I know, I know, skiing is the ultimate socially distanced sport. We’re outside, and generally at least six feet apart from each other. However, now that we don’t know whether the lodges will be open or if we’ll be forced to sit solo on a gondola, I offer a few suggestions of things that might make your ski day better:

1. A neck/face gator! This will be necessary on the lifts, at least for the Vail Resorts-associated mountains, as they have indicated in a letter to guests about this season. Turtle Fur is one of the companies highlighted in our “kindness” series a few years ago. My very first neck gator was made of cozy turtle fur; they have been around for a while and know what they’re doing. I suggest getting an extra-long one this season that will cover not only your neck, but your face as well.
2. Hand warmers! Not really sure how the social distance thing is going to work when we try take a break from skiing to warm up and grab a hot chocolate. I’m stocking up on hand warmers in case we are allowed inside only for very short periods of time. Normally, the lodges get super crowded at lunch, and sometimes all day long, on particularly blustery days. Ever tried to meet up at Buffalo’s between chairs 3 and 4 at Vail when visibility is low? Or Two Elk at 12:15? My point exactly.
3. A really warm coat. My ski jackets (most are from NILS thanks to a long ambassadorship with them) are all super warm. Of course, they’re not the only game in town; Helly Hansen and Canada Goose, among others, make very good ones, too.
4. Warm and comfortable boots. I’ve had great luck with Lange. My current Superlegarro boots are super-lightweight and easy to carry from the room to the ski valet. If you’re only apres-skiing, you can’t go wrong with Sorel (I’ve had my Sorels since I was 16!! and they are still warm and cozy) or Korkers, which are well insulated and have great traction, too.
5. A backpack. Because again, who knows how much we’ll be allowed to congregate inside? You’ll want some way to stash a PBJ, some snacks, kleenex, water, and extra hand warmers. I had the opportunity to review Ogio bags, which are made of eco-friendly cordura, and held up well for travel. Haven’t tried them in frigid cold yet; will keep you posted.
6. Sunscreen. By now, you get the theme – we’ll likely be outside a lot. Even for days when we CAN go indoors, protecting your delicate skin against the sun’s rays is so so important. Higher elevation brings stronger rays that can potentially damage your skin. I thought Supergoop had a funky name when it was first introduced to market; now, I don’t go outside without it.