With more than 100 ski locations in the Northeast, the area offers plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes this winter.  However, there is more to it than strapping on a pair of skis and heading down the mountain.  Fortunately, the Darien Sport Shop is a local resource for everyone from first-time skiers to expert powder hounds.   

“There is nothing worse than planning a ski trip, packing the car and arriving at the mountain, only to learn you’ve forgotten an essential item,” said Patrick Charland, ski department manager at the Darien Sport Shop. “Not only is it important to be prepared for comfort reasons but you’ll need certain equipment to guard against the elements and potential injuries.”

According to Charland, the following items should be included on every skier’s checklist:
Equipment – Skis/snowboard, proper boots and poles (rental equipment is available through the store’s ski/snowboard department), a helmet, equipment bag, boot heaters, ski/board locks, two-way radios, car roof rack, and child teaching aids.

Basewear, Mid-Layer and Outerwear – Long underwear, quarter-length and full-length zip fleeces, jackets, shells, pants, snowboots, and après clothing.

Accessories – Socks, gloves, mittens, hats, neck gator or headband, shellacava, hand/toe warmers, scarf, googles, sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen.

Additionally, skiers should consider the number of days of the trip when packing socks and long underwear and include a variety of layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
    For more information, contact the Darien Sport Shop at (203) 655-2575, log on to www.dariensport.com or visit the store at 1127 Post Road in Darien.
    The Darien Sport Shop has been a landmark in the Darien downtown business district since it was founded in 1946 by Steve Zangrillo.  After more than six decades of service to the community, what started as a single room sporting goods store has grown to include specialty departments offering men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion, several designer boutiques and a premier collection of active sports apparel, sports equipment and one of Fairfield County’s favorite ski shops.