Whether you are an experienced skier or an enthusiastic beginner, when it comes to the slopes, nobody looks quite as good as you do. Your ski jacket, however, is an important part of your ski attire. The more layers you have the better. It not only looks cool but also takes the pressure off your body heat because you’re not giving off as much energy. On the other hand, being over-dressed can also make you feel a little cold, especially in the morning.
The following will discuss the various layers that you need to have in order to look your best while skiing. Keep reading for more information.
Table of Contents
Ski Jacket
The ski jacket is one of the most important layers you will have on the slopes. This is where you put on your ski attire. As mentioned above, the more layers you have the better, but not too many. Having too many layers can actually be counterproductive, as it can make you look like a snowflake. Therefore, you should put on only two or three layers at most. This way, you look cool and casual but not too cold. Also, the material on your jacket’s outer layer should be wind-proof and waterproof, as required by most ski-related organizations. Typically, ski jackets come with a hood, which you can use to protect your head from the whipping snow and spray of water from the snow-plows.
Ski Pants
Now, let’s move on to the ski pants. These are the pant-like garments you wear underneath your ski jacket. If you have a sportive spirit, you can choose to go with a colorful, patterned pair of ski pants. However, for the most part, you should stick with black or dark blue because they look the same on the mountain and they go with everything. Of course, if you are heading to a mellow resort, you may want to go for some colorful ski pants in case you want to stand out in the crowd.
The key things to keep in mind when selecting your ski pants are fit and feel. Make sure the fit is comfortable and the material is soft and flexible. Besides, if you are heading to a slushy resort, the material should also be water-repellent (DWR). This will help shed off any excess moisture and keep you from freezing during those late-night turns. For the best look, wear your ski pants with a pair of waterproof ski boots.
Mountain Dress
The next layer up is the mountain dress. This is the layer you put on after your ski gear, including your jacket and pants. Typically, the mountain dress comprises long johns and a thin top layer. The former are essentially the same as your regular pants, with the exception of having a tighter fit. This is to minimize movement while skiing, as you cannot make many turns when your body is locked in position. So, long underwear is important for that.
As for the top layer, it should be thin and stretchy. This way, you can easily wick away any excess moisture and help keep you cool and comfortable even while skiing. You should avoid using any materials that are too thick and block the mountain wind. Also, you should look for organic cotton because it breathes well and feels good against your skin. Other than that, the choice is yours.
Shade
The last and perhaps the most important layer is the shade. This is the layer that protects you from overheating, particularly on sunny days. The best choices, once again, are thin and light, yet durable materials. For instance, you can use a waterproof material or a breathable mesh to create your shade layer. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also use a materials designed to block UV rays. Besides, if you are going to a warm climate, you don’t need to protect yourself too much from the sun’s harsh heat. So, a pop of color, preferably red or orange, can do wonders for your appearance and keep you cool.
Now that you’re equipped with the basic layers required for skiing, it’s time to move on to the accessories. These can help complete your outfit and look the part. Keep reading for more information.
Gloves
Besides your jacket and your mountain dress, you will also need a pair of gloves. Typically, the kind of gloves you need for skiing are fingerless gloves. These are thin, pliable gloves with a furry palm. You mostly use them for keeping your hands at the right temperature on a cold day. On a sunny day, however, you will need something more breathable than fingerless gloves. For that, you can opt for fingerless mittens or ski gloves with built-in sleeves.
If you’re going to be in the cold for a long time, you can take off your jacket and put on your snowflake hood. This will not only keep you looking cool but will also protect your neck from frostbite. Always keep your head covered when skiing, and make sure that your hood is tied securely under your chin. This will keep the heat in and improve your appearance.
Boots
The next layer up is the boots. These are the shoes you wear on the slopes, except that they are designed to give you better grip on the snow and reduce the risk of falling. Of course, a good pair of ski boots are essential for skiing. The material inside the boots should be soft and flexible, and they should offer good ankle support. Additionally, make sure that the inside of your ski boots are warm and toasty because you spend a lot of time in them while skiing.
Besides your boots, you will also need slush boots. These are the boots you wear when the snow is soft and sloppy. Typically, the treads should be deep and chunky, to give you better footing in all conditions. However, in light conditions, you can opt for a smoother pair of boots. Also, make sure that your boots are waterproof and windproof, as required by most ski-related organizations.
Ski Helmet
Last but not least, we have the ski helmet. This is the headwear you need for skiing. There are many different types of helmets, so it’s important to pick one that is comfortable and suits your needs. Typically, the best helmets for skiing are those with ear-flaps because they keep the sound quality high while offering adequate protection. Additionally, it’s important to pick a helmet that is small enough to fit snugly under your chin while skiing. Otherwise, you will feel the pressure because of the weight of the snow on your head. Also, make sure that the helmet you pick is approved by the U.S.A. Snowsport Safety Association and the Canadian Snow Sports Safety Council.
Now that you have your ski equipment and layers in place, you’re good to go. Remember to check the weather conditions before you go skiing so that you don’t end up in a bad situation. Also, remember to have fun and stay safe.