Beginners Guide to Ski Clothing for Your Ski Holiday

 

If you are similar to me and grown up near a beach you may not have thought about going skiing or snowboarding. And definitely not thought about ski clothing. Then in the midst of winter a friend suggests a holiday in the snow. This sounded like a great idea at the time, until you find yourself stuck outside in sub-zero temperatures freezing your ass off because you packed unsuitable clothing. Lucky for you, I learnt this valuable lesson from my very first trip to snow. Now, I pass on my wisdom in this beginner’s guide to ski clothing so you will know how to dress for skiing and snowboarding, no matter the country you choose to ski or snowboard in. This will help you ensure you stay warm and dry allowing you to focus on having fun in the snow on your ski or snowboard holiday.

 

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What Should I Wear Skiing or Snowboarding?

 

What I have learnt is that a good ski or snowboard outfit boils down to two things. Firstly, wearing layers and secondly, wearing appropriate accessories. You will need while skiing or snowboarding a minimum of three layers – a base layer, a mid layer and a waterproof layer. Then add accessories of ski socks, gloves, headwear and eyewear and you will be all set to have fun in the snow, even on the coldest of days. Then add in what you will be getting up to while in the snow. Are you hitting the slopes to ski or snowboard? I ask because there is a difference between ski and snowboard jackets and ski and snowboard pants. I cover the differences further on in this post, but first, let’s talk about the three layers of clothing you need for your holiday in the snow.

 

Three Layers of Dress for Skiing or Snowboarding

 

1st Layer – Base Layer – Layer Closest to Your Body

 

The first piece of clothing you will want for your ski trip is a good set of base layers. You may be thinking thermal underwear will do, but they won’t. Thermal underwear is made to keep you warm but what you really need is a base layer that will keep you dry, and keeping dry will in turn, keep you warm. The base layer you need for a holiday in the snow will be made of either synthetic materials such as polyester o of natural fibres like merino wool. Both these materials are great wicking materials. Basically, they transport sweat off your skin so it can evaporate unlike materials such as cotton as it absorbs sweat and allows it to sit on your skin and then you will start to freeze. So choose a base layer of synthetic or natural fibres.

The natural fibres like bamboo and merino are more expensive than their polyester relatives however, to keep you comfortable so you enjoy your holiday in the snow will be well worth the extra dollars spent.

Tip: Check if you already own a base layer in your wardrobe, you may be surprised. I often wear my long yoga leggings to the snow. Friends who run, have worn their running leggings.

Check out these base layers

Mens thermals
Womens thermals

 

2nd Layer

 

Most only wear a mid-layer on the top half of their body. This is due to your legs doing most of the work while skiing and snowboarding and thus being warmer than the top half. Therefore, a base layer and top waterproof area on your legs should keep you dry and warm on the bottom half of your body. But you need to keep the top half warm also so on top of your base layer you will want to add a thin fleece or wool jumper. Best to be thin, as thin layers trap air between them keeping you warmer than a thick jumper. Once again, it is best to avoid cotton made clothing but choose a good wicking material mid-layer.

Check out these mid-layers:

Mens mid layer
Ladies mid layer 

On very cold days some skiers and snowboarders wear a puffer vest or jacket for extra warmth. Best they are made from either synthetic filling or down. I must say, I have a puffer jacket which I mostly wear when I’m just walking around the village.

 

3rd Layer – Outer Layer

 

Lastly, you need a weatherproof outer layer over your base and middle layers to keep the elements out. Have a good quality ski jacket and salopettes – aka ski pants or snowboard trousers. These will keep the snow, sleet, rain and wind out and help to keep you warm while you are skiing or snowboarding.

 

The Difference Between Ski and Snowboard Clothing

 

The two items of ski clothing that differ between skiing and snowboard are the jackets and pants. The difference between ski and snowboard jackets is ski jackets tend to be slimmer-fitting while snowboard jackets are looser fitting. This is because snowboarders use many movements to keep themselves balanced and thus require a baggier fit, particularly at the back. Plus, snowboard jackets tend to be more colourful than ski jackets.

The other difference is between ski and snowboard pants. Once again, snowboard pants tend to be baggier to allow for crouching and the varied leg movements for aerial movements. Plus, they have extra padding found at the keens and rear for those unexpected falls.

 

How to Choose Your Outer Layer?

