Layering of skiing properly is an art and if done wrong, it really affects your enjoyment of the sport. As I have learned over the years, excessive or poor clothing during skiing.
The key is to find that ski clothing will be warm, weatherproof and windproof, but will not sweat or smell. You also need all-round movements so you don’t get hindered by your ski suit.
If you are a Beginner SkierIn this post, you will learn the basics of what to wear for skis (or snowboards), and a list of ski layers I wear. Remember, I always adjust these layers based on temperature, wind factor and cloud coverage.
There is no doubt that getting into skiing requires some investment. Quality women’s ski clothing is expensive, but once you buy the right gear, it will last for years.
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Ski jacket
Durable, windproof and waterproof ski jackets are key to staying warm and dry while skiing. Here are some factors to look for in a ski jacket:
- Waterproof and windproof: Look for Gortex or similar waterproof linings so that if it starts to snow (or spill), keep it dry. A windproof jacket is also important, especially when sitting in a chair.
- insulation: A ski jacket (called a hard shell) that can be insulated or not insulated. A hard shell alone won’t keep you warm and requires an extra layer. Seashells are best for skiing in mild climates and remote areas. Plus, the insulated jacket is thicker, bulkier and warmer built in, making it perfect for the cold climates where you spend a lot of time sitting in a chair. My preference is a ski jacket with light insulation, layers underneath and my temperature regulation.
- Breathability: Generally, hard shells are more breathable than insulated ski jackets. To make up for this, I always wear a ski jacket with a pit zipper, which is a quick way to get some air in the air when I toast.
- pocket: Pockets are important on ski jackets and can hold snacks, cell phones and other essentials.
- fit: You want the jacket to be loose enough to layer under it. It should also be long enough so your pants and coat have a nice overlap. I love my ski jacket hitting the bottom of my butt.
- color: I prefer brighter colorful ski jackets as it makes it easier for my partner and friends to spot me.


Recommended ski jackets


Patagonia Insulation Powder Town
this Patagonia Insulation Powder Town Jacket It’s my favorite ski jacket. The outer layer is durable and waterproof, while the lightweight interior insulation keeps you warm and dry, and smart sweat. It’s not too bulky or too thick so I can layer it without being restricted, and the pit zippers can be quickly ventilated on a warm afternoon. The hood is compatible with the helmet, which is convenient for those days with great wind.
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Ski pants
Like a ski jacket, you want ski pants to be reliably waterproof, especially when you are a beginner skier, you may spend more time sitting in the snow. Here are some considerations for ski pants:
- Waterproof and windproof: Look for gortex or similar pants designed to drive away water and cut wind.
- insulation: Like ski jackets, some ski pants are also insulated. Others are not. I personally prefer non-insulated or slightly insulated ski pants as you can always double long Johns to make them more useful in other winter activities like snowshoeing. Thickly insulated ski pants will get warmer, but will feel suffocated in spring.
- Breathable: Shell ski pants are breathable than thick ski pants with more insulation. I prefer zippered pants on the side so I can vent when I need it.
- pocket: I think more pockets are better. I like the ski pants that have normal pockets along the waist and the thighs along the cargo-style pockets. I usually keep the piste in one of them.
- style: Ski pants as regular pants or bib style. I’ve tried bibs before, as a woman, which makes going to the bathroom even harder.
- color: I like black ski pants because they cover dirt better than other colors.
Recommended ski pants
Arc’teryx Sentinel Pants
When I ski, I wear it Arcteryx Sentinel AR Pants. They are expensive (I scored my sales at the end of the season), but these should have lasted quite a few decades. They are hard shells lined with Gott’s pants and waterproof zippers with fully seams. They are super windproof, but not heat-insulated, which means you need a solid bottom layer (or 2) below. In spring, they have a side zipper so you can drain them in hot conditions or make them use for other winter activities.


Ski base
The first thing you want to wear is long John. This modern bottom layer is designed to regulate your body temperature and wick sweat while skiing. The weights of the base layer vary from lightweight to heavyweight and are designed to be combined according to the conditions.
The base layer is made of a variety of materials, and the key is to avoid cotton as it tends to retain moisture and does not dry quickly. I recommend merino wool or synthetic materials such as polyester.
If it’s really cold, I’d probably wear two base layers under my middle layer, which I’ll talk about below.


