Other than bringing a pair of skis or a snowboard and proper boots, there are a few things that you’ll definitely want to have on the mountain. Some of them are obvious and some aren’t, but either way they will make your powder days much more enjoyable.

10. Backpack

If you’re going to carry everything that you need, having a bag will definitely make your day easier. The last thing you want is to try to fit everything in your pockets, only to fall and crush everything. You don’t want a massive backpack, but you can easily find a small sized one at a store, just big enough to hold the essentials and to not get in the way. Even though Hi-Tec backpacks are typically meant for hiking, if you don’t leave the resort they’re a great bag to have. If you plan on leaving the resort however, be sure to have a larger bag with you to carry extra supplies.

9. Hand Warmers

Having gloves is a good start, but hand warmers make the skiing experience much more enjoyable. They’re small so you can put them in your gloves, and they stay warm almost all day. Make sure they aren’t expired though, because they either won’t produce any heat at all, or they will become so hot you can’t hold them for more than ten seconds. As long as they aren’t expired, they’re wonderful to have. I’ve always used Warmers and they’ve always worked well for me. It’s extremely rare for these to go expired, but still be sure to check the expiration date just in case.

8. Money

Food is insanely expensive at ski resorts: everyone needs to eat and you will definitely be dehydrated after coming in from the slopes. The last thing you want is to realize that you don’t have any money to buy lunch or get a drink. Even if it seems you may not need much money, it’s better to have it and not need it than not have it at all.

7. Comfortable clothing (for the car ride)

The main things that you’re worried about are having everything that you need to go skiing or snowboarding, not to get to the ski resort. But if you have to wake up before the sun rises to get to the resort, you might as well be comfortable. Have no shame in wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt or your pajamas; you’re going to be drowning in your waterproof clothing for hours later, you might as well be comfortable while you can.

6. Snack

You’re focused on finding the right run to go down, what chair lift to get on, and how to tackle the next mogul, not when to go eat. Food and drink prices skyrocket at ski resorts, so it’s always a good idea to at least have a little something in your backpack to eat, even if it isn’t much. You may not realize you’re hungry until you stop for lunch, so be sure to eat something when you’re about halfway done with your morning. Any type of power bar is great, it gives you energy and they’re small enough you can fit a handful in your pocket.

5. Water

No matter what you’re doing, you always need to drink something, even if you aren’t thirsty. While out on the mountain, most of the time you won’t realize how thirsty you are because it’s so cold. Even if you don’t feel like you’re dehydrated, you most likely are and you’re going to definitely need something to drink. It definitely feels pretty good to have a steaming cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee when you’re done, too.

4. Gloves

Gloves also may seem like a no brainer, but they’re priceless once you get on the ski lift. What do you use to unstrap your snow covered snowboard and skis? To hold onto the metal chairlift that has been out in the snow 24 hours a day? To catch yourself when you fall into a mound of freezing snow? Keeping your hands is essential, and it will make your day a million times better if you’re comfortable. If you’re looking for a pair of gloves that work well and aren’t too expensive, Gordini is a great brand to start looking at along with Scott.

3. Waterproof pants and jacket

These two things may seem a little obvious, but they are vital. Especially in the bitter Colorado weather, having waterproof clothing will make your day a hundred times better. If you don’t, you’ll be dripping wet by the time you’re done with your first run, and it will help keep valuable body heat. ZeroXposur is a quality brand along with Northface, although ZeroXposur tends to be the more affordable of the two. I’ve used both of them and can say I didn’t see much of a difference in the quality.

2. Goggles

If you’ve ever caught yourself going down the mountain and being blinded by a blast of ice cold snow and wind, you’ll know why you desperately need to bring goggles. They will help keep your face warm, and you’ll be able to see much better than if you didn’t have them. They might not seem like much, but if you can clearly see where you’re going and read the signs, you’ll have a much better day on the slopes. A good and less expensive brand is Scott. I’ve owned a pair of Scott goggles for four years and I’ve never had any problems with them.

1. Helmet

This may seem obvious for some people, but many never wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding. Not only will it help keep your head and ears warm, but it will protect you if you fall and prevent serious injury. Giro is a great brand and isn’t too expensive as far as quality helmets go. I’ve owned one for two years and taken my fair share of hard falls with it