It’s Ski Season and you’re off to the Alps or maybe the Pyrenees or even the rolling heights of Banff or Whistler in Canada if you’re very lucky, for a touch of winter R&R. But skiers and boarders come in all shapes and sizes and above all……levels of ability. These different ability levels pose some significant clothing issues for many skiers, as the clothing you need may not be suitable for every level of ability.
So we’ve put together a Ski Apparel range for the three principal levels of ski enthusiasts, to try and help you to get the right kit that suits you as an individual, and to help save you the time of trawling through loads of options that simply may not suit you. If one of the levels below fits your ski level, just click the heading and it’ll take you to a page that offers advice specifically for that standard and what we hope will be the suggested and appropriate ranges of kit that will suit your specific needs.
NOVICE SKIER - INTERMEDIATE SKIER - EXPERT SKIER
Level 1: Novice/Moderate Skier
So, you love the white stuff and the whole wintery, ski scene, but you’re not necessarily that enthusiastic to hit the powder and the highest peaks…..just yet. You’ve mastered the snow plough and you can cut the ice with the edge of your skis very nicely now, albeit very gently.
That’s absolutely fine. We all have to start somewhere. You’re going to probably stick to the nursery slopes and maybe venture up to the Green and possibly a Blue run or two by the end of the week and you’re almost certainly going to hit the après ski facilities along the way too. Let’s face it, it’s all part of the experience.
But as a result of your acknowledged limitations, you’re likely to spend quite a lot of time standing or sitting still and most likely won’t work up a sweat quite as much as some of the more experienced individuals on the slopes might do.
To that end, your gear should reflect your individual needs and your best solution is Multi-Layering but choosing the Warmest options available in most cases. Below is a list of options from Underwear to Outerwear that should suit your every need whilst on the piste.
Underwear & Socks
Usually the first thing you’ll put on every morning will be your underwear and socks. Going skiing doesn’t change your necessary habits of a lifetime. One rule for your pants though and that is……don’t wear cotton! Cotton is cold. It holds moisture and will be cold all day long so start as you mean to continue. Choose either a Synthetic Brief or Boxer or go with Merino Wool. These two fabric options will be your best friend. For Bras, it’s less critical but for downstairs definitely go with one of the above. Check out these suggested Ski Underwear options.
For ski socks for the novice skier, we’d usually suggest a Mid Weight Ski Sock with a good Merino Wool content. As with underwear, avoid cotton. Cotton can grab and cause blisters and foot irritation. The reason we suggest a mid-weight sock, is that you are most likely to hire boots in-resort and the fit is rarely as good as boots that are bespoke for you. Your best bet is a Mid Weight Ski Sock and do consider pairing these with some Liner Socks as these will add some warmth and additional comfort during your ski sessions.
For your Après Ski element, again do consider some Liner Socks coupled with a good Mid Weight Hiking Sock with a high Merino content inside those nice cozy snow boots, is usually fine for most. But if you feel you want or need heavier weight socks to fill out those boots or for extra warmth, then a Heavyweight Merino Socks are a good investment. Do remember though that you’ll probably get more use out of some Mid-Weight socks than Heavyweight ones once you get back home as heavyweight socks “may” be too thick for most regular shoes. Also, there’s no need to take a dozen pairs of socks. Take a couple of pairs and cycle them round, the Merino socks will last the distance for most ski trips.
Base Layers
It’s probably a guess, but we reckon that you’ve had exposure to Base Layers in some form or other for various sports and activities. But have they been right for your needs at the time? A Base Layer is your foundation layering piece, next to skin. Get this right and….happy days. Get it wrong and your days on the slopes might be the most miserable of your ski trip.
You are a modest skier with limited capability by admission, and that’s not in any way meant to be a criticism. You will be standing or sitting around quite a bit {not least of which can be waiting in line for a ski lift….} and therefore not generating heat as much as those with more experience out there, so you need to think about the best option as a Base Layer and that means warmth.
