Ski touring is a hugely popular winter activity. Unlike alpine skiing, your kit needs to be adaptable above all else. Ascents are physically demanding and you'll often overheat, while descents are fast and the cold sets in quickly. To handle these temperature swings, dressing in the right ski touring outfit is essential.
Key takeaways:
- The three-layer system is key to managing your temperature effectively in ski touring.
- The base layer, often a long-sleeve technical t-shirt, must wick moisture away.
- A fleece, a down jacket or a softshell jacket all provide good insulation.
- The hardshell jacket shields you from the elements thanks to its waterproofing and windproof construction.
- Ski touring trousers and accessories must be suited to the demands of the activity.
The base layer
If you want to get started in ski touring, you need to dress using the layering system. It lets you easily add or remove layers to adapt to changing temperatures. The base layer, in direct contact with your skin, works to wick sweat away and regulate your body temperature.
In terms of fabric, merino wool base layers have thermoregulating properties, are comfortable, continue to insulate even when wet and naturally limit odours. Synthetic materials offer excellent moisture wicking, dry quickly, are highly durable and more affordable. For the best of both worlds, we recommend a base layer in a merino wool and synthetic blend.
Finally, weight also matters. For a mild day, a lightweight technical t-shirt between 120 and 150 g/m2 works well. In standard conditions, opt for a long-sleeve t-shirt with a weight between 150 and 200 g/m2. In that case, a zip is handy for managing heat. In intense cold, go for a base layer tight and a long-sleeve t-shirt weighing between 200 and 260 g/m2.
The fleece
Fleeces are a staple of ski touring clothing. As a mid layer, they provide warmth and insulation from the cold. They're highly valued during the colder moments of a day out — early morning starts, breaks, transitions or the descent.
The technical fleece has the advantage of being insulating, breathable, lightweight and quick-drying. Depending on the cold, you can choose from a wide range of thicknesses and styles. The zip-up jacket is ideal for ski touring, for example, as it lets you open up and manage heat on the move without stopping.
In colder conditions, a down jacket is also an option. Its insulation is unbeatable and it packs down extremely well. It is, however, not very breathable and is therefore generally not worn on the ascent.
The softshell jacket can sometimes replace the fleece or down jacket and hardshell combo. It's breathable, insulating and windproof. Skiers who prefer not to juggle multiple layers appreciate it in stable conditions. The softshell does, however, reach its limits when conditions deteriorate. It is not recommended in extreme cold, strong winds or heavy rain.
The waterproof jacket
The waterproof jacket is an essential part of any ski touring outfit. As the third layer, its role is to protect against the elements. It's indispensable against strong winds at altitude, snow and rain. It must be compact and lightweight so it can be easily packed away during the ascent.
The waterproofing of a hardshell jacket is measured in Schmerber. For ski touring, a model offering at least 10,000 mm is recommended. For better protection, we'd suggest going for a jacket rated at 20,000 mm or above.
As a general rule, the more waterproof a jacket is, the more it can sacrifice breathability. Some membranes, such as Cimalp's Ultrashell, offer superior breathability to a standard hardshell, while still maintaining good waterproofing. As a benchmark, a RET below 6 is excellent, while a RET between 6 and 12 is perfectly adequate for ski touring.
Certain details make a hardshell jacket even more practical. Underarm ventilation zips, a helmet-compatible hood with a stiff peak and a generously long cut to protect the lower back are all highly appreciated features.
The ski touring trouser
Whether climbing or descending, your legs work extremely hard in ski touring. They're constantly on the move, so the trousers must stay light and breathable.
Unlike alpine skiing, ski touring trousers are built around effort management. A softshell is therefore the preferred choice. It ensures good freedom of movement, excellent breathability, sufficient water repellency against light snowfall, and solid wind protection. Side openings are useful for ventilating your legs on the ascent, while reinforcements on the lower legs prevent ski edges from cutting into the fabric.
If you're heading out in very wet conditions, ski mountaineering above 4,000 metres, or crossing glaciers, a hardshell trouser is the better choice. It delivers full protection in demanding conditions.
If you're sticking to standard conditions, a softshell trouser paired with waterproof overtrousers is a perfect combination. Simply pack the overtrousers in your bag and pull them on if conditions worsen.
The rest of your ski touring kit
The ski touring pack lets you carry your clothing, safety equipment, food, water, crampons or ice axes. It needs to be comfortable, well-balanced, offer efficient load carrying and quick access to key compartments. For extra safety, some packs also feature an avalanche airbag.
To complete your ski touring kit, you should pack at least two pairs of gloves. Thin gloves are ideal for the ascent, while a warm pair or mittens are more comfortable on the descent. A beanie, a balaclava or a buff keep your head warm. Merino wool socks specifically designed for ski touring are also recommended, along with a spare pair.
Finally, the ski touring kit list can be rounded out with a few accessories. Gaiters keep snow out of your boots; category 4 sunglasses or a ski mask, sunscreen and a sun lip balm provide essential UV protection. You can also add a head torch, an insulated water bottle, snacks and a first aid kit. And don't forget to wear your avalanche transceiver.
With all of this sorted, your ski touring kit should be complete. All that's left is to gear up properly, pack your bag, plan your route and make the most of your next mountain outing.
Photo credits: Grégoire Fauquenoi
