The holiday break and Presidents’ Week are the perfect opportunity to go skiing or snowboarding. Many people take advantage of Martin Luther King Day and weekends to fit in a few more days of mountain fun. Ski mountains in upstate New York and New England are especially popular, as they are only a few hours away by car.

During vacation, some avid skiers and boarders head west to Colorado or Utah. Wherever you go, it’s important to be warm and comfortable on the mountain.

A ski jacket and snow pants are essential, as are thermal shirts and pants. You might want to plan out your layers ahead of time depending on the temperature. Grab a pair of hand warmers on your way out if temperatures are expected to be zero or below, but leave one of your inner layers behind on a warmer weekend.

“The placement of your layers is really important. You want to wear a tighter, more form-fitting shirt as a base layer and then a looser layer over that,” said junior Tali Crowley. “Also, if you are able to, avoid wearing cotton because that absorbs moisture.”

Aside from the bare essentials, skiers and boarders have a lot of creative license when it comes to accessories. If your face tends to get cold as you’re coming down the mountain, you may wish to invest in a balaclava or neck warmer.

“I love to wear my pink fuzzy face mask because it’s not only practical but it is also very fashionable,” said freshman Sam Taskale.

Turtle Fur is one of the most popular companies for neck warmers. Made in Vermont, their products keep your face warm and dry under your helmet. Another option is a bandana, which seems to be more popular among snowboarders.

If your style on the slopes is more subtle, you can opt for some funky socks instead of a bright bandana. Ski and snowboard socks are slightly different, so be sure to check the socks’ label before buying them, as snowboard socks are padded evenly throughout, while ski socks have more padding on the shin and less on the calf.

You can’t go wrong with ski or snowboard socks, as there are a variety of bold colors and patterns to suit everyone’s taste.

“You want socks that go pretty high,” said junior Tali Crowley. “Some good sock companies are SmartWool, Wigwam, and Fox River.”

While some people head to the slopes wearing a beanie, it is highly recommended to wear a helmet. Whatever your choice is, it is important to wear goggles as well. Ski goggles essentially act as sunglasses, protecting your eyes from the dazzlingly bright snow and the sun’s UV rays.

Additionally, they can protect your face if you’re skiing or boarding at a high speed. Wearing goggles will keep your face warm and dry, especially when it’s snowing. Some of the most popular brands are Scott, Bolle, Anon, Oakley, and Smith.

Whether you’re a hardcore skier or boarder or a beginner who prefers to stick to the green runs, staying warm and comfortable is a top priority.