Planning a ski trip this winter and worried about feeling cold on the slopes? Then you've come to the right place for all the advice you need to dress in a way that keeps you warm while maintaining comfort and freedom of movement. Discover with us how you can easily put together the ideal ski outfit and enjoy your time on the slopes in just a few weeks!
Other details also deserve your attention, such as the presence of snow skirts, a goggle wipe, inner pockets, an integrated hood or a built-in RECCO® safety system in the event of an avalanche. Finally, don't hesitate to choose a jacket with a stylish, modern look — you might as well feel on trend when you're carving down black runs!
A good pair of ergonomic, warm gloves will be essential for your time on the slopes. They must also be waterproof so they don't soak up moisture from the snow with every fall, keeping you effectively protected.
A neck warmer or balaclava can also complement your ski outfit to protect you from the cold and provide genuine extra comfort. As well as looking stylish and on-trend, they can make a real difference and protect a part of the body that is particularly exposed. It is around the head that you lose the most heat, making it the area most vulnerable to the cold where the effects can be most significant. A few extra degrees of warmth and a little more comfort are never wasted and will certainly complete your look on the slopes too!
The 3-layer system for staying warm on the slopes
For skiing, the ideal approach is to apply the 3-layer system. This is what will guarantee you waterproofing, breathability, warmth and comfort. Start with a technical base layer designed to retain your body heat close to the skin and wick away perspiration. Then select a second layer to provide effective thermal insulation. Finally, the outer layer will be a waterproof jacket, lined or unlined, to protect you primarily from the elements (snow, wind). You can then complete your ski outfit with ski trousers, gloves, a neck warmer, ski socks and a balaclava or helmet.The ski base layer
The ski base layer is the essential piece for your comfort on the slopes. It should be worn as the first layer, directly against the skin, and must be made from materials that offer warmth and wick away moisture, keeping your body warm and dry. You can choose warm ski base layers in merino wool, naturally anti-odour, or in synthetic materials for more efficient moisture wicking. A ski base layer must also be stretchy, with flat seams or seamless construction, to minimise friction and deliver maximum comfort.
The second layer garment
The key for this second layer is to have a garment with strong thermal insulation. You will find fleeced ski sweatshirts with or without a hood, as well as ski fleece jackets highly effective against the cold, extra-warm and lightweight jackets for perfect insulation. You can choose between models with a half-zip, a full zip, a stand-up collar or a semi stand-up collar depending on your preference and habits. You can also opt for hooded models for effective head protection.
The ski jacket
To choose the ideal ski jacket, you need to pay attention to two things: waterproofing and breathability. This will give you excellent comfort and protect you from moisture and cold wind. For waterproofing, look for membranes that withstand 20,000 mm of water — that is the right benchmark to ensure no water or snow ever gets through.
Other details also deserve your attention, such as the presence of snow skirts, a goggle wipe, inner pockets, an integrated hood or a built-in RECCO® safety system in the event of an avalanche. Finally, don't hesitate to choose a jacket with a stylish, modern look — you might as well feel on trend when you're carving down black runs!
The ski trousers
Your ski trousers must combine good waterproofing to protect you from moisture, good stretch to give you freedom of movement, and good insulation against the cold to protect you from low temperatures. You will find ski trousers that feature a three-layer construction, which is best placed to offer true, unrestricted comfort.
Other elements of your outfit for staying warm on the slopes
When choosing your ski outfit, certain details must not be overlooked. Many smaller elements that may seem less significant than the garments mentioned above are nonetheless very important. So, for example, there are the ski gloves or ski socks. Don't head to the slopes in basic socks — instead, kit yourself out with specialist socks that deliver cosy comfort, and ideally with shin reinforcements and well-distributed support zones to keep your feet fresh over hours of skiing.
A good pair of ergonomic, warm gloves will be essential for your time on the slopes. They must also be waterproof so they don't soak up moisture from the snow with every fall, keeping you effectively protected.
A neck warmer or balaclava can also complement your ski outfit to protect you from the cold and provide genuine extra comfort. As well as looking stylish and on-trend, they can make a real difference and protect a part of the body that is particularly exposed. It is around the head that you lose the most heat, making it the area most vulnerable to the cold where the effects can be most significant. A few extra degrees of warmth and a little more comfort are never wasted and will certainly complete your look on the slopes too!
