On the ski slopes, dressing appropriately is essential. Certain fabrics and clothing layers work better to keep you warm and dry than others. For new skiers, rustling up the right clothing can make the difference between a fun day on the slopes and a wet, cold day of shivering misery. Learning what to wear skiing is key to your enjoyment of the sport.
Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’ve put together the ultimate clothing guide for skiing. It will help you get started in rounding up the clothing you need for the slopes. It will also help you sort out what clothing will keep you warm and what clothing may not perform well enough to protect you in wintry conditions.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Here you will find a list of terms we’ll be using within the article to describe each piece of clothing.
BEST MATERIALS: We’ll list what materials to look for when shopping.
PRICE RANGE: We will give you a price range so you’ll know what to expect.
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: This is our recommended best conditions to wear the product in.
TYPE OF SKIING: There are a few types of skiing. This will help you dress for the occasion.
IDEAL PROPERTIES: The qualities in technical clothing terms to look for.
LEARN MORE: More information may be listed in a link here.
FOOTWEAR
Cold toes are no fun. That means keeping your feet warm while skiing is paramount. Ski boots and socks are designed to keep your feet warm. The boots are also an essential part of your ski equipment.
SKI BOOTS
Adult ski boots should have four buckles, a Velcro power strap around the cuff, and rubber toe and heel pads for walking safety. The best liners can be shaped by heat in the shop to conform to the specific contours of your foot.
The outer plastic shells provide the stiffness to steer your skis and waterproofing. Boots also come in varied stiffness; most beginner and intermediate skiers prefer a soft to medium flex while racers, freeride competitors, and experts opt for stiff models. Some boots also have a walk mode or built-in heaters.
Some popular boots for beginners and intermediates are Salomon Quest Access 80 and Rossignol Alltrack Pro 100.
BEST MATERIALS: Plastic shells, rubber toe and heel pads, thermoformable liners with Thinsulate
PRICE RANGE: $300-$800
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Snow
TYPE OF SKIING: Downhill
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Waterproof, moldable to your foot
OTHER OPTIONS: All terrain or touring ski boots, telemark ski boots
LEARN MORE: Ski Boots 101 >>
SKI SOCKS
Ski socks come in varied thicknesses for providing more or less warmth and usually pull up knee high to be higher than the boot. Some have extra padding on the shins, since that’s where you pressure your boots. Some socks also beef up the padding around the heel and toe for extra warmth and durability. Ski socks should have elasticity to conform to your foot.
Some of the most popular ski socks are Smartwool PhD Ski Medium, Smartwool PhD Ski Light and Darn Tough Thermolite Cushioned Ski Socks.
BEST MATERIALS: Merino wool, synthetics (polyester, nylon, and spandex)
PRICE RANGE: $22-$30
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Cold weather
TYPE OF SKIING: Downhill, backcountry
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Breathable, moisture wicking, warmth, flat toe seams
OTHER OPTIONS: Mountaineering socks
LEARN MORE: Snow Socks 101 >>
BOTTOMS
Dressing appropriately for skiing means layering. All under layers, including underwear, should be made from synthetics that have moisture-wicking and heat-retaining properties.
Cotton does not work as it absorbs water, hangs onto it, and produces clammy, cold skin. Outer layers should have waterproof and wind-blocking properties.
UNDERWEAR
Go for quick-dry types of fabrics for underwear. These will provide the warmth you need for skiing while wicking moisture off your skin. Antimicrobial treatments can help reduce odors, and flat seams will prevent chaffing.
For men, the Exofficio Give-n-Go Boxer Brief or Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief work well for skiing. The Exofficio Give-n-Go Bikini or Patagonia Active Hipster Briefs offer women’s options.
BEST MATERIALS: Merino Wool or Nylon
PRICE RANGE: $25 – $45
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Skiing
TYPE OF SKIING: All Types
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Breathable, quick drying, warm
LONG UNDERWEAR
Long underwear comes in various thicknesses, from lightweight silk to heavier fleece. Leggings also can work, as long as they do not contain cotton. Your outer pants will dictate what type of long underwear layers you need.
If your outer pants are insulated, then a thinner pair of long underwear can do the job unless temperatures plunge below zero.
