The Ultimate Guide to Ski Accessories You Need for 2025
Comfort for your head, face, hands, and feet, repair items, and electronics and gadgets
December 21, 2024
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Skiing can either be an incredibly fun and joyful experience or it can be cold, awkward, and uncomfortable—a lot of that comes down to having the right gear. No matter how you slice it, skiing is a gear-intensive sport. The right gear will keep you comfortable, safe, happy, and having fun. The wrong gear can ruin a day that could have been great.
This is our list of the best ski accessories to make your experience on the slopes a joyful one—all from a lifelong skier who lives in a ski town and spends multiple days a week from October to May making turns and having fun on snow.
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Ski accessories checklist
| CATEGORY | OUR CHOICE |
|---|---|
| HEAD AND FACE PROTECTION | |
| Helmets | Smith Vantage |
| Goggles | |
| Smith I/O Mag | |
| Face masks and balaclavas |
Why ski accessories matter
Your skis and boots are arguably your most important equipment, but having the right accessories can make the experience much more enjoyable, and in certain conditions they can save the day altogether.
Some ski/snowboard accessories are really safety necessities, like a good helmet and apparel that’s warm enough to prevent cold injuries like frostbite. Others simply make skiing more fun—like insoles that allow for more comfort and performance in your ski boots or a smartwatch to track your stats on the slopes. Travel ski and boot bags allow you to take your own gear with you when you travel to ski. And if you’re a backcountry skier? Your gear needs and safety equipment nearly double.
Having your ski gear and accessories dialed from head to toe is going to inevitably make the experience of heading out into the cold and snow to slide around on some wooden planks (arguably one of the best sensations on earth) even more fun, comfortable, and safe.
Head and face protection
Head and face protection are some of your most important accessories when skiing or snowboarding. This should go without saying, but a good helmet is essential, whether you're a total beginner or seasoned expert.
Good eyewear is also a must, for UV protection primarily—that reflection from the snow is no joke, and snow blindness is real!—but it’s also useful for protection from the cold and wind. The type of goggles you choose, and more specifically your lens choice, will depend on where you ski and what the weather and conditions are most often like.
Face protection like a Buff, balaclava, ski mask, or neck gaiter is also important to shield you from wind and cold, and helps to protect against the sun (yes, don’t forget that you can get sunburned in the winter, too!). Again, what you choose specifically for this piece of gear will probably depend on a mixture of conditions where you ski or snowboard and personal preference.
Helmets
What to look for
The most important thing to look for in a good ski helmet is why you’re wearing it in the first place—technology that protects your head and brain in case you crash. Look for a high-quality helmet from a reputable brand. Ideally, choose a helmet that has MIPS technology that helps prevent injuries caused by rotational impacts to the head. Other impact protection systems like Koroyd are also good to have. Also, make sure it fits your head well! Many helmets come in small, medium or large sizes inside of one-size-fits-all, and are adjustable too.
After this, consider comfort. After all, if your helmet isn't comfortable you’ll be less likely to wear it. Features like soft and warm ear covers and inserts, vents for warm days, and an adjustable fit system all increase comfort.
Our choice for best ski helmet: Smith Vantage
The Smith Vantage has been the longstanding winner in our review of the best ski helmets for good reason. It has both MIPS and Koroyd for maximum impact protection of different types.
When it comes to features, the Vantage is decked out. It has 21 vents that can be opened and closed for temperature control. An adjustable BOA Fit System keeps the helmet snug and comfortable, and a soft yet durable liner helps to keep your head warm on cold days. To top it all off, the Vantage has a nice low profile design with subtle details like a small visor that add both style, protection, and functionality.
Men's
Women's
Goggles
What to look for
Goggles pull a lot of weight for a relatively small ski accessory. Comfort in quality foam lining and fit to your face are important, but the primary aspect to consider is lens quality and features with the lens itself.
Something polarized will help bring definition to the slope you’re looking at. And while there are good budget options out there, we think it’s worth having goggles with a quick lens change system for differing conditions, especially if you ski often. For high light conditions in sunny places like Colorado, consider a darker lens that blocks more sun. For stormy days, a low light lens is best. If you want one lens to do it all, consider something versatile like a rose lens.
For more recommendations, check out our Best Ski Goggles guide.