We strongly advise any low level skier to choose the Warmest Base Layer they can and if money allows, go with a Merino or Merino Blend option. These will usually last the duration of most trips without washing and will provide that initial next-to-skin warmth you will need. You can even double layer to get extra warmth with a lighter weight next to skin and a second heavier weight layer over that to create a hefty 300/400gsm next to skin layer.
Pick something practical unless you are very keen on colours, trendy brand labels or design features. Black works best in 99% of cases but you often have a choice colours and of Crew Neck tops or Half Zips. Plus, always get leggings too. A huge amount of heat is generated from your lower core. You want to do all you can to keep the heat you generate and re-cycle it. For that reason, we suggest a Warmest COMBO comprising leggings and top. From there it’s a question of preference.
Mid-Layers
Not everyone wants or needs a mid-layer especially the higher performance skiers who will often wear just a base layer under a jacket. It does depend on many factors including how high up you are and if the cloud has closed in. Temperatures can vary enormously on the mountains and the higher you go, the colder it usually is. Always cater for the worst case scenario. If the weather closes in up the mountain, you will seriously notice the temperature change.
A mid-layer is, however always a great investment piece regardless. You will get a ton of use from it back home too so it’ll never be a wasted cost. You can choose a Long Sleeve lightweight jacket, a Gilet or a fabric mid-layer of Wool or Synthetic material and in different fabric weights too. It really is a question of choice. Ski Mid Layers are worth taking your time over.
Jackets and Ski Pants
Now we’re getting to the serious end of the ski business. Ski jackets can be a mine-field and can cost a fortune. Don’t be surprised to see jackets in excess of £1K particularly in-resort. We all possess a jacket, but is what you have already, adequate for the unique needs of the mountains? For the slopes, you should consider a jacket that has a “hard Shell” exterior finish, a bit like a raincoat fabric. It’ll be robust enough to handle any falls and abrasions. The last thing you want is to rip your jacket on day one. But a “puffer” style jacket may do the job if you’re not going off-piste or too fast.
Jacket length is also largely a matter of preference but make sure your lower limbs stay free. Also, some jackets are, for many, too ski-centric. Remember the 80’s when people bought those bright Jean Claude Killi jackets when they were all the rage? Never been seen again except on auction sites. So choose wisely, get something that has practicality back home, especially if you are likely to remain an infrequent skier.
A System Jacket can be a great investment as these have a Detachable Lining that acts as a mid-layer in it’s own right. So if you did go with a system jacket, you get your mid-layer for free. You then have the choice of wearing the jacket fully lined or as an outerwear piece without the insulation. So it can make a great rain jacket back home too. Cost is not always an indicator of practicality for skiing so do take advice where you can and if you are likely to remain as an occasional skier, see if you can borrow one. Take a look here at our Ski Jackets we feel are appropriate.
Ski Pants or Ski Trousers depending on which side of the Atlantic divide you relate to, are very often overlooked but with underwear, then some Base Layer Leggings and a good pair of proprietary Ski Pants……you’re sorted. Most are unisex, there’s not much cut to them as they are always designed to be a bit baggy. Equally, these can readily be worn out at night during your après ski down-time. You often see restaurants filled with people wearing baggy pants with flares. That’s not a bad fashion statement, the flare is to accommodate ski boots and it’s a very common sight in-resort. Without a doubt, worth the investment and will serve a purpose back home when you’re stood on the sidelines in the middle of winter watching the kids on the rugby field! See our range of Ski Pants here but do also consider hiring or borrowing your outer wear. Not every resort does hire but there are plenty of locations at home who do hire Ski Gear……just check your area for the best option and you can secure your kit early so you’re not scrambling around days before you depart.
Other Accessories
90% of people will have some sort of accessories they will take along. Gloves are a must. We always suggest a Liner Glove below your Ski Gloves. These help preserve the integrity of your ski gloves as well as adding warmth. Also, if you slip your outer gloves off, you retain a protection against severe cold.
Likewise a Hat is also a must have and you may want to take a couple of hats with you one for daytime and one for the evening. Most resorts these days will insist on a Ski Helmet being work {you’ll likely hire one and it’s a good idea to do so regardless of ability}. But they will have been worn by hundreds of people already and whilst they usually provide a helmet liner, your own Beanie Hat is by far the best bet.
