What equipment do I need for skiing?

You have finally booked your holiday and you are ready to hit the slopes! What equipment do you need for a successful holiday?

Complete checklist of equipment to bring for skiing

You will need the following ski equipment:

• Skis or snowboard
• Ski boots
• Ski poles
• Ski helmet
• Sled
• Snowshoes

The skis or snowboard must be chosen according to the skier's profile, based on three criteria: his or her level, practice and morphology. Contact professionals for this purchase. For the size of the skis, we recommend a size of skis between 5 cm and 10 cm below the height of the skier. For freeriding, larger skis are needed, up to 10 cm more. Shorter skis are more manageable and often recommended for beginners.

Ski boots should provide comfort and support for your feet. As with skis, you should go to a professional for this purchase. Ski boots are best tried on with ski socks. This is a good way to test the quality and comfort of the ski boots. Do not hesitate to try on several brands. The aim is to avoid discomfort and compression in the lower legs.

Ski poles are an essential accessory that will give you support on climbs or turns, to give you stability.  For the size of the poles, equip yourself with your ski boots, the skier holds his poles upside down by placing his hands under the puck. The arms should form a right angle of 90°. In terms of materials, the ideal pole is made of carbon, which is very light. Aluminium is more versatile and less expensive.

The ski helmet must meet 5 criteria: lightness, shape, quality of the foam, ventilation and the NF (or CE) EN 1077 standard. The ski helmet must provide a stable fit on the head for optimum protection, while also having a certain level of comfort. The helmet should not be in the way during your skiing day.

Snowshoes should be light, ergonomic and durable. Snowshoes are most often made of plastic or aluminium. Plastic snowshoes are the most common because of their better price/quality ratio and their durability, but they are intended for occasional leisure use. Aluminium snowshoes are lighter and offer better performance on longer outings. 

For off-piste: don't forget your safety equipment! DVA, shovel and probe and if you don't have any, ask in the sports shops in the resort which can offer this equipment for hire.

Hire or buy your own equipment?

This is a personal choice, it is up to you. You can buy your equipment in advance if you wish. For example, if you practice several times a year or every year in the long run the equipment will become profitable over the years. Or you can choose to rent the equipment directly on the spot in winter sports equipment rental shops. This is a short-term solution that costs less and leaves more room in your car.

Cimalp offers a wide range of ski clothing to help you choose the right outfit.