What to Wear Skiing or Snowboarding (2024)

Well no surprise here but clothes that will keep you warm and dry.That's especially important if you end up falling a couple of times as many beginners do. The nice surprise here is that you probably have most of what you need already and other items can usually be borrowed from friends!

We highly recommend that you stay away from wearing cotton clothing (jeans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc.) next to your skin, because it will absorb sweat and snow and make you cold.For that same reason, wool or acrylic socks are better than cotton athletic socks. Wear one, thin pair.

Ski and snowboard boots are designed to be warm. Thick socks or multiple socks will only give you blisters.

Layer Up

The best way to dress for winter is to follow the 3-layer guideline of layering. Layering gives you the flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather conditions and your activity level. These are the layers that you will want to wear:

1. Wicking Layer

This is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear.Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic -- usually polyester --- fibre that has "wicking" power. This means the fibres will wick (move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric so it will evaporate. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities.Even though it's cold, you will sweat - especially if you are snowboarding or snowshoeing.

2. Insulating Layer

This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. The purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air between the fibres. Popular insulation materials include:Fleece, a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly. Wool, which naturally wicks away moisture.

3. Protection Layer

The exterior layer, generally a shell and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. It should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate.

Most genuine winter shells and pants are made waterproof and breathable to some extent by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Depending on the weather and type of winter activity you will be doing, you may be interested in uninsulated pants and jackets/shells, or garments with increasing amounts of insulation.Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers - details that truly make garments comfortable in a snowstorm.

Although less baggy than in previous years, most snowboard clothing is still designed to fit looser than alpine ski wear, giving snowboarders freedom of movement. In addition, many snowboard pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.

For Your Head

Headwear

Helmets or knit hats are the best at keeping your head warm when skiing or snowboarding. Remember what your mother told you about the amount of heat that escapes through your head and cover the noggin. If you choose to wear a helmet, keep in mind that you should select one that breathes appropriately for you as well as one that fits with your favourite goggles.

Eyewear

Protecting your eyes is a wise thing to do when skiing or riding. Sunglasses can work on those sunny spring days when you want/need to look your coolest, but goggles are suggested when it is on the colder side or snowing.

Clothing & Footwear

Upper Body

Think breathability, think waterproof, think wind proof. Also think about whether your jacket should have a liner or if you want to layer fleece and windproof materials underneath. The layer closest to your skin should be made of some sort of wicking material so it will pull moisture (sweat) off your skin and keep your body dry.

Lower Body

Like your upper body, you have to think breathable, waterproof and wind/weather proof. You'll want to put some thought into how many layers you need based on the weather on a given day, but be sure the outer layer allows for some protection against water - snow is based in water you know. Also helpful is to be sure your pants zip up on the side at least up past your boot, so you can cover the boots with the pant and keep moisture out of the boot.

Hands

Your choice, gloves or mittens. Definitely a preference thing. Gotta have 'em.

Feet

Obviously you'll want either ski boots or snowboard boots. What goes under them is just as important. When selecting socks, splurge. Happy feet are a skier/riders best friend. The last thing you want to do is limit circulation in your feet, so keep that in mind when thinking about the thickness in your socks. To wiggle your toes is divine.