But if there is one additional piece you may not have, it is possibly a Face Mask or Neck Warmer. When you are on the ski lifts or coming down the slopes even on a slow run and it’s minus 15°, your face can physically hurt with the cold. For a small investment, you will preserve your face by easing a neck warmer or balaclava over your mouth, nose and cheeks. Trust us……it’s seriously worth the cost.
You are, by acknowledgement, a regular skier. You’ve been skiing for a number of years now and even moved on to experimenting with Boarding perhaps. The nursery slopes and Green runs are a distant memory as you live in the fast lane now on the Blues and Reds……maybe even venturing to the occasional Black run!
Your abilities probably mean you will be active for a majority of the time, and for a good-few hours a day. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to carve up the white stuff. Most likely you will work up a sweat during your traversing, and your layering apparel needs to reflect your specific needs.
To that end, your best solution is multi-layering as we always recommend, but not necessarily choosing the heaviest and warmest options for each layer to meet your needs. Below are some suggested options that should suit your every need whilst on the piste.
Socks & Pants
Most likely, the first thing you’ll put on every morning will be your underwear and socks. Going skiing doesn’t change your daily habits of a lifetime. There is however, one rule for your underwear and that is……don’t wear cotton! Cotton is cold. Cotton holds moisture. Moisture and cold are not best buddies. Cotton pants will be cold all day long so, start as you mean to continue. Choose either Synthetic Briefs or Boxers or go with Merino Wool. These two fabric options will be your best bet. For Bras, it’s less critical but for downstairs definitely go with one of the above. Check out these suggested Ski Underwear items.
For Ski Socks at the Intermediate level, we’d usually suggest a Mid Weight Ski Sock. The main reason being not necessarily just for for warmth, but that you might be hiring boots and the fit is rarely as good as ones that are bespoke for you. So your best bet in these situations is a Mid Weight Ski Sock but do consider pairing these with some Liner Socks as these will add some additional comfort during your ski sessions.
However, you may have your own boots and if so, a Lightweight Ski Sock may prove a better option as these will likely be a superior fit for your made-to-measure boot.
For the après ski element of your trip, again some Liner Socks coupled with a good Mid Weight Hiking Sock with a high Merino content paired with those nice cozy snow boots, is usually fine for most, but if you feel you want or need heavier weight socks to fill out those boots or for additional warmth, then a Heavyweight Merino Sock is a good investment. Do remember though that you’ll probably get more use out of some Mid-Weight socks than Heavyweight ones, once you get back home as heavyweight socks may be too thick for most regular shoes. By the way, no need to take 6 pairs of socks. Wear the same ones and cycle them round during your trip.
Base Layers
This is where Intermediate Skiers’ kit can differ quite a bit from the Novice skier. It’s almost certainly the case that you’ve had exposure to Base Layers in some form or other for various sports and activities including Skiing, in the past. But have they been right for your needs at the time? A Base Layer is your foundation layering piece next to skin. Get this right and….happy days. Get it wrong and your days on the slopes might be the most miserable of your ski trip.
We’ve already established that you are a good skier with excellent capability. You won’t be standing or sitting around that often {except perhaps with a glass of something to warm you up or for those eternally long ski lifts} so, for the most part, you will be generating quite a bit of body heat that you need to retain and use effectively. So you need to think about the best option for a Base Layer and that means something that prevents you over-heating but equally won’t let you get cold, as both scenarios are far from ideal.
To that end, we strongly advise an Intermediate Skier to choose a Warm Level Base Layer and if money allows, go with a Merino or Merino Blend option. Merino will last the duration of most trips without washing and will provide that initial next-to-skin thermal regulation you will need.
Pick something practical unless you are very keen on colours, designer labels or design features. Black works best in 99% of cases but you often have a choice of colours and of Crew Neck or Half Zip Tops. Always get leggings too. A huge amount of heat is generated from your lower core. You want to keep the heat you generate and re-cycle it. For that reason, we suggest a COMBO comprising leggings and top. From there it’s a matter of style choice.
