Keeping Warm In the Snow: Guide to Layering For Skiing, Snowboarding and Winter Adventures
To keep nice and warm in the snow, the first thing most people think about is getting hold of a nice warm ski jacket and some cosy ski pants.
Sure, these are important, but it is a much better idea to consider your entire outfit as a layering system, with each layer working with the others for optimum comfort, warmth and performance.
This way you can get all of the warmth you need, without looking like a Michelin Man! Snowboarding and skiing both involve a huge amount of physical exertion - so you can get very hot and sweaty, followed by periods of doing nothing sitting on a chair or drag lift - where you could be exposed to massive wind chill and freezing cold conditions.
Your clothing needs to perform in a huge variety of conditions - which is why it is so important to plan your layering system and not simply to wrap up as warm as possible (like your mum might have you believe!).
What Layers Do I Need to Keep Warm in the Snow and Winter?
Base layers are the foundation of your ski or snowboard outfit, playing a crucial role in keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable. Acting as your first line of defence against the cold, they wick moisture away from your skin, ensuring you stay dry no matter how hard you work on the slopes.
Choosing technical base layers over standard T-shirts/leggings brings numerous benefits. Performance fabrics like merino wool or synthetics efficiently wick away sweat, unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and leaves you feeling damp and chilled. Technical base layers also regulate body temperature, providing essential warmth without overheating, even during high-intensity runs.
Designed for active movement, these base layers fit snugly to reduce bulk under your mid and outer layers, ensuring unrestricted motion. Many are breathable, quick-drying, and odour-resistant, making them perfect for long, demanding days on the mountain.
Whether you’re tackling fresh powder or enjoying a day in the resort, technical base layers are a must-have for optimising comfort and performance. They set the tone for your layering system, keeping you focused on the adventure ahead instead of the weather or your gear.
A mid layer is essential for skiing and snowboarding, providing warmth and insulation while maintaining breathability to keep you comfortable on the mountain. Its purpose is to retain body heat without overheating, all while allowing moisture from your base layer to escape. This regulation of body temperature ensures you stay dry and warm, even in changing weather conditions. The type of mid layer you choose plays a key role in how effective your layering system will be.
Types of Mid Layers to Consider:
Fleece Mid Layers
Lightweight and breathable, fleece mid layers are perfect for active skiers and snowboarders. They come in various thicknesses (microfleece, midweight, heavyweight) to suit different levels of warmth. Fleece excels at moisture-wicking and dries quickly, making it a versatile choice for most conditions.
Down Insulation Mid Layers
Down mid layers offer exceptional warmth in extremely cold conditions. Filled with natural goose or duck down, they are highly compressible and easy to pack. However, down is less effective when wet, so these layers are best paired with a waterproof outer layer or reserved for dry conditions.
Synthetic Insulation Mid Layers
A popular choice for versatility, synthetic mid layers mimic the warmth of down but maintain their insulating properties even when damp. Brands like Primaloft and Polartec use advanced fabrics that are lightweight, durable, and quick-drying—ideal for wet or variable weather.
Hybrid Mid Layers
Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid mid layers use a mix of materials like fleece and synthetic or down insulation in strategic areas. This design balances warmth, breathability, and mobility, catering to high-performance activities where flexibility is key.
Merino Wool Mid Layers
Known for its natural temperature-regulating properties, merino wool mid layers provide warmth without overheating. They are soft, odour-resistant, and excellent for layering in moderate to cold conditions. Merino wool works well for long days on the slopes, especially if you're prone to perspiration.
Softshell Jackets as Mid Layers
Softshells offer a combination of warmth, breathability, and light weather resistance, making them suitable for mild conditions or those who run warm. While not as insulating as fleece or down, they provide excellent stretch and mobility.
The best mid layer for you depends on the conditions you expect, your activity level, and how easily you feel the cold. For most skiers and snowboarders, having a selection of mid layers allows you to adjust based on the day's weather and intensity of activity. Whether you're carving down the slopes or venturing into the backcountry, the right mid layer ensures you stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure.
