Thanks to the advancement of well-stocked and user-friendly rental shops in ski resorts world wide, it is no longer necessary to lug heavy and cumbersome ski equipment with us on our travels. Some skiers may opt to travel with their own ski boots, but overall travelling lighter and not being weighed down by ski hardware is appealing, and makes the need to purchase equipment over renting it far less needed than it once was. That said, there are still several items that should remain on the `purchase` list; be it pre-trip or at the rental shops (which will have a retail section). So – here are the top 5 pieces of ski equipment that you should buy instead of rent.
1. Base layer
I am yet to find a rental shop that will rent out base layers. As you can imagine, the reason for this is one of personal hygiene, and one that you will hear me repeat during this list. For your own comfort, preference, peace of mind and even protection – make sure that you have your own base layers. Skiing can surely get the heart rate up and I cannot imagine anyone would want wear clothes against their skin that others have exercised in.
There are lots of options available for base layers; merino wool is hard to beat with its warmth and breathability, though some synthetics are great too. Generally you get what you pay for, and the higher end thermals tend to have a longer life and offer superior warmth and comfort. If you choose to go with second hand thermals, make sure that they are from a friend or family member so you know who has worn them previously and with how much frequency. Do resist layering your regular clothes in a bid to create your own thermal layers as too many items and using materials such as cotton will have a counterproductive and uncomfortable effect. A good base layer will serve you just as well off of the slopes as they will do a much better job than your regular clothes in keeping you warm whilst walking around the resort and doing other snow activities; even walking to a restaurant or shop can make you cold very quickly.
2. Ski socks
Much the same as with the base layers, rental shops do not rent ski socks for hygiene reasons (and I imagine lack of demand)! You will be able to purchase these in the rentals shops or pre-trip if you would prefer. The key with finding good ski socks is the use of good materials, and again, the price can be an indicator of quality. It would be good to have several pairs as wearing the same socks for multiple days is not only unpleasant in terms of associated odour, but the bacteria will `set up camp` and actually eat away at your boot liners and socks! The ideal would be a pair for every day, with the next best being every other day. So, make sure you have a few pairs!
3. Gloves/mittens
Some places will rent gloves and mittens, and others wont. Hygiene is a factor (think sweaty hands), but personal preference and comfort are additional reasons why you would want to buy your own gloves or mittens. Ice cold or wet hands will surely ruin a day on the snow, so do some research on what is out there and what would suit you before you buy. Mittens are warmer than gloves, so anyone prone to poor circulation should be looking at mittens.
For those that are susceptible to cold fingers but miss the dexterity of gloves, then the `Lobster Mitten` offers a convenient solution as it keeps 3 fingers together, while the index finger and thumb are separate. Price often speaks volumes with finding good hand-wear, and cheaper items often offer poor insulation and do not stand up as well against the elements. Leather or Gore-Tex exteriors with wool or synthetic on the inside work well, and brands such as Hestra & Black Diamond offer excellent products. A good, well looked after pair of gloves or mittens will last years and keep your fingers warm and cosy.
4. Goggles
It is so important to protect your eyes on the slopes, as the light reflections off of the bright snow combined with the increased UV exposure that is found at higher altitudes, our eyes can get damaged quickly and easily. Aside from eye health, the use of goggles will improve our vision on the slopes – acting as powerful sunglasses on sunny days and a windshield on wet ones. They stop bright rays, harmful rays, snow, rain and wind from affecting our vision, and provide warmth and coverage on very cold days. It is possible to find places that will rent them, but you may not want to wear goggles that others have used (think sweat, nose drippings, facial hair in contact with the absorbent rim etc…).
The best option is to buy your own, and for once, there is no need to break the bank with this purchase – though you won’t be going wrong if you choose to go high-end. While most of the high end ones are excellent, there are also some great options for mid and low range budgets. Do make sure that what you choose has good UV protection and has either two lenses (one for bright days and the other for low visibility days) or is a good all rounder with one lens that performs well in all conditions. Also, try the goggles on a few times and make sure that they are a good fit for your face; it is not a fashion show after-all, and as long as they have good protection, work well in all conditions and are a good fit, you should be able to find some good goggles at a reasonable price.
5. Neck warmers/balaclavas
Neck-warmers and balaclavas are not essential items – in contrast to the previous 4 – but still good to consider if you are heading somewhere particularly cold or are a person that chills easily. While balaclavas are less popular among adults (great for sheltering most of your your face, ears, head and neck in adverse conditions and in providing extra warmth), neck warmers also add extra weather protection to your neck, chin and mouth and can be easily pocketed if it warms up. As an added bonus, they provide a layer between the chin strap of a helmet and your skin – which to some – can be irritating without. They are inexpensive and for many, go a long way to keeping them dry and warm on the slopes.
