10 Ski Gear Essentials You Need This Winter

Bern Brighton and Bern Macon Helmets

Helmets didn't become standard issue for many skiers until a few years ago, but once you start wearing one, you'll never go back. Not only will you be protecting your head from injury (obviously the most important reason to wear one), but a good helmet keeps you much warmer than just wearing a hat alone.

I splurged on the Bern Brighton this year and absolutely love its fleece cold-weather liner. (It's super soft and warm.) I also appreciate the lightweight profile (much thinner than many other helmets out there) and the fact that the fleece liner can be swapped out in the summer, so I can use it year-round for biking and skiing. (The men's equivalent is the Bern Macon.)

Eddie Bauer Snowline Baselayer Pants

A good base layer is essential underneath ski pants. It will keep you warm and dry on the slopes, and then let you ditch the bulky snow pants for something comfortable and less hot when you're enjoying après ski drinks by the fire. The Eddie Bauer Snowline Baselayer Pants are specifically designed for skiing and snowboarding, with an athletic fit that hugs the body but doesn't restrict your mobility.

They've also got moisture-wicking and odor-control properties, which everyone will appreciate post-ski. They're available for women and men, although women get the more fun pattern and color options.

Obermeyer Zermatt Jacket

I've gone through a lot of less-expensive winter jackets, but none have been as durable and had as many cool features as the Obermeyer Zermatt Jacket. The Zermatt is clearly designed for winter sports, with handy surprises hidden throughout: a soft fleece convertible neck gaiter/headband comes tucked away inside, a small stylus is attached to a cord inside one of the pockets (so that you can operate your phone without taking off your glove or mitten), and a detachable scratch-free goggle cloth lives in the other pocket.

Speaking of pockets, there are specially designed pockets for your goggles, cell phone, and hand warmers. Plenty of other features keep you warm and comfortable, too: The interior windguard with fleece chin protector comes in handy on cold lift rides, the powder skirt keeps out snow while zone ventilation offers you the option to cool down when you need it, and the hood is removable. I hope to never need it, but I appreciate the built-in rescue beacon in case of emergencies.

Nike Vision Mazot Goggles

Small-faced skiers will like the lightweight Nike Vision's Mazot Goggles, which are designed for a small to medium fit. As you'd expect from Nike, they can handle any level of activity you can throw at them. The lenses are anti-fog and crystal clear, and the therma-fit fleece lining and triple-layer foam ensure a snug and warm fit.

EDGEPRO Insoles

Ski boots are easily the worst part of the sport. Enter EDGEPRO insoles, which mimic the comfort of heat molded boots but can be reused in all your boots. They come in three different profile heights so you can correct for low or high arches. The EDEPROs are ergonomic and will help relieve stress on your feet, as well as keep them warm and blister-free thanks to the triple-layer insulation.

CEP Progressive+ Ski Merino Compression Socks

You already know how important compression socks are for flying, but they're also great for sports; many pro athletes use them to help with recovery and performance. The CEP Progressive+ Ski Merino Compression Socks are perfect for skiing because they're made out of a merino wool/water-repellent synthetic fiber blend for a great heat/moisture management combination. And they're specifically designed for skiers, with padded zones for the spots where ski equipment puts the most pressure. They provide 20-30mmHG of compression from ankle to calf and 18 mmHg compression over the calf.

Obermeyer Warrior Pant

The ski pants I've tried in years past have been both bulky (taking up too much room in my luggage) and unflattering. But the Obermeyer Warrior Pants are surprisingly thin and warm thanks to their four-way stretch Dermizax fabric and Thinsulate Platinum Flex insulation. This means that water and snow will stay out, heat will stay in, and you'll be able to move comfortably. The Warrior pants are also cut in a figure-flattering design, unlike most women's snow pants. For men, Obermeyer's Kitimat Shell Mens Ski Pant offers similar flexibility and dryness.

Patagonia Snowshot Pants

Carry everything you need on the mountain with the <a href="http://www.shoebuy.com/mkt/entryurl.jsp" target="_blank">Patagonia Snowshot Freeride Pants</a>, which have pockets for hand warmers and two cargo pockets on the thighs. Both you and your stuff will stay warm and dry with the H2No double-layer polyester shell that's waterproof and breathable.

I like the internal waistband adjuster, which lets you customize the fit. You can customize your level of warmth, too, with mesh-lined vents at the inner thigh that open and close as needed. The Snowshots have a built-in hidden RECCO reflector in case of emergencies.

Eddie Bauer Guide Trigger Mitts

Mittens are great for keeping your hands warm, but once they're on it can feel like you're wearing a giant marshmellow—it's really hard to do anything dexterous while wearing them. That's why I like the Guide Trigger Mitts from Eddie Bauer, a unique mitten/glove hybrid that keeps your index finger separate so you'll still have the warmth but can actually function. There's extra insulation built-in on the back of your hand (where it's most exposed to the elements), and the palm and fingers are made from a highly water-resistant leather.

Revo Wordsmith Goggles

The weather can change rapidly on the slopes, but you'll be prepared with the Revo Wordsmith Goggles, which have a unique Polarized Photochromic Light Management System that automatically adjusts to both light and dark conditions while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. The Wordsmith's dual lenses and air-vent technology reduce fogging, so you'll never be left steamed up. (And they're shatterproof in case you wipe out.)

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Avoid the Worst Cold-Weather Packing Mistakes
• Warmest Boots for Comfy, Cozy Winter Travel
• The Secret to Staying Warm on Winter Travels

Caroline Morse loves skiing the Northeast in the winter. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1 for plenty of snow and action shots.

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