What to Wear (on a budget!)

Snow Pants

Snow pants are strongly recommended, especially for snowboarders (If you’re snowboarding you will definitely spend a lot of time sitting on the wet, cold snow.), but they aren’t necessary. If you don’t have snow pants, here are your options:

• Rent snow pants: most mountains don’t rent snow pants, but they are available in some cases. Big Snow at the American Dream Mall includes snow pants in their beginner package at no additional charge.
• Buy cheap snow pants: Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Target, etc. all sell snow pants, sometimes as low as $30.
• Buy in the off season: many top ski/snowboard brands have big sales in the spring and summer, where you can get snow pants for as low as $30.
• Check thrift shops or ski shop tent sales: used snow pants will probably work just fine
• Wear jeans: jeans aren’t the best choice, and it’s definitely possible that if you wear new jeans, they will leave blue streaks behind you in the snow (I’ve seen it.), but if that’s all you’ve got, then that’s okay. Try to choose jeans that you can move pretty freely in, and keep in mind that if you’re snowboarding, your butt is going to get wet very quickly.
• Get creative: take a look in your closet and layer whatever you can find! Sweatpants over a pair of leggings, maybe? Water-resistant track pants? Wind pants? Work pants? Feel free to give it a try! And if you can, pack extras of everything so that you can change if the snow soaks through your clothes.

The bottom line: If you don’t have snow pants and don’t want to buy them, wear whatever you want. Just be prepared to get cold, and if you’re a snowboarder, you’re definitely going to get wet too. Consider bringing extra clothes to change into mid-day and/or before you head home. And if you can, consider shopping around to find a cheap pair of snow pants. They will make a ton of difference in your comfort out on the mountain!

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Jacket

Skiing and snowboarding jackets are great because they’re designed to move with you on the slopes, and they’ve usually got lots of useful features such as snow skirts to keep snow from going up your back when you fall and pockets designed specifically to hold goggles. But even people who have these jackets rarely use all of these features anyway (I have never seen someone actually put their goggles in a google pocket), so you definitely don’t need any of that.

If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, then you probably already have a winter coat, and that’s fine for skiing and snowboarding. If you have options, choose whichever jacket zips up and fits well enough that you can move around without being inhibited. Don’t worry too much about waterproofing (unless it’s supposed to rain or snow) because you probably won’t be spending too much time splayed out on the wet snow.

If you don’t have any sort of warm coat, consider layering the clothing that you do have (a large sweatshirt over a more form-fitting sweatshirt) or wait until warmer weather (March is best, or check the weather for any day that’s sunny and above 50 degrees) when it’s common to wear just a sweatshirt on the slopes.

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Base Layers

If you have any fancy (moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight, etc) athletic apparel that you wear for other sports, that’s a great place to start. Otherwise, a t-shirt is fine on top . And then leggings or athletic shorts work fine under snow pants (or whatever your outer layer is).

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Mid-Layers

If it’s above 40 degrees, not snowing or windy, and you have a warm coat, you probably won’t need a mid layer! Seriously. But otherwise a normal sweatshirt or fleece if fine. Most people don’t bother with a mid layer under their snow pants, but sweatpants are fine if you want extra warmth.

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Socks

Technical socks (ex: smartwool) are nice to have, but you can easily use socks that you already own. If you have other athletic socks from soccer, softball, or other sports, those are fine to wear. Or you can just wear normal socks. It’s recommended that you at least go with crew length or knee length so that your whole foot, ankle, and shin is protected from rubbing against the inside of the rental boots.

On warmer, slushier days—or days when it’s raining—you may want to bring an extra pair or two of socks to change into in case your socks get wet mid-day or you want a fresh pair for the ride home.

DO NOT layer two pairs of socks to stay warm. Seriously. One pair at a time is good enough. Two pairs will likely just cause them to bunch up uncomfortably in the boots, or they could make your boots too small and uncomfortable to wear. Instead, stick to one pair, and if your toes get cold, that means it’s time to take a break in the lodge.

This probably goes without saying, but just in case: you don’t need shoes. Your rental package will come with either ski or snowboard boots for you to wear while on the slopes. You can wear sneakers or sandals or whatever you like to the mountain.

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Helmets

Helmets are strongly recommended, and most people out on the slopes do wear helmets these days.

Some ski areas include helmets in their rental package at no additional cost, but other ski areas charge an additional $5-$15 per day for a helmet rental. Check with your mountain before your trip to avoid any surprise helmet fees.

You can also purchase a helmet. Buy in the spring/summer to make the most of off-season discounts, but you should still plan to pay around $30-$70 at minimum.

FAQs:

• Do I really need a helmet? The choice is yours! Except in certain states (such as New Jersey) where helmets are required for children under age 18. But if you’re going to spend money on gear, spending it on something that’s going to protect your best asset (your brain) is a great place to start.
  
• Can I use a bike helmet? Good question. Is it better than nothing? Probably. But bike helmets aren’t designed for this use and therefore won’t offer as good protection.
  
• I probably only need a helmet when I’m learning, right? No. Even the best skiers and snowboarders fall on their heads, hit trees, get locked into carves, ski or ride on slopes beyond their ability, attempt tricks they may not land, and get crashed into by other people while on the slopes.
  
• Can I buy a used helmet? You could, yes. Again, it’s probably better than nothing. But keep in mind that most helmets (except MIPs helmets) are designed to only provide protection during one significant impact. After this initial impact, the foam and other inner materials will be compressed and offer less protection going forward. Used helmets are therefore risky, because you don’t know what they’ve been through.

***Check out our local lift ticket/rental guide for some info on which mountains include helmet rentals in their rental packages.

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Accessories

• Goggles: these are not really necessary for beginners (since you probably won’t be zipping down the mountain at eye-watering speeds just yet) unless your eyes are especially sensitive to sunlight or wind. Many skiers/snowboarders also choose to wear sunglasses instead. That said, you can sometimes find lower-end goggles from reputable companies for as low as $15-$30. As usual, it’s best to look for end-of-season discounts or summertime sales.
  
• Gloves/Mittens: these are definitely recommended for beginners. If you’re a skier, your fingers will be exposed to the elements all day while holding your poles, and if you’re a snowboarder, yours hands will probably be touching the cold, wet snow quite a bit. Gloves are a little more functional while mittens will keep your hands a little bit warmer. Gloves or mittens with waterproofing are especially important if you’re learning how to snowboard (and it might also help to have a second pair handy to switch out mid-day if it’s wet or warm and slushy out). If you’re skiing, then you can primarily focus on finding a pair that’s warm.
  
• Scarves and things: these come down to personal preference. Bring a scarf, neck gaiter, bandana, or something similar to keep your neck and lower face warm if you’d like.

• Other: if it’s sunny, consider putting sunscreen on your face. Lip balm will also come in handy to prevent chapped lips. Some people like hand warmers to keep in their gloves, but you can just go into the lodge for a break when you get cold instead. Consider bringing a snack and some water to avoid paying for overpriced lodge food. Some people choose to wear knee pads or wrist guards for snowboarding. You probably don’t need these, but wear whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable.