Tips & Tricks

How to Pick the Right Kind of Clothes for Skiing & Snowboarding

What you wear can have a dramatic impact on your skiing experience, so if you’re new to the exciting winter sports that the mountainous areas of the US have to offer, read the following and get a better idea what to expect.

Base Layers

Your base layer serves as the cornerstone of your winter clothing system. Its purpose is to wick moisture from your body and regulate temperature, so make sure it fits well, doesn’t restrict movement, and consists of lightweight materials like wool or synthetic fiber that wick sweat quickly from your body – cotton can trap heat which takes forever to evaporate away.

For skiing, the ideal base layers are typically constructed of either merino wool or polyester. Both materials offer breathability, odour resistance and warmth. Some of the top ski clothes companies today incorporate both materials to provide optimal warmth without compromising either side. Merino resists odour better than polyester alone while also providing greater insulation efficiency than either material alone and managing moisture better than either alone.

There is a wide range of base layers to choose from, ranging from basic crew-neck shirts such as crew necks or long-sleeved wool shirts to more technical models like the zip-up apparel or even those designed as casual shirts with UV blocking features – perfect for alpine climbing enthusiasts and others looking for additional protection!

A quality base layer should fit tightly, as this helps the fabric cling more closely to your skin and draw away moisture more effectively. But be careful that it doesn’t restrict movement too much – try on any potential purchases on the ski lift before making your purchase decision! Additionally, look for something with a front zipper to let off steam when working up a sweat.

Mid Layers

The mid layer provides insulation and warmth between the base layer and outer layers, helping regulate body temperature so you don’t overheat when performing high-intensity activities like skiing and snowboarding. It works to wick away moisture to ensure you remain dry and comfortable during high-output activities like this.

Skiing requires lightweight mid layers like these that are breathable, wind-resistant and easily removable if they become too warm on the slopes. Hoods with thumb holes in their cuffs and full-zip fronts are all useful features of mid-layers for skiing. It’s important that all your layers are hypoallergenic; the last thing you want is an itchy rash under all those clothes.

Fleece jackets are an affordable yet classic choice when it comes to ski mid layers. Insulated with air between its fibers, fleece provides superior insulation against heat transfer while remaining soft against skin and remaining warm even when wet. A high quality fleece will remain soft next-to-skin feel yet remaining cozy when damp.

Ski Jacket

Skiers and snowboarders searching for jackets to keep warm while hitting the slopes have many options available to them; waterproofness, insulation levels and other features vary widely, enabling you to select a product which best meets your individual needs and preferences.

A good jacket can make all the difference on a cold snowy day, and finding yourself miserable or having an amazing experience. Make sure that it allows enough room for all of the layers you plan to wear when skiing, including an undershirt, fleece layer and thick sweater.

Insulated ski jackets come in a range of materials, from down to synthetics like PrimaLoft. Some provide lightweight warmth for mild conditions while others can offer maximum warmth in frigid temperatures. If opting for down (seen here: https://www.consumerreports.org/down-winter-coats) make sure it comes from ethically-sourced geese that have been treated humanely, and don’t have their feathers plucked while still alive – many manufacturers strive for this standard when selecting their down suppliers.

Hardshell and waterproof ski jackets are best suited to extreme activities at resorts, while soft shell jackets provide added breathability when weather conditions don’t warrant it. 3-in-1 jackets that combine an outer waterproof shell with an insulated liner that zips in provide added flexibility for adapting to changing mountain conditions.

Ski Pants

Ski pants (bibs) provide an outer layer of insulation against snow and wind that protects your base and mid layers, keeping you warm during a skiing adventure. Most come equipped with adjustable waistbands and suspenders so you can tighten or loosen them as necessary, keeping them in place during your journey.

Fit is of vital importance when selecting ski pants, as you should need to move freely while skiing. Skinny fit models provide more of a streamlined appearance with stretch panels and articulated knees; regular or baggy styles offer additional room for layers, creating more of an informal appearance.

Breathability should also be taken into consideration when shopping for ski pants, as this will have an impactful influence on how comfortable you will feel while out on the slopes. Breathability refers to how readily water vapor molecules pass through while still protecting against droplets reaching your base or mid layers and making you sweat.

Rachael is a 31 year old mum to 10 year old Luke and 5 year old Oscar. She lives in England and writes about family life, crafts, recipes, parenting wins(and fails), as well as travel, days out, fashion and living the frugal lifestyle.

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