What to wear skiing is a question every skier should ask him or herself when planning a ski trip, as that last thing you want is to be caught up on a snowy mountain missing a pair of warm socks, or any other crucial equipment.
In this article, we will go over the essential clothing and equipment to wear skiing, what ski equipment is more crucial and what pieces are nice to have rather than important. So whether you’re new to skiing or just need a quick refresh, let’s dive into what to wear when skiing.
Ski Underwear (Base Layer)
Ski underwear are an essential layer when skiing. Not only does it keep your body warm, but it reduces friction and helps protect your body. You usually want to choose a pair of lightweight underwear, unless you’re skiing in extreme cold weather, where in that case you’d probably want to choose a heavier set. It’s best that you choose ski underwear that are made with stretching and warm material, like wool, synthetic or silk.
Our Choice
LAPASA 100% Merino Wool Base Layer Set
- 100% MERINO WOOL
- Breathable interlock knit merino wool, perfect for maintaining thermal comfort to keep you cool when it’s hot, and warm when it’s cold.
- Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant merino base layer
- Durable 4-way stretch rib knit hem and snug fit – flex, conform with a wide motion range.
- UV protection UPF 50+ rating fabric, blocks 98% of UV.
Other options
Ski Jacket
Ski jacket is the external waterproof layer, and it supposed to be comfortable, big enough to cover your extra clothing and well, waterproof.
What to wear under ski jacket?
The ski jacket goes over a ski fleece, which is a layer that goes over your ski underwear whenever you’re resting. The jacket goes over the fleece to protect from water and make the fleece more effective.
Our choice (Bundle) –
Wantdo 3 in 1 water and wind proof Ski Jacket
- Warm & comfortable, anti-water, grease, and 75D*150D poly pongee fabric.
- Versatile 3 in 1 Ski Jacket – Choose from 3 ways to wear this winter coat for women. Wear all the layers together.
- Windproof – detachable hood with an adjustable drawstring, elastic cuffs, and a YKK zipper.
- 5000mm waterproof Teflon-coated exterior, to keep you dry.
Other options
Ski Boots
Boots are a necessity. A good pair will prevent injuries, cold and painful feet, frostbites, but most importantly, it will allow you to control your skis properly. You want your boots to fit your feet well, to endure cold weather and be water proof.
Our Choice:
Columbia Ice Maiden Ii Snow Boot
- 100% Leather and Textile with rubber sole.
- Waterproof leather, seem-sealed membrane bootie construction, lightweight midsole,
- The perfect combination of function and style, with its quilted ankle support.
- ALL WEATHER TRACTION: Signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber.
- COZY WARMTH: features a soft faux fur collar, reinforced lacing aglets, excellent 200g insulation, and leather reinforced toe and heels.
- Rated -25F/-32C for cold, heavy snow days.
Other Options
Ski Socks
Ski socks are high and thick socks that cover your legs all the way up to your ski boot line. It’s best to buy socks that are not too thick as you don’t want your feet to sit too tightly inside the boot. Notice that socks made of cotton are harder to dry and are not a good fit for snow. It’s also common to wear a set of thermal socks underneath your ski socks.
Our Choice –
Columbia Ice Maiden Ii Snow Boot
- 100% Wool
- Pull On closure
- Machine Wash
- Cushioned, moisture-wicking crew sock featuring ribbed cuff and reinforced sole
- Ankle vents to reduce bulk
- Fights odor
Other options
Ski Pants (ski bibs)
Ski pants are essential to insulate warmth on your bottom part, protect from friction and prevent water from entering your boots. Your ski pants should be insulated, ventilated and water resistant. Make sure it fits you perfectly, with no exposed spaces between the pants and the ski boots.
What to wear under ski pants (ski bibs)?
It’s recommended to have a base layer under your ski pants. A base layer is usually a thin thermal layer that keeps you warm and protect your body from frost bites, insulates warmth and keeps your skin dry.
Our Choice
Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants
- 100% Polyester, machine washed.
- 85 grams ThermaTech Insulation offers warmth in a lightweight, low bulk garment (keeps you warm at temperatures from -20° to +35°)
- 600 Denier Ballistic are used to reinforce the ankle, scuff and hem guards to hold up against daily wear and tear
- Adjustable waist for comfortable fit; Boot Zippers for easy on and off, along with O-ring for keys, gloves, and/or lift tickets
- Boot Gaiters with Grippers form a seamless integration with boots to keep warmth in and moisture out
Other Options
Ski Gloves \ Snowboard mittens
We wrote a full article on how to pick the best ski gloves with recommendations inside.
