Are you new to skiing? Unsure of what to wear or what qualifies as “skiing clothes” and how to keep up with the latest in ski fashion? Is your old hoodie good enough when it's below freezing? What about cotton socks? Do I need to buy long underwear? What is GoreTex and why do I need it? And what the heck is merino wool? 

Don't fret! We put together a guide for snow sports beginners (skiers and snowboarders alike) so you can shop smart and ride in comfort. Snow sports are about having the time of your life on cold days and in the worst weather imaginable. Smart apparel choices are the key to having a killer day on the mountain. So let's dive in!

What to Wear Skiing

In a nutshell, what kind of clothing is optimal for skiing or snowboarding? The answer is to dress in layers. You want thin, tight, synthetic (or wool) fabrics up against your skin. On top of these, you want insulating layers made of either fleece, synthetic, or down insulation. 

Your outermost layers are meant for keeping water out. Several materials do this well, which we'll discuss in a minute. In addition to all your layers, you'll need good socks, gloves, goggles, and a helmet. There are a lot of factors that go into picking the right items for you, which we'll cover in more detail later. 

Why You Should Be Layering

There are a few reasons to dress in layers for skiing. The first is that layering gives you options. If the day starts off cloudy and it looks like it's going to snow, you'll want to have your waterproof shell on, but if it clears up later and you're too warm under your shell, you can just take it off. 

Investing in as many layers as possible gives you more options for skiing in a wider variety of conditions. As a new skier, you'll quickly learn how many different weather patterns the mountain can experience in one day. If you're planning a weekend ski trip during the spring in the Western US, it's possible to ski in harsher climate one day and warmer climate the next. This range of conditions demands lots of flexibility when getting dressed. 

Start From The Bottom: Base Layers

Many would argue that base layers are the most important articles you can wear while skiing or snowboarding. They are the most fundamental part of your outfit, keeping you warm and dry regardless of the conditions. Every other piece of your attire can be optional depending on the weather. However, base layers are a must.

Socks

Having good socks can be the difference between a perfect day skiing and a miserable one. Remember that we’re going for lightweight materials, which is why we recommend merino wool for socks. Merino wool has an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio. Plus, its natural antimicrobial properties prevent odor. 

For skiers, a single pair of thin wool socks is the way to go. This may seem counter-intuitive, but wearing thick socks under ski boots can cut off circulation to your feet. If this happens, your feet will become cold and numb very quickly. 

Snowboard boots allow a little more wiggle room for thick socks, but it's still a good idea to use a thin to medium-thick merino wool sock. 

Thin Base Layers

Thin base layers are the ones that go right up against your skin and come in two basic types—wool and synthetic material. We recommend merino wool (believe us, this stuff is amazing) for base layers. When you first put it on, it might not seem very warm, but once you get moving, it works like magic. If you're trying to put together ski gear on a budget, synthetic base layers are a good alternative. 

Thick Base Layers

Thicker base layers are usually made of fleece or polyester. These go over your thin base layers for extra base warmth. The most popular technology for thick base layers right now is grid fleece— a soft, comfortable material that traps heat efficiently. 

Insulation

Most days on the slopes, you're going to need some kind of insulating layer, or mid layers. This usually comes in the form of a ski jacket. Since there are tons of jackets out there, it's hard to pick the right one. Here's what you should look at to make a smart choice.

Fleece VS Synthetic vs Down

The main difference between insulating layers is the material used for insulation. Until the last ten years or so, choosing a jacket was simple because everybody wore fleece. Fleece is still a viable option, especially if you're on a budget, but as technology has evolved, we’ve come up with better ways to insulate.

Synthetic insulation is both lighter and warmer than fleece and designed to be waterproof, which gives it the added benefit of working regardless of whether or not the climate is wet or dry—making it optimal for storm days. 

If you want the warmest and lightest insulating material you can find, opt for down. Down insulation is made of the soft, fluffy feathers beneath a geese’s or duck’s primary feather layer. However, if it gets wet, it can damage the insulation, so while down is the most expensive and "high tech," it's not necessarily the number one choice.

Waterproofing: Keeping the Outdoors Out

Your waterproof outer layer (or shell) is probably what you'll spend the most money on. When you're out in the snow all day, staying dry is key, so don't skimp on your shell. 

Most brands have their own proprietary water-resistant material. They all work more or less the same way, using a thin membrane to keep liquid water out. The gold standard for waterproofing is GoreTex, which is manufactured by a third party and used in lots of different goods. If you can spare a little extra dough, GoreTex makes a big difference for waterproofing. 

Extras: Gloves, Goggles, and Helmets

Once you get your layers figured out, you’ll only need a few more items. Similar to socks, having the right items to keep your hands, neck, and face warm can make or break your day. 

Ski and Snowboard Gloves

When shopping for ski and snowboard gloves, the main thing to note is sizing. Like with your ski socks, you want to make sure your gloves don't cut off circulation. Mittens do an even better job of keeping you warm without cutting off blood flow to your fingers. Lots of gloves use GoreTex to stay dry, but many skiers prefer an old school leather glove. Leather gloves and mittens last longer and are very warm. 

Snow Goggles

Snow goggles are key for visibility and keeping your face warm. Goggles nowadays are typically sold with interchangeable lenses to protect your eyes from light that bounces off the snow, and to also increase visibility on cloudy, low-light days.

Snow Helmets for Skiing and Snowboarding

We're proud members of the Helmet Gang. Helmets keep you warm, look great, and can save your life if you accidentally hug a tree/fall while riding. Ski and Snowboard helmets have earmuffs for extra warmth. 

Neck Gaiters

Last but not least is the trusty neck gaiter. A neck gaiter is essentially a tube of a thin fabric (like merino wool) that goes over your face and neck. That thin layer may not seem like much, but it will go a long way in keeping you warm and the sun off your skin. 

Ski and Snowboard Attire FAQs

What kind of socks are best for skiing?

Thin merino wool socks do the best job of keeping your feet warm without cutting off blood flow to your toes. 

What material is best for base layers? 

Merino wool is the number one base layer material for its warmth and antimicrobial properties. If you're on a tight budget, synthetics like polyester are a solid plan B.

Why do snow goggles come with two lenses?

Newer ski goggles come with one dark lens for sunny days and a clear lens for cloudy days to optimize visibility. 

Is GoreTex worth it for skiing? 

GoreTex is the best waterproof membrane material on the market as it does the best job of keeping you dry when you're out in the snow all day. 

What's the difference between a snow helmet and a regular helmet?

Snow helmets feature earmuffs, a chin strap, and ventilation holes. 

What should I wear for snowboarding and skiing?

When snowboarding or skiing, dress in layers. The more layers you have, the more you can tailor your outfit to the weather conditions.