Out of all your ski apparel purchases, your choice of ski socks will probably be the least intuitive. Most people know that they should use a layering approach to dressing for the slopes. They also realize that toasty toes help keep the rest of the body feeling warm and comfortable. With these thoughts in mind, it seems logical to choose the heaviest pair of ski socks you can find. Since layering is important, you should probably use a sock liner under your socks. Is that correct?

Well, not exactly. With the evolution of boot technology, ski boots now come equipped with insulating liners that keep your feet dry. The ski boot shell acts as the outer layer, which protects your feet from the elements. Therefore your ski socks should act as your moisture-wicking base layer. If you choose a ski sock that is too thick, or if you choose a ski sock and a ski sock liner, you may be overheating your feet. If your feet are overheated, they will sweat. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, wet sweaty feet will be cold.

Improper ski socks will also affect your boot fit, which can in turn have an adverse effect on your ski technique. As mentioned in the section on boot fit, cold feet are sometimes a symptom of improper boot fit. Adding extra layers or wearing overly thick ski socks often exacerbates the problem.

Fortunately, sock manufacturers have been keeping up with ski boot technology. They have been designing ski socks that are made from synthetic fabrics that are known for their superb moisture-wicking capacities. If you ever get a chance to see a ski instructor remove his or her ski boots, take a look at his or her ski socks. You will probably notice that they are exceptionally light. For example, check out the Smart Wool Light Socks and Hot Chillys Socks on Skis.com.

One final point: Keep in mind that proper fit is important. If your ski socks are too small, they will cut off circulation. If they are too big, they will bunch up and cause improper boot fit.

Did you know that the sun on the ski slope can be brighter than the sun on a tropical beach? For this reason, your ski goggles are one of the most important pieces of slope safety equipment. A well-made ski goggle will protect your eyes from sun damage and your face from sunburn. And because of their large size, they can protect your face from cold and wind while riding the ski lift. The width of your ski goggles also expands your field of peripheral vision on the slopes.

Most ski goggles are composed of soft flexible materials, such as nylon and rubber. This helps them maintain their shape. Nylon and rubber do not become brittle in cold temperatures, and these soft materials will not do damage to your face in the event of a fall. The thick, adjustable strap on ski goggles is designed to hold them in place.

When purchasing ski goggles, there are a number of important factors that should be considered. You can avoid the “foggy goggle syndrome,” by choosing a pair of goggles that has sufficient ventilation. Foam covered air portals will help ventilate you ski goggles. Anyone who wears glasses should choose ski goggles that are designed to fit over them. To avoid the bifocal look, you can choose prescription ski goggles.

Ski Goggle Lens Colors

• Clear lenses are most suitable for extremely stormy conditions or for night skiing.
• Yellow lenses work best for stormy conditions, as well as overcast days. These lenses increase dark/light contrast and brighten up the entire mountain landscape.
• Vermillion or pink lenses can also increase dark/light contrast in most snow conditions.
• Orange ski goggle lenses will also increase contrast. They are often the goggles of choice for bright, sunny days.
• Be sure to choose ski goggles that have the option of a mirror for a darker lens. This will prevent that annoying sun glare that occurs in the brightest conditions.
• Modulator lenses or photo chromic lenses are designed to change color depending on the light conditions. For darker, stormy weather, they will provide a light contrast color. For bright and sunny days, they provide a dark contrast color.

Let’s face it. Nothing can a ruin a great day on the slopes like cold hands. Simply put, if your hands are cold, your entire body will be cold. That said, it’s amazing to see how much money people spend on their ski apparel, only to pick out a pair of so-called “ski gloves” at Wal-Mart. So here’s some handy (pun intended) advice about how to choose a pair of ski gloves.

The first of these pearls of wisdom is actually a no-brainer. Your ski gloves should be warm enough to withstand even sub-zero temperatures. Like the rest of your ski wear, your gloves should be made of a waterproof and breathable fabric. In addition, you will want to be certain that your ski gloves are flexible enough to allow for comfort and dexterity when holding your ski poles. For this reason, skiers should choose ski gloves as opposed to snowboard gloves.

To keep heat from escaping from your body, you will want to look for gloves that taper toward the wrists. You should also seek out ski gloves that have ample grip support. Choose ski specific gloves that are designed with a synthetically reinforced abrasion-resistant palm. The best ski gloves come equipped with a moisture wicking thermal lining. This will keep your hands dry if they are prone to excessive perspiration. Those of you who often suffer from extremely cold hands should look for ski gloves that have an inner pocket that will hold a pair of hand warmers. However, keep in mind that proper fit will help you stay warmer. Just like boots that are too tight will lead to cold feet, gloves that are too small may cut off circulation, which will in turn make you cold.

Skis.com com has a great selection of ski gloves by leading manufacturers such as The North Face, Level, Grandoe, Spyder and other well-known snow sport apparel companies.

Most ski area employees will tell you that “How can I stay warm on the slopes?” is the number-one question asked by ski vacationers. The answer is an easy one. Dress in layers. There is a meticulous method to the madness of the layering system of cold weather dressing. It is designed to trap body-warmed air between layers of clothing, while allowing moisture vapor from perspiration to escape through breathable outerwear materials. The layering system is a three-step program.

1. First, put on an inner moisture-wicking layer, otherwise known as your thermal underwear.
2. Then, get that warm and cuddly feeling with your middle insulating layer. We usually call this a fleece jacket.
3. Finally, protect yourself from the elements with an outer shell layer. This would be your wind and water-resistant ski jacket.

Those of you with an unfortunate tendency towards constantly cold hands can use a layering system for your gloves. Take a look at the Seirus Deluxe Thermax Liners on Skis.com. You can wear them under your ski gloves. Your hands will be so warm that you might even be able to give your significant other an après ski massage, without having him or her jump off the bed because of your cold hands.

While most avid skiers are willing to spend a considerable amount of money on their quiver, they often forget the most important piece of equipment: Their own body. A well-designed ski fitness plan can enhance your ski skills and prevent injuries. Better yet, it can be performed in the privacy of your own home. The question then becomes, “What do I need to get started?”

Any fitness instructor worth his or her weight in powder will tell you that balance is the most important component of any ski conditioning program. Furthermore, a ski exercise program should include exercises that simulate the movements of skiing. Fortunately, Skis.com features some of the best ski balance and ski fitness products on the market. For example, the Fitter First Pro Fitter is a lateral movement trainer that provides strength, balance conditioning and aerobic activity.

Pro Fitter products were created by Louis Stack, who was a former member of the Canadian Speed Skiing team. One might say that Stack knows a thing or two about ski conditioning. The Fitter First pro Fitter can either be used in the upright position or in a skier’s “tuck.” Start off with a basic side-to-side movement. Once you feel secure, you can add ski “edging” moves. In addition to the lateral moves, the Fitter allows you to perform a variety of dynamic lunge exercises, which take the traditional lunge one step further. The Fitter First Pro Fitter also comes with a pad, which will allow you to perform a variety of core exercises.

Skis.com features some other ski fitness and ski balance products, such as the Fitter First Wobble Board and the Fitter First Bongo Board.

All of these products provide skiers with the opportunity to enhance their dynamic balance. “Dynamic” is the buzz word. Sure, you can stand on one leg and improve your general balance. However, skiing involves balance in motion, or what we call transitional balance. Transitional balance is engaged when you move from one turn to the next with the grace and fluidity of Fred Astaire. This type of balance takes practice. Practice on Pro Fitter products.