Whether you are new to skiing and snowboarding or you’ve been hitting the slopes for years, it’s important to outfit yourself with the proper gear. You’ll need the right ski apparel as well as quality boots, goggles, a helmet, and skis or a snowboard. Snow sport fashion has changed a great deal over the years, as the wool and flannel ski trousers of the past have given way to technologically-advanced waterproof and breathable materials. Equipment has also evolved, with boots becoming more flexible and comfortable, offering you better control of your skis or snowboard. Take a look at this infographic from a ski store in Westport to learn more about the evolution of style in clothing and gear on the slopes. Please share with your friends and family, and start planning your next day on the slopes!

Choosing the right ski outfit is about a lot more than looking good; it’s about staying warm, staying comfortable, and staying safe. If you aren’t sure what to wear on the slopes, you can visit a ski store in Westport and talk to an expert about ski gear and apparel. These tips will also help get you started so you can choose the best outfit to make the most out of your day.

Dress in Layers
One of the best things you can do to stay comfortable while skiing is to dress in layers. You want to be able to remove insulating layers as temperatures rise and add layers when it gets colder outside. The three components of a layered ski outfit are the base layer, the mid layer, and the outer layer. It’s important that the base layer (the layer right next to your skin) is made of a wicking material to draw sweat away from your skin to keep you warm and dry.

Wear Bright Colors
Regardless of your talents and abilities, skiing can be a dangerous sport. Accidents do happen, so it’s important that you wear bright colors in case search and rescue crews need to locate you on the mountain. Bright colors will also help you stand out so other skiers and snowboarders can avoid you while speeding downhill.

Wear Ski-Specific Gear
If you wear clothing that isn’t designed to handle the rigors and demands of winter sports, you may find yourself very uncomfortable and wishing the day would be over already. Ski-specific gear is not only well insulated and water resistant but also typically comes with special features that will help you get even more out of your day, including MP3 player storage so you can enjoy your favorite tunes while enjoying your favorite runs.

The ski season is essentially over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy yourself new gear for the following winter season. And with the end of the season approaching, you may be able to find great deals on ski apparel and equipment at your local ski store in Westport. If the time has come to upgrade or replace your old ski jacket, these tips will help you choose the best jacket for your needs and preferences.

Consider Where You Ski
Before you buy a new ski jacket, carefully consider the climate(s) you normally ski in. If you frequently ski in colder climates such as the Canadian Rockies, you will want to buy a jacket with more insulation and wind resistance to keep you warm on the slopes. For more temperate climates, look for a ski jacket with lots of ventilation or a 3-in-1 jacket with removable insulation layers. The moisture and type of snow is also important. If you are skiing in a moist climate, consider getting a jacket with a higher water resistance. Your Westport ski store can also apply a water-resistant finish to your new jacket.

Consider How You Ski
The type of skiing you do is just as important as where you ski, at least when it comes to selecting a new ski jacket. For starters, how you ski will help you choose between a hardshell and insulated jacket. Hardshells are lighter, more versatile, and more technical jackets that are typically used for high-output activities such as backcountry skiing. Insulated jackets, on the other hand, are made specifically for keeping you warm while riding the lifts and shredding downhill. Insulated jackets are typically more popular than hardshells, which is why you can often find these jackets with “user-friendly” features like goggle pockets, pass pockets, and powder skirts.

As exhilarating as skiing and snowboarding in Westport can be, these sports can also be very dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. One of these essential precautions is the proper choice in ski apparel. Continue on if you would like to take a look at the factors to consider when choosing ski goggles, one of the most important pieces of apparel in the snow sports enthusiast’s arsenal.

Lens
There are several different components to a pair of ski goggles , and each serves its own unique purpose. The lens helps to protect your eyes from the light reflected from snow and ice. Many skiers find this light reflection uncomfortable or mildly painful, and too much UV exposure can be harmful. Ski goggles also exaggerate contrast so that you can see the hills, bumps, or obstacles that you are coming up on. Rose and yellow orange are popular choices for contrast enhancement in ski goggles. You can also find polarized lenses in brown and gray for a sporty, stylish look.

Design and Comfort
Ski goggles are often comprised of materials like rubber, nylon, and propionate, all of which resist becoming brittle and reliably hold their shape. In addition, they will not typically injure your face should you be involved in a collision. Ski goggles with side shields can keep snow away from your eyes, and most goggles in general can be securely attached to your head courtesy of a thick strap. It always helps to find a ski and snowboard shop in Westport so you can try on different goggles until you find the perfect pair.

