Wearing the proper layers for skiing can be the difference between being warm and dry, or cold and wet.
Proper layering not only protects you from the elements, but also helps the moisture generated during physical activity escape from your body.
This guide explores materials, features to look for, and layering strategies for common weather conditions and activity levels.
Ski Layers Diagram
The Three-Layer Principle is a standard rule that guides most layering strategies. The principle includes three levels:
- Base layer – Sits against your skin and wicks moisture away from your body while providing warmth.
- Mid layer – Worn on top of the base layer to fine-tune the insulation of your ski outfit.
- Outer layer – Your final layer (ski jacket/pants) of protection from the elements that keeps moisture out while allowing inner-moisture to escape.
Read on for more details on each layer.
Ski Base Layer
Ski base layers are for both the top and bottom halves of your body. The main characteristics to look for are breathability and warmth.
Breathability is your base layer’s ability to wick moisture away from your skin, rather than absorbing it. When your base layer absorbs moisture and it remains on your skin, it freezes in cold temperatures and brings your body temperature down.
Warmth is mainly determined by fabric type. While most casual t-shirts are made from cotton, they are arguably the worst choice for a base layer because they absorb moisture and offer little to no breathability.
Below are some of the most common base layers.
Types of Fabric Used For Skiing Base Layers
The type of fabric used to make your base layer has a huge impact on what it can deliver in terms of:
- Breathability
- Warmth
- Durability
- Odor resistance
Discover the pros and cons for each of the most common materials used in skiing base layers.
- Natural – Merino wool is the go-to natural fabric for thermal ski base layers.
- Pros – Optimum warmth, breathability, and odor-resistant qualities.
- Cons – Less durable than synthetic materials. Can shrink in the wash.
- Synthetic – Polyester is the most common synthetic material used for base layers.
- Pros – More durable and less expensive than wool.
- Cons – Retains odors, less flexible. More machine-wash friendly.
- Blended – Wool is often blended with either polyester or nylon to increase durability. Elastane is also commonly added to increase stretch.
- Pros – The benefits of both natural and synthetic fabrics.
- Cons – Blended fabrics will retain more odors than 100% merino.
Other types of natural fabrics are sometimes used, such as silk or cashmere base layers. While warmer due to their finer threads, these fabrics are less durable and odor-resistant than merino wool.
Base Layer Weight Classes
There are three main weight classes for base layers:
- Lightweight – For warm to cool temperatures.
- Midweight – For cool to cold temperatures.
- Heavyweight – For cold, below-freezing temperatures.
You might see other classes, such as ultralight or expedition weight, that are brand-specific.
Whichever weight you choose, you can fine-tune your warmth with mid-layers.
Base Layer Features To Look For In Tops
Beyond fabric type, look for the following features on your base layers:
- Flatlock seams
- Stretch knitting
- 1/2 Zip
Base Layer Features To Look For In Bottoms
Base layer bottoms, or long underwear, should have similar features to base layer tops, i.e. flatlock seams and stretch knitting. Also look for:
- Elasticized waistband – Ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
- 3/4 length – Stops just below the knee for a “boot-top fit”, with only ski socks in ski boots rather than multiple layers of fabric.
Ski Mid Layer
While a skiing mid layer should be breathable, its main purpose is to fine-tune your body heat retention.
On warm days or once off the mountain, mid layers can be used as an outer layer.
Mid layers come in a variety of fabric types and have various features. Learn about them below.
Types of Mid Layers
The two most common types of ski mid layers are:
- Long-sleeve hoodies or crew-neck shirts
- Light down or synthetic insulated jackets, commonly known as puffies or puffers
Types of Fabric Used for Skiing Mid Layers
- Merino Wool – Similar to base layers, merino wool is the go-to choice for wool mid layers.
- Pros – Good breathability and comfort.
- Cons – Take longer to dry out when wet. Less durable than synthetics.
- Synthetic – The most common synthetic mid layers are fleece, often made with polyester.
- Pros – Great breathability and insulation.
- Cons – Stiffer material than a 100% merino mid layer, odor-retention.
- Blend – Like with base layers, wool/synthetic blends provide the best of both worlds.
- Pros – Great breathability and insulation. Machine-washable.
- Cons – Not as odor-resistant or comfortable as a 100% merino wool mid layer.
Mid Layer Features To Look For
Keep your eye out for the following features on your mid layer:
- Thumbholes – Create a seamless fit with your snow gloves or mitts and minimize any snow getting to your wrists.
- 1/2 zip – Allows skiers to quickly dump excess body heat.
- Flatlock seams – Create a friction-free, chafe-free experience while moving.
- Stretch knitting – Gives skiers an unrestricted, full range of movement.
Insulation
A common question when it comes to insulation is down or synthetic?
Because down loses its insulation properties when wet and takes longer to dry, it’s not the most versatile choice for skiing. It can be worn on dry, cold days, but should stay in the closet on wetter days.
Synthetic insulation is used by most ski outerwear companies as it is quick-drying, breathable, and keeps its insulation properties when wet.
Shell or Outer Layer
Your outer layer is the main protection against outside elements. The most important characteristics to look for are waterproofness and breathability.
Shell jackets have the least amount of insulation, while fully insulated jackets have the most. See below.
Types of Skiing Outer Layers
- Shells – Ideal for warm days or high-exertion activities because they provide a layer of waterproofness and breathability, without insulation.
- Pros – Protection from the outside elements while allowing moisture to escape.
- Cons – Provide little to no warmth in addition to the base and mid layers.
- Insulated jackets – A good choice for cold weather conditions.
- Pros – Good warmth on cold days.
- Cons – Inability to remove insulation on warm days can lead to overheating.
- 3-in-1 jackets – Are shell jackets with a zip-in, insulated liner.
- Pros – Versatility to adapt to varying weather conditions.
- Cons – Because they’re designed for both cold and hot days, 3-in-1 jackets can sometimes lack the performance of jackets built for specific conditions.
Outer Layer Features To Look For
Your outer layer should be waterproof enough to protect the layers underneath it, and breathable enough to stop you from overheating.
Also look for:
- Waterproof/Breathable membranes, or added fabric technologies that help you stay warm and dry.
- Helmet-compatible hoods that keep you warm when the wind blows and the temperature drops.
- Taped seams and zippers that reinforce the areas of ski clothes that could otherwise let moisture in.
- Vents in strategic places to help you manage heat while skiing.
Breathability vs Waterproofing
Breathability is your ski wear’s ability to release moisture so that it doesn't get trapped on your skin. The more physical your skiing is, the more moisture your body produces, and the more important breathability becomes.
Waterproofness is your ski wear’s ability to keep water out so that you stay drier. Equally important is the waterproofness of zippers, seams, and vents.
DWR, short for durable water repellent, is a coating commonly applied in addition to waterproof fabrics that makes water bead on top of the garment rather than letting it soak in. DWR can also be reapplied to outerwear if necessary.
Layering by Weather and Activity
The following examples will help you develop the proper layering strategy depending on the conditions of the day.
|
Temperature |
Activity Level |
Layering Recommendations |
|
Cool |
Low Exertion |
|
|
High Exertion |
|
|
|
Cold |
Low Exertion |
|
|
High Exertion |
|
Always take into account your personal tolerance for cold, skiing level and time spent on ski lifts when deciding on what layers to wear.
After reading this article, you should know how to navigate fabric choices and features, and how to choose proper layers for the temperature and activity level of the day. It’ll make the difference between feeling cold and wet, or warm and dry, and keep you comfortable on the mountain for longer.