Our choice for best ski goggles: Smith I/O Mag
The Smith I/O Mag goggles trump all others we’ve tested thanks to their winning combo of lens quality, magnetic lens swap system, comfortable fit for multiple face shapes, and a variety of size and lens options. These spherical lens goggles have polarized lenses with Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop technology that enhances definition through the lens. They’re comfortable, durable, integrate well with most helmets, and come with a second low light lens that you can swap out for low light stormy days.
Face masks and balaclavas
What to look for
A balaclava face mask does triple duty to keep your head, face, and neck warm when you’re out in the cold. Consider one that is made of a warm and breathable fabric like merino wool or a technical synthetic and avoid cotton. We like balaclavas that are soft, not too thick, and not overly structured because they’re typically more comfortable under a helmet and inside your jacket collar.
Our choice for best ski balaclava: Mons Royale Santa Rosa Merino Flex 200
The Santa Rosa balaclava is made of a soft and breathable merino blend fabric that keeps you warm and protected from the elements. It’s simple and not cumbersome at all, but still does its job in a rather stealth manner. Thoughtful details like a ponytail pass-through in the back and the high quality natural fibers make this balaclava worth the price.
Neck gaiters
What to look for
A good neck gaiter does a few things. First, it should help keep your face and neck warm on cold and windy days. It should also ideally offer protection from the sun, and be comfortable and cozy to wear while having technical capabilities like quick drying materials. Avoid materials like cotton that hold onto moisture and instead opt for technical synthetic fabrics or merino wool.
Our choice for best neck gaiter: Skida Snow Tour
The Skida Snow Tour is a versatile neck gaiter that’s ideal for winter conditions. The polyester and spandex material is soft and stretchy, and also dries quickly if it gets wet. The inner lining of the gaiter is a brushed fleece, so it’s soft and warm against your skin. We love that this gaiter can be worn snug over the ears and face (like a Buff), or folded and worn around the neck like a classic neck gaiter. Plus, it has UPF 50+ sun protection. We also love the fun, limited edition colors and prints that this small, woman-owned, U.S.-made brand puts out each season.
Hand protection
A good pair of gloves or mitts goes a long way on the slopes, and it’s worth having the right pair to match the conditions. For cold days, a burly mitten is ideal. But for warm spring skiing your hands will end up in a sweaty swamp—opt for a lightweight glove instead. And if you ski or ride in particularly wet conditions, Gore-Tex will go a long way to keep your hands dry, and therefore warm.
In the battle of gloves versus mittens, a lot comes down to personal preference. If you tend towards having cold extremities, mittens will be more likely to keep your digits toasty. But if you need the dexterity—especially for things like ski touring—gloves are a great option so you can avoid exposing your hands to the cold when fidgeting with gear.
Learn more about our recommendations in our Best Ski Gloves guide.
Gloves and mittens
What to look for
The first thing to consider is whether you prefer gloves or mittens. Gloves offer more dexterity while mittens tend to keep your fingers a little warmer if you run cold. Opt for durable and waterproof fabrics. If you ski often and get a lot of use out of your gear, a leather or synthetic leather glove or mitt is usually worth the money for the durability they offer.
Our choice for best ski gloves: Hestra Fall Line
The Hestra Fall Line gloves are often seen on skiers around the mountain and they’re well loved for a reason. They’re also the long-standing winner in our review of the best ski gloves. These premium leather gloves are warm and durable, thanks to a full leather outer material that’s treated to be fully waterproof. They’re warm enough for most days and versatile enough to be used all season in a variety of conditions. The leather patinas nicely after lots of use and these gloves will be a part of your kit for a long time.
Glove liners
What to look for
Glove liners should add warmth and comfort without adding too much bulk. Opt for something thin in a wicking material that stays warm when wet—we prefer merino wool. Avoid anything with thick seams around the fingers. And touch screen compatibility is ideal for finding your friends on a powder day.
Our choice for best glove liners: Ibex Glove Liners
Yes, these glove liners aren’t cheap, but we think they’re worth it. They’re made of warm, moisture-wicking merino wool. Ibex in particular makes some of the most durable merino garments we’ve tested, and that’s especially important with something like gloves that will see a lot of action and potential abrasion. These are slim, warm, and are touch screen compatible.
Hand warmers
What to look for
Some days, it’s simply so cold that you have to resort to the hand warmers. If you must, single-use hand warmers will do the trick in a pinch, and they’re not a bad thing to have on hand just in case. But hand warmers are often annoying and uncomfortable to have inside your gloves. Your best bet is to opt for high-quality, warm gloves (and liners if necessary). This creates less waste, keeps your hands happier, and is likely to save you money in the long run.