For particularly cold days on the slopes or high-altitude adventures, a second mid-layer can be the key to staying warm. Acting as an additional barrier against the cold, this layer is designed to provide extra insulation without compromising mobility or comfort.
A second mid-layer is particularly beneficial for those prone to feeling the chill or tackling extreme conditions. Common options include lightweight down or synthetic insulated jackets, which trap heat effectively while remaining compressible for easy layering. Alternatively, thicker fleece or wool options provide excellent warmth and breathability, making them ideal for colder climates.
When selecting a second mid-layer, look for versatility and compatibility with your other layers. Options with ventilation zips or moisture-wicking properties can help maintain comfort during activity. The second mid-layer works seamlessly with your base layer, primary mid-layer, and technical outerwear to create an adaptive system that can handle varying weather conditions.
A second mid-layer ensures you’re prepared for the harshest environments, keeping you warm and focused on enjoying the ride, no matter how low the temperature drops.
Outerwear, including technical jackets and pants, is the final layer in your ski or snowboard outfit, providing critical protection against the elements. These garments are designed to shield you from snow, wind, and rain while maintaining breathability to keep you comfortable during high-intensity activities.
Technical jackets and pants are packed with features that cater to winter sports enthusiasts. Waterproof and windproof materials, such as GORE-TEX or similar membranes, keep moisture out while allowing sweat to escape. This prevents the dreaded chill that can come from trapped dampness. Fully taped seams and durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings enhance their weather resistance, ensuring you stay dry even in harsh conditions.
Outerwear for skiing and snowboarding also prioritises functionality. Jackets often include ventilation zips for temperature regulation, snow skirts to prevent snow from entering, and multiple pockets to keep essentials within reach. Pants are designed for mobility, with reinforced cuffs to withstand abrasion from skis or boards and adjustable waists or suspenders for a secure fit.
When paired with a proper base and mid-layer system, technical outerwear ensures you stay warm, dry, and protected, allowing you to focus on carving down the mountain or conquering fresh powder. Durable, reliable, and engineered for performance, these pieces are essential for tackling any winter adventure.
What Layer System Do I Need for my Upper & Lower Body?
A 4-Layer System Is Best For Your Upper Body
By now, you will hopefully have realised that a 4 -layer system is best. Most of the time, you will only use 3-layers but you can easily add or remove a layer should weather conditions change. This is not possible if you choose a big, bulky and warm outer jacket - keep this for apres skiing and walking around the ski resort at night - when it really does get cold.
A 2-Layer system is all you need Lower Down
If you have a pair of insulated snowboard/ski pants, you can sometimes get away without wearing a thermal base layer but you will be more comfortable wearing thermals next to your skin. If you wear a pair of thermal base layer pants, your actual snowboard or ski pants do not need to be insulated, unless you suffer from the cold or are skiing in extremely cold conditions, because most people will be plenty warm enough.
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What else do I need to keep warm?
Snowboard or Ski Gloves - although Snowboard or Ski Mitts are, on average, 50% warmer
Liner Gloves - if you suffer from the cold, you can layer up your hands as well and wick away the sweat
High-quality snowboard/ski socks -to wick away sweat in the same way as your base layers do
Liner socks - particularly useful if you have sweaty feet, in which case you probably also want boot bananas
Disposable hand / foot warmers
Boot drier/warmer - your feet will never warm up if you start the day wearing cold damp boots.
Ski/Snowboard Face Mask - instead of a full balaclava, some people prefer a face mask to protect the neck and lower part of the face. Airhole, with their neat breathing hole are market leaders.
Winter Hat - if you are wearing a helmet, you will still need a warm hat for when not on the slopes
Ski / Snowboard Helmet - a no-brainer, essential for protection
Ski / Snowboard Goggles - keep your eyes and face protected while having better, safer visibility on the slopes
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