What do you need to take, and what’s a good idea?

OK, so you've booked your trip, you've got your passport, travellers cheques and some cash. You've had your skis serviced, and now it's time to check you've got all the right gear. This is not just so you look good on the slopes, but so you stay warm, dry and safe.

A £6 pair of gloves may be fine for a snowball fight in your back garden, but they're not suitable for a day's skiing at -10C or lower, equally, spending £60 on gloves may be throwing money down the drain.

Needed:

1. Ski suit, or jacket and salopettes/trousers
2. Ski hat(s) – Turtle Fur or similar
3. Sun cream or sun block
4. Lip balm
5. Goggles for bad weather, glasses for good
6. Ski polo necks
7. Ski socks
8. Ski gloves
9. Lift pass holder

Needed in North America:

1. Thermal Layer (preferable silk)
2. High quality thermal gloves
3. Face Mask
4. Balaclava

Good Idea:

1. Helmet
2. Hair band
3. Ski ties
4. Sun glasses strap
5. Day bag/rucksack

Options:

1. Skis/Board/Blades
2. Boots
3. Foot beds
4. Ski box or bag
5. Luggage with boot compartment or separate boot bag

© 24/05/2001 Topping Leisure