Now that winter is in full swing across the country, it’s finally time to welcome back the skiing season. If you’re brand new to the sport, here are the minimum gear and training requirements you’ll need before getting started:

Apparel

The purpose of skiing apparel is to keep you warm and dry in all kinds of weather without inhibiting your range of motion. To accomplish this, we suggest:

• A base layer made of moisture-wicking “performance” fabric
• A mid-weight layer made of fleece or a similar material
• Long skiing socks to help provide ankle and arch support while eliminating chafing from boots
• Waterproof and windproof ski jacket and pants for warmth and protection against the snow
• Waterproof gloves
• Knit cap or beanie

If you’re going out on a particularly cold day, you might also consider using a battery-heated vest or battery-heated gloves for an extra level of comfort in the extreme conditions.

Equipment

Newcomers to skiing are encouraged to rent equipment the first few times out to ensure that they enjoy the sport sufficiently enough to warrant investing in their own gear. However, if you want to buy your own equipment now, be prepared to purchase:

• A pair of Skis with bindings
• Ski boots
• Ski helmet
• Goggles

In addition, a boot and glove dryer like the DryGuy DG1 Widebody model we carry at CozyWinters is ideal for quickly drying your apparel and equipment during full-day or multi-day excursions.

Fitness and conditioning

Skiing is a physically demanding sport, even if you stick to the beginner’s slopes. While you don’t have to be in Olympic shape to begin skiing, it would be very beneficial to take a few weeks to work on your fitness and conditioning to reduce your chances of injury. Specifically, we recommend exercises that:

• Strengthen your core
• Improve your balance
• Strain your cardiovascular system
• Increase your agility
• Tax your endurance

Lessons

First-timers should make it a point to take lessons before tackling the slopes for solo runs. Beginner’s sessions cover basic yet important techniques such as how to balance on the skis, shift your weight, turn, stop, fall safely, and stand up after falling.

Having a fantastic first experience with skiing naturally increases your chances of digging the sport and making many return trips to the mountains. To give yourself the best shot of producing these results, be sure to gear up according to the above recommendations before you go.