Goggles
We think goggles fall into the first classification;
essential. When you start to ski, it might be on a nice sunny day and your
Polarised sunglasses will be just fine. The high contrast from the bright light
lets you see every crumb of snow. But when it’s snowing, or even just cloudy,
the light gets ‘flat’ and it’s hard to see detail or even where the piste
changes from gentle to less gentle. Goggles help to shield your eyes from the
snow, but more importantly filter the light to help you see more detail.
Most decent goggles have a dual-lens system and a coating to
prevent misting up; never wipe the inside of the lenses should they get wet or
you’ll have to re-coat them.
You can get prescription lenses fitted to some goggles, or
there are ones you can wear with prescription glasses too.
Helmets
Moulded plastic, sometimes carbon or Kevlar, with foam
inserts for comfort and a chin strap to keep it on. Air vents in the better
ones keep you cool when needed.
Use of helmets is a contentious issue. Some resorts make
them mandatory for children, and a few have done the same for adults. Some people say the
stats show you’re as likely to have a fall involving a head injury walking
along the street as on a ski slope. We’ve seen some pretty sickening accidents
where innocent people have been walloped by someone who’s out of control or
just being stupid. That said, a helmet alone might not protect you in the case
of a serious crash or fall. Apparently US stats show 11 ski slope deaths last
year might have been prevented by wearing a lid; good enough for us. Body
armour, including back protectors, is increasingly common.
The high reflectivity of snow and the cleaner, thinner air
means some really good sunglasses are a good idea. They should be Polarised
lenses. We recommend using a lanyard so they don’t fly off if you take a fall.
Sun block and lip balm
For the reasons mentioned above, sunblock is essential when the sun shines. Carry a small stick or tube and remember it can take up
to 30 minutes to be effective.
Mobile phone/walkie talkie
Not just for arranging rendezvous; essential if you get
lost, or are at (or in) an accident. Some people carry walkie talkies, which
can range for long distances, rather than rack up foreign call charges.
Hand & foot warmers
These small chemical pouches (some are re-useable after
‘charging’ in hot water) create heat and can be used to get, or keep, hands and
feet warm. If you have circulatory issues you might think about electric boot
heaters which run from a small battery pack. If you buy them in-resort they
work out expensive.
Boot driers
If your hotel or chalet doesn’t have a boot room with boot
driers, you might think about one of these. You plug it into the mains and
stick it into your boots – they’ll be dry by morning.
Shovel and transponder
Off-piste skiers should carry both in the even of an
avalanche. You can probably leave these until later.
