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The first time I ever went skiing was on Jahorina Olympic Mountain in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Imagine my surprise when I showed up at said mountain, ready to rent my gear and conquer the bunny slopes, only to find out that rentals only included skis, poles, and a helmet. Here I was, donning leggings, a sweater, a scarf, cheap knit gloves, and a peacoat — which, by the way, was already failing miserably at keeping me warm in the sub-zero (Celsius) temperatures. Needless to say, I have never been so cold in my entire life. I could barely hear the instructor over the sound of chatter from my own teeth. And as a newbie skier, naturally, I took some falls, which meant not only was I freezing, I was also wet and freezing. I learned a valuable lesson that day — always, always do your research beforehand. And maybe, just maybe, don’t try to ski in a peacoat unless you’re looking for a starring role in Frozen: The Struggle Edition.
Since you’re reading this post on how to dress and layer for skiing (or snowboarding), you’re already on the right track with doing your research. Kudos to you! I’ll be sharing some Do’s and Don’ts, as well as products I love to make sure I stay warm while skiing.
Skiing is fun. Freezing your butt off? Not so much. After my tragic peacoat-on-the-slopes experience, I vowed never to let the cold get the best of me again. Enter Smartwool. I’ve been a fan of the brand for years, and this year, I had the opportunity to partner with Smartwool at the National Brotherhood of Snowsports event in Keystone, Colorado. Every year, Smartwool shows up for the community by supporting and giving out socks — a small but mighty essential when you’re spending days out in the snow. Seeing a brand actively champion diversity in outdoor spaces is something I don’t take lightly, especially in times where representation in these industries still has a long way to go. It’s always great to see a company putting action behind their words and showing up for the culture.
Back to staying warm while skiing. Let’s talk about how to properly layer for skiing so you don’t end up shivering on the slopes or sweating bullets at après-ski.
The Right Way to Layer for Skiing
Base Layer: The Foundation
This is the most important layer because it sits closest to your skin. You want something moisture-wicking, breathable, and warm. Stay away from cotton! It holds onto sweat and will leave you cold and clammy. Smartwool’s base layers, made from Merino wool, keep you dry and regulate body temperature like magic.
If you run cold, go for a heavier-weight base layer. If you tend to heat up easily, a lightweight option will do the trick.
Mid Layer: The Insulator
This is where the real warmth comes from. A fleece or wool mid-layer traps heat and keeps your core nice and toasty. I personally stick with Smartwool’s Merino mid-layers because they’re warm without feeling bulky. Also, they don’t get that funky smell that synthetic materials tend to hold onto after a long day of activity.
Outer Layer: The Shield
Your outer layer is all about protection from the elements. A waterproof, windproof ski jacket and pants are a must. Even if it’s not snowing, you’ll want that barrier against icy winds and surprise falls (as a novice, falls will happen — trust me). There’s ski gear for fashion, and there’s ski gear for function. I’ve tried both, and while those cropped faux fur coats are cute for Insta, they are not practical while on the slopes. Save it for the aprés, my friend. Here are a few brands that serve up a little bit of both fashion and function:
Additional Must-Haves for Staying Warm
Socks Matter More Than You Think
Thick, bulky socks or doubling up on socks seem like a good idea until you realize they cut off circulation and make your feet colder. Opt for thin Merino wool ski socks instead. Also, be sure to get over-the-calf socks. Ski boots are uncomfortable enough, so you don’t want anything causing friction on your shins.
Gloves or Mittens?
If your hands get cold easily, mittens are the way to go. They keep your fingers together for extra warmth. If you need more dexterity, go for gloves — just make sure they’re insulated and waterproof. And a personal preference are gloves with wrist straps, so you’re not dropping them all over the place every time you have to take them off. I got to hang out with Smartwool’s social media manager while in Keystone; her gloves didn’t have wrist straps, so she actually used the bands that come with each pair of Smarwool socks, hooked them onto her gloves and made her own wrist straps. Genius! Here are a few more creative ways to repurpose the sock bands.
Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
A scarf might look cute, but it’s impractical for skiing. A neck gaiter or balaclava keeps your neck and face warm without the hassle.
Goggles
Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, cold wind, and debris. Sunglasses won’t cut it. Buy goggles!
What Not to Wear
- Cotton Anything
It absorbs moisture and holds onto it, making you damp and miserable. - Too Many Layers
More isn’t always better. Over-layering will make you sweat, and when that sweat cools, you’ll be freezing. - A Peacoat (Obviously)
Or any other non-waterproof, non-insulated coat. Learn from my mistakes.
If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be that Smartwool base and mid layers actually do what they claim. They’ll keep you warm in sub-zero temps on the slopes, and might have you peeling off layers in an airport (true story — I wore Smartwool base and mid-layers to the airport and by the time I got on the plane I was stripping down to my tank top). That’s range.
So, layer up the right way, hit the slopes, and avoid looking like someone who just lost a battle with the elements. Stay cozy, stay dry, and have fun out there!
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