Regardless of our suggestions here, many Intermediate Skiers still want that extra warmth factor so with that in mind, there are always Warmer Ski Base Layer options available too.
Mid-Layers
Not everyone wants or needs a mid-layer especially higher performance skiers who will often wear just a base layer under a jacket. It does depend on many factors including how high up you are. Temperatures can vary enormously on the mountains and the higher you go, the colder it usually is. Also if the weather closes in, that temperature will plummet by the minute so, don’t get caught out.
I mid-layer though is a great investment piece. You will get plenty of use from it when you get home so it’ll never be a wasted cost. You can choose a Long Sleeve Lightweight Jacket, a Gilet or a fabric layer of wool or synthetic. It really is a question of choice. Ski Mid Layers are worth taking your time over.
Jackets and Ski Pants
Now we’re getting to the more serious end of the ski business. Ski jackets can be a mine-field and can cost a fortune. Don’t be surprised to see jackets in excess of £1K particularly in-resort. We all possess a jacket, but is what you have already, adequate for your needs? For the slopes, you should consider a jacket that has a “hard Shell” finish, a bit like a raincoat fabric. It’ll be robust enough to handle any falls and abrasions from the ice. The last thing you want is to rip your jacket on day one. But a “puffer” style jacket may do the job if you’re not going off-piste or too fast.
Jacket length is also largely a matter of taste and preference. Some jackets are, for many, too ski-centric. Remember the 80’s when people bought those bright Jean Claude Killi jackets when they were all the rage? Never been seen again except on auction sites and charity shops. So choose wisely, get something that has practicality back home.
A System Jacket can be a great investment as these have a Detachable Lining that acts as a mid-layer in its own right. So if you did go with a system jacket, you get your mid-layer for free. You then have the choice of wearing the jacket fully lined or as an outerwear piece without the insulation. So it can make a great multi-use rain jacket back home too. Cost is not always an indicator of practicality for skiing so do take advice where you can and always see if you can borrow one as it can save you a lot of cash. Take a look here at our Ski Jackets we feel are appropriate.
For Ski Pants or Ski Trousers there is one rule…..don’t wear jeans! We’re back to that cotton is cold issue plus cotton pants like jeans, are restrictive….just what you don’t need. Ski Pants or Ski Trousers if you are this side of the Atlantic divide, are very often overlooked but with your underwear, then a Base Layer Legging and a good pair of proprietary Ski Pants……you’re generally sorted. Most are unisex, there’s not much “cut” to them as they are always designed to be a bit baggy. Equally, these can readily be worn out at night to bars etc. You very often see restaurants filled with people wearing baggy pants with flares. That’s not a bad fashion statement, the flare is to accommodate ski boots and it’s a very common sight. Without a doubt, worth the investment and will serve a purpose back home when you’re stood on the side-lines in the middle of winter watching the kids on the rugby field! See our range of Ski Pants here.
Other Accessories
Most people have some sort of accessories they will take with them on their trip. Gloves are a must. We always suggest a Liner Glove below your Ski Gloves. These help preserve the integrity of your ski gloves as well as adding warmth plus leaves something on your skin if you slip your ski gloves off for a quick brow wipe or glass of Glühwein.
Likewise a Hat is also a must-have. But most resorts these days will insist on a Ski Helmet being worn and you may well hire one in-resort. But they have often been worn by hundreds of people already and whilst they usually provide a helmet liner, your own Beanie Hat is by far the best bet to at least, keep someone else’s sweat off your head. But even if you have your own helmet, a Beanie is a very good idea. You may also want to take two hats. One for the piste and one for the evening.
One additional piece you may not own, and one we’d always recommend is a Face Mask or Neck Warmer. When you are on the ski lifts or coming down the slopes carving up the powder and it’s minus 15°, your face can physically hurt with the cold. For a small investment, you will preserve your face by easing a neck warmer or balaclava over your mouth, nose and cheeks. You won’t regret it.
