What clothes to wear skiing: the ultimate guide

Whether you love to visit indoor snow centres, head to the snowy Cairngorms slopes, or hop over to a French ski resort, skiing is one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities. It’s no secret, snow also means cold, and unadapted clothes can make your skiing experience a soggy and unpleasant one. That’s why it’s important to know what clothes to wear when skiing in the coldest locations, whatever season you plan on hitting the slopes. In this guide, we’ll show you the gear you need to keep you warm and comfortable when the temperatures drop.

Understanding ski clothing layers

As with most kinds of outdoor pursuit, layering is essential when it comes to understanding what clothes to wear when skiing. Layering gives you the ability to add or remove clothing depending on the conditions you’re skiing in. From your base and mid layers to a warm, insulating outer layer, proper layering means you can adapt easily to the weather and control your temperature. Slope skiing usually requires you to be fully insulated, but when you free-ride or go all-mountain, then something lighter yet waterproof will suffice due to the increase in activity. Whether you’re skiing on a sunny afternoon and want to be ventilated or riding a windy chairlift to the top station, layering in base, mid and outer layers gives you ultimate flexibility when skiing.

Base layers: the foundation

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, getting the base layer right is essential. This is the layer that will be in direct contact with your skin so it’s important for controlling moisture and regulating your body temperature during the activity. Sweat needs to be wicked away effectively from your skin so you don’t feel damp or cold, that’s why t-shirt that feels snug but still gives you a full range of movement.

Mid layers: insulation

From fleeces and light down jackets to softshell garments, the mid layer works to trap heat so you stay warm on the coldest of slopes but not overheating. The heat and moisture generated by the skin during skiing needs to be moved away from the body towards the mid layer where it escapes. Something as simple as a Technical fleece works wonders as a mid layer as it is both lightweight and breathable clothing. A mid layer for the legs is not always necessary unless you are in very cold conditions.

Outer layers: protection

One of the most important layers to protect you from the elements, the outer layer is the final level of layering and one to get right. A roomy insulated or non-insulated waterproof ski jacket or coat is an ideal option as you don’t want to be restricted in the arms or torso as you weave your way down the mountain or indoor slope. With a wide choice, it can be hard to know what outer clothes to wear skiing, but aim for ski pants that will cover your boots effectively, and a ski jacket that fastens up well but is easy to remove or features underarm venting for when you need a break to cool down.

Essential ski accessories

With your ski clothing covered, you should turn your attention to essential ski accessories that will enhance your experience on the white stuff. Any prolonged contact with the snow or cold air can damage your skin, so think about a helmet or beanie to keep your head warm and gloves or mittens to keep your fingers toasty. Ski boots are large and bulky, so be sure to choose an appropriate pair of socks that will provide cushioned comfort as well as the ability to wick moisture away. The glare from bright white snow is enough to give you a tan, so protect your eyes with a suitable pair of stylish ski goggles.

What to look for in ski clothing

If you love to get out on the slopes, then you should invest in high-quality ski clothing that will be dependable every time you fancy carving a path in the snow. What clothes you choose to wear depends on your unique style and body size, but in terms of features look for clothes that have added advantages. For example, you might want an outer layer jacket with a hood for your helmet, or a special pocket for your ski pass, or a breast pocket for easy access to your phone for that magical Insta moment. We have developed special technology for skiing clothes here at Columbia, so look for products that have excellent waterproofing and wicking abilities.