Wintersports
Skiing
Essential ski gear: The ultimate guide for every skier
From helmets to bindings and boots, every part of your ski gear setup forms one cohesive (and high-performing) whole. Here’s the gear to get before hitting the slopes.
When the pros hit the slopes for a big race, the next day isn’t always so fun.
“Race strain is race strain; you just can’t simulate it in training,” legendary Red Bull skier Marcel Hirscher said. “I'll have muscle soreness like you wouldn't believe."
Marcel Hirscher in boss mode on the Streif
© Stefan Voitl/Red Bull Content Pool
With the right ski gear, though, your average day on the slopes or at the park can be much more comfortable — and the next-day soreness might not be as bad. Learn about the best ski gear and the role each item plays in a great outing.
01
Choosing the right skis for your terrain
All-mountain skis
As their name suggests, all-mountain skis are ideal for any mountain or slope. And with the right pair, some light off-piste action is on the table too.
All-mountain skis are great for intermediate skiers since their rockered (upward-curved) tips make them more versatile and more effective at starting turns. Another reason intermediate skiers love them: They’re awesome on light powder, groomed runs, and ice. Typically, they run 85 to 98 mm underfoot.
Freestyle skis
Eileen Gu on the half pipe in Kitzsteinhorn
© Syo van Vliet/Red Bull Content Pool
These twin-tipped skis are on the lighter and shorter side. They’re ideal for take-offs, jumps, and smooth landing at the terrain park. They’re must-haves if you love pulling off tricks on pipe features, and they’re great for first-timers and pros alike.
Powder skis
Powder skis have a waist of greater than 100 mm underfoot. This comparatively large width makes for easy drifting through even the softest snow, as do the rockered tip and tail. Bring these skis off-piste where the experts go, but use other skis on-piste unless your powder skis have some camber underfoot to accompany the rockered tip and tail.
Race skis
Lindsey Vonn performing
© Erich Spiess/Red Bull Content Pool
Another ski for the experts, racing skis give you excellent responsiveness as you zoom down the slopes. They’re among the stiffest boards since stiffness typically correlates to better high-speed turns. They’re best for groomed runs, though they’re not impossible to take off-piste.
02
Ski boots: how to find the perfect fit
Whether a boot is right for you comes down to three factors: size, fit, and flex. The ideal combination of these three factors depends on your skiing experience and your usual terrain.
Suppose you’re new to skiing, or just becoming intermediate, and you’re hitting the bunny slope or doing groomed runs. You might want a flex index of men’s 60 to 80 or a women’s 50 to 70. Go for a boot that fits true to size or is a half-size larger for comfort.
Once you’re deep into being intermediate and starting to get advanced, you might move faster down groomed trails. Maybe you’re also venturing into terrain parks and going off-piste. In either case, step up your flex index to 85 to 100 (men’s) or 65 to 90 (women’s). A true-to-size fit or half-size-smaller fit gets you the control you need.
Fully advanced and expert skiers and racers on any terrain, including cliffs, fare best with a flex index of 105 to 130 (men’s) and 85 to 110 (women’s). Sizing should be a half-size or full size down from your usual for ultimate control.
One last tip: A snug fit that doesn’t block circulation or cause pain is a sign you have the right size.
03
Bindings: the connection between you and your skis
Ski bindings keep your boots attached to your skis, but they also release you from your skis if you fall. Great ski bindings also ensure that your body movements flow through to your skis, giving you full control over how you traverse the slopes. Suffice it to say that bindings are among the core skiing essentials for all skill levels.
Alpine (downhill) ski bindings include an anti-friction device (AFD), a heel piece with a ski brake, a lifter, and a toe piece. There are also bindings for backcountry skiing and telemark skiing — in fact, some backcountry bindings can be used with standard alpine skis and boots. Additionally, if you’re dead set on a certain ski model, you can find integrated bindings designed for use with only that model. Integrated bindings are beloved for their smooth flex, strong edge-hold, and no-hassle turns.
All ski bindings have a DIN setting that indicates the force with which they release. If your bindings have a lower DIN, it’ll take less force for you to release yourself from your skis. Your ideal DIN will vary based on your weight and skill level, and you should absolutely never attempt to set it yourself. Similarly, you shouldn’t set or alter your binding settings yourself. Always go to a ski professional for both these needs (and for other ski maintenance essentials).
04
Essential ski clothing for warmth and protection
Ski jackets
Competitors at Red Bull Cascade in Winter Park, CO
© Daniel Milchev / Red Bull Content Pool
A nice, warm ski jacket might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ski apparel — and for good reason. Ski jackets keep cold air (and cold snow and moisture) out while trapping body heat. At the same time, they need to be breathable enough that, as you work up a sweat on the slopes, the moisture wicks off your skin.
