"Winter snow, snow, winter, lesser and greater cold"—the Twenty-Four Solar Terms song sings of the deep chill of this winter. December 7 marks the start of the Major Snow solar term. At this time of year, the passion to frolic in the snowy wilderness ignites once again, making skiing a top choice.
Skiing is a somewhat risky sport, but when safety measures are in place, protective gear is complete, and ski discipline is followed, the risk is not high. Change into your ski suit, grab your skis, hop on the cable car, reach the mountaintop, and glide freely across the vast snowy expanse... Feel the snow beneath your feet as you dance with the wind, and occasionally strike a few pro poses to earn admiring glances from those around you. Skiing is truly a cool and eye-catching sport.
Skis + Bindings: The First Line of Defense for Safe Skiing
Ski Boots + Goggles: Essential Gear You Must Have
If you're trying skiing for the first time, you can certainly rent equipment from the ski resort to give it a go. But if you're planning to become a skiing enthusiast or even an addict, renting gear is clearly not the best option—not only is it unhygienic, but it also lacks customization. Reporters found during market visits that an increasing number of skiing enthusiasts in Spring City are willing to invest in their own exclusive ski gear, which has directly driven the popularity of ski equipment sales. So what essential ski gear do beginners need? What kind of gear is more practical and suitable? Let’s take a look at expert tips from major Changchun malls and outdoor sports brands like Arc'teryx, Columbia, and Jack Wolfskin!
Skis + Bindings
The First Line of Defense for Safe Skiing
“Skiing actually demands quite high professionalism in terms of gear. In recent years, the skiing atmosphere in Changchun has grown stronger, and enthusiasts have become more skilled, driving annual sales growth of ski equipment by 20%–30%,” a manager from Changchun Xueyou Outdoor told reporters. There are many types of ski shapes, but beginners are recommended to use traditional shapes, which are adaptable and suitable for both novices and pros. Models priced between 2,000 and 5,000 yuan can meet the needs of beginner skiers.
As the component connecting ski boots and skis, bindings are also very popular. According to Coach Wang from Lianhuashan Ski Resort, beginners are better off using slightly stiffer bindings, which ensure proper form and prevent excessive fatigue while skiing. Additionally, Coach Wang suggests that beginners have a professional adjust the bindings to fit their body type and habits before hitting the slopes for added safety.
Ski Boots + Goggles
Essential Gear You Must Have
Good soles and comfortable inner boot liners not only ensure foot comfort and warmth but also evenly distribute body weight and leg power through the soles to the skis, providing excellent shock absorption. When it comes to choosing the right ski boots, a Columbia brand salesperson said, “Beginner skiers are better off with higher-hardness boots that offer stronger foot support, aiding in smoother skiing. The best-selling ski boots this winter are those with a heat circulation system, mostly priced between 2,000 and 4,000 yuan.”
Mr. Zhang, a resident of Changchun, was picking out ski goggles at a Columbia store. “I go skiing several times every winter, but I’ve noticed that the proportion of visitors wearing goggles at ski resorts is still very low, which is quite unhealthy and unsafe,” Mr. Zhang said. He shared that in his skiing group, two or three enthusiasts suffered from snow blindness, swollen eyelids, and short-term vision impairment due to prolonged exposure to the bright snow without goggles.
Reporter Yu Qian’ao, New Culture News
Taking Kids Skiing
Don’t Forget Full Protective Gear
Also, Ensure Underwear Has Good Moisture-Wicking Properties
Skiing has now become a popular winter parent-child activity. With the continuous heavy snowfall in Spring City over the past week, are trendy moms and dads feeling even more eager to plan an “icy-cool” skiing trip with their kids?
A children’s ski coach at Changchun’s Lianhuashan Ski Resort told reporters that for parent-child activities, safety always comes first. Before heading out, be sure to prepare complete and suitable ski gear for your child to ensure their safety and health.