Our choice for best hand warmers: Hot Hands hand warmers
These simple hand warmers do the trick and keep your hands warm in a pinch. They’re easy to use and reliable as long as you follow the instructions. Plus, they’re small and easy to stow in a jacket pocket. But, their warmth fades after a couple hours and they end up in the trash after one use, which isn’t ideal. But if you have notoriously cold fingers and like to have backup warmth on hand (no pun intended), then these do the trick.
Foot protection
It might seem obvious that your skis are your most important piece of gear. We’d say they’re maybe a close second. But far and above, good boots—meaning the right boots and a good fit—and the accessories necessary to keep your feet happy is the number one place to focus your attention.
Happy feet keep you out there having fun all day, while avoiding issues like blisters or frostbite, or even just uncomfortably cold or squished toes. Happy feet and good boots also contribute to performance on your skis, since every turn starts with the foot and boot driving force into the ski edges.
We shy away from boot recommendations since this is so dependent on each individual skier’s feet and what they need and want out of a ski boot. So before diving into the accessories, one of the best things an avid skier can do to maximize their experience on the slopes is to go to a local boot fitter if possible. (We know—it's not cheap. But trust us, if you ski often, it’s worth it.)
After you’ve found the right boot, there are gear items that will help you keep that perfect fit.
First, simply taking good care of your boots also goes a long way (pull your liners out to dry when they’re wet and always keep the shells buckled to maintain shape; don’t use boot dryers if they’re heated since that can damage your liners).
The right accessories also make a difference. Using good ski socks will help keep your feet warm, dry, and blister free. Boot warmers can help those with chronically cold feet.
Ski socks
What to look for
Ski socks are a vital piece of your kit. Trust us: they’re more important than you think.
It might seem like the thicker the sock is, the warmer and better it is for skiing. But this logic doesn’t hold true when you’re shoving your foot into a rigid plastic boot that’s designed to fit tight. Opt for thin socks with minimal cushioning for the best fit in your ski boot. It will help with performance, but a thinner sock also leaves room for better circulation which will help keep your feet warmer.
You’ll want to avoid cotton and choose fabrics that wick moisture, and always opt for a sock that goes over the calf and lands just below the knee. We prefer merino-blended fabrics for the best performance and comfort. Learn more in our Best Ski Socks guide.
Our choice for best ski socks: Smartwool Ski Over The Calf Targeted Cushion
These socks are hands down our favorites for everyday skiing. The merino blend fabric is super soft, the fit is perfectly snug and leaves no loose fabric to bunch in your boot, and the cushioning is just right. One Treeline tester has been using Smartwool ski socks for over 15 years and they’re still the socks she reaches for first for their comfort, performance, and durability.
Men's
Women's
Boot warmers
What to look for
If you have perpetually cold feet or poor circulation, boot warmers or boot covers can help you stay out longer and enjoy skiing more without having to deal with frozen toes. The best place to start to keep your feet warm is to make sure your boots fit properly—consider going to a good boot fitter at a local shop. But for those who can't shake the cold, battery-powered boot warmers can help. Opt for warmers that sit on top of the boot board inside your boots for maximum comfort.
Our choice for best boot warmers: Hotronic Foot Warmer XLP 1C Custom Set
These boot warmers get the job done with rechargeable batteries that crank out the heat. But the most important thing with these is that they are compatible with a variety of footbeds, including custom ones. (Just be careful not to crank the heat too much to avoid accidentally remolding your custom footbeds that probably weren’t cheap.)
Ski maintenance and repair
Keeping your skis tuned and waxed throughout the season is a great way to increase the longevity of your gear, and it keeps it more fun when your bases glide fast and your edges are crisp and sharp. Waxing and tuning your skis at home is a great skill to have and will end up saving you lots of money in the long run.
Waxing kits
What to look for
A good waxing kit should have all the essentials you need to wax your skis at home. The basics should include an iron, a scraper, and wax, of course. Some may also include tuning tools like an edge sharpener or file which can also be helpful for folks who tune their skis at home. We offer more suggestions in our Best Ski Tuning and Waxing Kits guide.
Our choice for best waxing kit: MountainFlow Black Diamond Wax Kit
MountainFlow wax is a standout for its sustainability. Ski wax is full of harsh chemicals that seep into the environment when we slide around on the snow. MountainFlow isn’t perfect (no ski wax is) but it’s a lot better than most other wax compounds out there thanks to the plant-based materials used in the formula.