Level 3: Experienced & Extreme Skiers
You are a frequent skier. Maybe you do a whole season in-resort {lucky you}. You’ve been skiing or boarding since you could walk and you love it to pieces. Those Green runs are a distant memory as you live exclusively in the fast lane these days on the Black runs and moguls and probably venture into the virgin snow frequently, maybe even Heli Skiing!
Your abilities probably mean you are active for a majority of the time, and probably from dawn to dusk each day. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to carve up the powder. Most likely you will work up a sweat big-time and your layering apparel needs to reflect your specific needs.
To that end, your best solution is multi-layering as we always recommend, but not necessarily choosing the heaviest and warmest options for each layer, as you may need and want to shed layers frequently depending on conditions. Below is some detail of options that should suit your every need whilst on the piste.
Socks & Pants
Almost inevitably, the first thing you’ll put on every morning will be your underwear and socks. Going skiing doesn’t change your daily habits of a lifetime. There is however, one rule for your pants no matter what your level of ability and that is……don’t wear cotton! Cotton is cold. Cotton also holds moisture. Moisture and cold are not best buddies when it comes to your body. Cotton pants will be cold all day long so, start as you mean to continue. Choose either Synthetic Briefs or Boxers or go with Merino Wool. These two fabric options will be your best bet. For Bras, it’s less critical but for downstairs definitely go with one of the above. Check out these suggested Ski Underwear items.
As a very advanced skier, it’s very likely that you have your own boots, so a Lightweight Ski Sock may prove to be the best option as these will likely be a superior fit for your made-to-measure boots. However, you may still prefer a Mid Weight Ski Sock. These will provide additional warmth if needed, but you might also be hiring boots and the fit is rarely as good as ones that are bespoke for you. So your best bet in these situations is a Mid Weight Ski Sock but do consider pairing these with some Liner Socks as these will add some additional comfort during your ski sessions.
For the après ski element of your trip, again some Liner Socks coupled with a good Mid Weight Hiking Sock with a high Merino content paired with those nice cozy snow boots, is usually fine for most, but if you feel you want or need heavier weight socks to fill out those boots or for additional warmth, then the Heavyweight Merino Socks are a good investment. Do remember though that you’ll probably get more use out of some Mid-Weight socks than Heavyweight ones, once you get back home as heavyweight socks may be too thick for most regular shoes.
Base Layers
This is where Advanced Skiers’ kit can differ quite a bit from the Novice or even Intermediate skier. It’s almost certainly the case that you’ve had exposure to Base Layers in some form or other for various sports and activities including Skiing, in the past. But have they been right for your needs at the time? The Base Layer is your foundation layering piece next to skin. Get this right and….happy days. Get it wrong and your days on the slopes might be the most miserable of your ski trip.
We’ve already established that you are a very good skier with excellent capability. You won’t be standing or sitting around that often {except perhaps with a glass of something to warm you up} so, for the most part, you will be generating quite a bit of body heat that you need to retain and use effectively. So you need to think about the best option for a Base Layer and that means something that prevents you overheating but equally, won’t let you get cold, as both scenarios are far from ideal.
To that end, we strongly advise an Advanced Skier to choose a Warm Technical Base Layer and if money allows, go with a Merino or Merino Blend option. Merino will last the duration of most trips without washing and will provide that initial next-to-skin thermal regulation you will need. But equally as good are the seamless ODLO Blackcomb range which are extremely popular with advanced skiers especially in Europe or their Performance Warm Seamless collection, and the impressive SAXX Roastmaster range which has gained a good following in Canada, it’s homeland.
Black works best in 99% of cases but you often have a choice of great colours that the Advanced Skier often likes and you can get either a Crew Neck or Half Zip Tops. Always get leggings too. A huge amount of heat is generated from the lower core. You want to keep that heat you generate and re-cycle it. For that reason, we suggest a COMBO comprising leggings and top. From there it’s a matter of style choice.
Regardless of our suggestions here, some Advanced Skiers still want that extra warmth factor so with that in mind, there are always Warmer Ski Base Layer options available too.
