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What to Wear Skiing


Shop for all the layers to wear skiing with our fabulous selection of ski clothing here.

You have rockin' skis. You have kickin' boots. But what else to wear skiing? How many layers do you need? Make sure you have the essentials to spend the day in comfort (and style, of course!).

Start with three essential layers:

1) A baselayer top and bottom -- Baselayers wick moisture, insulate your body warmth and keep you comfy under the bulky gear. Wool baselayers are ideal, but polyester or nylon works. Avoid cotton! Cotton traps moisture and can get cold and heavy in winter weather. Go for a long sleeve for your torso, and thermals for your legs. Yoga pants or leggings will work, but won't be quite as warm as a wool thermal pant.
2) A midlayer for your upper body -- Think a warm vest, microgrid midlayer, a fleece, or even a pullover sweater/sweatshirt. The more breathable the better. Depending on the weather or how hot/cold you run, you can skip this layer or opt for something heavier. This is the layer you'll customize the most.
3) Waterproof ski pants and jacket -- Arguably, the most important part! When shopping for these outer layers, you'll find both insulated ski jackets and pants and just shells. Insulated outer layers will come with a thin (or sometimes, thick, think around 100 grams) layer of down or synthetic insulation to build extra warmth right into your outer layer. Shells will come without insulation, and as a result are more breathable, but less warm. Shells offer more customization for layering underneath, while insulated jackets will have more warmth built right in. If you run warm or are skiing more aggressively (and getting a workout), a shell jacket should be plenty. If you run cold, deal with colder temperatures, or aren't skiing super hard all day, you'll be much cozier in an insulated jacket.

Add your ski accessories

Ski helmet -- The main thing to shop for in a helmet is fit. Making sure the helmet fits snuggly around your head will provide the best protection. Once you find a helmet that fits, we recommend helmets with MIPS technology, for an extra layer of protection. The only other big difference beteween different helmet models is adjustability. Some will come with BOA tightening systems to dial in the fit, and some will come with more customizable venting systems. If you deal with a lot of temperature extremes, having the ability to open your close your helmet's vents is handy, but not required.
Ski goggles -- Avoid the dreaded gap! To avoid fogging, stay warm, and look like the rad dad you are, make sure your helmet and goggles make a solid seal at the forehead. If you can, the best compatibility is with the same helmet and goggle brand. Otherwise, look for interchangable lenses for the best vision and clarity no matter the conditions.
Waterproof mittens or gloves -- Mittens are usually warmer than gloves, so if you tend to run cold, shop for mittens. A 3-finger design is the best of both worlds, with more dexterity than a mitten and more warmth than a glove. Plus, your hands can look like cool lobster claws.
Neckwarmer or ski buff -- scarves can be hazardous! For full coverage, shop for a balaclava. These act like ultra thin hoods that wrap around your head with a neck gaiter attached.
Sunscreen -- The sun is more poweful at high altitudes, and when reflecting off of all that snow, you get a lot of UV exposure packed into a small amount of time.
Ski socks -- the thinner the better!
...And never forget to wear a smile!

Check out Our Head-to-Toe Gear Guide:




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