Ski touring is one of the many disciplines within the skiing family and is certainly the most complete. It demands mastery of almost every technique, including off-piste. But to practise ski touring properly, having the right equipment and the right clothing for ski touring is essential. Below you'll 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 optimum protection
A good ski outfit is essential for preserving the skier's enjoyment. For ski touring, breathability is particularly important as the skier exerts a great deal of effort and perspires heavily. If that perspiration stays trapped under your clothing, the cold and damp can bite hard and very quickly strip away all the positive sensations and the pleasure of gliding.
For best results, it is preferable 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 well be the single most important garment in your ski touring outfit. Enormous progress has been made with new technical fibres that deliver optimum warmth and perfect comfort. The combination of bamboo and silk, for example, produces impressive results in terms of comfort and warmth. These are also exceptionally soft fibres that stay perfectly in place regardless of the skier's movements.
A second insulating layer
The value of a second insulating layer is less pronounced in ski touring since you exert more effort and generate more body heat. But if you're heading to high altitude or setting out on a colder day, this layer will be important. It could be a warm jacket, a ski fleece or a synthetic down gilet.
Ski jacket: for comfort and sustained performance
The waterproofness of ski jackets is essential for assessing the level of protection they offer. This waterproofness is measured in Schmerber and expressed in mm: the higher the number of mm, the more performing the membrane.
It is always difficult to give fixed, fully objective values in terms of quality, but most professionals agree that 10,000 mm Schmerber are needed for a ski jacket to be properly waterproof.
It is also important to ensure that jacket seams are heat-sealed or glued. The principle is to heat-bond waterproof tape over the inner seams of the jacket, ensuring near-perfect waterproofness at the garment's most vulnerable points.
A good ski touring jacket must nonetheless be breathable. While waterproofness matters in terms of preventing moisture from getting in, the fabric must also allow your perspiration, moisture and body heat to escape in the other direction. Otherwise, your jacket quickly turns into an unbearable sauna.
Ski touring trousers: freedom of movement and waterproofness
A ski touring trouser must above all be windproof and durable. It must also give you good freedom of movement and in particular a wide range of motion. Freedom of movement is crucial 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 fitting perfectly and being very comfortable to wear — a timeless staple 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'll 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 case of a fall. And don't forget sunglasses for ski touring, and of course a helmet — both key to keeping you safe on the slopes.
Choosing the right ski touring outfit is essential for making the most of nature and snow. Invest in quality and you'll be equipped for years to come — with warm, comfortable garments perfectly suited to your activity.
