This post is sponsored by Ski the Northwest Rockies
You can get the whole family up on the mountain skiing or snowboarding with all of the gear you need and still stick to a budget. One of the most well-worth-it benefits will be more time outdoors together. Here are some tips to get geared up for a winter of skiing or snowboarding at an affordable price.
Gear to Keep Kids Warm—Layer, Layer, Layer
You don’t need to have the latest, greatest gear, but having multiple layers of clothing that you can put on, take off, zip, or unzip to meet the weather is critical. The chairlift ride is the coldest part of skiing and snowboarding, so make sure kids (and parents) are wearing enough layers for that ride up the mountain. Here are the recommended warming layers to have on hand for any skier or snowboarder:
- 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.
- Waterproof or water-resistant jacket and pants.
- 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.
Buying Quality Ski & Snowboard Equipment
Buying all of the things for your family to get out there skiing or snowboarding can take a lot of time and money, so here are some tips to save a little bit of both.
- Lease skis or snowboard gear from a local shop like Spokane Alpine Haus so you don’t have to buy new gear each year as kids grow.
- Buy used gear at a local ski swap. The SARS Sandpoint Ski Swap is still coming up Nov. 11, 2023.
- Buy used gear from a ski/snowboard shop like Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane that sells both new and used equipment and gear for kids and adults.
- Shop the sales at your local ski and snowboard shops.
- Check Facebook Marketplace and other online sources for quality and safe modern used gear.
Renting Ski & Snowboard Equipment
If you’re not sure how committed your child or teenager is going to be with skiing or snowboarding and are hesitant to invest in a full equipment set up, renting gear at the resort or from a local ski shop may be the least expensive and easiest way to go.