Nadine Robb is Owner and Instructor at Hakuba Ski Concierge. Hakuba Ski Concierge is a boutique ski school in Hakuba, Japan.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Nadine Robb is Owner and Instructor at Hakuba Ski Concierge. Hakuba Ski Concierge is a boutique ski school specialising in private ski lessons, snowboard lessons and resort guiding services. The first of it`s kind in Hakuba, Japan – guests have the freedom to manage their time how they see fit, and have a choice of ski resorts, onsens and local lunch spots to ensure that they get the very most out of Hakuba. Originally from the UK, Nadine has been in Japan for 10 years now, with time spent in Austria and Canada previously. Author to the children`s book `Joey`s First Ski Lesson`, Nadine is also a professional Ski and Snowboard Instructor, Wilderness First Responder and Swift Water Rescue Technician and mother of two.
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8 Comments
If you go skiing most years then the buy v rent question is a no-brainer. As long as you ski regularly you will soon more than get your money back if you buy. I haven’t rented anything for longer than I can remember.
I agree with you there Craig. That said, it is personal preference for owning and taking your own items such as the skis themselves & poles. Some people prefer to travel light and have the freedom to sample the latest on the market each year and be able to change skis depending on the how snow and weather conditions are. There are seasoned skiers out there that have a peace of mind in knowing what they are getting with their own skis each year – while others enjoy playing the part of ski connoisseur!
As there’s talk of The Beast from the East returning this winter then having your own base layer and gloves could be a clever investment. You may need them just for the commute to work.
Very true Ed; a good set of thermals is money well spent for living or visiting any cold climates. `Icebreaker` have long since been strong leaders in producing excellent thermals, and Columbia has also come out with some great products in recent years.
Makes sense that you’d want to buy a lot of these. Some things I’d be wanting my own for sake of hygiene like with base layers, and then with others like goggles or gloves you probably would need to shop around a bit to find the best style and fit for you rather than being limited in options if you rented somewhere. I know a few skiing fans who take a skiing holiday once a year or so and they all own a lot of their own gear. I think it’s good if you can get use from it at other times, too, like for just general use in the winter I think your base layers and gloves would probably come in handy.
Some great points Jen – thank you. As you said, you would definitely want to do your research and shop around to find the right goggles and gloves for you. That said, there is a big advantage to buying in the resort/at the rental shops over a general sports shop outside of a ski resort as the staff will likely have a greater and more in-depth knowledge of their tried and tested ski merchandise, and therefore be better positioned to inform and advise. On the other side though, buying in resort could be more pricey.
Leaving aside the cost factor, all of these items need to be comfortable. If you are comfortable you ski better and enjoy it more. Once I’ve got a par of goggles that are a snug fit I don’t want to use anything else.
I couldn`t agree more; the best thing you can do for your skiing – is be comfortable. In the absence of any discomfort distraction we can better focus on our surroundings, our skiing and our enjoyment!
There are lots of options available for base layers; merino wool is hard to beat with its warmth and breathability, though some synthetics are great too. Generally you get what you pay for, and the higher end thermals tend to have a longer life and offer superior warmth and comfort. If you choose to go with second hand thermals, make sure that they are from a friend or family member so you know who has worn them previously and with how much frequency. Do resist layering your regular clothes in a bid to create your own thermal layers as too many items and using materials such as cotton will have a counterproductive and uncomfortable effect. A good base layer will serve you just as well off of the slopes as they will do a much better job than your regular clothes in keeping you warm whilst walking around the resort and doing other snow activities; even walking to a restaurant or shop can make you cold very quickly.
2. Ski socks
Much the same as with the base layers, rental shops do not rent ski socks for hygiene reasons (and I imagine lack of demand)! You will be able to purchase these in the rentals shops or pre-trip if you would prefer. The key with finding good ski socks is the use of good materials, and again, the price can be an indicator of quality. It would be good to have several pairs as wearing the same socks for multiple days is not only unpleasant in terms of associated odour, but the bacteria will `set up camp` and actually eat away at your boot liners and socks! The ideal would be a pair for every day, with the next best being every other day. So, make sure you have a few pairs!
3. Gloves/mittens
Some places will rent gloves and mittens, and others wont. Hygiene is a factor (think sweaty hands), but personal preference and comfort are additional reasons why you would want to buy your own gloves or mittens. Ice cold or wet hands will surely ruin a day on the snow, so do some research on what is out there and what would suit you before you buy. Mittens are warmer than gloves, so anyone prone to poor circulation should be looking at mittens.
There are lots of options available for base layers; merino wool is hard to beat with its warmth and breathability, though some synthetics are great too. Generally you get what you pay for, and the higher end thermals tend to have a longer life and offer superior warmth and comfort. If you choose to go with second hand thermals, make sure that they are from a friend or family member so you know who has worn them previously and with how much frequency. Do resist layering your regular clothes in a bid to create your own thermal layers as too many items and using materials such as cotton will have a counterproductive and uncomfortable effect. A good base layer will serve you just as well off of the slopes as they will do a much better job than your regular clothes in keeping you warm whilst walking around the resort and doing other snow activities; even walking to a restaurant or shop can make you cold very quickly.
2. Ski socks
Much the same as with the base layers, rental shops do not rent ski socks for hygiene reasons (and I imagine lack of demand)! You will be able to purchase these in the rentals shops or pre-trip if you would prefer. The key with finding good ski socks is the use of good materials, and again, the price can be an indicator of quality. It would be good to have several pairs as wearing the same socks for multiple days is not only unpleasant in terms of associated odour, but the bacteria will `set up camp` and actually eat away at your boot liners and socks! The ideal would be a pair for every day, with the next best being every other day. So, make sure you have a few pairs!
