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Experts share tips for beginners hitting the slopes this winter

Experienced skiers and snowboarders are sharing their best advice for beginners on how to dress and gear up for the mountain this winter.

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A scenic view of the Wildflower Downhill run at Snowbasin. Snowbasin is one of only three resorts in America to allow public skiing on Olympic tracks. (Courtesy of Snowbasin Resort)

Spencer Stevenson, president of the BYU Ski and Ride Club, has been skiing since he was “old enough to walk,” he said. He shared his must-have essentials for beginners wanting to try snow sports.

In addition to a coat and snow pants, Stevenson stressed the importance of wearing a helmet. He explained that many beginners mistakenly think helmets are unnecessary if they’re not attempting risky tricks.

“When you’re learning, you’re probably gonna fall,” Stevenson said.

He also discouraged wearing beanies under helmets, saying it can cause discomfort.

“Wearing a beanie under a helmet, you would think, would help a lot. But a lot of times, it just ends up being uncomfortable because it'll get folded up under your helmet and it'll give you a headache,” he said.

Most helmets come with padding around the ears for warmth and comfort, Stevenson said.

Gloves are another essential, Stevenson said.

“A good pair will make or break it” in the unforgiving snow, he said.

Molli Christensen, a four-year skiing veteran and an employee at a local outdoor shop, echoed Stevenson’s recommendation.

“Invest in a good pair of mittens,” she said.

Christensen explained mittens are especially helpful for those who struggle with cold hands.

“If you have cold hands syndrome, get mittens,” she said.

Christensen also revealed her “secret to success” in the snow: Socks.

“My number one advice is to get a thin pair of socks. Don’t wear thick socks when you’re skiing,” she said.

Richard Harrison, a seasoned snowboarder who works at Pando Refitters, agreed. Customers oftentimes come in with problems that are solved with the right pair of socks, he said.

“I don’t have to sell them new boots if I can fix their problems at a lower price,” he said.

Harrison emphasized that thick socks are a common mistake.

“Ski and snowboard boots are insulated. They have foam in them that will keep your feet warm. So the biggest mistake, number one, that people make with footwear is putting big fat thick socks shoved inside,” he said.

For beginners worried about the cost of gear, Stevenson and Christensen shared ways to save money.

Coats and pants don’t need to come from the most expensive places, Stevenson said. He recommended cheaper options, such as Costco and Walmart, to find better deals. Online websites such as backcountry.com and geartrade.com are good resources for saving money, he said.

Snow goggles are another place where beginners can save.

“You can get a decent pair of goggles that'll do the job for, like, 40-50 dollars,” Stevenson said.

Christensen added that investing in goggles with interchangeable lenses is a good idea.

“A low-light lens for overcast days and a polarized lens for those nice (sunny) days” are her top picks, she said.

Boots are one of the most critical pieces of gear for a good day on the slopes. Christensen advised snowboarders to prioritize boots and bindings.

“If you're a snowboarder and you're looking for new gear, you want to have great boots, good bindings and an okay board," she said.

Harrison stressed the importance of proper boot fitting. He explained that cold feet are often caused by improperly laced or buckled boots.

“When (customers’) feet get cold, it's because they did not buckle their boot or lace their boot for snowboarding when they’re standing up, so their arch is curved,” Harrison said. He advised snowboarders and skiers to always lace or buckle boots while standing with full body weight to ensure proper fit and comfort.