It’s ski season again, and many people are no longer satisfied with renting gear at the resort—they now want their own dedicated ski equipment.
1. Ski Jacket: Many assume you should wear a lot of layers when skiing to avoid getting cold. A proper ski jacket should be lightweight, warm, windproof, and snowproof, while also fitting snugly, allowing freedom of movement, and minimizing wind resistance.
2. Ski Underwear: Professional ski underwear is made from synthetic fibers—it fits close to the body, is stretchy, and most importantly, breathable, allowing sweat molecules to escape. If your budget allows, opt for one made from polypropylene, an advanced international material whose inner layer features unidirectional moisture-wicking synthetic fabric that doesn’t absorb water, while the outer layer is cotton, which traps sweat on the cotton surface.
3. Ski Board: These generally fall into categories such as alpine boards, cross-country biathlon boards, jump boards, freestyle boards, and snowboards. When choosing a ski board length, the maximum should not exceed the height of your wrist when your arm is raised overhead, and the minimum should not be shorter than your hip height.
4. Bindings: Also called release bindings, these are a crucial component connecting the ski board and ski boots, playing a vital role in skier safety. Modern bindings automatically detach the boot from the board upon a fall, protecting the skier from injury.
5. Ski Boots: These typically come in types such as alpine boots, cross-country boots, jump boots, and snowboard boots.
6. Ski Poles: Used for propulsion, balance control, direction changes, and body support while skiing. They generally come in three types: alpine poles, cross-country poles, and freestyle ballet poles. Ski poles should have straps to secure them around the wrist and prevent loss.
7. Ski Goggles: Available in styles like alpine goggles, jump goggles, cross-country goggles, and self-adjusting goggles. Due to the intense sunlight reflection on snow and the strong cold wind and UV rays during skiing, goggles are essential to protect the eyes.
8. Helmet: Crucial for head protection during skiing. Skiing can involve high speeds, and ski edges, poles, and other elements are sharp—so wearing a helmet significantly protects your head in case of a fall.
9. Ski Gloves: Usually made from genuine leather or synthetic materials. Choose waterproof and highly insulating gloves, as they tend to get wet easily while skiing.
10. Socks: Wear specialized ski socks, but regular long sports socks (like basketball or baseball socks) can also work.
11. Sunscreen: Northern China’s winter is cold and dry, leading to significant moisture loss from the skin. Add to that the high-speed cold wind during skiing and the intense UV rays reflected off the snow, so use a waterproof, high-UV-protection sunscreen.
12. Diet: Skiing causes significant fluid loss, and indoor heating often increases internal heat—so drink plenty of water daily and eat fruits and vitamin C supplements. Carry high-energy portable snacks like beef jerky or chocolate while skiing.
