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10 ski essentials you need this winter

Which ski essentials do you need this winter?

Whether you're a veteran skier with dozens of seasons under your belt or completely new to the sport, having the best gear makes a big difference in terms of comfort and style, arguably to the most important things when it comes to skiing. There are tons of awesome gear to choose from, including essential safety gear, such as helmets and gloves, useful extras like reusable hand warmers and integrated headphones. However, a challenge can be sifting through the market to find the best quality gear for the best price. To help alleviate the stress and bring the fun back to choosing new gear, we put together this list of our favorite essentials for this upcoming season. Keep reading to find the gear for any skier at any budget. 

Best cheap ski essentials for this winter  

Mammut Neck Gaiter

Don't be fooled by the price tag. Neck gaiters are absolutely essential for skiing, and this one from Mammut is specifically designed to stay on your face at all times while allowing your breath to pass through. Plus, neck gaiters are a great way to protect your skin from wind chap and sunspots in the long run.

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Euro Socks Ski Zone

Regardless of the price, ski boots aren't known for their comfortability, and these affordable ski socks help alleviate common aches and keep you on the slopes all day long. These medium-weight socks have varying levels of cushioning to add protection for sensitive areas like your shins and ankles while leaving breathing room in others, such as your calf and the top of your foot.

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DAKINE Stance Driver

With this handy pocket tool, you can explore new terrain with increased confidence, knowing that if you have a minor malfunction or need to make a quick tuning adjustment, you can do it right there on the slopes. The stance driver pocket tool come with six different screwdriver heads for ski and snowboard repairs on day trips or long back country journeys.

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BlackStrap Goggle Cover

With all the innovations in goggle technology, your eyewear can easily become one of the more expensive pieces of your gear wardrobe. To help protect your lenses and your investment, consider getting this goggle cover from BlackStrap. Plus, you can keep it in your pocket and use it to clean your lenses on the slopes.

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Backcountry Access Magnifying Loupe

If you're worried that you can't find any cheap gear for advanced skiers, look no further than the Backcountry Access Magnifying Loupe. If you're looking to take your skiing skills to the next level and want to tackle the backcountry powder, this simple magnifier will help keep you safe. By allowing you to look at the snow crystals with 15x magnification, you can make more informed decisions about the quality of the snowpack and examine some pretty amazing snowflakes.

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Best high-end ski essentials for this winter 

Canada Goose Arctic Rigger Coverall

Canada Goose is known for producing some of the best cold-weather gear on the market, and when you combine wintery conditions with high rates of speed, extra-warm clothing becomes essential for many skiers. This one-piece suit promises to keep you warm and the elements at bay, insulated with thick down fill and protected by a completely waterproof shell. Plus, it comes with the brand's signature logo, so everyone will know you take your warmth seriously.

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Seirus Heat Touch Hellfire Mitten

Whether you frequently get cold or are looking to gear up for intense conditions, you can rely on the Hellfire mitten to keep you toasty and dry no matter what. In addition to the removable inserts, body-heat trapping insulating and durable leather exterior, these gloves come with a built-in battery-powered hand warmer to fight off the worst of winter.

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Therm-ic Heat Flat Insole pack

Your toes and feet are prone to getting cold while skiing for the same reason your hands and fingers are. Heat is generated in your core, and your extremities are the first area of your body to reduce blood flow in favor of keeping your core warm. To help combat this, consider purchasing a pair of heated insoles from Therm-ic. These insoles easily mold to any boot and provide battery-powered, Bluetooth-controlled heat for up to 13 hours.

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Arva Ski Trip Backpack

Designed to be carried while on the slopes, this ski backpack includes a functional A-frame and has attachments for all sorts of hardcore gear like snow shovels, ice picks and even an avalanche beacon. However, this backpack's durable construction and complete waterproofing make it equally as useful off the slopes as one. Plus, you can purchase additional accessories like a helmet carrier or ski loop attachment to make transportation around the mountain easier than ever.

Sold by Backcountry 

Shred Flexi Back Protector Vest

If you're trying to improve your skills, it's always a good idea to increase your safety precautions in tandem. As the terrain becomes more challenging, it often becomes more dangerous, and a simple back protector can make a world of difference if you fall. Plus, the Flexi model from Shred doesn't constrict movement and is incredibly lightweight, making it a breeze to wear in all conditions. In fact, this back protector is so functionally strong that it's also certified for use on motorcycles.

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William Briskin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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