Our Guide to Choosing Ski Clothes

When choosing your snow ski clothing, you must understand the importance of layering and how it works to keep you better insulated, warm and dry.  The first layer works to retain body heat and at the same time needs to wick perspiration and mosisture away to keep you dry.   The outer layer should be waterproof  and designed to trap air which keeps the cold out.    By layering, you can keep warm and dry without overheating and bulkiness.

Base Layers- Long Underwear

Long underwear is the base layer or the layer which is closest to the skin.   First and most important!!!  AVOID USE OF COTTON LONG UNDERWEAR, OR  "LONG JOHNS" . Cotton is very absorbent and dries very slowly.   It will become wet with perspiration and moisture and make you feel much colder.   You should choose long underwear made with wicking synthetic fabrics like micro fiber polyester fibers "acclimate"  or micro fleece.  If you prefer natural materials, try sillk or wool if you are not alergic. 

Mid Layer Ski Clothes

On top of your long underwear,  you have many different choices.   Depending on conditions and temperatures,  you can layer with shirts, sweaters,  fleece jackets or vests or maybe a turtleneck.   This layer provides additional insulation and also gives you extra padding in case you fall.   Do not choose any layering pieces which are too bulky and prohibit your freedom of movement. 

Ski Pants

When choosing your ski pants, priority is waterproofness.   Choose ski pants which are at least treated with a waterproof, weatherproof coating.  Preferably,  you want to choose a pair which is waterproof and breathable so that they do not trap heat and cause unnecessary perspiration and moisture.   Look for lightly insulated ski pants with articulated knees to provide for greater freedom of movement.   Make sure you can bend easily at the hip and knee areas.   VERY IMPORTANT FEATURE- Choose ski pants that have a snow gaiter which is an elasticized cuff inside the bottom of the pant leg to keep snow out of your boots.   If you are warm natured,  consider pants with zippered vents on the legs.  Don't foget to make sure you have enough pockets either on your pants or ski jacket for your hat, goggles, chapstick, keys, wallet, etc.

Ski Jackets

A good ski jacket is imperative for a good day on the slopes.  You want a waterproof, preferably breathable shell with lightweight insulation.   New synthetic insulation is warm yet not bulky.   Remember to allow room for your base and mid layers when deciding on jacke size.   Do not get a snug jacket as it will prohibit your freedom of movement and be very uncomfortable on the slopes.  There are many features to look for in a ski jacket,   Here is list of features from a top of the line manufacturer's jacket,  but remember that the most important thing is that your jacket is waterproof with light insulation.

FEATURES

Polyester dobby weave shell, with Entrant Gll 3-layer coating structure, balances waterproofness and breathability while preventing condensation.

Spylon water repellent finish and critical seam taping.

Bug print mesh lining.

Easy underarm ventilation zippers.

Brushed micro fiber inner collar.

Internal mesh goggle pocket.

Custom chamois lens wipe on shock cord.

Internal drawcord at hem.

Removable roll-away hood.

Velcro® closure adjustable cuffs with elastic.

Mutiple pockets.

Key holder clasp in pocket.

 

KEEP YOUR HEAD AND FACE COVERED

Keep your head and face covered with a ski hat, ski goggles and ski mask.  Head covering is essential sincet 15% to 25% of your body heat can escape off the top of your uncovered head.   In addition,  for safety reason, you may want to consider a ski helmet.   Make sure that your goggles provide 100% UV protection and are double lensed.   Double lenses are very important to prevent fogging up.   When choosing your goggles, make sure that they are large enough not to block your peripheral vision.  Goggles work much better than sunglasses as they block wind and blowing snow from your eyes.   If the weather is extreme, you may want to consider a fleece or neoprene facemask and or neck gaiter to protect your skin from chapping. Once again.  Do not use cotton on your face or neck area.

Ski Gloves/ Mittens

Whether you choose mitten which are slightly warmer or gloves which give you better grip and finger mobility,  they must be waterproof.    Look for gloves or mittens which have waterproof lines and insulation such thinsulate.  Make sure that your gloves have enough room so that your fingers have good circulation and are not touching the ends of the gloves.   However, do not get them too large or you will not be able to have good finget control to hadle your ski poles.  Gloves seem to disappear so it may be a good idea to take an extra pair even if its just a very inexpensive one to protect your hands in a pinch. 

Ski Socks

Your ski socks should be wool,  wool blend or synthetic and once again,  NEVER COTTON.    Try a wicking sock liner such as thermax or coolmax as a base layer,  or choose a ski sock with a built in wicking layer to wick the moisture into the outer layer or sock.   Ski socks  should fit fairly snug so as not to slip or clump in your boots.