Lots of winter sports gear enthusiasts swear by three-in-one ski jackets with an exterior hard shell and an insulated inner liner. You get lots of warmth from the liner and all the waterproofing and breathability you need from the shell. Plus, on warmer days, you can ditch the liner and wear just the shell, or you can opt for just the liner on cold but dry days.
The best ski jackets include powder skirts that keep snow out if you take a tumble. They also fit loosely for ultimate mobility while still keeping you warm. If your jacket stops you from feeling cold or getting wet and aids you in gliding down the slopes with ease, you’ve chosen well.
Ski pants
Eileen Gu training in Saas Fee, Switzerland
© Joseph Roby / Red Bull Content Pool
Just as a jacket that’s loose and mobility-friendly should be on your skiing essentials list, ski pants that don’t restrict your movement are a must. That said, softshell pants — one of the most comfortable, loose-fitting ski pants — sometimes lack adequate waterproofing. Ski pants with gaiters around the cuffs solve this problem since they keep snow out. So too do pants that connect to your jacket to guard against snow and wind.
Typically, your legs warm up faster than your core, so it’s okay if you choose uninsulated pants as long as your jacket keeps you plenty warm. Or, if insulated pants are non-negotiable on your ski gear list, choose a pair with zip vents on the inner thighs. Open these vents to cool down more quickly if you’re heating up on the slopes.
Base layers
The layer of clothes you wear under your ski pants and jacket are among your most important skiing essentials. Your base layer should warm you up when you’re cold and wick moisture off your body as you sweat on the trail.
A healthy mix of midweight and lightweight base layers in your closet gets the job done — just choose the right one for the conditions you expect. Backcountry skiing and warm spring ski runs call for a lightweight base, but midweight is better otherwise. Most ski experts suggest avoiding heavyweight base layers.
Ski socks
It can be tempting to view socks as mere skiing accessories, but in reality, they’re vital equipment. They’re your body’s last line of defense against any moisture and cold that gets into your boots.
Expert skiers try on ski socks while testing out boots for the most realistic fit. They also steer clear of cotton ski socks. Instead, merino wool or synthetic materials are ideal for ski socks. Both these materials offer breathability and warmth that cotton can only dream of.
Some ski socks include extra cushioning, but this isn’t necessary. It’s a nice-to-have for extra-cold ski runs, but the additional pressure on your feet might be too constricting. Whether you choose cushioned or standard ski socks, go for a snug fit around your foot and a height that reaches your knees.
05
Safety gear: protecting yourself on the slopes
Helmets
Lindsey Vonn at the 2024 FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Colorado
© Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool
A ski helmet can make a style statement on the slopes (it’s a great gift for skiers), but much more importantly, it protects your head. For your helmet to actually protect you, though, it should remain stable while you move your head from side to side. You might be able to achieve this fit using the sizing mechanism or straps on any helmets you test, but if not, a different helmet size or model is best.
To properly wear your helmet, fasten the chinstrap so that it’s snug at your throat. You still want to be able to move your jaw, but you also want a nice, tight fight. Bonus points if there are vents at the top of your helmet to wick sweat from your head.
Ski goggles
Marcel Hirscher at Roundhill Ski Area, Tekapo, New Zealand
© Miles Holden / Red Bull Content Pool
All that pure white snow is a huge reflective surface for all that bright sunlight. Ski goggles matter for more than just visibility and UV protection. High-end models are worth it for their anti-fog features, as are goggles with spherical, curved lenses.
Your goggles should fit you snugly while you’re wearing your helmet, but they shouldn’t apply too much pressure to your face. If you can’t make this fit happen for a pair of goggles you’re trying, test out a different pair and see how it goes.
Back protectors
Back protectors are important for beginners and experts alike. If you’re a newcomer, back protectors guard your spine and take some of the fear out of attempting new tricks or techniques. If you’re a seasoned pro, back protectors are your armor if you take an unexpected fall.
Some back protectors pad only the middle of your back, but you’re better off seeking out full back protection. This level of protection may come from vests, models with straps, or backpacks — or they might be included in your three-in-one ski jacket.
A back protector vest might be the best choice for comfort and support, and it’s also a great pick for ventilation, plus it isn’t very restrictive. Models with straps can limit your movement, whereas protectors inside jackets give you full range of motion. Backpack models might only make sense if you need to carry lots of items as you trek out.
Wrist guards
If you land on your hands and wrists during a fall, wrist guards minimize your risk of injury. Look for guards with lots of foam protection and plenty of elasticity and stretch to keep you dexterous on the slopes. Neoprene is a skier’s best friend for all these qualities.
The right ski gear puts you on the right path
Whether you’re seeking out ski gear for speed demons or trying to figure out what unexpected ski gear you actually need, this guide is your starting point. Stock up on these ski essentials, and you could eventually become so excellent at skiing that you’re ready to step into even bolder thrills.