 

When choosing your outer layer you will come across waterproofing and breathability terminology. Whether you opt for a shell jacket or a jacket with some insulation, ensure this outer layer has a minimum of 5,000 (5K) of both breathability and waterproofing. You can get outer layer clothing with 10,000 (10k) and upwards which will provide even better weatherproofing from the elements. I have found people who spend a lot of time in the snow, unlike myself who might go for 1-2 weeks per year, often prefer the higher rating for their outer wear.

 

Ski Clothing for Men

Mens Ski pants
Mens Ski Jacket

Snowboard Pants for Men
Snowboard Jacket for Men

 

Ski Clothing for Women

Womens Ski Pants
Womens Snow Jacket

Snowboard Pants for Women
Snowboard Jacket for Women

 

Tip: Your ski pant trouser leg and gaiters should go over the cuff of your ski boot to keep the snow out. Have a jacket with lots of pockets to put things you may need for the day – phone, tissues, finger warmers, water bottle, money.

 

Kids Clothing for Skiing and Snowboarding

 

The same principles can be used for kitting out kids for skiing and snowboarding. Though kids often have bright coloured ski and snowboard clothes so you can distinguish and see them easier in the snow. Kids ski clothing is usually just a smaller version of adults clothing.

 

Ski and Snowboard Accessories

 

To add to your three layers of ski and snowboard clothing, there are some other essential accessories that should be included. Let’s start from the top and work our way down to the feet.

 

Headwear – A Beanie or a Helmet

 

headwear is important

 

There was a time when wearing a helmet was a big controversy. But like when riding a bike, helmets can play a big safety part by providing protection during falls and accidents. I’m not saying you will ski into a tree or fall on a rock, but knowing you have that protection can help you against serious injury. If you decide that a helmet isn’t for you, then a beanie will keep your head nice and warm. There are plenty of beanies to choose from and is a personal choice. If you do decide to wear a helmet you can hire one when you rent skis, ski boots and / or snowboard from the ski rental at the resort. Check out these helmets.

 

Eyewear – Goggles and Sunglasses

 

If you are new to skiing and won’t be going very fast then sunglasses will probably do the job. However, ski goggles are made with special lenses to help you see on ‘low-light’ days plus have straps so the goggles sit comfortably against your face. Therefore, you don’t have to adjust them like you might with your sunglasses. And this will keep your hands free. Some ski hire shops will rent goggles if you don’t want to buy your own. Check out these goggles.

 

Gloves and Mittens

 

Gloves and / or mittens are needed to keep your hands warm. Without them, your hands can seize up and you can end up with chill blains, so definitely have a pair of waterproof gloves. I do prefer gloves over mittens as I find gloves are more versatile. I can still use my fingers to do Important things like unzip and zip up zippers to go to the toilet. Or to fix bindings, etc. or to help someone else who may need help with their equipment.

 

Hip and Bum Protection

 

Moving on down your body in this ski clothing beginners guide, I come to the mid-section, or bum and hips. Bum and Hip protection isn’t absolutely necessary for your ski and snowboard gear but if you plan on doing plenty of jumping and going fast which may lead to falls, then having hip and bum protection may be very useful. Check out some hip and bum protection here.

 

Socks

 

The only other important item in your ski or snowboard wardrobe should be your socks. Not any old sock will do when you are skiing or snowboarding, but socks designed to go under boots.

Tip: Don’t wear really thick or cotton socks as they can absorb sweat and give you cold and heavy feet. really thick, or wearing two pairs of socks can cause a lot of friction in your boot and give you blisters. Best to stick to ski socks such as these.

 

What Ski Clothing Do I Need to Buy?

 

As a newbie skier or snowboarder I suggest you only buy your base layer and socks. Nobody will want to wear somebody else’s socks or base layer! And nobody would lend them either! All the other layers and accessories you could rent. After your first trip you will have a better idea of exactly what you need and can buy accordingly.

 

Where to Buy Ski and Snowboard Clothing?

 

I wouldn’t suggest you buy any clothing or accessories in the resorts unless you really have to because they will be very expensive. There are stores in the ski resorts where you can purchase or rent gear if you didn’t bring it. But there are plenty of off-mountain stores where you could purchase or rent clothing to bring with you. Each year in Australia Aldi have their big ski sale where you can purchase good quality cheap ski clothing and don’t forget through online stores Amazon.

