How to choose ski clothes
The cold winter weather and snowy slopes require the right kind of clothing to stay warm and enjoy a long day outdoors. Pay attention to both the technical features of the clothes and how to put together a complete ski outfit. Choose suitable ski clothes with the help of our tips!
1. Choose a water-repellent and breathable ski jacket
Start by choosing a functional ski jacket, which is the most important element of your entire ski outfit.
When looking for a suitable ski jacket, the first thing to consider is a proper size. There should be enough space for layering under the jacket, so we recommend to avoid a size that is too tight. Additionally, a quality ski jacket is water-repellent or waterproof, as well as breathable and windproof.
You can also find these features in a good ski jacket:
High and protective collar.
Adjustable cuffs.
Ventilation zips under the arms or on the sides.
Tightening option at the hem of the jacket.
Pocket for the skipass.
Warm wadding, if the jacket is used in cold temperatures.
2. Combine your ski jacket with water-repellent ski pants
Approximately the same criteria apply to the choice of ski pants as to the choice of ski jackets. When selecting ski pants, pay attention to their size, material, design, and a few special features.
Keep the following things in mind when choosing ski pants:
The right size to enable carefree movements on the slopes.
Water-repellent or waterproof material.
Wide leg openings or zippers on the cuffs to fit both ski boots and snowboard boots.
Snow gaiters on the cuffs.
Ventilation zips on the pant legs.
Reinforcements on the leg cuffs.
3. Wear layers to the slopes
As with many outdoor activities, it is important to dress in layers when skiing. The principle of layering consists of three parts and it is structured like this:
1. The lowest layer against the skin. Choose a moisture-wicking underwear or base layer set.
2. An intermediate layer between the other layers. Choose clothing that insulates
warmth, such as a fleece or mid-layer jacket.
3. A shell layer on top. Choose clothing that protects against rain, moisture and wind.
Although skiwear often comes with a layer of wadding, it is still a good idea to dress in layers for the slopes. When skiing in the winter, the weather can be very cold and layers add extra warmth. Another advantage of layering is that it is easily adaptable - you can add and remove layers of clothing depending on your activity level and the temperature.
4. Protect your head, neck, and hands
Once you have chosen your skiwear, it is time to think about the other parts of your ski outfit. You need at least:
A helmet and a light beanie.
A buff or other type of scarf.
Ski gloves.
A good pair of ski socks.
The helmet protects your head, but it also keeps you warm. A beanie adds extra protection from the wind. Use a convenient buff or other type of scarf to protect your neck. The buff can easily be adjusted to protect your face from cold air and wind if necessary.
When skiing, it is often the hands that get cold first. Make sure to choose warm ski gloves to keep you comfortable on the slopes. Long-legged technical ski socks are thicker than ordinary cotton socks and keep you warm all day. The long–legged design prevents ski- or snowboard boots from rubbing against your shins and calves.