This kit comes with three different wax temperature options, a brush and scraper, an iron, and small stands for your skis when waxing. And in our testing, we’ve found this eco-friendly wax to work just as well as other less sustainable options in other home wax and tune kits.
Edge sharpeners
What to look for
For the folks tuning their edges at home, it’s best to opt for a simple and easy-to-use edge sharpener, especially if you’re not a ski tuning expert. Something with a plastic grip and preset angle is ideal.
Our choice best ski edge sharpener: Dakine Edge Tuner Tool
After testing multiple ski tuning kits, we found the Dakine edge tuner to be the easiest to use, even for folks who are newer to the art of sharpening edges. There are two different angle options, the file is burly enough to last multiple tunes, and it’s affordable.
Repair tools
What to look for
Big repairs, like those for sidewall damage, should be saved for your local shop expert. But if you want to repair some small core shots, a tune kit can go a long way and save you money. For repairs beyond a basic wax, ensure that the kit has P-tex candles and a metal scraper.
Our choice best repair tool: One Ball World Domination
The One Ball World Domination has everything you could think of for a home ski or snowboard tune kit. It includes the basics like wax, an iron, and an edge sharpener. But there’s also a whole lot more. Multiple P-tex candles in black and clear are great for repairing gashes in your bases. There’s also a screwdriver, and multiple brushes and scrapers included.
Safety gear
If you’re a backcountry skier, you’ve got more gear needs than someone riding the chairlift at the resort where ski patrol is ever present and avalanche danger has already been mitigated. The vast majority of resort-only skiers will not need this gear, but for folks who ski tour in the backcountry or exit the resort to ski “sidecountry” that is out of bounds, it’s a necessity.
Remember that this gear is only useful if you know how to use it. And better yet, this should be your safety net and not your “Plan A.” If you ski in the backcountry or sidecountry at all, take an avalanche education course, like an AIARE Level 1 and an avalanche rescue course to hone your skills. Knowledge and good decision making are the most important tools you have. You can learn more in our Avalanche Gear Checklist guide.
Avalanche beacons
What to look for
An avalanche transceiver is essential for backcountry skiers. Your beacon should without question be an up-to-date model with three antennas. It should be easy for you to use. Look for a range of at least 40-50 meters, if not more. Consider useful features like flagging for multiple burials. Other features like bluetooth for training and software updates are also nice to have.
Our choice best avalanche beacons: BCA Tracker 4
This beacon offers a user-friendly feature set that’s ideal for most backcountry recreationalists with proven reliability from BCA. The screen is easy to read and the user interface is intuitive and uncomplicated, making searches quick. It doesn’t have the largest range of any beacon out there, but it is very fast and efficient in the fine search with a single victim, which is statistically the most likely burial scenario. The transceiver is also pretty small and compact. There are more advanced beacons out there for avalanche rescue professionals, but for most recreational users, this is an excellent choice. Learn more in our Best Avalanche Beacons guide.
Snow probes
What to look for
When looking for a probe, consider where you backcountry ski most often and what the average snow depth is like. If you have a deep snowpack (like in the Pacific Northwest), you’ll need a longer probe. If your snowpack is shallower (like in the Rockies of Colorado) you can often carry a shorter, lighter probe. If you’re on the fence, opt for the longer probe. We like aluminum for its reliability, durability, and affordability.
Our choice for best snow probes: Ortovox Alu 320+ PFA Probe
This is a long and durable probe that’s easy to use. The handle to deploy the probe is especially useful and easy to grab, even with gloves on. The aluminum material is lightweight and durable, and the 13-millimeter diameter helps with stability and reliability when probing.
Shovels
What to look for
A good avalanche rescue shovel should be small,packable, and light enough to carry. But it also needs to have the features necessary to dig someone out of heavy, chunky avalanche debris: a strong blade and hoe mode, a strong but collapsible handle, and durable materials.
Our choice best shovel: Black Diamond Evac 7 Snow Shovel
This shovel has an ideal balance of weight, packability, durability, and features. The blade is strong and durable and the option for hoe mode makes digging through tough debris a lot easier. The backside of the blade is smooth and flat, which is ideal for carving clean walls to analyze snowpack in a snow pit.
