My desk is slowly disappearing under a pile of papers. My planner has frighteningly few check marks, and finals are looming in the all-too-near future. With each 3 a.m. library visit, I remind myself of the light at the end of the tunnel: Ski Trip. This annual pilgrimmage of nearly a thousand NU students to take over some poor ski resort is a week you will surely never forget (that is, if you can remember it the next morning).
With chilly days on the slopes and wild nights out with 800-1000 of your new best friends, it can be tough to know what you're going to need to make the most of the wonder that is Ski Trip. Snow pants and a jacket may seem like clear necessities, but for first-timers and veterans alike, here's a quick run-down of some less obvious Ski Trip essentials.
Waterproof gloves
No matter how much you rave about the perfect marriage of style and function that is your leather driving gloves, they're not going to cut it on the slopes of Steamboat. Warm gloves or mittens are an essential to staying comfy on the mountain, and make sure they're waterproof. Nothing ruins a good ski day like wet, freezing fingers. These are easy to find online or at outdoor stores like Uncle Dan's or North Face. Good gloves are a solid investment, but it's easy to find quality in a mid-price pair, too.
Hand and foot warmers
When even the coziest of mittens aren't cutting it, turn to the best friend of skiers, snowboarders, and dedicated football fans alike: handwarmers. These toasty little packets can be tucked inside gloves, boots, or basically wherever you need a bit of extra warmth. Here's a tip: buy these at Target or Amazon in large packages and split them with friends. On the mountain, single sets of hand and footwarmers exploit the desperation of chilly skiers with big mark-ups in price.
Goggles
For first-timers, this essential may not be the most obvious of accessories. Sunglasses will do in a pinch, but on the powdery slopes of Steamboat, you're going to want a little more protection to shield you from wind and snow. If you're looking for ski style á la Shaun White, there are hundreds of goggles with crazy patterns and fun reflective lenses, but they'll cost you. A basic pair is just as functional and will run about $30-40 new, but great deals are easy to find on Amazon or Ebay.
Wool socks
Although your stylish burgundy boot socks may be perfect for the walk up Sheridan, you're going to want something a little more heavy-duty when you're on the mountain for hours at a time. To keep your toes toasty, pick up a couple pairs of wool socks. These types of socks are created for cold weather sports and have the unique advantage of staying warm even when wet. Brands like Wigwam and Smartwool have dozens of ski and snowboard-specific options that are great on the mountain and equally comfy in your aprés-ski footwear.
Layers
Layering is a winter sports enthusiast's bread and butter. No matter how much the salesperson at North Face gushed about the arctic-proof warmth of your brand-new parka, any experienced skier will tell you that the key to staying cozy on the slopes is lots of layers of clothing. Try to pack items that are light and breathable, and go with sport-specific materials over cotton sweatshirts and tees. Thick Underarmour and fleece will keep you warm even if they get wet, and a sweat-wicking base layer will keep you comfy if you start to heat up on the slopes. For those on a budget, don't feel like you have to splurge on expensive brand-name sportswear. Afforable alternatives are often available online, and many different items will work (your roommate's fleece or your mom's old thermal long johns are just as functional as something straight out of the box). Don't forget to pack both tops and bottoms – thermal leggings are your best friend slopeside.
Holiday sweater
On Ski Trip, off-mountain activities are just as important as those on the slopes. Check out Ski Trip's aprés-ski schedule to make sure you have all the necessities for each event, and don't forget the tacky holiday sweaters for the first night's kick-off party. Ski Trip is about having fun, so don't be afraid to go all-out with your holiday garb.
Onesie
On Ski Trip, anything goes. Don't be surprised when you run into parties with crazy themes, so be prepared. Holiday themes and PJ parties are popular options, and you better make sure you have some party gear prepared to get your booty-booty-booty-rockin' on with Bubba Sparxxx. Grab your stash of holiday apparel, neon leggings and thrift-shop gems to make sure you've got whatever it takes to tackle all that Ski Trip throws at you. There's no better time than Ski Trip to let your favorite onesie make its nightlife debut. And even if it doesn't make it to the party, you'll be happy you brought it when it comes time to cuddle up for that aprés-ski nap.
Camelbak
For those still looking to add something extra to their gear, a Camelbak backpack may be the perfect addition. Slim and functional, these packs have enough room to stash snacks for the slopes and the built-in pouch stores liquid for easy hydration without even having to take off your gloves. Bonus: to truly embrace the Ski Trip spirit, transition your Camelbak from day to night by filling it with the festive adult beverage of your choice for hands-free access all night long.
