For my friends getting ready to travel with me to Perfect North in Indiana: Especially for people who are going to ski for the first time, here are some things you might think about packing for your trip.
General tips:
- I will wear one thermal layer each on my upper body and lower body with a pair of gym shorts and a long-sleeve T-shirt over them. If you’re wearing a good winter coat and ski pants, they will do plenty to keep you warm. Most actually have zippers to help you ventilate as you get sweaty.
- Wear a helmet.
- You don’t need to double up on socks. Wear a good thick single pair of socks underneath the snow boots and they’ll do plenty to keep your feet warm.
- Whatever you wear should be water resistant. Coats, gloves, etc. If it’s all water resistant you’ll be comfy. If it isn’t and it gets wet, you’ll be miserable.
- Your face will potentially get cold from the air and moisture, so it is best to buy a pair of goggles, though it is sufficient to wear a good pair of sunglasses. But you’ll want something.
- Likewise, some lip balm or chapstick is a good idea.
- You’ll want a pair of clothing to change into at the end of the day.
- While food at the lodge is always an option, you don’t want to have to stop more often than you need to. It is a good idea to keep some simple granola, fruit, or energy bars where you have easy access to them.
- Skis with poles / Snowboard
- Ski boots (Included with ski rental)
- Helmet (Included with ski rental, according to the Perfect North website)
- Ski bib / Snow pants
Some stuff you can consider purchasing:
- Goggles. Here is an affordable option on Amazon that has tons of color options.
- A thermal underwear layer. Totally worth having some, because it will keep you comfy all day.
- Ski Gloves. Here’s one option that has good insulation and is not too expensive.
- Snow pants. You can spend huge amounts on these, but a simple pair like this isn’t bad. The bottoms have zippers to help you get your boots adjusted as you put them on.
- A Helmet. If you don’t mind wearing a helmet that someone else has sweated in extensively, it’s always fine to rent. But I really like having my own. It also gives you a chance to get your goggles well adjusted and attached to the helmet ahead of time. This one has plenty of vents, which is nice. Actually, here is a pretty cool matched helmet and goggle set for a reasonable price.