Essential skiing accessories - do you have the right equipment?

If you're going for your first ski trip, then it can be overwhelming trying to decide what skiing accessories you need to take and what isn't necessary. This guide is going to run through the accessories that will get your sorted for the slopes! If you're looking for help with your ski clothing, what to wear and how to layer pieces, you can find more info in the ski and snow section of our blog.

Your most important ski accessory is your ski helmet! When purchasing your helmet, you need to make sure you're getting the right size. When on your head, it should fit snug without digging in or feeling uncomfortable. It needs to be snug enough to not move when you shake your head. If you're buying for kids, don't fall into that age old habit of buying a size bigger for them to grow into, you need to get a helmet that fits them at the time.

When looking at ski helmets, it's important that they comply with safety regulations. This means they're made in a way that means they'll protect your head effectively. Our adult's ski helmets are made using polycarbonate shell construction with an fused EPS foam lining for a higher impact protection.

So you've got your helmet, now you need to look for ski goggles. Goggles are important as they will help protect your eyes from the snow glare, flat light and any change in the weather conditions. Our Dare 2b ski goggles offer UVA/UVB light protection, anti fog coatings on the lenses and adjustable straps.

Make sure that when you've got both your ski helmet and ski goggles on together, there isn't a gap inbetween to the as this will help protect your forehead.

This isn't technically a ski accessory, but having sunglasses on hand for when you get off the slopes and want to enjoy the après ski will really help you avoid getting snow blindness. As much as a ski holiday is about the snow, you can't underestimate the brightness of the sun and it's better to be safe than sorry!

Who wants cold hands? Not us and we're guessing not you either. Ski gloves have a few different uses, of course they will keep your hand warm whilst you're on the slopes. They also help to add some more grip whilst you're holding the ski poles, and they also add in an extra layer of protection on your hands so if you do potentially slip, trip or fall you won't end up with cuts and bruises on your hands.

A ski neck warmer or gaitor helps to keep any snow out and your body warmth in. It isn't an essential piece of kit, however it can really make a difference when the wind is blowing in your face as you're going down the slopes. They might be called a neck warmer, but they can be worn in many different ways. The gaitor can be used as a scarf, hood, balaclava or beanie, so it's as useful off the slopes as it is on.

This is more of an apres ski accessories rather than a ski slope accessory. But wearing a beanie or a bobble hat whilst you're getting about the ski resort will help keep you warm, and help reduce any loss of body heat through your head.  You tend to feel the cold more when you're not on the slopes as you're not exercising, so it's important to be prepared for the lower temperatures.

Ski socks are slightly different to that socks that you wear day to day. However, having a good paid of ski socks could really make or break your ski holiday. Ski socks (similar to base layers) are made with a material that helps keep the warmth in, but is also breathable and moisture wicking, so you don't have that sweaty feet feeling. You don't need to wear normal socks underneath your ski socks, just make sure that you take enough pairs to last you the full ski trip as re wearing them can increase the moisture that they retain and can feel uncomfortable. Make sure you buy socks that fit snug as you don't want them to constantly be riding down your boots.

So now you've got your list of the ski accessories you'll need for your up and coming ski trip, hopefully it helps you know what to pack and what you can leave at home.

You can find all of our ski accessories here, and all of our ski wear here.

For more ski blogs, guides and information, check out the rest of our blogs.