“Since winter began, compared to adult ski gear, children’s ski wear and protective equipment have sold better, especially essential safety gear like helmets, knee pads, ski goggles, and ski gloves,” a salesperson at Decathlon’s outdoor goods store in Wanda Plaza on Hongqi Street said. In preparing for skiing, parents should not only equip their children with full protective gear but also ensure it is worn correctly and choose suitable ski equipment. For example, helmets that are too big or too small may fail to protect the child in dangerous situations and could even cause injury.
Mr. Zhou, a resident of Changchun and a skiing novice, plans to take his daughter skiing in Jingyue this weekend and admits to feeling “a lot of pressure.” He said, “My wife is particularly worried about me taking our child out. We’ve bought a bunch of professional ski gear and plenty of warm clothes, but I think moderately warm clothing is enough—too much might make the child clumsy.” A Nike Kids brand salesperson at Eurasia Business City recommends that parents prepare moisture-wicking, close-fitting underwear with good thermal properties for their skiing children.
Reporter Yu Qian’ao, New Culture News
Did You Know? Ski Jackets Come in Competition and Recreational Styles
Beginners Are Better Off with One-Piece Ski Jackets—Very Practical
Recently, reporters visited the outdoor sports sections of malls such as Eurasia Mall, Eurasia Commercial Chain-Chabei Store, Guoshang Department Store, and Changbai Building, and learned that more and more domestic and international outdoor apparel brands are launching ski jackets, competing in both professional performance and style.
Lightweight + Stylish
Bright Colors That Catch the Eye
Windproof, waterproof, breathable, and warm... When it comes to ski jackets, these professional features are especially important. But this winter, a new highlight has emerged in the design of ski jackets from major outdoor brands—lightweight construction.
A relevant brand representative from Colombia told reporters: “The Titanium series of down jackets and skiwear are relatively high-end products this season. The clothing uses highly wear-resistant fabric with a three-dimensional cutting design that fits the body’s contours more closely.”
The reporter observed that besides the everyday practical black and gray color schemes, most consumers tend to prefer brighter colors when choosing skiwear. This year, major outdoor brands have launched a variety of styles featuring plaid, floral prints, color-blocking, geometric patterns, etc., blending casual wear with a sense of fashion. Prices generally range from 2,000 yuan to over 10,000 yuan. In addition, many celebrity-endorsed items have become bestsellers, with numerous “fan-following” consumers even making special trips to purchase them.
Ms. Zhang, a resident of Changchun who was picking out skiwear at The North Face, said: “Next week, some friends from the south are coming to visit and specifically asked to come skiing in our great Northeast. Last year I didn’t buy any skiwear and went in a down jacket instead. Not only was I freezing cold, but I also felt like I had ruined the jacket from all the falls. So this year I made a point to pick out a proper set so I can go skiing with my friends more often in the future.”
Safety + Practicality
Beginners should opt for one-piece skiwear
Skiwear is generally divided into competition suits and leisure suits. Competition suits are designed according to the characteristics of specific events, focusing on improving athletic performance; whereas leisure suits emphasize warmth, aesthetics, comfort, and practicality.
A representative from the “Frozen” themed area at the Eurasia Mall Ski Resort introduced that beginners are more likely to fall, so it’s best to choose a one-piece skiwear. This not only prevents snow from getting inside through the ankles, wrists, or collar, but also avoids the loose hem of regular clothing affecting the skiing motion.
“It’s right for friends to wear thick clothing for warmth while skiing, but it’s best not to wear pure cotton clothes. Casual wear or jeans made of pure cotton offer neither windproof nor waterproof protection. If you fall and sit on the snow, your inner clothes may get soaked, which can be quite uncomfortable.”
Mr. Wang, a resident of Changchun who is passionate about skiing, suggests that first-time skiers or those who just want an occasional experience might consider renting a set of skiwear at the resort. These are typically windproof, waterproof, snowproof, and more breathable.
Reporter Yu Qian’ao, New Culture News