many other winter sports, requires a specific set of gear to be practiced properly. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the appropriate snowboarding gear will protect you and keep you warm. Keep reading for tips on choosing snowboarding gear near Westport.

Base Layers

Layering is important when dressing for a snowboarding trip as it ensures that you will be warm enough on the mountain but can peel some clothing off once your blood starts flowing. It’s critical to wear the right base layers because these stay in contact with your skin throughout the whole snowboarding experience. That’s why it’s best to choose moisture-wicking materials to keep your skin dry and comfortable. Start with thin moisture-wicking socks, tight-fitting long-underwear bottoms, and a snug long-sleeved long-underwear top.

Layers for Extra Warmth

Top your base layers off with additional clothing for extra warmth and comfort. Wear thick wool or synthetic socks over the thin ones, a thick fleece or warm sweater over your top, and, if it’s extremely cold, sweatpants over the long-underwear bottoms. Don’t forget to protect your ears and head with a beanie or torque made from a warm material such as polyester or fleece.

Outerwear

Your outerwear should be water resistant to prevent you from getting soggy in the snow. A water-resistant ski or snowboarding jacket and ski or snowboarding pants are recommended for the best experience. However, you can also try wearing a good winter jacket and normal snow pants, if necessary. Protect your hands from low temperatures and moisture with ski or snowboarding gloves, and keep your feet dry and warm with snowboard boots. You’ll need to protect your eyes, too—goggles are your best bet, but sunglasses can work in a pinch.

The Snowboard

Ready to get going? The last piece of snowboarding gear you’ll need is a snowboard with bindings. You can almost always rent a board if you’re at a popular destination. However, if you’re planning on making snowboarding your primary hobby, it’s not a bad idea to look at snowboards for sale and purchase one that’s a good fit for you.

Whether you are the owner of your own pair of skis or are planning on a ski rental for your upcoming excursion, it is very important to make sure that your skis do not suffer from a dry base. The bottom sides of your skis require routine waxing in order to remain properly protected from the damaging effects of snow. In addition, ski wax will help your skis glide effortlessly over the surface of the slopes. There are several signs that your ski base may be dry. For example, you may notice that the bottoms of your skis are lighter in color than usual. In addition, your skis may also feel strange or fuzzy to the touch. Fortunately, a ski shop serving Ridgefield will be able to help you care for your ski gear. With the help of a shop that specializes in ski repair , you will be able to get your skis in great condition for your upcoming slope session.