Mid-Layers
Not everyone wants or needs a mid-layer especially higher performance skiers who will often wear just a base layer under a jacket. It does depend on many factors including how high up you are. Temperatures can vary enormously on the mountains and the higher you go, the colder it usually is. Plus if the weather closes in, the temperature can plummet by the minute.
I mid-layer though is a great investment piece. You will get a ton of use from it back home too so it’ll never be a wasted cost and many advanced skiers will choose to ski in a Mid-Layer anyway. You can choose a Long Sleeve Lightweight Jacket, a Gilet or a wool or synthetic half zip mid layer. It really is a question of choice. Ski Mid Layers are worth taking some time over.
Jackets and Ski Pants
Now we’re getting to the serious end of the ski business. Ski jackets can be a minefield and can cost a fortune. Don’t be surprised to see jackets in excess of £1K particularly in-resort. We all possess a jacket but most advanced skiers will have a very good ski jacket already set aside but if you’re looking at a refresh, the SQI Jackets are an excellent bespoke ski/board piece to consider. For the slopes, you should consider a jacket that has a “hard Shell” finish, a bit like a raincoat fabric. It’ll be robust enough to handle any falls and abrasions from the ice. The last thing you want is to rip your jacket on day one. But a “puffer” style jacket may do the job if you’re not going off-piste or too fast or you spend most of your time on your feet!
Jacket length is also largely a matter of taste and preference but most advanced skiers will go for an upper thigh or waist finish. Some jackets are, for many, too ski-centric. Remember the 80’s when people bought those bright Jean Claude Killi jackets when they were all the rage? Never been seen again except on auction sites and charity shops. So choose wisely, get something that has practicality back home but equally, has some style longevity to it.
A System Jacket can be a great investment as these have a Detachable Lining that acts as a mid-layer in its own right. So if you did go with a system jacket, you get your mid-layer for free. You then have the choice of wearing the jacket fully lined or as an outerwear piece without the insulation. So it can make a great rain jacket too. Cost is not always an indicator of practicality for skiing so do take advice where you can. Take a look here at our Ski Jackets range.
Ski Pants or Ski Trousers if you are this side of the Atlantic divide, are very often overlooked but with your underwear, then a pair of Base Layer leggings and a good pair of proprietary Ski Pants……you’re sorted. There is one rule here too for pants…..don’t wear jeans! Were back to that “cotton is cold” issue plus cotton pants like jeans are restrictive….just what you don’t need. Most Ski Pants are unisex, there’s not much “cut” to them as they are always designed to be a bit baggy. Equally, these can readily be worn out at night in-resort, to bars etc. You very often see restaurants filled with people wearing baggy pants with flares. That’s not a bad fashion statement, the flare, as you will no doubt be aware, is there to accommodate ski boots and it’s a very common sight in-resort. Without a doubt, worth the investment and will serve a purpose back home when you’re stood on the sidelines in the middle of winter watching the kids on the rugby field! See our range of Ski Pants here.
Other Accessories
Most people have some sort of accessories they will take with them on their ski trip no matter what their ability. Gloves are a must. We always suggest a Liner Glove below your Ski Gloves. These help preserve the integrity of your ski gloves as well as adding warmth plus leaves something on your skin if you slip your ski gloves off for a quick brow wipe or for filming that latest descent.
Likewise a Hat is also a must-have. But most resorts these days will insist on a Ski Helmet being worn and you may well hire one in-resort if you don’t have your own. But the hired ones have often been worn by hundreds of people before you and whilst they usually provide a helmet liner, your own Beanie Hat is by far the best bet to at least, keep someone else’s sweat off your head. But even if you have your own helmet, a Beanie is a very good idea.
One additional piece you may not have, and one we’d always recommend is a Face Mask or Neck Warmer. When you are on the ski lifts or coming down the slopes carving up the powder and it’s minus 15°, your face can physically hurt with the cold. For a small investment, you will preserve your face buy easing a Neck Warmer or Balaclava over your mouth, nose and cheeks. You won’t regret it.