What would you wear if you were going skiing in 40 degree weather? Would you put on your ski suit or your regular clothes? Would you wear gloves or leave your hands free to feel the snow? Just like in the movie ‘Ski Party’ – starring John Candy and Leslie Nielsen – you might find that your ski clothes aren’t very suitable for the temperatures outside the lodge. As it turns out, 40 degree weather at high altitude isn’t exactly your friend. You might literally melt if you take a stroll outside the lodge, which is why most skiers and snowboarders would rather stay inside and enjoy the apres-ski life. It’s interesting how the temperature can vary so much depending on the weather conditions, altitude, and whether or not you are using heat. For instance, the temperature at sea level is about as high as you can get, but at 11,500 feet above sea level, it’s a whole different ballgame. There is literally no temperature in this part of the world. Take St. Moritz in Switzerland as an example, located at the foot of the majestic Alps. Even during the summer, the temperature stays between 5-6 degrees, which is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.
Table of Contents
Jackets
There are basically two types of jackets you will need for skiing: one for apres-ski activities and one for skiing. The apres-ski jacket is typically a lightweight rain jacket with an attached hood, which can double as a sun shade. The main purpose of this jacket is to keep you warm after a long day of sledging or riding up the mountain. It should fit snugly around your neck but leave your arms free to roam.
The skiing jacket is a much thicker and heavier jacket, which can stop snow from sneaking in during an intense snowfall. This jacket will keep you cozy even while skiing down a steep hill, especially if it’s below freezing. If it is above freezing, then it doesn’t provide much protection from the cold, so you might want to skip it.
The best thing about this jacket is that it has two zippered pockets on the inside, which makes it ideal to store your ski equipment in. The ski jacket was originally designed to be windproof and water-resistant, which is why it is often called the ‘sport jacket’. It was also originally made from a plaid textile, which provided a bit more warmth than your traditional ski jacket. Today, most of us would opt for a synthetic material, such as polyester or acrylic, which are much more reliable and durable than animal-based materials.
Ski Socks
Ski socks are a must have for every skier. They keep your feet warm and snug while enjoying your ski experience. As we’ve established before, the temperature in the mountains can vary a lot, and it’s not always pleasant. For instance, if you’re skiing in the morning and the weather is cold, then it means you’ll have to hike in your ski boots to get to the top of the mountain. This isn’t ideal, as hiking in boots is uncomfortable and potentially harmful to your feet. So if you’re planning on skiing during the day, then you might want to bring a pair of socks to keep your feet cozy and toasty. Remember: as you exercise a lot while skiing, your feet will suffer, and it’s better to prevent problems than to attempt to treat them after the fact.
There are also thicker socks you can opt for, which in turn will make you warmer. If you’re planning on skiing in the winter and it gets really cold, then it’s best to opt for thicker socks.
Gloves
While driving is dangerous because of poor visibility and slippery roads, skiing is inherently risky because of the extreme conditions and fast speeds. Therefore, it is important to protect your hands from the cold, which is why most skiers opt for gloves. There are many types of gloves you can choose from, but your main choices are thick gloves and mittens. The former keep your hands at the appropriate temperature while allowing you to feel the cold air on your fingertips. Thicker gloves will keep your hands at a comfortable temperature for longer. And speaking of comfortable, wouldn’t it be nice to ski without having your hands feel like they’re about to fall off? Mittens are similar to gloves but without the finger part, which makes them more practical to use while skiing. They’re also ideal for other activities, such as driving, since they prevent your hands from getting cold.
Thick gloves and mittens are necessary in case you fall into a big drift or hole. The snow will then cover up your hands, which is why you need to be extra careful when skiing. If you do end up in some sort of accident, then having protective gloves and mittens on hand will greatly increase your chances of survival. It’s also wise to stock your apres-ski gear with gloves and mittens, just in case you decide to stay a bit longer at the lodge than expected. You never know what kind of extreme conditions you’ll find there …
Long Sleeve T-Shirts
Just like your jacket, your shirt can vary in terms of style and function. There is an apres-ski shirt that is similar to your regular tee shirt, which is worn outside the lodge. It is made from a lightweight material that protects you from the cold. The best thing about this particular type of shirt is that it has mesh panels on the front and back, which makes it much more ventilated than your regular tee shirt. This allows you to stay cool even while skiing. If you’re a hot-weather skier who hates the cold, then this type of shirt is for you. It also makes it ideal to quickly remove your ski jacket and hat when the temperature rises. In cold climes, this is vital for keeping your body heat in.
A regular tee shirt is ideal for skiing, as it is comfortable to wear while hiking or sitting in the lodge. The material makes it easy to wipe away the sweat that builds up during the activity, which is why most skiers wear them while skiing. The long sleeves on your regular tee shirt will help keep your wrists and forearms protected from the cold, as well as provide some warmth for your hands while skiing. In very cold climes, the long sleeves will also help keep your hands from getting frostbitten.
So now that you’re equipped with the basics of what to wear, you can hit the slopes and have some fun. Just remember that the proper gear makes all the difference in the world. Keep your hands and feet warm, and enjoy your time in the snow. If you follow these guidelines, then you will have an enjoyable and safe ski experience. And that’s all you need to know!