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.

When John and Susan Alberino started New Canaan Ski & Sport in 1976, they had one goal in mind: To provide the highest level of customer service while offering the finest outdoor products available. In 2012, John and Susan closed the doors in New Canaan and passed the torch on to their children, Pam and Gio, who opened a new location in Westport. The good news is that you’ll continue to find the same tradition, quality, and service at Ski & Sport of Westport that kept New Canaan Ski & Sport in business for nearly four decades.

Pam, Gio, and the entire team at Ski & Sport of Westport live for the outdoors. No matter what winter sports you’re into, you can find what you’re looking for at Ski & Sport of Westport. The shop offers high quality apparel, gear, and equipment from some of the leading ski and snowboarding brands in the world, including many European brands.

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.

Whether you are personally into skis or snowboards in Westport , snowy mountains have something for everyone. Winter sports like these can be incredibly exciting and are also a terrific full-body workout. Watch this video clip for a few tips for learning to ski.

If you are a beginner, start by visiting a ski shop in Westport and have a professional determine what type of skis you need and how long they should be. You will also need poles, boots, and bindings. Fortunately, all of these products can be rented. Be sure to dress warm; this includes a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a warm, waterproof jacket. Walk around and get comfortable in your ski gear before tackling the smallest hill you can find. Position your skis perpendicular to the hill when you reach the top, and hit the slope when you are ready.

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.

Whether you have lost your old ones or simply grown out of them, you may find yourself needing a new set of skis in Westport before you can hit the slopes. Maybe you are completely new to snow sports and have never owned your own ski apparel in the first place. Keep reading to take a look at the steps of purchasing new skis to get exactly what you need to carve the mountains.

Preliminary Research
There are many different resources that you can look towards when you need new skis. You can look in magazines and other print publications, talk to fellow skiers about their preferences, or consult the countless opinions that are waiting to be heard on the Internet. Start by identifying the type of skis you want and looking into a ski gear website. Although websites where you can purchase new skis will be designed to convince you to do just that, they may also have personal reviews from customers who have bought these skis or similar skis in the past. This can help you get an idea of what kind of experience you may have with this particular set of skis.

Think About Ski Length
The length of your skis can impact their performance, and thus varying lengths are appropriate for different conditions. Shorter skis are fit for narrow trails, while longer skis are more suitable for wider, Western trails.

Visit Local Shops
Once you have talked to your friends, looked into magazines, and scoured the Internet to get an idea of what kind of skis you want, head to a local shop. The employees at that establishment should be able to point you in the right direction as well as answer any questions that you may have about the products they sell. Do not be afraid to ask questions; it is their job to answer them, and you can use their expertise to make sure you ultimately make the right decision. Even if you have your heart set on a particular set of skis, an employee may help you understand why a different set would be better for your needs.

Ski boots can be uncomfortable and downright painful if they aren’t used properly. They can also cause discomfort as they become loose throughout the day. To maintain a good fit in your ski boots after multiple runs, place the power strap beneath the top buckle to hold the tongue against your shin, prevent shin bang, and keep each boot tight. Watch this video to learn more about other micro-adjustments you can make to maintain a good fit in your ski boots.

If your ski boots aren’t fitting properly, stop by a pro shop in Westport and browse for new boots that will keep you comfortable all season long. While you’re buying new boots, look for other ski equipment and ski gear that can enhance your runs down the mountain.

Whether you’re a serious skier or a casual winter sports enthusiast, keeping your skis in top condition is a must. One of the most important things you can do to enhance your experience on the slopes is to keep your skis waxed. There is no such thing as waxing your skis too much, or too often. However, all the wax in the world won’t make much difference if your bases are gouged and your edges are dull. To get the best performance out of your ski, drop them off at a ski shop in Westport for professional tuning and waxing. Here are a few reasons why.

Skis Dry Out
If you didn’t put storage wax on your skis at the end of last season, the bases have probably dried out by now. How do you know if your skies have dried out? Besides dragging down the mountain, look for bases that are discolored, white, or chalky looking. Dried out skis will run poorly, so bring them in for a hot scrape and wax to get your season started off right.

Edges Can Rust
Wax keeps your skis moist, but they also protect the edges from moisture. Excess moisture can cause the edges to rust, which can cause all sorts of performance and ride problems on the slopes. Rusty edges are also more prone to ding and chip, which can cause your skis to catch awkwardly or skid unexpectedly. Keep your skis well waxed so you’ll always be ready to speed down the mountain.

Waxed Skis are More Fun
More than anything, well-tuned and properly waxed skis are just more fun! Wax makes your skis hydrophobic, or water resistant. The more hydrophobic your skis, the faster they will be down the slopes. Keeping your skis waxed will also make them easier to make smoother turns.