As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, it’s the perfect excuse to break out your ski and snowboard clothes. There’s no question that skiing and snowboarding are some of the most exciting sports in the world, but they’re also some of the most technical ones as well. You need to ensure that your body is protected from the elements and so you’ll need to take into consideration both your temperature regulating abilities as well as your dexterity as you ski.
The layers you choose for your skiing and snowboarding costume depend on your experience and how fast you plan on skiing. If you’re a first-time skier or simply want to have some fun in the winter, the basics of three-layer skiing will be sufficient; ski jacket, ski pants, and ski boots. You won’t need additional layers unless you’re skiing in the snow. However, if you’re a skier that plans on skiing hard, you may need to add an extra layer. Here’s what you should know about the layers needed for skiing.
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Ski Jacket
This is the inner layer of your ski suit and it usually has a collar that can be put up or down as you need it. The purpose of the collar is to keep your neck warm by preventing any heat from escaping. The ski jacket will stop any moisture from escaping as well, so you don’t end up with a soggy neck as you ski. The main body of the jacket is designed to shield you from the wind so that you stay warm and dry. Windproof and waterproof ski jackets are also very useful in keeping your expensive ski gear clean and dry.
Fleece Pullover
The fleece pullover is an extremely popular type of winter garment used by both men and women. It’s extremely light and highly water-repellent (DWR), which makes it ideal for use in the snow. The best part? You can move around a little bit while still being toasty, thanks to the four-way stretch material. When the temperature drops, it’s time to pull on this soft, cozy sweater to stay warm.
Ski Pants
These are the outer layers of your ski suit and usually have a drawstring at the bottom that you can pull to tighten or loosen the fit. The purpose of the pants is to keep your legs warm and dry as you ski, but they’re also there to protect you from the wind so that you stay cool and comfortable. The main body of the pants is designed to shield you from the wind so that you stay warm and dry while skiing. Some ski pants have an additional layer of material on the inside to further increase your insulation and keep you warm even when climbing or skiing down very steep slopes. Thicker materials like leather or heavy denim will also prevent the wind from carrying away your heat as you ski. Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating is also very useful in keeping your ski gear dry and clean.
Ski Boots
Your ski boots are the last of the three layers you need to be concerned with as a skier. They’re designed to protect your feet from the cold and dampness while still feeling comfortable on your feet. Ski boots come in various styles and colors, so you’re bound to find ones that fit you perfectly.
As a first-time skier, you may not need additional protection for your feet as they’ve never been used to the cold. In fact, many ski resorts allow you to ski with just your regular shoes. On the other hand, advanced skiers often choose to wear their ski boots even after their ski gear has been discarded. This is due to the fact that the material and style of the boot fit comfortably with the rest of their ski suit, providing a thermal union between the foot and the ski equipment. In this case, the skier’s socks will be a part of their ski gear since they’re needed for both warmth and dexterity when skiing.
Even though there are three layers that make up your skiing costume, you don’t need to wear all of them at once. If you’re planning on skiing late in the afternoon, you may warm up enough at the top of the slope without having to add any more layers. After all, the sun will be doing its best to heat up the hillside, so you may not need to add anything protective.
As long as you stay hydrated and your body heat is sufficient, you don’t need to worry about over- or under-layers. Keep in mind: if you’re getting tired or cold, it’s because you’re not keeping properly hydrated or you’re not wearing enough layers. So, drink plenty of fluids and layer up when the temperature drops. You’ll be glad you did.