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3 Tips to Gear up for The Greatest Snow on Earth®

3 Tips to Gear up for The Greatest Snow on Earth®

Written By Evan Thayer

A skier making turns in the snow, surrounded by pine trees blanketed in snow.

Brian Head Resort | Jay Dash

With its varied terrain, unrivaled access and The Greatest Snow on Earth, Utah has long been the ideal location for a ski getaway. Whether traveling with family, friends, or venturing solo – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better skiing or snowboarding locale. However, many of us, myself included, have found nothing can dampen the perfect day in the mountains as quickly as not having the right gear (Read: What To Pack for a Ski Trip). Even after 1,000+ Utah ski days, I still forget the occasional ski glove. But I have gained plenty of experience dealing with how to handle it. So with that, I bestow upon you a few tips to help ace your gear on Utah ski vacation.

1. Know the Weather

As a meteorologist, whose career is forecasting snowfall in Utah, the importance of knowing what the weather is going to be and how that will impact conditions is what keeps me employed. It is so important, in fact, that many folks choose to keep their travel plans flexible so they can ensure they will be traveling at a time when snow and ski conditions will meet their preferences. (Read: How to Prepare for a Utah Ski Trip)

While being flexible with your travel can help increase the odds of getting the weather and conditions you want, it is often not a luxury many of us have. If you have booked a ski trip to Utah well in advance, it’s important to start checking weather forecasts as you near your departure date. Using a website or app such as OpenSnow will give you a good sense of what the weather may be like once you are within 10 days of travel. As you get closer to your departure, you will gain an even more precise sense of the weather for your upcoming trip. (Full disclosure, I’m a forecaster for OpenSnow.)

In general, Utah has two main types of winter weather events. We have periods of high pressure, in which the storm track is aimed elsewhere and we often see greater chances for sunny, dry weather. Then, we have storm cycles in which the storm track is aimed directly at us and we see one or more storms bringing fresh snow and often colder temperatures (Read: The Science Behind The Greatest Snow on Earth). If your ski trip lasts more than a few days, then there is a good chance you will see both of these types of weather patterns. And if you’re staying off-mountain in, say, the Salt Lake Valley, you’re likely to catch variable weather patterns throughout the day. So make sure to pack accordingly.

Properly preparing for the elements makes all the difference in ensuring a fun-filled mountain experience.

Photo: Matt Crawley

2. Know Your Gear

Once you know the forecast, it is time to choose your gear. To start, use a basic ski trip packing list. This will ensure you’re not forgetting any of the essentials.

The most obvious piece of gear is your skis or snowboard and boots. If you have reliable downhill equipment and comfortable boots — and your bindings, edges and waxing are up to date — then you’re set. I would not mess with a winning formula. And if you’re flying, you’ll likely be impressed with Salt City International Airport’s updated baggage system, designed to accommodate skiers with oversized luggage. However, for some, renting skis and snowboards is a more appealing option. Firstly, you can forego the headaches of traveling with heavy equipment. Secondly, you can put yourself in the hands of knowledgeable local rental technicians who can ensure you are dialed in with the proper gear for your skill level, preferences and snow conditions.

A properly fitting helmet is also essential for safety on the slopes, not to mention the added warmth it provides on cold days. And pairing your helmet with the appropriate goggles is key. Goggles come in two primary types: sunny day dark lenses, engineered to reduce the glare of bright sunlight, and low-light lenses, which filter less sunlight and are ideal for overcast or stormy conditions. For versatility, I highly recommend goggles equipped with interchangeable lenses, enabling swift adjustments as weather conditions shift. For extra warmth beneath the helmet, a thin-fitting balaclava can make all the difference. Winter hats and beanies, while cozy and warm, are often too thick to wear below a helmet and will impact the safe fit of the helmet.

Double check your equipment before you head to the mountain.

Photo: Adam Clark

For soft gear, dress in layers. You will hear this advice oft-repeated throughout the ski community. Your ski day will be ruined if you don’t have enough warm layers on a cold day, or only have one thick insulating layer that you are unable to remove on a warm weather day. I always start with a moisture-wicking layer directly on my skin that retains heat close to the body. Then, I wear a lightweight mid-layer jacket that can be removed if needed. Finally, I wear a shell on top of that on most days. If I know it is going to be a very cold day, I upgrade from a shell to another insulated jacket such as a down puffy. It is always better to start warm and be able to shed layers as needed than it is to be cold and have the inability to add layers.

And don’t forget to load up on high SPF sunscreen and lip balm. Despite the cold, the sun's reflection off the snow can be surprisingly intense, and nothing dampens the apres-ski experience like the onset of a sunburn.

What are you hoping to get out of the day? What type of terrain is most suitable for your enjoyment?

Photo: Jay Dash

3. Know Yourself

Each individual has their own personal preferences when it comes to the type of snow conditions and terrain they enjoy. While I can offer advice on what gear you should think about when planning a trip, often the “best” gear is the gear that is best suited to the individual. If you or someone you’re traveling with is sensitive to the cold, it’s amazing what a hand or boot warmer can do to extend your time on the mountain. Additionally, if you’re not used to the high elevation of Utah’s ski resorts, you’ll want to remember to take it slow acclimating to the altitude, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Knowing yourself and your needs is perhaps the most important aspect of gear planning for a trip.

While it may require some effort, careful gear planning significantly enhances the potential for an exceptional ski or snowboard adventure in Utah. And being overly prepared is always preferable to being caught unawares. By knowing the forecast, knowing your equipment and knowing yourself, you’ll be prepared for any challenges Mother Nature might throw at you while in Utah’s mountains — and fingers crossed it’s buckets of The Greatest Snow on Earth.

About the Author – Evan Thayer

To Evan, "The Greatest Snow on Earth" is more than just a motto — it's a way of life. Born and raised in the Lake Tahoe area, Evan moved to Utah with his wife, Christine, in order to chase the dream of skiing perfect powder each day in the winter. In the summer, they enjoy camping, hiking and mountain biking. Since 2010, Evan has written snow forecasts as Wasatch Snow Forecast, and now OpenSnow, in order to help others get the most out of their Utah ski/snowboard experience. Evan is also a proud Visit Utah Ambassador and enjoys sharing his love of the Beehive State.

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