FIRST-TIME VISITOR GUIDE
What to Wear
“In skiing and snowboarding, there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.”
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
Dress for the day
Choosing what to wear skiing and snowboarding might seem like a bit of a puzzle. With all the gear and layers to consider, the goal is to hit the slopes fully prepared for whatever the weather throws at you.
THE LAYER SYSTEM
Three layers, no bad weather
01 - BASE LAYER
Next to your skin
As the layer next to your skin, the base layer needs to be comfortable and breathable. Whether you’re a first-time skier or skiing pro, you’re going to sweat. Unless you opt for a material that can wick moisture away from your skin, you’re destined to turn into a clammy, miserable mess. So, skip the cotton and instead choose a synthetic material or wool for base layer ski clothing. Also avoid anything bulky, as you’ll be layering other clothing items on top of the base layer.
Ski socks: No thick socks! Thin wool socks specifically designed for skiing do a better job for warmth and circulation. Merino wool is the way to go.
Long underwear: Whether you call them long underwear, thermal underwear, long johns or longies, you’re going to be so glad you wore them.
Thermal shirt: For especially cold days, a thermal shirt provides that extra layer of warmth and wicks away moisture when you get moving.
02 - MID LAYER
Your insulation
The mid layer traps warm air and keeps your core comfortable on the lift. A fleece, a wool sweater, or a light insulated jacket all work well - and on warmer spring days you can simply take it off and ride without it.
Fleece or wool sweater: The classic mid layer - warm even if it gets a little damp.
Light insulated jacket: A thin puffy layers neatly under a shell on the coldest days.
Vest: Extra core warmth without bulky arms.
03 - OUTER LAYER
Your shield
The outer layer blocks wind and keeps snow out. It does not need to be expensive - it needs to be waterproof. Jeans and cotton sweatpants soak through quickly and are the fastest way to cut a ski day short.
Waterproof jacket: Wind-blocking and roomy enough to fit your layers underneath.
Snow pants or bibs: Waterproof and insulated - warmer than anything cotton.
No jeans: Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet - and so do you.
DON’T FORGET
The small stuff that saves the day
Helmet
Strongly recommended for every skier and rider - helmets are available with rentals as a $5 add-on.
Goggles
Better than sunglasses when the snow is falling and the wind picks up.
Gloves or mittens
Waterproof is the rule. Mittens usually run warmer; thin liner gloves add flexibility.
Neck gaiter & sunscreen
A gaiter or balaclava covers what the jacket cannot, and sun reflecting off snow makes sunscreen and lip balm a good idea all winter.
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Bring the layers, rent the rest
The clothing is up to you - but skis, snowboards, and boots are easy to rent at the mountain, with helmets available as a $5 add-on. A season lease sets you up with equipment for the whole winter.
DRESSED AND READY?
Plan the rest of your first day