First Ski Trip? Here’s what to take

First skiing trips, as a rule, are always a little nerve wracking and the anticipation is high. Nervous first timers tend to over pack things they think are essential but eventually find out they over or under estimated the weather conditions, they are unfamiliar with landscapes and they don’t know what might or might not be easily and readily available in case of emergency uses.

Here are a few Must-Dos before you embark on a life changing experience:

1. Always make sure you have comfortable accommodations arranged firsthand. Uneasy and tiring rounds looking for a suitable place to stay will ruin your vacation hype, and you will be half as excited as you should be.
2. Ensure you have ample clothing, (particularly things like socks and leggings which you might need a couple of pairs of) which address the skiing requirements as well as the weather requirements of the trip.

Have a lot of options for layering. It is essential that you take care of not only your extremities (arms, legs, feet, hands) but also of your head and your torso. Keep long sleeved thermals, sweaters that can go on top of that, and a jacket (a skiing one, if you can find it) that will then make you warm enough to enjoy the adventure. Keep your head warm with a cap, and keep your hands and feet covered with thick gloves and socks respectively. The shoes must also be both, warm and comfortable. You must be very diligent in protecting your body heat, making sure you enjoy what might be some of the best moments of your life.

Have a small clasp able bag that goes around the waist to keep your essentials like Phone, IPod, money, a couple of band aids and maybe even a pain killer handy. Make sure you have your own water supply. Also carry Sun Block and Lip Balm which will most definitely come in use. Instead of carrying a bag along, this will save you a lot of hassle.
If this is your first time, then ask for help. There will be a lot of skiing instructors around, and for a couple of bucks, they will not only help you with your skiing, but also with your equipment and technique. First timer’s jitters will not be a problem then.

Following is the list of equipment you MUST HAVE for your skiing trip if you intend to buy it. In case you have some of the stuff, but intend to rent out some, ensure beforehand what might or might not be available for loaning/renting.

Zain Abbas Butt is a passionate photographer and loves travel and sports. He is currently doing his M.phil in Mass Communication and works as the Editor Travel for Kluchit.com