If your outer pants are a thinner shell, then you’ll need a heavier long underwear layer, such as fleece, or perhaps even a thin nylon layer topped with a thin fleece. Be cautious of layering too much that might cause overheating or impinge movement.
Some popular long underwear for men are REI Co-op Merino Midweight Base Layer Bottoms and Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Long Underwear Bottoms, and Icebreaker Winter Zone Leggings. For women, check out the Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Bottoms and REI Co-op Silk Long Underwear Bottoms.
BEST MATERIALS: Merino Wool, silk, and nylon
PRICE RANGE: $24-$120
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Cold weather
TYPE OF SKIING: All Types
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Breathable, moisture-wicking, and warmth
SKI PANTS
The best ski pants should be windproof and waterproof. They should have elasticized powder cuffs or snow gaiters to prevent snow from getting into your ski boots. Insulation will provide warmth, although you can use thicker long underwear layers for pants that lack insulation.
For men, popular pants are the Outdoor Research AlpenIce Insulated Pants and Marmot Motion Snow Pants. For women, look for Arc’teryx Sentinel Snow Pants or Patagonia Insulated Snowbelle Pants.
BEST MATERIALS: Gore-tex, nylon, polyester
PRICE RANGE: $120-$600
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Cold and wet snowy weather
TYPE OF SKIING: All Types
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Waterproof, breathable, windproof
OTHER OPTIONS: Shell pants
LEARN MORE: Snow Pants 101 >>
TOPS
Layering tops can help you adapt to skiing in ultra frigid or warmer spring days. Underlayers need to be moisture-wicking and breathable. Above all, they should not be made from cotton or cotton blends that are neither.
SPORT BRAS
For maximum comfort, warmth, and breathability, look for sports bras made from polyester and nylon. Spandex adds elasticity for a snug, no bulk fit. V-style or racerstyle backs prevent straps slipping off. Look for bras such as Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra and Patagonia Active Sports Bra.
BEST MATERIALS: Nylon, polyester, spandex
PRICE RANGE: $25-$65
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Activity outdoors in cold weather
TYPE OF SKIING: All types
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Moisture-wicking and breathable
LONG UNDERWEAR TOPS
Layering long underwear tops is key for handling winter weather. For colder temperatures, you can double up on tops or go with a thicker fabric. For warmer spring ski days, trim down to one lightweight layer.
Tops come in lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight thicknesses. No matter how you layer tops, be cautious of overdressing that may cause overheating and inhibit movement. For colder days, some tops include a mock-turtleneck and neck zipper.
For men, the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long Sleeve Crew Top and Smartwool NTS 250 Pattern Long Underwear Crew Top can work. For women, tops include the Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Long Sleeve Top or Icebreaker Oasis Half-zip Long Underwear Top.
BEST MATERIALS: Merino wool, synthetics (nylon or polyester)
PRICE RANGE: $24 – $110
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Winter and spring skiing
TYPE OF SKIING: All types
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Moisture-wicking and breathable
OTHER OPTIONS: Fleece top or ski sweater
LEARN MORE: Snow Underwear 101 >>
SKI JACKET
Ski jackets come in three constructions: insulated, shell, or soft shell. Insulated jackets use polyester or down layers to retain heat while the outer layer provides waterproofing and wind-blocking.
With shell jackets that trim down to only the water- and wind-proof layer, skiers can vary the underlayers to adjust to warmer or colder conditions. Soft shells are usually for warmer ski days as the outer layer is not as waterproof. Jackets known as 3-in-1 styles have zip-out insulated liners, so you can wear only the shell, only the liner, or both parts for maximum warmth.
For men, the Arc’teryx Shuksan Jacket and Outdoor Research White Room are good options. For women, the Patagonia Snowbelle 3-in-1 Jacket or Mountain Hardwear Downhill Down Parka provide good choices.
BEST MATERIALS: Gore-tex, down, polyester
PRICE RANGE: $115-$775
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Winter and spring skiing
TYPE OF SKIING: All types
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Depends on weather
OTHER OPTIONS: Fleece or down jacket
LEARN MORE: Snow Jackets 101 >>
ACCESSORIES
Ski accessories are an important part of clothing, especially to add head, face, hand, and eye protection.
