Is the end of the season approaching? Hardly! We are still in the snowy mood and are already packing our bags for the next trip to the white expanses. All over the world - from India to Japan, France to Austria - In some places, numerous slopes and hillsides are still waiting to be skied until April. The ultimate essentials for every ski and snowboard vacation may not be forgotten:

#1 All on downhill: boards, boots & poles

When choosing the right skis and snowboards you should not only focus on your own physique, but also on personal driving needs . Am I a beginner or already a pro? Do I prefer to ski on groomed slopes or do I enjoy backcountry skiing? Am I performance-oriented or more leisurely focused? Do I want to waggle down slopes or hone my skills in freestyle parks? Good models are available, for example, from Fisher Sports or Solomon.

For advanced skiers: the Fischer RC4 Men's Racing Ski, € 899.99 © Fischer Sports GmbH

If you want to ski in a stable and form-fitting manner, you should not only pay attention to the right boards when it comes to skis and snowboards. The ski boots also play a big part in the performance on the slope. Here comfort and adaptability, lightness and a certain agilityare important. Skiers should also not forget their ski poles - especially if it goes off-piste!

#2 Head thing: ski helmet

Sure, knitted hoods and wool hats are a little lighter - but for protection all around you should look to quality ski helmets which are already mandatory on some slopes around the world. A good model, such as from Marker, protects not only from the cold, but also from head injuries.

#3 Here comes the sun: ski goggles 

When you're strapped to two skis and shooting down the slopes at full speed, the blinding white snow can get in the way of safe skiing fun. Ski goggles with large field of view and UV protection should therefore definitely be on the list for your mountain trip. In addition to quality, you can also go for a bit of style; there are great models from uvex. Look here!

#4 Keep me warm:

Underneath: Leggings, socks & light jackets

The baselayer is the bottom layer. This should protect against both cooling and overheating, such as the Resilyon line from UYN. With thermal leggings and -underwear in spring, when it's warmer, one can also go for models made of synthetic fiber. Many put their feet in normal sports socks; a mistake: comfort and warmth without friction are guaranteed with Merino wool ski socks - for example, the Salomon S/MAX socks - in combination with slightly larger ski boots. 

The midlayer comes over the baselayer, in the form of fleece shirt and light, lined jackets and keeps the body warm (these can be worn later when alpine shopping). If the ski jacket already contains a midlayer, you can safely do without this layer. In the neck region you can safely do without thick wool pieces and instead go for thin neck warmers which score points for their material. 

#5 Keep me warm:

Over: Gloves, Salopettes & Ski Jackets

Of course - waterproof gloves, ski pants and ski jackets are mandatory. You should definitely choose the right model with good waterproofing and snow guard . Our tip: the Black Diamond Paw Patrol. It's better to dig a little deeper into your pocket than to enter the valley station with frostbitten fingers, hypothermia and in a bad mood. We love 3 finger gloves, for example from Mammoth, also known as "lobster mittens" because they allow freedom of movement - which is why they are popular with ice climbers and mountaineers - while keeping you warm. 

In terms of Salopettes/Ski pants and ski jackets it is best to rely on multifunction: besides high quality impregnation protection against snow and cold well placed inside pockets, air vents with zipper (especially in spring when it gets warmer) and specific features should convince you - like the Recco reflector for freeriders. Our recommendation: the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol. 

Tip for jackets: Models - like the Peak Performance Rider women's jacket made of HIPE® stretch material - with helmet-compatible hood as well as zippers and pulse warmers.

#6 Off-piste: Snow Comfortable & Snow Chic

Sometimes you need a break, too. For the moments off the slopes, when we make ourselves comfortable in the chalet or stroll through the alpine village, we rely on stylish-luxurious athleisure wear, like from Lululemon or The North Face x Gucci. The collaboration between the high fashion and sports brand convinces with exciting colors, chic patterns and snow chic:

Snow Boots ensure that we remain steadfast on the way to the evening punch in the ski lodge. Furthermore, chic socks and hoods made of warm wool, knitted sweaters and fabric pants made of natural materials and in soft earth tones - winter chic is perfect. On bright winter days sunglasses may also not be missing.

#7 Off-piste: Ski & Skin

Often the skin suffers from the rapid change in temperature between the slopes and the ski huts. Therefore, one should always wear a rich care, such as the Remederm line with sun protection factor of Louis Widmer, as well as a hand cream . No matter whether the day is sunny or not: SPF is a must! Also and especially on the slopes.