Ventilation
Your goggles need ventilation to combat the condensation that may form when warm body air comes into contact with cold outdoor air. Many goggles sport coatings that protect the lenses from fogging or feature vents all around the goggles that facilitate airflow. Keep in mind that a bunch of vents in your ski goggles may cause your face to feel a bit chilly.

Once you have gathered your goggles, helmet, boots, and skis, it’s time to round out your ski gear with the perfect outfit. Fortunately when it comes to ski apparel , you do not have to sacrifice fashion for function.

Stop by a ski shop in Westport and take a look at their apparel options; you will need multiple layers of clothing in order to stay adequately warm, and you will need other components to keep you safe. Thermal shirts and underwear pants can retain your body heat, especially when tucked into thick, warm socks. You should then put another long sleeve shirt over that to focus on your chest area. Find a ski jacket that is not too large but not to small that it is restrictive. Next, look for a stylish pair of ski pants that can fit over your boots and protect your skin from wind and snow. You will need both waterproof gloves and sturdy goggles for protection; the former helps your fingers resist frostbite, and the latter protects your eyes from ultraviolet rays.

If you are excited about hitting the slopes this winter, it is important to stock up on the right equipment for all of your needs. Keep reading for some tips on choosing ski boots that are comfortable and supportive enough to enhance your time on the slopes:

Choose the Right Store
Whenever you buy ski equipment, it is important to shop at a store that has a knowledgeable staff that can help you find what you need. Whether you are new to the sport or you have been skiing your whole life, a helpful staff is there to guide you toward the clothing and equipment that you need to be prepared for your time on the slops. Choose the right store that has the selection and the customer service that you need to find exactly what you want.

Try a Few Different Styles and Sizes
The only way to decide what is truly comfortable for you is to try out a few different kinds of ski boots. Work with the staff at the store to narrow down your selection and start compiling some boots for you to try. As you try on different styles, you can determine which ones feel the most comfortable and which ones do not work for you.

Close them Completely
You cannot accurately gauge how ski boots near Westport will work unless you close them all the way. Ask the store staff for help with the cuff clips and the toe clips so you can get the best idea about whether or not the boots will meet your needs.

Shop to Your Ability
There are different ski boots available for people of different ski abilities. It is important to choose boots that meet your ability so they give you the support you need to help you do your best on your slopes. Be honest about how well you ski so you can choose the perfect boots.

Each individual piece of ski equipment that you choose will have an impact on your comfort, control, and enjoyment while skiing. Even the type of ski socks that you choose will make an enormous difference. To learn more about why ski socks matter when trying on ski boots, watch this video clip. And for the highest quality ski socks and other ski equipment near Westport , visit Ski & Sport of Westport before you hit the slopes this season.

Feet are always perspiring, so it’s best to put on a clean pair of socks right before you try on your ski boots. Even slightly worn socks will adversely affect the way your ski boots fit and feel. Dry socks, on the other hand, will allow you to accurately compare the fit of several different ski boots.

It’s not always easy choosing the right ski gear to bring to the slopes this season. The ideal ski gear will be lightweight, comfortable, suited to the climate, and easily adjustable. To shop from a great selection of high quality ski equipment in Westport , read this article.

Socks
Thin, warm socks are ideal for skiing. Look for skiing socks, which are made from a wool and silk mixture, from a reputable ski equipment store. Thin shocks allow you to feel the sole of your ski boot better than thick socks, resulting in superior control. Be sure that only socks go inside your ski boots, as extra layers can cut off circulation and desensitize nerves.

Boots
Ski boots are the most important item of ski gear to invest in. A good pair of ski boots will give you better control over your skis and enhance your comfort. Your ski boots should fit firmly, but not so tight that they cut off circulation or press against your nerves. Get your ski boots professionally fitted at a ski equipment shop.

Outerwear
Wear waterproof pants to avoid being wet, cold, and miserable on your next ski trip. Your jacket doesn’t need to be waterproof if you ski in a drier climate in Utah or Colorado, but should be waterproof if the climate is wetter. In any case, your ski jacket must be windproof—otherwise you could be cold on the ski lift and when you pick up speed on the slopes.

Underwear
Thermal underwear is ideal for skiing. You should wear it on the slopes even when it’s warm, as it is very effective at removing moisture from your skin. Avoid wearing thermal underwear made from cotton, as this holds moisture and can make you cold. Look for thin thermal underwear at your local ski equipment store.