| Heading out on a winter vacation this year? Many | | | | scenery, the snow will be quite bright and a good pair |
| people will be hitting the slopes for the very first | | | | of sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes |
| time, whether in skis or on a snowboard. Here's a | | | | from the dangerous UV rays. Whether you're going |
| rundown of important accessories you should pack | | | | to be skiing or snowboarding, goggles are a must. |
| before heading out: | | | | You can't wear sunglasses on the slopes, as they |
| Layers | | | | may slide around on your face, which can cause a |
| Don't forget to pack layers of clothing to go under | | | | dangerous distraction, or even slide completely off |
| your jacket and pants. Great choices include fleece | | | | your face, offering no eye protection at all. A good |
| and high tech materials like Thinsulate. Plus, sweaters | | | | pair of goggles will protect your eyes from UV rays, |
| are great for sipping cocoa at the lodge. | | | | stray tree branches, other skiers or snowboarders |
| Jacket | | | | and any debris or snow that may be coming your |
| Your jacket is the most important accessory in your | | | | way. Goggles are also sure to stay in place. |
| suitcase. Choose it wisely, trying on different ones at | | | | Skin Care |
| the local sporting goods store. A jacket is not | | | | Skin can take a beating in winter. Going from the |
| typically something you want to buy online, as you | | | | freezing cold outside to toasty warm in the hotel, the |
| want to be able to try it on first. Look for warmth | | | | skin can tend to dry out fast. if you don't take some |
| and good freedom of movement. | | | | precautions, you might find a few extra wrinkles |
| Gloves | | | | next year. Take care to moisturize often, twice a |
| A good pair of gloves is certainly essential. Like the | | | | day if you can. Make sure to take care of your lips |
| jacket, you want to make sure you try various pairs | | | | too. Make it a habit to moisturize your lips with some |
| on. Make sure they are comfortable, yet flexible | | | | Chapstick or Carmex or other protective and |
| enough to be able to hold on to your ski poles with a | | | | moisturizing lip protector. Carry one in your pocket at |
| strong grip. You might also pick up some heat packs | | | | all times. Don't forget to look for moisturizers and lip |
| to place in your gloves, to make sure your hands | | | | products with a strong SPF, to protect yourself from |
| stay toasty warm. If you're going to be doing some | | | | sun damage and skin cancer. |
| skiing AND some snowboarding, then consider getting | | | | Safety |
| a pair for each activity. With ski gloves, you need to | | | | With snowboarding, wrist injuries are a huge problem, |
| be able to hold the ski poles with a good grip, so | | | | especially for beginners. Snowboarders tend to fall |
| flexibility is key. With snowboarding gloves, they will | | | | sideways, either backwards or forwards, and the |
| generally have reinforced knuckles and extra wrist | | | | tendency is to catch yourself with your arm. This can |
| support. Ski gloves will be a little thinner, to maintain | | | | cause wrist injuries, from minor sprains to serious |
| the flexibility. Snowboarding gloves will often come up | | | | fractures. Protect yourself from this serious injury by |
| higher on the wrist and arm as well. | | | | buying a wrist guard. This simple accessory wraps |
| Eyewear | | | | around your wrist and thumb and protects it from |
| On any vacation, sunglasses will be essential, yes, | | | | injury when you fall. You can now also buy gloves |
| even for a winter vacation. The sun may still be out, | | | | with integrated wrist guards, which are a great |
| yet when you're walking around or just enjoying the | | | | choice for safety. |