Recommended grassroots


Icebreaker OASIS 200 unit
I was wearing wool primer and swaying sweat. My first choice is Icebreaker OASIS 200 unit. I’ve been wearing it for over 100 days and other wool basics from other brands I’ve tried are much more durable. It’s also soft and won’t make you feel as itchy as the wool sometimes does. Be careful not to dry it or it will shrink.


icebreaker Oasis 200 Leggings
I was still wearing icebreaker captain John on my legs. this Icebreaker Oasis 200 Leggings Keep me warm (but not too hot) and they don’t stretch even after many days of wear. If it’s really cold, because my ski pants aren’t insulated, sometimes I double it.
Mid-layer jacket
I wore a mid-layer jacket on my bottom floor and under my ski jacket. Again, you’re going to avoid cotton and I’ll avoid it too. The drop doesn’t dry out quickly, and it’s not the breathability of the synthetic material. Breathability is very important for your mid-layer, as there is no way to vent underneath a ski jacket.
Typically, the middle layer can be a wool, a synthetic jacket or a thicker wool layer. I also prefer a mid-layer without a hood to reduce bulk under the ski jacket.
During warm spring skiing, you may not need to wear the middle layer.


Recommended middle level
Patagonian Nano Puff Coat
When I ski, I wear it Patagonian Nanopuff Be my middle level. It’s very thin and light, so there’s no bulky or uncomfortable layering under a ski jacket. Meanwhile, it is warm, breathes well, and provides additional windproof. See mine Complete Patagonia Nano Puff Review More ideas about this jacket.
Ski socks
Although it is generally believed that thinner socks are better than thicker socks when it comes to skiing. Thinner socks offer better accessory boots, which will give you more control over the skis. Further heavy ski socks can cause sweat on your feet, which actually makes your feet colder than wearing thinner ski socks.
If your feet tend to get very cold like mine, I highly recommend investing in some boot heaters. As far as value is concerned, I prefer boot heaters over heated socks. The heated socks are thick and you can feel the wires running through the soles of the socks, which I find very distracting and uncomfortable.


Recommended socks


Hard lightweight ski socks
I personally like it DARN TOUND’s ski and snowboard socks. I wear lightweight and they have padding in all the right places, such as in front of the shin and heel. They also stick in place all day and I have never experienced any transfers on the boots.
Ski accessories
Apart from all the layers, you also want to wear a helmet, goggles, gloves and warm your neck while skiing. Here is a list of accessories you need.


- Ski gloves or gloves: When I ski, my hands tend to get very cold, so I choose gloves over gloves because gloves are warmer. These Black Diamond Mercury Gloves The warmest, completely waterproof I’ve ever tried and has a removable insulated lining, filled with Primaloft Gold Cross Core for extra warmth. They also have index fingers in gloves, so you have more dexterity.
- Ski helmet: The best ski helmets have MIPS technology that reduces rotational movement to the brain during impact, thus protecting it from injury. I’ve tried many different helmets, Sweet protection switcher helmet It’s my favorite so far. It was so lightweight that it was hardly felt like I was wearing it. It also has 22 adjustable vents so my head won’t be super sweaty, and the ear pads on this helmet have cuts so your ears won’t be squeezed or painful.
- Ski mirror: A pair of high-quality ski goggles will come with two different lenses that you can swap out – one for bright light and the other for low light. and Smith I/O Chromapop Mag gogglesdepending on the weather and sky cover, it is very easy to swap out the lens through a magnet. These are designed specifically for smaller faces (making them a great choice for women). Anti-drug technology does quite well, but remember that if you wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, you can expect some misty no matter which goggles you choose.
- Neck gait: this Polar gain It is wool-lined, so it is super soft and comfortable, and when you get cold on the chair, you can pull it up to cover your face. It breathes easily (this helps prevent your goggles from fogging too much), and most jackets will tighten on the polish.
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Have any questions or your own tips on what to wear for skiing? Leave a comment below!