Ski touring is a favourite winter activity. Unlike alpine skiing, your outfit must be fully adaptable. Climbs demand heavy physical effort where you heat up quickly, while fast descents bring cold instantly. To manage these rapid temperature shifts, dialling in your ski touring kit is essential.
Key takeaways:
- The three-layer system is key to managing your body temperature in ski touring.
- The base layer, typically a technical long-sleeve t-shirt, must wick moisture away effectively.
- A fleece, a down jacket or a softshell jacket provides good insulation.
- A hardshell jacket protects against harsh elements thanks to its waterproof and windproof build.
- Ski touring trousers and accessories must match the mountain conditions.
The base layer
If you want to get started with ski touring, dress using the layering system. You can easily add or remove layers as temperatures change. The first layer, worn against the skin, wicks away sweat and regulates body temperature.
When it comes to materials, merino wool base layers deliver natural thermoregulation, superior comfort, insulation even when damp, and built-in odour resistance. Synthetic fabrics excel at wicking moisture, dry fast, withstand heavy use, and are more budget-friendly. For the best balance, go with a merino wool and synthetic blend base layer.
Fabric weight is also key. For mild days, choose a lightweight technical t-shirt between 120 and 150 g/m2. In standard conditions, opt for a long-sleeve t-shirt with a weight between 150 and 200 g/m2. In this case, a zip is handy for venting heat. In extreme cold, go with thermal tights and a long-sleeve t-shirt between 200 and 260 g/m2.
Fleece
Fleeces are a staple of ski touring clothing. Worn as a second layer, they provide warmth and insulation from the cold. They are especially useful during colder parts of an outing, such as an early start, a break, a transition or the descent.
A technical fleece delivers insulation, breathability, lightweight warmth, and fast drying. Depending on the cold, you can choose from various fabric weights and styles. A zip-up jacket is ideal for ski touring, allowing you to vent heat on the fly without stopping.
In colder conditions, an insulated jacket is also an option. Its thermal efficiency is unmatched and it packs down small. However, it lacks breathability and is generally not worn on the climb.
A softshell jacket can often replace the fleece/insulated jacket and hardshell jacket combo. It is breathable, insulating, and windproof. Skiers who prefer not to switch layers love it in stable weather. However, a softshell reaches its limits in severe weather. It is not built for extreme cold, gale-force winds, or heavy downpours.
The waterproof jacket
A waterproof jacket is essential for ski touring. As your third layer, it protects you from the elements, including strong winds at altitude, snow and rain. It should be compact and lightweight so you can easily pack it away on the climb.
The waterproofness of a hardshell jacket is rated in Schmerber. For ski touring, a model rated at 10,000 mm minimum is recommended. For ultimate protection, we advise choosing a jacket with 20,000 mm or higher.
Generally, higher waterproof ratings can mean lower breathability. However, membranes like Cimalp's Ultrashell deliver breathability well above standard hardshells while maintaining reliable waterproofness. As a benchmark, a RET under 6 is outstanding, while a RET between 6 and 12 is fully sufficient for ski touring.
Technical features make a hardshell jacket even more effective. Underarm pit zips, a helmet-compatible hood with a stiffened visor, and a longer cut to protect the lower back are essential details.
Ski touring trousers
Whether climbing or descending, legs take the brunt of the effort in ski touring. Constantly in motion, trousers must remain lightweight and breathable.
Unlike alpine skiing, ski touring trousers are designed to manage exertion. A softshell is therefore a good choice. It offers good freedom of movement, excellent breathability, enough water repellency for light snowfall and protection from the wind. Side vents help cool your legs on the climb, while reinforcements at the lower legs stop ski edges from cutting into the fabric.
If you head out in very wet conditions, on ski mountaineering routes above 4,000 metres, or for glacier traverses, hardshell trousers are strongly recommended. They provide complete weather protection in severe conditions.
For standard conditions, a softshell pair combined with waterproof overtrousers works perfectly. Simply pack the overtrousers in your rucksack and pull them on if weather deteriorates.
Other essential ski touring gear
A ski touring backpack carries your clothing, safety equipment, food, water, crampons and ice axes. It therefore needs to be comfortable and stable, allow efficient carrying and give you quick access to certain compartments. For added safety, some packs also have an avalanche airbag.
To complete your ski touring outfit, pack at least two pairs of gloves. Thin gloves are ideal for the ascent, while a warmer pair or mittens keep hands comfortable on the descent. A beanie, balaclava, or neck tube keeps your head warm. Dedicated merino wool ski touring socks are also recommended, along with a spare pair.
Finally, you can add several accessories to your ski touring kit list. Gaiters keep snow out of your boots, while category 4 sunglasses or ski goggles, sunscreen and SPF lip balm provide essential UV protection. You can also pack a head torch, an insulated water bottle, snacks and a first-aid kit. And don’t forget to carry an avalanche transceiver.
With these essentials, your ski touring setup is ready. Gear up properly, pack your rucksack, check your route, and make the most of your day in the mountains.
Photo credits: Grégoire Fauquenoi