Ski gloves are also an essential part of your gear, and there are few aspects that need to be considered when picking yours. In term of material, it’s best to take nylon and polyester for better insulation and flexibility. It should be water and wind proof and cover your wrist and hands entirely, with no exposed spaces between the hands and your top wear.
Our Choice
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove
- DURABLE FABRIC: Windproof, water-resistant, and breathable HESTRA Triton fabric.
- RETAIN WARMTH: Holding heat even in wet conditions, this glove is made from a very thin polyester fiber with exceptionally high insulating capacity
- PRACTICAL CONSTRUCTION: The 5-finger design gives this glove the highest dexterity
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: This glove features an elastic straps for insulation and comfort
Other Options
Ski Goggles
Eye protection is a must when skiing, as the cold wind will ruin your whole experience if not wearing any protection. Ski goggles should essentially be comfortable and cover your eyes with no gaps. These will also protect your eyes from the sun, which can get very dazzling on those mountain tops.
Our Choice
WildHorn Outfitters Roca Ski Goggles
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane frame, Interchangeable lens, Antifog coating.
- Versatility, comfort, and style for all levels of skiers.
- Best quality lens and goggles possible, all skiing goggles come with proprietary aurora lens technology for maximum visibility while on the slopes.
- 100% UV protection wide view panoramic spherical dual-lens.
Other Options
Ski Helmet
While many believe a helmet is mandatory, it may save your life, and keep your head warmer, so it’s very recommended. Not any helmet will do the job, so don’t just use your bicycle helmet. Instead, find a helmet that is light weighted, compatible with ski goggles and a good fit on your head.
What to wear under ski helmet
It’s not necessary to wear anything under your ski helmet, thought many choose to do so for style or extra warmth. If you do wear an extra layer under your helmet, make sure it’s thin enough to not interrupt the helmet’s fit.
Our Choice
OutdoorMaster Diamond MIPS Ski Helmet
- Multi-direction Impact Protection System, Shellshock absorbing EPS core for maximum protection and safety, while remaining very lightweight.
- Best in-class ventilation – Equipped with 11 individual vents.
- Adjustable – Size adjustment dial for a perfect fit. easy to wash thanks to removable ear pads & inner fleece liner.
- GOGGLES STRAP RETAINER – The goggle strap retainer can keep your ski goggles stable and will not going anywhere when you are skiing.
Other Options
What’s the Best Time to Buy Ski Gear
Purchasing ski gear and equipment out of season is an excellent way to save a few bucks, but retailers and stores often have sales at the beginning and end of each season as well. Searching in-store, online, and even through digital secondary market platforms are all efficient ways to purchase ski or snowboarding equipment.
Often you can find great deals at fall ski swaps, where skiers sell their used gear and shops sell their old stock and rental fleets. It’s also a great way to get excited about the upcoming season. Ski swaps can be found in many metropolitan areas as well as in smaller ski towns. They are held throughout the fall and often in combination with ski shows.
Ski Preparation
Preparing for the ski season needs to be done before you pull up the parking lot for opening day. Waxing and sharpening your skis and snowboard equipment maintains a smoother and safer ride, and most experts suggest a fresh wax every 1-2 seasons, depending on usage.
Maintaining the nuts, bolts, and other mechanical equipment involved in ski and snowboard equipment will maintain optimal performance while decreasing the chance of a ski shop at the lodge for some mid-day maintenance. Grease, tighten, or clean up the mechanical equipment in your bindings to ensure a smooth operation all season.
Should you buy ski gear online?
It is highly recommended to buy ski gear online. Prices are usually lower on the internet and there is limited benefit from purchasing in a store. Ski boots are the one exception to this rule. Purchasing ski boots through a reputable shop, with an experienced boot fitter can make a big difference.
Boot fitting is usually included in the purchase price as well as a boot fit guarantee. If your ski boots need additional work (as they invariably do) you can go back to the shop and have the work done free of charge.
Buying the Best Skis / Snowboard
Before buying a new pair of skis, I recommend trying them out at a demo day on the hill. Many ski resorts will host demo days where several manufacturers will bring their skis for the next season. For a small fee, you can spend the day trying out all the new models.-
Sources:
Bill Voss, CEO of Everest
Mike Humphrey of mykhumphrey , level 3 certified ski instructor with over 27 years of experience as a ski instructor in Hakuba, Japan.
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