OP here. Thanks for the link recs!

For the wool socks, I'm allergic to wool. Is there a good recommendation for an alternative?

Thanks DCUM for helping with my purchases and packing! You guys are the best!!

I love these for the warmth.

http://www.amazon.com/Multipurpose-Unisex-Balaclava-Full-Black/dp/B00QKN6XSO/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1452645908&sr=8-15&keywords=baklava+face+mask

Anonymous wrote:A few years ago, my brother was flying to a business meeting and happened to be seated next to a neurologist. They started talking about skiing. The neurologist said he had recently been skiing with friends from med school and they all laughed at him because he was the only one not wearing a helmet. He bought one at the resort shop at the lunch break.

The helmet is key.

Yes!! I got shamed in Montana. West Coast takes the helmet seriously!! Little mountains around here you find many without helmets. Go out to Colorado, Montana, Utah---everyone wears one.

Wicking base layers are important for comfort. Nice ski socks and a good base layer, definitely worth it. Also a gaiter if the weather is foul or quite cold, is very convenient for pulling over your chin. Outer layer should be wind stopping and waterproof.

I agree with PP. Proper gear is key to having a great ski day. You can have fun in a blizzard with the right gear. I know because we do.

The googles that you picked out should be fine. I bought a cheap-ish pair on Amazon this winter and they worked great. The more expensive googles will probably work better in some conditions but the important thing is just to have them. I've never seen them for rent, probably because they are pretty easy to break.

Also, get wool ski socks. You can wear them again around here when it is cold. Thick socks won't be comfortable in ski boots.

I like Sorel snow boots for both ski resorts and around town. If it is wet snow, they will work better than Uggs.

er - Natasha Richardson anyone? Died from ski related head injury.

If you are only skiing for one day and don't plan to do again soon, rent helmet. I haven't seen goggles for rent but maybe they do some places. The better your gear i.e. goggles, proper ski socks, etc the more comfortable you'll be but not worth expense for n one day imo. If you hope to enjoy yourself and do it again then make the investment. Skiing is one of those activities that is a lot of fun if properly outfitted and miserable if not.

OP.

Will these goggles do? http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=38353096#BVRRWidgetID

I know it's entry price level but based on the reviews it sounds decent. Can anyone verify if these will do or should I spring for the $35+ with the tint for sunny glare?

I am worried about renting a helmet in regard to lice or other people's hair, scalp, and sweat having been on it. Would I benefit better to swing for the expense? I don't think that this would be a regular activity for me.

Also on the socks, whats the difference between regular thick socks and ski socks? I never thought that socks would be that different.

I'll be doing 1 day snowboarding, 1 day skiing. Evening is TBA but most likely tubing. Do I need a helmet for that too?

Anonymous wrote:A few years ago, my brother was flying to a business meeting and happened to be seated next to a neurologist. They started talking about skiing. The neurologist said he had recently been skiing with friends from med school and they all laughed at him because he was the only one not wearing a helmet. He bought one at the resort shop at the lunch break.

The helmet is key.

Also, the helmet is warm and keeps the goggles in the right place. The era of fighting with your hat and goggles is blissfully over! Helmets are the best.

You will need snowboots, for sure unless you'll be ski in ski out. You will also need mittens/gloves, and perhaps a gator, but you can get that at the resort if you need. You can rent a helmet, boots and the board. The rest is up to you.

You will also want good base layers- leggings/yoga pants can work as well as an athletic top or turtleneck. I don't know much about boarding, but if you were skiing, you wouldn't want super thick socks- you'd want ski socks. Different things.

A few years ago, my brother was flying to a business meeting and happened to be seated next to a neurologist. They started talking about skiing. The neurologist said he had recently been skiing with friends from med school and they all laughed at him because he was the only one not wearing a helmet. He bought one at the resort shop at the lunch break.

The helmet is key.

Do I need to buy goggles or can I rent those with the snowboarding equipment? I saw that helmet is recommended. Is that necessary or should I be ok without head gear protection?

Goggles!

Help please!

What kind of clothes and shoes/boots should I be packing for a ski trip?

Do Uggs/Bearpaws work or should I get actual snow boots?

Currently on my to buy list includes:

Women's snow bib
Women's gor-tex gloves for snowboarding
Extra thick knee socks