Adult Ski & Snowboard Gear Guide: What to Bring for Your First Lesson
"What do I need to bring?" is the first question before anyone's first day on snow. This page is for adults. For a first lesson, we recommend renting skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet at the resort instead of buying everything; clothing, gloves and goggles are on you. Below: the gear list, how to dress for an Ontario winter, adult size charts, when to buy, where to shop, and a lesson-day checklist. Getting your kids ready? See the Kids' Gear Guide.
01First lesson: what to rent, what to bring
| We recommend renting | Bring your own |
|---|---|
| Skis + poles, or a snowboard | Waterproof jacket and snow pants |
| Boots | Waterproof gloves |
| Helmet | Goggles |
| Base layer, fleece mid layer, ski socks, face mask or neck warmer |
A helmet is required in all SSnow lessons; if you don't have one, rent one at the resort. Buy your lift ticket in advance. Rental lines and boot fitting take time, so on your first day aim to arrive 45 minutes early.
02Essential gear list
Hard gear
- Helmet: required in lessons; made for snow sports, not a bike helmet
- Goggles: try them on with your helmet, no gap at the top or around the nose; if you wear glasses, get OTG (over-the-glasses) goggles or wear contacts
- Boots: fit comes first. Toes lightly touch the front, and your heel stays down when you bend your knees
- Skis or board: skis + bindings + poles, or a snowboard + bindings; rental staff set them up for your height, weight and ability
Clothing and accessories
- Waterproof jacket and snow pants: 10k waterproof rating or higher; beginners sit in the snow a lot, so pants must be waterproof
- Base layer: merino wool or synthetic, never cotton long johns
- Fleece mid layer: add on cold days, take off when warm
- Waterproof gloves: mittens if you run cold
- Ski socks: one pair of calf-length socks, not cotton and not two pairs
- Face mask or neck warmer: makes a big difference on windy days
- Sunscreen and lip balm: snow reflects sunlight, so you can burn even when it's cloudy
- Phone in an inside pocket: batteries drain fast in the cold, and body heat helps
03Ski vs snowboard: how the gear differs
- Skiing
- You also need poles. Ski boots are stiff, so walking in them feels awkward at first. That's normal. Bindings must have their release setting (DIN) set for your height, weight and ability; if you buy skis, have the shop set them.
- Snowboarding
- You'll fall a lot in the first couple of days, so we recommend padded shorts and wrist guards, plus knee pads if you tend to land on your knees. Pads take the fear out of falling, and you'll progress faster. Snowboard boots are softer and easier to walk in. Find out which foot goes forward (regular or goofy); your instructor will help in the first lesson.
Still deciding? See Ski Lessons and Snowboard Lessons.
04Dressing for an Ontario winter: layers
From December to March, resorts near Toronto are often between −5°C and −15°C, and wind makes it feel colder. Instead of one thick puffer, wear three layers: a base layer that moves sweat away from your skin, a mid layer for warmth, and a waterproof, windproof shell. Take off the mid layer when you're warm and add it back when you're cold.
| Temperature | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Above −5°C | Base layer + waterproof jacket and pants; lighter gloves are fine |
| −5°C to −15°C | Base layer + fleece mid layer + waterproof jacket and pants; face mask or neck warmer |
| Below −15°C, or very windy | Thicker mid layer or light down liner; mittens + hand warmers; full face mask with no exposed skin; take more indoor breaks |
Check the resort forecast and wind chill before you leave.
05Adult size charts
Measure four things at home: height (barefoot against a wall), weight, foot length (barefoot on paper, heel to the tip of the longest toe; use the longer foot, and measure in the afternoon or evening) and head size (tape measure around the head just above the eyebrows). To get the sizes by tapping a height or weight range, use our adult ski gear size calculator.
| Height (cm) | Beginner | Green/blue | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 130–135 | 138–142 | 145–150 |
| 155 | 135–140 | 143–147 | 150–155 |
| 160 | 140–145 | 148–152 | 155–160 |
| 165 | 145–150 | 153–157 | 160–165 |
| 170 | 150–155 | 158–162 | 165–170 |
| 175 | 155–160 | 163–167 | 170–175 |
| 180 | 160–165 | 168–172 | 175–180 |
| 185 | 165–170 | 173–177 | 180–185 |
| 190 | 170–175 | 178–182 | 185–190 |
All in centimetres. Stand the skis up: for beginners the tips reach the chin, for green and blue runs the nose, for advanced skiers the forehead. Heavier skiers go to the longer end, lighter skiers to the shorter end; if your height falls between rows (e.g. 172), use the lower row. Pole length is about height × 0.68 (about 115 cm for 170 cm): hold the pole upside down by the grip, and your forearm should be level with the ground.
| Weight | Snowboard length |
|---|---|
| 40–50 kg | 138–144 cm |
| 50–60 kg | 144–149 cm |
| 60–70 kg | 149–154 cm |
| 70–80 kg | 154–158 cm |
| 80–90 kg | 158–162 cm |
| Over 90 kg | 162–166 cm |
Snowboards are sized mainly by weight. Stood up, the nose should reach between your chest and chin. Beginners go to the shorter end, experienced riders to the longer end; stance is about shoulder width.
