Everything You Need For Your First Ski Trip

The best ski jackets, trousers & suits

You'll need waterproof but breathable ski jackets and trousers so as to keep the snow out while letting your body breathe as you get warm dipping and diving down those slopes. A high collar is preferable on a jacket to protect your neck from both sunshine and snow getting in and dripping down your back (yuck), but other than that it's all about playing around with print and colour.

Our favourites come in bold and bright primaries, '80s-style colour blocking, classic plaid and quilt patterns, while the best salopettes or bibs act as an insulated shell and let your key pieces do the talking.

The best ski base layers

Once you start moving, you'll quickly shed that jacket and want to feel more free and agile on the slopes. Rather than sticking to one thick jumper, wear a few light base layers that are thin, smooth, moisture wicking and odour-resistant.

The best ski goggles

Look for goggles that have side vents and double screens so condensation doesn't build up inside and cloud your vision. The darker the lens, the better for tackling brighter and sunnier skies, too. And remember to apply suncream all over your face! You don't want to return home with a big white mask print on your skin...

The best ski gloves

Pretty self-explanatory but do make sure you buy gloves with cinched wrists, whether it's toggle ties or elasticated fabric, because if snow gets in there you'll have freezing cold mitts all day. Our favourites include puffer-style, quilted mittens.

Everything else: ski boots, socks and winter accessories

The key with socks is to buy technical sports pairs, not fashion or comfort socks. Ones with extra padding to protect from uncomfortable hired snow boots, and ones without seams are great if you get blisters or sores easily.

When it comes to warmth, headbands, snoods and beanies are all you need.