Cover photo courtesy Shallan Knowles
Tips to Source Gear and Stay Warm on the Slopes
You don’t have to take out a second mortgage to get kids prepared with the right skiing or snowboarding gear. Here are some tips on what you need to stay warm and dry and how you can find many apparel items on a budget.
Why Layers are So Important and Cotton Generally Sucks
Multiple layers while skiing or snowboarding allow kids to put on, take off, zip, or unzip to match the cold, warm, windy, or wet weather conditions. Start with a waterproof or at least water-resistant jacket and pants (outer layer). Then add these recommended warming layers to keep on hand in a backpack, bag or ski locker if conditions change or wear underneath depending on the weather at the start of the day:
- Base layers: tops and bottoms made of polyester, wool, or a blend.
- Wool or synthetic socks to match the temperature outside.
- Mid-layer fleece or wool jacket or sweater.
- Fleece pants or sweatpants.
- A thin, warm hat that will fit under a helmet.
- Goggles (for snow and sun)
- Insulated, weatherproof gloves or mittens.
- A ski mask/head sock to protect faces.
To get the best deals on all of this gear and save money, try some of these tried-and-true options:
- Buy used gear at a local ski swap. The SARS Sandpoint Ski Swap is still coming up Nov. 9, 2024.
- Hunt for used ski/snowboard apparel from friends, at thrift stores, used gear shops like the Gear Garage in Coeur d’Alene or online (Facebook Marketplace, etc.).
- Shop the sales at your local ski and snowboard shops.
Sponsored by SNWR