First aid kits
What to look for
Carry first aid essentials that you know how to use without going overboard. Consider what tools will help you in a rescue or evac that are essential, and be sure to carry basics like medical tape, a syringe, over the counter meds, wound care, and blister care. Look for a kit that has good organization to make things easier whether you’re patching up a blister or responding to an emergency. Find additional recommendations in our Outdoor Items for an Emergency Preparedness Kit guide.
Our choice for best first aid kit: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit
This streamlined kit is super organized and has all the essentials to keep you prepared for an emergency in the backcountry. The divided zipper pockets are very helpful to find what you’re looking for quickly. This kit has the essentials while remaining light and packable.
Comfort and recovery items
Sometimes skiing is the easy part; getting to the chairlift and then recovering after a long, fun day isn’t always so smooth. Having the right accessories to schlep your gear around and allow your legs to rest and recover makes all the difference, especially when you’re skiing multiple days in a row.
Ski straps and carriers
What to look for
There are lots of gimmicky ski carry systems out there that claim to make carrying your skis to and from the lift easier, but most of them are just way more of a hassle than they’re worth. Stick to something simple and versatile instead. We prefer ski straps for a lot of reasons. They hold your skis and poles together nicely, they’re easy to stash in your pocket when not in use, and they can be used in a pinch for boot repairs and other handy fixes, especially in the backcountry.
Our choice best ski strap: Voile Strap
This very basic looking piece of gear is actually incredibly useful. They come in multiple lengths depending on how wide your skis are or what you need it for, they’re easy to use, they’re super durable, and they are a great addition to an emergency backcountry repair kit to boot.
Insoles for ski boots
What to look for
Insoles for your ski boots can make a huge impact on both comfort and skiing performance. The gold standard is to go to a boot fitter for custom insoles. But that’s not available for everyone. That doesn’t mean you have to stick with your flimsy stock insoles though. Look for insoles with soft and supple materials that support your arch without being too rigid.
Our choice best ski boots: Sole Performance
The Sole Performance footbeds use a cork material for comfort and arch support. These trim-to-fit inserts can also be gently molded to your foot when warmed slightly. That means you get closer to custom footbeds with an out of the box product.
Recovery tools
What to look for
Foam rollers can feel a little like a nice but harsh deep tissue massage after a hard day of skiing. Look for one that’s not too rigid. The main purpose is to massage and increase blood flow to your muscles to help aid in recovery.
Our choice: Roll Recover R4 Body Roller
This foam roller has a great shape and design for rolling out different muscles throughout the body. The textured surface is also nice.
Electronics and gadgets
Fun gear items like a smartwatch or action camera aren’t necessary to go skiing, but for a lot of folks they make the experience more fun. Whether you want to track the vertical you ski in a season, access digital trail maps, or make a whole season edit with your action cam, this is the gear to do it with.
Smartwatch
What to look for
Smartwatches have a ton of functionality. If you want one specifically for skiing, consider one that has GPS for tracking vertical, as well as capabilities for ski resort maps.
Our choice best watch for skiing: Garmin Fenix 8
The Fenix 8 is a dialed smartwatch with just about every feature you could dream of. This watch will help you train well for ski season with its multiple modes and functions. Then, when it’s time to hit the slopes, thousands of pre-loaded ski resort maps will help you find your way around the mountain.
Action cameras
What to look for
A good action camera for skiing should be weatherproof and compatible with a helmet mount, and should have a battery that functions well in the cold.
Our choice: GoPro HERO
This GoPro is particularly small and portable, which is ideal for skiing since it’s easy to stash in a pocket when you're not filming. Ideally, pair this with a helmet mount for hands-free use so you can remain focused on your skiing even if you’re filming. You can read more in our in-depth review of the GoPro Hero 12 Black.
A screenshot of the OnX Backcountry App.
GPS navigation
What to look for
GPS navigation and route planning is especially useful for backcountry skiers. Often, an app is a great option rather than a full GPS unit. Make sure the app has contour shading for slope angle for use when backcountry skiing (but remember not to rely solely on that when making decisions!).
Our choice: onX Backcountry
OnX Backcountry has a great toolset that’s easy to use for skiers. Route planning is easy on a desktop or mobile, and there is a lot to the app if you want to dive in with lots of detail. It notably has an avalanche terrain exposure scale layer.
Storage and Travel Gear
A lot of skiers dream of riding mountains all over, and most skiers have to travel some distance, whether by car or plane, to get to a mountainous winter wonderland where chairlifts, groomed runs, and powder exist.