 

Ski Trip Packing List

Lay out all you ski clothes on the floor to see what you have

.

Whether it is your first time skiing or snowboarding or you have been hitting the slopes for years, you will need to pack for your trip. Whether it be for a week of fun or a work and ski season in the snow, you will need some essential items to pack. So here is my guide as to what to pack for a ski trip.

 

Ski and Snowboard Gear

 

Unless you are a die-hard skiier or snowboarder you probably don’t have a pair of skis or a snowboard. It is good to know that you can hire these items.

If skiing, you will need skies, boots and poles.
To snowboard, you will need a snowboard.

 

Ski Clothing Essentials

 

Waterproof ski jacket (minimum waterproof rating 10.000mm)
Waterproof ski pants/Board pants (minimum waterproof rating 10.000mm)
Mid layer shirt: long sleeve sweatshirt, woollen sweater, lightweight down jacket
Thermal tops/ Base layers (non-cotton)
Thermal pants (non-cotton)
Neck warmer/Gaiter
Wool ski socks
Fleece jacket
Beanie

TIP: As with ski and snowboarding gear, you can rent the waterproof jacket and pants

 

Ski and Snowboard Accessories

 

Goggles
Waterproof and insulated ski gloves or mittens with inner layer

TIP: If you are knew to skiing and / or snowboarding you might want to take some protective gear such as wrist guards, knee pads and protective shorts/bum pads – just in case you fall and land on these areas.

 

Optional extras

 

Pocket sized sunscreen
Lip balm
Pocket tissues
Goggles wiper
Hand warmers
Water bottle or hydration pack
Small backpack to carry all your items

 

Apres Ski and Off the Slopes Clothing

 

As well as your outside ski and snowboard clothing, consider your indoor or apres ski clothing. I have found inside the ski lodges, restaurants and cafes to be toasty warm, sometimes too toasty warm. So you definitely won’t be needing to wear three layers inside, unless you will be sweating up a storm on the dance floor! Types of clothes to pack for apres ski will depend on the type of apres ski you are interested in doing. Do you plan to have quiet nights by a roaring fire or party till the early hours in the resort bar? More casual gear is fine to wear around the fire while pack your party gear if you plan to be going out at night. Check out the following items to include in your luggage for your snow holiday.

Winter jacket
Casual tops
Jeans/Long pants
Sweaters/Jumpers
Winter hat
Scarf
Gloves
Underwear
Pyjamas
Bathing suit – yes, many resorts have indoor pools, hot spas or thermal pools nearby
Slippers
Flip flops / thongs which are great to wear to shower blocks
Waterproof non-slip shoes or boots
Socks

 

Toiletries

 

Toothbrush &Toothpaste
Floss and mouthwash
Cleanser & Moisturizer
Comb, brush and other hair accessories
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Personal hygiene items
Soap / shower wash
Shaving gel & Razor
Cosmetics and makeup remover
Nail clippers and nail file
Glasses/Contacts
First aid kit
Muscle relief cream
Any medicals

 

Paperwork

 

Passport – if skiing or snowboarding internationally
Ski Tickets/ Passes
Money
Identification/Driver’s license
Accommodation, Transport & ski hire details and confirmation
Travel insurance details – I usually purchase a WorldNomads policy that covers sport.

 

Electricals

 

Mobile phone and charger
Travel adapter
Camera/GoPro and charger
Headphones
Powerbank

 

Other

 

Travel pillow
Day Pack/Purse
Laundry bag
Luggage lock and tag

 

What Luggage is best for a trip to the Snow?

 

Wheels don’t roll in the snow so your luggage should be easy to carry through the snow. Possibly as backpack or a duffle bag – but this will depend on how long you are staying.

 

And just like that, You Are Packed For a Holiday in the Snow

 

Now you have all the gear, all you need are some lessons and where the best apres ski is. See you on the slopes, or by the fireplace! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post. Are there any other items you would add to this this beginner’s guide to ski clothing. I’d love to hear in the comments following.

Love the snow? What about doing a season where you would live and work in a resort. There are many different types of jobs you could do ranging from selling ski lift passes, working in a lodge to being a ski or snowboard instructor. Where would you like to work and ski? Australia? New Zealand? Japan? Europe? Canada? or perhaps the UK?