I've Been Skiing My Entire Life—29 Essentials I'm Eyeing for the Slopes

To say I've been skiing my entire life is a bit of a stretch, but I have been on skis since I could walk. I was lucky enough to spend my childhood in Lake Tahoe where skiing was a prerequisite, and it's been one of my favorite activities ever since. One thing about skiing, though, is that it requires a lot of gear—jackets, thermals, goggles, gloves… the list goes on. And as any skier will tell you, there's nothing worse than being cold on the mountain, so proper preparation is key. Every year, at the start of the season, I take inventory of my ski gear to determine what may need replacing because there's always something that could use a refresh after a few years of wear and tear. This saves me from surprises right before a trip (cracked goggles, missing gloves, etc), plus it gets me excited for the season ahead.

I also have my dream trip to the Swiss Alps planned for the end of January, so suffice it to say that I'm extra motivated right now. When selecting my ski gear, I want to look as polished as possible, but I also want to be warm so my ski clothes strike a balance. I've been saving tons of great options for the upcoming season that are too good not to share. From down-lined jackets to wool thermals to shearling snow boots, I have all the essentials highlighted below—29 of them to be exact. So if you're wondering what to wear skiing, consider this your guide.

Outerwear

Whether you wear a jacket and pants or a ski suit, having the proper outerwear is nonnegotiable. I personally opt for jackets lined with down feathers for extra insulation. Trust me—you'll be thankful for it when the wind picks up. I also love flared ski pants so they fit easily over my boots.

Base Layers

Your base layers are equally as important as your outerwear and will keep you warm up on the mountain. A thermal set or wool base layer is always a good choice, and if temperatures are particularly low, I'd add a sweater on top to be safe. And don't forget that long, extra-thick ski socks are a must!

Accessories

Just as accessories make an outfit off the slopes, the same can be said for on the slopes. Gloves, helmets, and goggles are essential, and I'm a believer in no exposed skin, so I always add a headband under my helmet to cover my ears or carry a beanie in my jacket for aprés ski. Speaking of aprés, I always swap my ski boots for comfortable snow boots at the end of the day (my feet are ready), so I consider those important as well.