If you’ve ever tried to finagle your way through a busy airport or transit center with ski gear, you know how important good ski-specific luggage is. And if you haven’t but plan to, trust us—don’t learn the hard way. If you’re hopping on a plane or train to go skiing this winter, you’ll want a good ski and boot bag to get your gear there safely and hassle free.
Ski bags
What to look for
If you’re going to fly with your skis, you’ll want a travel ski bag. Look for a bag that fits the length of your skis and is wide enough for the number of skis you want to bring. A roller bag is definitely worth the splurge, and make sure the bag has ample padding to protect your gear.
Our choice for best ski bag: Dakine Fall Line Ski Roller Bag
This bag has the essentials, like rollers, padding, and space for your skis, But it also has extra pockets for other ski essentials. After years of use and testing, it’s also proven to be durable and can withstand the abuse luggage inevitably takes.
Boot bags
What to look for
A good boot bag has a specific waterproof or water resistant compartment for your boots that’s easy to wipe clean. Additional pockets are a necessity since you will need to carry other gear in there, too. Look for a bag that is made with durable materials so it can withstand the wear and tear of travel.
Our choice best ski boot bag: Thule Round Trip 60L
This spacious boot bag has a great boot compartment, plus plenty of pocket space for other ski accessories like goggles, gloves, and more. One of the things we like most about this bag is the hard top pocket that’s ideal for storing a helmet without worrying about denting it in transit.
Roof racks
What to look for
You love your skis, so opt for a good ski rack to keep them safe while you travel to the resort. Car topper boxes are the best bet for keeping your gear safe and sound while easily carrying multiple pairs of skis.
Our choice best roof rack: Thule Force XT
This box has proven reliability and durability, and that’s the main reason we love it. But, it’s also easy to open and close—something that goes a long way, especially when loading and unloading lots of gear.
Backcountry accessories
There’s a reason backcountry skiing is often referred to as “earning your turns”—you’ve got to get up with your own legs if you want to ski down. And in order to do that, you’ll need the right gear that will turn your skis into uphill climbers before they go back to being downhill sliders.
Climbing skins
What to look for
Climbing skins should offer a good balance of grip, glide, and durability. Consider what you need most from your skins. If you’re new to the uphill, synthetic skins that prioritize grip will be helpful albeit a little heavier. If you want good all-around functionality, mohair mix skins are the best option for performance and durability.
Our choice best climbing skins: Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide
The Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide are our favorite skins for backcountry skiing thanks to their quality, reliability, and balance of performance. They grip and glide well and pack down reasonably small. And, they’re durable enough for multiple seasons of use.
Avalanche airbags
What to look for
Avalanche airbags are no silver bullet to keep you safe from an avalanche, but statistics show they can be lifesaving when used correctly. Look for a bag that balances weight, price, and functionality, and features.
Our choice best air bag: Osprey Soelden Pro
This electronic avalanche airbag system is a reliable and durable choice for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. The bag functions well in a wide range of temperatures and is user-friendly and easy to use. The overall design of the pack is sleek and streamlined. We tested and reviewed this in our Best Ski Backpacks guide.
Backcountry snow saw
What to look for
If you are a backcountry skier, you’re likely to be out there digging some snow pits at some point. A snow saw is a necessary piece of gear. Look for a saw that’s the right length for the size of pits you want to dig (recreational skiers can opt for smaller saws).
Our choice: BCA Snow Saw 35cm
This saw is a great workhorse option for recreational backcountry skiers. It’s light and functional and just the right size for most snow pits.
Other accessories
The author skiing with the CamelBak Snowblast hydration pack.
If you’re skiing at a resort, you know the lodge is always there. But that doesn't mean you want to stop skiing and go in there.
Hydration packs
What to look for
Insulation is a must for a ski hydration pack. Make sure that the bladder or bladder pocket are insulated, and that there is insulation for the hose, too. You can read about similar packs in our Best Mountain Bike Hydration Packs guide, but remember, insulation is important.
Our choice: Camelbak SnoBlast Hydration Pack
This pack has all the insulation needed for hydration in the winter. It has a bladder with an insulated hose sleeve, and the pack itself is made of a durable and water resistant fabric. The hose is still likely to freeze in single digits, but that’s true of any hydration pack in those temps.
