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Own the helmet
Fit and condition matter more on a head than on a rental ski. Buy a helmet that actually fits this winter, replace it after a real hit or a few seasons, and stop renting the mystery liner. Look at REI, evo, and the end-of-season sales — not a novelty graphic from a gas-station aisle.
Rent skis and boots until they stop growing every six weeks
Boots that are too big are how kids ski badly and hate it. On-mountain rental, or a local shop season lease, beats owning a quiver for a 5-year-old. When they ski 15+ days a year and the boot size has been stable, then talk about buying.
Layers are the whole clothing list
Wool or synthetic base, a fleece, a waterproof shell. Two pairs of mittens. Goggles that actually seal. Cotton is a heat-loss costume. We pack the cheap extra gloves because the good ones will be wet.
Goggles and sunscreen
Altitude sun is not optional in Utah or Colorado. Cheap goggles fog; slightly less cheap goggles with a fan of extra pairs in the lodge win. SPF on faces at 8am, not at 1pm when they're already pink.
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