HELMET
Ski helmets are necessary to protect the head during falls and collisions. While you can find helmets designed for men or women, many work for either sex. The most important element is fit.
The helmet must be snug, but not too tight. You’ll wear it over a thin beanie or just your head. Higher end models offer methods of adjusting vents for airflow, coverage to keep ears warm, and adjustable chin straps.
Try out helmets such as Smith Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet for men or the Smith Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet for women.
BEST MATERIALS: Hard plastic shell exterior, foam liner
PRICE RANGE: $60-$260
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: All weather
TYPE OF SKIING: All types
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Head protection, works with goggles
LEARN MORE: Ski Helmets 101 >>
HATS
While some ski hats are fashion statements, functional hats do the job of keeping your head warm. For those wearing helmets, only thinner beanie-style hats with no pom-poms on top will fit under the helmet.
For warm spring days, headbands work, but for colder days, look for hats with wool or tight knits. Fleece linings can help reduce itch.
Especially with helmets, look for hats like the Patagonia Beanie Hat. There’s also the North Face Bones Beanie for men, or for women, the Pistil Flint Hat.
BEST MATERIALS: Merino wool, polyesters, synthetics
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $55
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Cold weather
TYPE OF SKIING: Any type
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Breathable, moisture-wicking, and warmth
OTHER OPTIONS: Balaclava or Buff
LEARN MORE: Snow Hats 101 >>
GLOVES AND MITTENS
To keep your hands warm on the slopes, you’ll need to invest in a pair of mittens, gloves, or both. Many skiers wear gloves for skiing when the temperatures are 15 degrees or warmer.
For temperatures that plummet below that, many skiers opt for mittens as they provide more warmth for the fingers. You can also add thin liners to gloves or mittens for an additional layer of warmth. Both gloves and mittens should have a waterproof outer layer with inner insulation.
Go for Black Diamond Guide Gloves or Marmot Expedition Mittens for men or Outdoor Research Alti Mittens or Burton Gore-Tex Gloves for women.
BEST MATERIALS: Gore-tex, synthetics
PRICE RANGE: $36 – $355
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Cold, wind, and snow
TYPE OF SKIING: Downhill, backcountry
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Waterproof, wind-blocking, breathable
LEARN MORE: Snow Gloves 101 >>
SUNGLASSES
On sunny days, sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes. Damaging UVA and UVB rays can glare off the snow with added intensity to cause snow-blindness.
Be sure to invest in sunglasses that have strong UV protective coating to cut down on damaging rays. Shades that wrap around the side of the face will also prevent rays from coming in the sides. Look for dark, polarized lenses to transmit less light.
Some of the most popular sunglasses for skiing are the Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Sunglasses and Smith Parallel Max Polarized Sunglasses.
BEST MATERIALS: 100% UV Protected Coating, nylon frames
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $300+
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Sunny days
GOGGLES
Snowy, blowing days in the mountains require goggles for skiing. They protect your eyes from snow and ice, plus keep your face warmer. Look for fog-free optics and a wide field of vision. They must be helmet compatible; try out glasses with your helmet to be sure of the fit. Some glasses have interchangeable lenses for different light levels.
Check out the Oakley Flight Deck XM Snow Goggles or Smith I/O Snow Goggles for men and Oakley Flight Deck XM Lindsey Vonn Snow Goggles or Smith I/OS Snow Goggles for women.
BEST MATERIALS: 100% UV Protected Coating
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $650
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Snow, cold
TYPE OF SKIING: Downhill, backcountry
LEARN MORE: Snow Goggles 101 >>
NECK GAITER
Neck gaiters are knit or fleece tubes that help in retaining heat from escaping the neck and lower face. You can pull them up to cover your chin in a blizzard or wear them just around your neck. Two classic neck gaiters are REI Co-op Merino Wool Liner Neck Gaiter or Turtle Fur MFS Neck Gaiter.
BEST MATERIALS: Merino Wool or synthetics
PRICE RANGE: $18 – $35
CONDITIONS BEST FOR: Cold, wind, and snow
TYPE OF SKIING: Downhill, backcountry
IDEAL PROPERTIES: Breathable
OTHER OPTIONS: Buffs
READ MORE
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