| Boot Mondo (= foot length in cm) | US men's | US women's |
|---|---|---|
| 22.0 | – | 5 |
| 22.5 | – | 5.5 |
| 23.0 | – | 6 |
| 23.5 | – | 6.5 |
| 24.0 | 6 | 7 |
| 24.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 25.0 | 7 | 8 |
| 25.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 26.0 | 8 | 9 |
| 26.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 27.0 | 9 | 10 |
| 27.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| 28.0 | 10 | – |
| 28.5 | 10.5 | – |
| 29.0 | 11 | – |
| 29.5 | 11.5 | – |
| 30.0 | 12 | – |
| 30.5 | 12.5 | – |
| 31.0 | 13 | – |
A good fit: standing straight, your toes lightly touch the front; when you bend your knees they pull back, and your heel stays down. Beginner ski boots should have a flex of 60–90, not a stiff race boot.
| Head size | Helmet size |
|---|---|
| 52–55.5 cm | S |
| 55.5–59 cm | M |
| 59–62.5 cm | L |
| 62.5–65 cm | XL |
Brands vary. If the size names don't match, go by centimetres; if you wear glasses, try one size up. With the helmet on straight, it shouldn't move when you shake your head; then tighten the dial at the back.
06Common beginner mistakes
- Boots that are too big. One size up and you can't control your skis or board, and your foot slides and rubs. Skis can be a bit long; boots must fit.
- Buying high-end stiff skis or boots as a beginner. They cost more and are harder to learn on, because stiff gear is less forgiving.
- Buying used boots. The liner has already packed out to someone else's foot, so they rarely fit. Used skis, boards and bindings are fine; buy boots and helmets new if you can.
- Not re-setting bindings. Have them set for your own height, weight and ability, not the seller's settings.
- Wearing sunglasses instead of goggles. They don't block wind or protect against snow glare as well, and they can hurt your eyes in a fall.
07When to buy
- First time, one or two days
- We recommend renting skis or a board, boots and a helmet at the resort by the day. It's the easiest option.
- Five or more days a season
- Buy your own boots and helmet first (both new). Rental boots often don't fit well, and sore feet are the most common complaint from adult beginners. Try boots on with ski socks and walk around the shop for 10 minutes.
- Every week
- Then buy skis or a board and bindings; a seasonal rental or buying beats daily rentals. Used gear is fine too, as long as a shop checks the bindings.
| Option | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| New set | Ski about $650–1,300; snowboard about $600–1,100 |
| Seasonal rental | About $250–400 / season |
| Used | About $150–400 |
These are typical GTA ranges (CAD, before tax; skis or board + bindings + boots, without helmet and goggles). Sales vary, so check with the shop.
08Where to buy or rent in Toronto
- Sporting Life
- Toronto, York Region and more. Lots of brands and outerwear; watch for end-of-season sales.
- Corbetts
- Oakville. Check the clearance section and online deals.
- NorthLine Sports, Play It Again Sports
- Toronto and area. Used gear plus buy-back and trade-in, a good first stop on a budget; get the bindings checked after buying.
- Facebook Marketplace
- Lots of used skis, boards and outerwear; buy boots and helmets new if you can.
- Resort rentals
- Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Blue Mountain and other resorts have rental shops for daily rentals, the easiest option for a first try.
Not sure what to buy or which size? Send your height, weight, foot length and head size to us on WeChat (ssnowclub) or WhatsApp +1 (647) 806-9895, or ask your instructor during your lesson.
09Lesson-day checklist
- Lift ticket bought (or season pass activated)
- Waiver signed (once a year)
- Base layer and ski socks on before you leave home
- Waterproof jacket and snow pants
- Helmet (required in lessons; rent one if needed) and goggles
- Gloves
- Face mask or neck warmer
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Snacks and water
- Fully charged phone
- ID and credit card for rentals
- Arrive 45 minutes early (rental lines)
For chairlift tips and the rules on the slopes, see Safety.
FAQ
Do I need to buy all my gear for a first lesson?
No. For beginners we recommend renting skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet at the resort (a helmet is required in lessons). You'll need your own waterproof jacket and snow pants, gloves, goggles, base layer and ski socks.
Can I wear a regular winter coat or jeans?
We don't recommend it. Beginners spend a lot of time sitting in the snow, and jeans or a non-waterproof coat get wet and cold fast. Snow pants must be waterproof; if a puffer is all you have, wear a base layer underneath, and a waterproof shell on top is better.
Is a helmet required?
Yes. All SSnow students, kids and adults, must wear a snow sports helmet in lessons; you can rent one at the resort. See Safety for more.
What if I wear glasses?
Get OTG (over-the-glasses) goggles that fit over your glasses, or wear contact lenses for your lesson.
Do I need pads for snowboarding?
Padded shorts and wrist guards are a good idea, plus knee pads if you tend to land on your knees. You'll fall a lot in the first couple of days, and pads give you the confidence to keep practising.
If I buy gear, what should I buy first?
Boots and a helmet. Well-fitting boots make the biggest difference to comfort and progress; you can keep renting skis or a board.
Where can I buy ski and snowboard gear in Toronto?
Skiis & Biikes (an SSnow partner), Sporting Life and Corbetts sell new gear; NorthLine Sports, Play It Again Sports and Facebook Marketplace have used gear. For one or two days, renting at the resort is easiest.
Got your gear? Now find a great instructor. Questions? WeChat ssnowclub or WhatsApp +1 (647) 806-9895
Adult lessonsHow to chooseAbout SSnow: SSnow (Serendipity Snow) is a ski and snowboard club in Toronto (GTA) with 80+ CSIA/CASI certified instructors, mostly Level 2 and Level 3, teaching in Mandarin and English, with Cantonese-speaking instructors too. We run private ski and snowboard lessons, kids' group lessons and full-care camps at Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Blue Mountain.