Water bottles
What to look for
If you want water while you’re out skiing without having to stop in the lodge, opt for something small, light, and collapsible that can easily be stashed in a jacket pocket.
Our choice: HydraPak Stow 500mL
This little bottle fits just right in a ski jacket or pants pocket. The material is soft and easy to collapse when it’s empty, and the rigid opening makes it easy to clean at the end of the day.
Snacks and energy bars
What to look for
Anything that won't freeze solid is a great option here, and it’s best to avoid chews and gummies in the cold unless you want to hurt your teeth. Granola bars are a great option for fast fuel to keep you going.
Our choice: Skratch Labs Energy Bar Sport Fuel
Even if you don’t love granola bars, these are worth trying. The flavors are tasty and have a good balance of carbs and protein. They’ll hit the spot on any chairlift ride.
Sunscreen and lip balm
What to look for
Sunscreen is essential, especially in winter thanks to the UV reflection on the snow. Regular SPF sunscreen is great, like our favorite Supergoop SPF 50. But for skiing in harsh conditions, having a sunscreen that also protects your face from wind is also great. Check out our guide to the Best Face Sunscreens to learn more.
Our choice: Dermatone Skin Protector with Zinc SPF 30
This zinc-based cream is ideal for skiing. It has the SPF necessary to protect you from UV rays, but it does more than just that. The thick and luscious balm also protects against wind and sideways snow pelting your face.
How to choose the right ski accessories
Not all ski accessories are created equal, and not all skiers are the same. Deciding on the right gear can be a challenge, but it helps to first know thyself as a skier before deciding on the gear. First, consider your budget and start there. Then, consider the conditions where you ski most. Is it wet, or do you see a lot of sunshine? How cold does it tend to get? If you never fly to ski, then you probably don’t need a ski roller bag, but if you’re jetsetting to resorts all over, it’ll be a must.
It’s also very worthwhile to consider how much you actually ski each season. If it’s only a handful of times, then you likely don’t need to splurge on the fanciest or most durable gear unless you really want to. But if you ski every weekend or dozens of days each season, then the nicer, more durable gear will likely be worth it to you.
If you’re a backcountry skier, you will have additional gear needs. It’s worth noting that you should not venture into the backcountry until you’re a competent skier in the resort. This is because the terrain is more complex and the consequences of a mistake are much higher outside of resort boundaries.
Once you do venture into the backcountry, start by taking avalanche education courses and learn how to use the rescue gear and make good decisions by understanding avalanche terrain. Ensure that you have the essentials like a beacon, probe, shove, and dedicated pack to carry it all.
Tips for maximizing ski gear lifespan
Skiing isn’t cheap, and neither is the gear. Taking good care of your ski gear will help it last a lot longer, which saves you money and keeps things out of the landfill for longer.
Always store your gear—from boots to goggles to skis to outerwear—in a cool and dry place ideally out of direct sunlight. If your gear is wet after a day of skiing, dry it out before storing it. This includes your boots: if your liners are wet, pull them out of your boots for the night to dry them out, then store your boots fully buckled.
And remember that washing your outerwear is good! Keeping it clean with something like Nikwax will help with performance and longevity.
Ski gear is meant to be durable. If you treat it well it should last for dozens of days and many seasons of use.
Why we chose this gear
The gear in this list is based on a boatload of research and experience. We draw from our in-depth reviews on gear that we’ve tested, which compare many models up against each other.
In addition to these reviews, there’s experience. The author of this story has been an avid skier her entire life, and has lived in a ski town at the base of a ski resort for over a decade where she skis several times a week each winter. Through this experience she’s dialed in just about every ski gear accessory you could need, and these picks are based in part on her decades of experience on skis.
About the author / Why you should trust us
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held a WFR cert, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full-time freelance writer and editor working primarily in the outdoor recreation realm. Her bylines can be found in Backpacker, 5280, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others, and she’s been testing and writing about gear for nearly a decade. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine.
Stasia started skiing when she was four years old and she hasn’t missed a season since. She grew up spending every winter weekend at her home resort in northern Utah skiing with her family, and now has lived and skied in Breckenridge, Colorado for over a decade where she gets out multiple times every week. She’s also been a backcountry skier for a decade and holds her AIARE Level 1, Level 2, and Avalanche Rescue certifications. Skiing is her first love, and as a long time gear tester and bonafide gear nerd, when the two meet she can offer advice on just about every piece of ski gear you could think of.