3. Gloves/mittens
Some places will rent gloves and mittens, and others wont. Hygiene is a factor (think sweaty hands), but personal preference and comfort are additional reasons why you would want to buy your own gloves or mittens. Ice cold or wet hands will surely ruin a day on the snow, so do some research on what is out there and what would suit you before you buy. Mittens are warmer than gloves, so anyone prone to poor circulation should be looking at mittens.
For those that are susceptible to cold fingers but miss the dexterity of gloves, then the `Lobster Mitten` offers a convenient solution as it keeps 3 fingers together, while the index finger and thumb are separate. Price often speaks volumes with finding good hand-wear, and cheaper items often offer poor insulation and do not stand up as well against the elements. Leather or Gore-Tex exteriors with wool or synthetic on the inside work well, and brands such as Hestra & Black Diamond offer excellent products. A good, well looked after pair of gloves or mittens will last years and keep your fingers warm and cosy.
4. Goggles
It is so important to protect your eyes on the slopes, as the light reflections off of the bright snow combined with the increased UV exposure that is found at higher altitudes, our eyes can get damaged quickly and easily. Aside from eye health, the use of goggles will improve our vision on the slopes – acting as powerful sunglasses on sunny days and a windshield on wet ones. They stop bright rays, harmful rays, snow, rain and wind from affecting our vision, and provide warmth and coverage on very cold days. It is possible to find places that will rent them, but you may not want to wear goggles that others have used (think sweat, nose drippings, facial hair in contact with the absorbent rim etc…).
The best option is to buy your own, and for once, there is no need to break the bank with this purchase – though you won’t be going wrong if you choose to go high-end. While most of the high end ones are excellent, there are also some great options for mid and low range budgets. Do make sure that what you choose has good UV protection and has either two lenses (one for bright days and the other for low visibility days) or is a good all rounder with one lens that performs well in all conditions. Also, try the goggles on a few times and make sure that they are a good fit for your face; it is not a fashion show after-all, and as long as they have good protection, work well in all conditions and are a good fit, you should be able to find some good goggles at a reasonable price.
5. Neck warmers/balaclavas
Neck-warmers and balaclavas are not essential items – in contrast to the previous 4 – but still good to consider if you are heading somewhere particularly cold or are a person that chills easily. While balaclavas are less popular among adults (great for sheltering most of your your face, ears, head and neck in adverse conditions and in providing extra warmth), neck warmers also add extra weather protection to your neck, chin and mouth and can be easily pocketed if it warms up. As an added bonus, they provide a layer between the chin strap of a helmet and your skin – which to some – can be irritating without. They are inexpensive and for many, go a long way to keeping them dry and warm on the slopes.
Nadine Robb is Owner and Instructor at Hakuba Ski Concierge. Hakuba Ski Concierge is a boutique ski school in Hakuba, Japan.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
If you go skiing most years then the buy v rent question is a no-brainer. As long as you ski regularly you will soon more than get your money back if you buy. I haven’t rented anything for longer than I can remember.
I agree with you there Craig. That said, it is personal preference for owning and taking your own items such as the skis themselves & poles. Some people prefer to travel light and have the freedom to sample the latest on the market each year and be able to change skis depending on the how snow and weather conditions are. There are seasoned skiers out there that have a peace of mind in knowing what they are getting with their own skis each year – while others enjoy playing the part of ski connoisseur!
As there’s talk of The Beast from the East returning this winter then having your own base layer and gloves could be a clever investment. You may need them just for the commute to work.
Very true Ed; a good set of thermals is money well spent for living or visiting any cold climates. `Icebreaker` have long since been strong leaders in producing excellent thermals, and Columbia has also come out with some great products in recent years.
Makes sense that you’d want to buy a lot of these. Some things I’d be wanting my own for sake of hygiene like with base layers, and then with others like goggles or gloves you probably would need to shop around a bit to find the best style and fit for you rather than being limited in options if you rented somewhere. I know a few skiing fans who take a skiing holiday once a year or so and they all own a lot of their own gear. I think it’s good if you can get use from it at other times, too, like for just general use in the winter I think your base layers and gloves would probably come in handy.
Some great points Jen – thank you. As you said, you would definitely want to do your research and shop around to find the right goggles and gloves for you. That said, there is a big advantage to buying in the resort/at the rental shops over a general sports shop outside of a ski resort as the staff will likely have a greater and more in-depth knowledge of their tried and tested ski merchandise, and therefore be better positioned to inform and advise. On the other side though, buying in resort could be more pricey.
Leaving aside the cost factor, all of these items need to be comfortable. If you are comfortable you ski better and enjoy it more. Once I’ve got a par of goggles that are a snug fit I don’t want to use anything else.
I couldn`t agree more; the best thing you can do for your skiing – is be comfortable. In the absence of any discomfort distraction we can better focus on our surroundings, our skiing and our enjoyment!