A buddy of mine once said, “Ski season happens to coincide with hangover season.” At no time is that statement truer than during the week of spring break, when zealous mobs—looking to smash fireball shots until 3 a.m. before waking up for first chair at 7 a.m.—descend on skis towns. Unless you’re 23 years old or younger, you might not partake in those particular activities, but you can still use these five items to take the edge off the ski day after an overindulgent evening.
Pit Viper 1993 Sunglasses ($59)
Sunglasses are a hangover essential, and nothing says “don’t bother me, I’m hungover” like a pair of military-grade, American-made coupled with some mean mugging. Not only are these shades built to “demand respect and authority,” according to the company website, but they also offer full coverage to keep the searing sun out of your tender eyes. Bonus: Build on this persona by growing a tough-looking handlebar mustache.
Vapur Incognito Flexible Flask ($7)
The hair of the dog is one of the best ways cure a hangover—if you can keep it down. While I don’t condone skiing drunk, a few nips from Vapur’s 10-ounce could make the difference between an enjoyable day on the mountain and one spent in the fetal position with your sunglasses on inside the car. The Incognito’s flexible walls made it easy to slide the flask in a ski jacket, and they were also 100 percent leakproof during a day on the mountain.
Outdoor Technology Chips ($130)
Face it: Most of the pain from a hangover isn’t the result of nausea or a headache. It’s caused by self-loathing. Put yourself in a better headspace with ambient music (think Yanni Live at the Acropolis) while skiing powder turns. These are compatible with any helmet that has an interior liner, and they’re Bluetooth-enabled to pair wirelessly with your phone.
Skratch Labs Rescue Hydration ($2)
was developed with simple, all-natural ingredients to combat dehydration. The delicious and mild Rescue Hydration combines a pinch of cane sugar with dehydrated lemons and limes, making it easy drinking no matter how angry your stomach. Once consumed, this mix works some magic: I fought off a mean headache with just one packet and was able to spend the day touring Teton National Park.
Warrior Chia Snacks ($23.50 per box)
Chia seeds are said to boost performance in endurance athletes. While no scientific studies have been conducted on their hangover-fighting properties, I can say from personal experience that these helped fuel me for a long day skiing after a night spent drinking too much whiskey. The bars pack a hefty 110-calorie punch in a small, easy-to-digest package—and they’re damned tasty. (We’re partial to the coconut flavor.)