Gear Up: Everything You Need to Galvanize Your Mountain Leisure on the Slopes!

 

GalviSnow Gear Guide: Dressing for Success on the Slopes

Greetings GalviSnowPros! If you're gearing up for your first snow sports adventure, you might be wondering, "What do I wear to stay warm, dry, and stylish while conquering those mountain runs?"

Fear not, because this GalviSnow Gear Guide is here to get you geared up from head to toe, ensuring you're ready to hit the slopes with confidence and comfort. Let's glide into the essentials for your mountain wardrobe!

Layering Like a Pro

When it comes to mountain snow sports, layering is your best friend. Think of it as creating a cozy sandwich of body warmth. Here's your go-to snow gear guide:

1. Base Layer (aka your second skin - Thermal Tops | Thermal Bottoms): Arguably the most crucial piece of gear - With quality base layers, you protect the skin within!

Trap your natural body heat with base layers to ensure the nurture of Mother Nature

• Material: Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool or synthetic materials (no cotton!). These keep sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and warm
• Features: Snug fit, quick-drying
• Pros: Breathable, lightweight, and great at regulating body temperature
• Cons: Can be pricey, especially for merino wool

2. Mid Layer (the insulating hero): Often forgotten but critically essential gear for a day spent on the mountain. It provides that cozy layer of toasty comfort to ensure you fully enjoy your time on the mountain without multiple lodge stops.

• Material: Fleece, down, or synthetic insulation 
• Long Sleeve or Hooded Sweatshirt | Woolen Sweater | Lightweight Down Jacket
• Features: Provides warmth by trapping body heat
• Pros: Keeps you toasty without adding bulk
• Cons: Fleece can sometimes feel heavy when wet, so look for water-resistant options

3. Outer Layer (your weather shield) - Waterproof Snow Jacket & Waterproof Snow Pants or Snow Bib: Most noticed piece of gear for a reason!

As your weather shield and first layer of defense from the external elements, you want to ensure you nail this layer.

Upper: Ski Jacket – The preference here should be insulated jackets with a waterproof shell to ensure internal heat from max layering remains captured within

Lower: Bibs are considered more favorable than ski pants (so you don’t get snow down your back if you fall - which will inevitably happen)

• Material: Waterproof and windproof fabrics like Gore-Tex
• It helps to look for a minimum of 10K waterproof rating
• Features: Durable, often with ventilation zippers
• Pros: Protects against snow, wind, and moisture
• Cons: Higher-quality jackets can be a bit of an investment

Hats and Helmets

Helmet: More than just a fashion statement - it's a critical safety precaution device!

• Why: Safety first! A helmet is non-negotiable for protecting that brilliant brain of yours. One good unexpected fall & you'll know exactly why!
• Features: Adjustable fit, good ventilation, and compatibility with goggles
• Pros: Warmth, safety, and peace of mind
• Cons: Can feel bulky if not properly fitted

Hat/Beanie (for après-ski): Nothing like a good top swap to kick off the GalviLeisure Entertainment: Apres' Ski Vibez!

Trade your helmet for a stylish beanie to compliment your comfort inside or outside of the mountain lodge.

Be warned: Don't trade too much style compatibility for comfort as the lodge can still be drafty mountainside - the last thing you want is to end your mountain experience under the weather!

• Material: Wool or synthetic
• Features: Warm and snug
• Pros: Keeps your head warm off the slopes
• Cons: Not suitable under a helmet 

Gloves/Mittens - The Great Mountain Debate

Mountain Gloves: If you like to fully feel what you're touching or grabbing, then gloves are for you. Be sure to pack those hand warmers to ensure your digits stay defrosted!

• Material: Waterproof and insulated
• Features: Touchscreen-compatible fingers, wrist straps
• Pros: Great dexterity, warmth
• Cons: Fingers can get cold faster than mittens

Mountain Mittens: Not just for kittens, mittens are a great way to keep hands warm throughout your day on the mountain - especially if you pack a hand warmer in there!

• Material: Same as gloves, but with one compartment for fingers
• Features: Extra insulation
• Pros: Superior warmth
• Cons: Less dexterity 

Boots: The Sole Mate

Ski/Snowboard Boots: An extension of your feet on the mountain, ski/snowboard boots are the most critical piece of equipment (other than the skis | snowboard itself) as they are the contact bridge and mechanism between yourself, your body, and the skis | snowboard. It is crucial your boots fit well and you feel comfortable in them before heading out to the mountain or you will be in for a very long day unfortunately.

• Fit: Snug but not painful, with no wiggle room
• Features: Adjustable buckles, good insulation
• Pros: Provides control and comfort on skis
• Cons: Can be stiff and take time to get used to

Après-ski Boots (Time to Xscape - Kick off your Boots & Relax Your Feet): There’s no better feeling than kicking off your ski/snowboard boots at the end of a long adventurous day on the mountain. When out "Beasting the East", the winter boots you pack should be waterproof (and mud-proof) for max comfort both inside & outside of the lodge.

• Material: Waterproof with good grip
• Features: Insulated, comfortable for walking
• Pros: Keeps feet warm and dry post snow sports activities
• Cons: Not suitable for snow sports activities

 

Other Essentials

Goggles (Sunglasses for the Slopes): On a sunny day - It can get very bright up there on the slopes (with the sun refracting light from the snow).

As such, goggles will be needed and can be very helpful to keep mountain elements (snow | wind | rain | debris) out of your eyes when cruising down the pistes.

Word to the wise: Always pack your own - and if possible - Try your goggles on WITH your helmet! You never want any sort of gap between your helmet and goggles. If there’s a gap, something doesn’t fit properly.

• Why: Protect your eyes from UV rays and improve visibility
• Features: Anti-fog, UV protection, adjustable strap
• Pros: Enhances vision, especially in snowy conditions
• Cons: Can fog up if not well-ventilated

 

Ski Socks (Cozy Comfort): It's best to wear two pairs of socks when engaging in snow sport activities (especially if you are looking to utilize rental equipment) to ensure your feet stay warm & free from blisters throughout the day. Nothing worse than being on a mountain lift or mid-mountain with frozen toes & raw feet!

• Material: Merino wool or synthetic blends
• Features: Cushioned, moisture-wicking
• Pros: Keeps feet warm, prevents blisters
• Cons: Can be pricey

 

Neck Warmer | Balaclava – Not recommended to glide the mountain without this — it makes a HUGE difference (especially if it's a frigid day or Old Man Winter decides to blow a few strong wind gusts your way as his welcome to the mountain)

• Material: Merino wool or synthetic blends
• Features: Cushioned, moisture-wicking
• Pros: Keeps face warm
• Cons: Slight breathing restriction

 

Sunglasses – Here on the East Coast, sunglasses may be optional, depending on the day.  It's always helpful to stash sunglasses in your ski bag to add some style to your outdoor Après Ski vibes. Carrying them around in your ski jacket is just one unlucky fall away from breaking them. Lessons learned the hard way.

Non-Ski Mittens – Some folks like to carry a smaller, more nimble knitted pair of gloves for après ski (as they like to put the larger heated mittens | gloves away when galvanizing their leisure during après ski) Having an extra, smaller pair of gloves is great for walking around the lodge to ensure warmth.

Wrapping Up

Now that you’re armed with the GalviSnow Gear Guide, you're ready to embrace the slopes in style and comfort. Remember, investing in good gear not only enhances your snow sports experience but also keeps you safe and warm. So layer up, buckle in, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Can't wait to see your style on the slopes!