Ski touring is one of many disciplines within the skiing family — and certainly the most complete. It demands mastery of almost every technique, including off-piste. But to practise ski touring properly, it is important to have the right equipment and the right clothing for ski touring. Below you will find a full list of the appropriate garments for ski touring, so you can head out onto the trails with complete peace of mind.
Ski touring clothing: three layers for optimal protection
A good ski outfit is essential to keep the enjoyment alive for any skier. For this activity, breathability is key, as skiers exert themselves hard and sweat. If that moisture stays trapped under your clothing, the cold and damp can bite hard and quickly kill all the positive sensations and the joy of gliding.
For the best result, it is advisable to combine three layers:
Thermal base layers: the first step towards a great ski touring outfit
The thermal base layer is essential if you want proper insulating protection. It may even be the most important garment in your ski touring outfit. Huge advances have been made with new technical fibres that deliver optimal warmth and perfect comfort. The combination of bamboo and silk, for example, produces impressive results in terms of comfort and warmth. These are also extremely soft fibres that stay in place whatever movements the skier makes.
A second insulating layer
The benefit of a second insulating layer is less pronounced in ski touring, as you exert yourself more and generate more body heat. But if you are heading to high altitude or setting out on a particularly cold day, this layer will be important. It could be a warm jacket, a ski fleece or a synthetic down gilet.
Ski jacket: stay comfortable and perform at your best
The waterproofing rating of ski jackets is essential for understanding the level of protection they offer. This waterproofing is measured in Schmerber and expressed in mm: the higher the number of mm, the more effective the membrane.
It is always difficult to give definitive and entirely objective benchmarks in terms of quality, but most professionals agree that 10,000 mm Schmerber is the minimum required for solid waterproofing in a ski jacket.
You should also ensure that jacket seams are heat-sealed or taped. The principle is to bond waterproof strips over the inner seams of jackets at high heat, providing near-perfect impermeability at the garment's most vulnerable points.
A good ski touring jacket must still be breathable. Waterproofing matters in terms of keeping moisture out, but the fabric also needs to let your perspiration, humidity and body heat escape in the other direction. Otherwise, your jacket quickly turns into an unbearable sauna.
Ski touring trousers: freedom of movement and waterproofing
A ski touring trouser must above all be windproof and durable. It must also give you good freedom of movement and in particular a full range of motion. Freedom of movement is key so you can express yourself on your skis without feeling restricted or stiff.
You can also opt for bib trousers or ski salopettes, which have the advantage of a perfect fit and are very comfortable to wear — a timeless classic on the slopes.
Follow our guide to find out how to choose your ski trousers, whatever your discipline.
Gloves, ski beanie and sunglasses
Don't overlook gloves and ski beanies either. They protect you from the cold, snow and wind on the most exposed part of your body — your head. Your hands need to be warm and well protected in the event of a fall. And don't forget sunglasses for ski touring, as well as a helmet, which are both essential for your safety on the slopes.
Choosing the right ski touring outfit is paramount to fully enjoying nature and the snow. Choose quality and you will be kitted out for years to come — warm, comfortable garments that are perfectly suited to your activity.
