Your first day on skis, you probably got outfitted in some ancient rental gear or hand-me-down skis and boots, which smelled like a musty attic and didn鈥檛 fit right. It鈥檚 no wonder the sport seemed hard at first鈥攐ld, used, or ill-fitting gear can put you at a disadvantage from the start. Once you鈥檝e conquered the green circle runs and you鈥檙e determined to stick with the sport of skiing, it鈥檚 time to invest in proper equipment.
Here are eight must-own items of gear that will not only help you become a better skier, but help you look smart and feel good in the process:
Atomic Nomad Smoke Ti Skis and XTO 12 Bindings ($600)
For your first ski setup, choose a ski and binding system (meaning bindings are sold with the skis), to simplify the process. We like Atomic鈥檚 , a forgiving, 76-millimeter-waisted ski built for mellow cruising on groomers, which comes with Atomic鈥檚 XTO 12 bindings. This ski won鈥檛 hold you back on the bunny slopes. Its soft foam core comes stacked with two sheets of metal for ideal durability and a subtle tip rocker helps the ski float in soft snow.
Dalbello Aspect 80 Boot ($250)
The most important piece of equipment you鈥檒l buy is the boot, so make sure it fits right. Dalbello鈥檚 聽comes with a high-comfort foam liner that can be heat-molded for a custom fit. With only three buckles instead of the standard four, the boot鈥檚 shell feels lightweight and not overly stiff, making it perfect for new skiers on the rise. Flip into walk mode for an easier time tromping through the parking lot.
Scott 720 Ski Pole ($75)
The qualities you want in a ski pole: lightweight, durable, and nothing fancy. The 聽is exactly that, thanks to an aluminum alloy shaft that鈥檚 as light as a pencil but won鈥檛 break when you click your pole against the chairlift. Rubber grips provide a secure hold, and big, 3.6-inch pole baskets won鈥檛 sink in deep snow. Check a pole size chart to find the right length for your height.
Giro Nine.10 Helmet and Focus Goggles ($100 and $40)
Avoid the dreaded goggle gap鈥攖hat patch of exposed forehead between your goggles and helmet, a true sign of a rookie skier鈥攂y purchasing goggles and a helmet from the same brand, so they fit seamlessly together. The Giro , a sleek helmet that鈥檒l protect your head without draining your wallet, has an adjustable fit and ample venting, and the no-frills Giro 聽come with an anti-fog coating on the lens.
Mountain Hardwear Sluice Jacket ($235)
A warm, waterproof ski jacket is an integral part of staying out on the slopes longer, which you鈥檒l want to do if you plan on advancing to those expert runs. Try Mountain Hardwear鈥檚 , a two-layer nylon shell built for out-all-day skiing. Ultra waterproof and breathable exterior fabric keeps you dry, while plenty of zippered pockets store your phone and other gadgets. A slim fit means you may want to bump up a size if you plan on layering underneath.
The North Face Freedom Pants ($140)
You want stretchy, high-mobility ski pants that won鈥檛 feel restrictive when you鈥檙e learning to carve a turn. The North Face鈥檚 聽have a relaxed fit and adjustable waist tabs if you eat too many chicken wings at apr猫s ski. Waterproof, two-layer exterior nylon and fully taped seams keep you dry in a storm and a zippered cargo pocket on the thigh stores a trail map so you won鈥檛 get lost. Working up a sweat? Mesh-lined inner thigh vents prevent overheating.
Pow XG Long Glove ($45)
Cold hands are a skier鈥檚 worst enemy, so invest in a warm pair of gloves. Like Pow鈥檚 , an affordable nylon glove with a micro-fleece liner and 100 grams of toasty Thinsulate insulation. The glove鈥檚 gauntlet wraps over your jacket鈥檚 cuffs to keep snow out and the outer fabric is pre-treated with a durable water repellent to keep your digits dry. Bonus: The thumb comes outfitted with a plastic squeegee for wiping your goggles clear of snow and sleet.