Benefits of Buying the Proper Ski Equipment for Your Next Snowy Adventure

Winter sports are one of the best ways to get rid of the winter blues, get some solid exercise and boost your immune system. While most people would prefer cozying up on the couch with some tea and binge-watch The Office for the 4th time, it’s not something that’s as productive for your physical and mental health. If you’re contemplating whether you should join the fun on Australia’s mountain slopes, here are the first things that you’ll need to figure out.

Renting vs. Buying Equipment

One of the biggest factors that turn people away from winter sports is the cost of the snowboard and ski equipments. Buying everything you need for such an adventure can cost up to a few thousand dollars (depending on the quality of the equipment you buy), and renting can also be costly. While most rental stores will offer discounts for renting ski hardware for more days, the prices will still rack up.

You might be wondering ‘how much is it to rent ski equipment?’ Well, that depends on the rental store, but generally, it will cost you about 100-150$ to get everything you need for a day, including a snowboard or skis, jacket, pants, boots, a helmet and gloves. And while it may make perfect sense to rent everything the first time you hit the mountain, you can’t keep doing it repeatedly, especially if you intend on participating in snow sports a few times a year.

How to Buy Ski Equipment for Beginner?

The first step to buying snowboard or ski equipments is to set a budget for yourself. Make sure you stick to that number as shopping for skiing gear can quickly become a slippery slope and you might end up spending a few thousand dollars before you even know it.

Skis and Snowboards

You’ll spend the biggest chunk of money from your budget on a pair of skis or snowboard. The ideal models for you will depend on the type of terrain you intend to ride on. But since you’re probably just starting out with this hobby, you’ll probably be best suited with all-mountain skis or snowboard, as they’re great for most slopes. Refer to an online sizing chart to make sure you get the appropriate size of skis or board.

Boots

The most important thing when buying ski and snow boots is to make sure they are the right fit. If possible, see a professional boot fitter, so that they can analyze your feet to find the best possible solution for you. Ski and snowboard boots are typically made of a hard plastic shell and feature a foam liner to cushion your feet. Quality boots in the right fit should be your first investment when you’re buying your own equipment.

Helmet and Goggles

Wearing a helmet is an absolute must. Snowsports can be dangerous, and as a beginner, expect to fall down a lot. Helmets reduce the chances of head injuries by about 30-50%, and they can make a world of difference when it comes to your safety. Goggles are also important as they help you see at higher altitudes where UV rays are intense and bounce off the snow. There’s a phenomenon known as ‘snow blindness’ that can disorientate you and may cause some serious falls.

Base and Mid Layers

The best base layers are made of wool or synthetic fabrics. Depending on the other pieces of clothing and the conditions you’re going to snow or ski in, heavy-weight or mid-weight base layers would suffice. The base layers should also have moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable and dry. The mid-layer, on the other hand, should have decent insulation to keep your body’s warmth from escaping, and to prevent the elements from getting to you.

Outer Layers

The outer layer consists of your pants and jacket that serve to protect you from the elements. It goes without saying that they need to be water-resistant and properly insulated. The amount of insulation you need will depend on what you’re wearing underneath them (the mid and base layer). Both the jacket and the pants shouldn’t be constricting, and they’re available as insulated or just with a shell. I prefer having a bunch of pockets on both the jacket and the pants, just so I can store some of the personal belongings that I need safely.

Gloves

Your gloves can make a great difference between having fun and being cold and miserable on the slopes. Frostbite is no joke, which means they’re also extremely important for your safety. Buy gloves that are completely water-resistant, fit your hands snuggly, but don’t limit your hands’ dexterity.