Gear guide
The right clothing makes the difference between an amazing day and a miserable one. Layer smart, dress for the conditions, and seal every gap.
The Layering System
Three layers that work together. Add or remove mid layers to adapt to any temperature without buying different outfits.
1️⃣Base Layer
Moisture management — wicks sweat away from skin
Use
Merino wool or synthetic (polyester/nylon blend)
Avoid
Cotton — it absorbs sweat, stays wet, and makes you cold fast
- •Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant (great for multi-day trips)
- •Synthetic dries faster but can get smelly
- •Fit should be snug but not restrictive
- •Full-length legs + long-sleeve top for cold days
2️⃣Mid Layer
Insulation — traps warm air close to your body
Use
Fleece, down, or synthetic insulation (PrimaLoft, Thinsulate)
Avoid
Bulky cotton hoodies — too heavy, no breathability
- •Fleece: best all-rounder, breathable, works when damp
- •Down: warmest for the weight, but useless when wet
- •Synthetic insulation: good compromise (warm + water-resistant)
- •On warm days, skip this layer entirely
3️⃣Outer Layer (Shell)
Protection — blocks wind, rain, and snow
Use
Gore-Tex or similar waterproof-breathable membrane
Avoid
Non-breathable rain jackets — you'll be soaked in sweat inside 20 minutes
- •Waterproof rating: minimum 10,000mm for skiing
- •Breathability rating: minimum 10,000g for active skiing
- •Pit zips are essential for temperature regulation
- •Ski-specific jackets have powder skirts, helmet-compatible hoods, and pass pockets
Dress for the Conditions
What to wear for each type of weather you'll encounter on the mountain.
🥶Cold Day
Below -15°C / 5°F
What to wear
- ✓Heavyweight merino base layer (top + bottom)
- ✓Thick fleece or down mid layer
- ✓Insulated ski jacket (not just a shell)
- ✓Insulated ski pants
- ✓Balaclava or neck gaiter covering face
- ✓Helmet liner under helmet
- ✓Heavyweight ski socks (merino, ONE pair — not two)
- ✓Insulated ski gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)
- ✓Hand/toe warmers in gloves and boots
- ✓Goggles with low-light lens (yellow/rose)
Pro tips
- 💡Mittens are significantly warmer than gloves — use them on the coldest days
- 💡Cover ALL exposed skin — frostbite happens in minutes at -20°C
- 💡Take warming breaks every 60-90 minutes
- 💡Two pairs of socks actually make your feet COLDER (restricts blood flow)
⛷️Average Day
-5°C to -15°C / 5°F to 23°F
What to wear
- ✓Midweight merino base layer
- ✓Lightweight fleece mid layer
- ✓Ski jacket (shell or lightly insulated)
- ✓Ski pants (shell or lightly insulated)
- ✓Neck gaiter
- ✓Midweight ski socks
- ✓Ski gloves
- ✓Goggles with versatile lens (orange/amber)
Pro tips
- 💡This is the sweet spot — you can ski hard without overheating
- 💡Bring a packable mid layer in case it gets colder in the afternoon
- 💡Ventilation (pit zips, leg vents) helps when you're working hard
☀️Warm / Spring Day
Above -5°C / 23°F
What to wear
- ✓Lightweight synthetic base layer (or skip bottoms entirely)
- ✓Skip the mid layer
- ✓Shell jacket only (no insulation) — or even just a softshell
- ✓Shell ski pants or lighter spring pants
- ✓Thin neck buff (for sun protection)
- ✓Lightweight ski socks
- ✓Lightweight gloves or spring gloves
- ✓Goggles with dark lens (black/mirror) or sunglasses
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+ on face, neck, ears
Pro tips
- 💡Snow reflects UV — you WILL sunburn even on cloudy days
- 💡Morning = firm/icy, afternoon = soft/slushy. Dress for both
- 💡A shell jacket stuffed in your pack beats overheating all morning
- 💡Lip balm with SPF — sunburned lips are miserable
❄️Powder Day
Any temperature
What to wear
- ✓Standard layers for the temperature
- ✓Powder skirt on jacket (MUST be sealed)
- ✓Snow gaiters or pants with boot cuffs that seal over boots
- ✓Goggles (NOT sunglasses — snow will get everywhere)
- ✓Gloves with long gauntlets that go over jacket sleeves
- ✓Neck gaiter pulled up high
- ✓Helmet with goggle strap (goggles get knocked off in deep snow)
Pro tips
- 💡The #1 rule: seal every gap. Snow finds its way into everything
- 💡Jacket powder skirt + pants clip-together system is ideal
- 💡You WILL fall in deep powder — waterproofing is non-negotiable
- 💡Bring a second pair of dry gloves in your pack
💨Windy Day
Any temperature (feels much colder)
What to wear
- ✓Add one extra layer vs temperature alone
- ✓Windproof outer shell (sealed zips, storm flap)
- ✓Balaclava or full face coverage
- ✓Goggles — essential (wind + cold = instant eye pain)
- ✓Gloves with windproof outer layer
- ✓Tuck everything in — no exposed gaps at wrists, neck, or waist
Pro tips
- 💡Wind chill makes -10°C feel like -25°C — dress for the wind chill, not the thermometer
- 💡Exposed chairlifts are the coldest part — overdress for the ride up
- 💡If visibility drops, stick to marked runs and ski below treeline
- 💡Wind-loaded snow on lee slopes = avalanche risk in backcountry
🌧️Wet Snow / Rain
Around 0°C / 32°F
What to wear
- ✓Waterproof shell jacket (check seam taping)
- ✓Waterproof shell pants
- ✓Synthetic base + mid layers (NOT down — down dies when wet)
- ✓Waterproof gloves (leather gets soaked)
- ✓Goggles with anti-fog coating
- ✓Consider a waterproof pack cover
Pro tips
- 💡This is the worst condition for gear — everything gets tested
- 💡Bring spare dry gloves — wet hands are miserable
- 💡Wax your skis for wet snow (warm wax / universal)
- 💡Après-ski = hang everything to dry ASAP or tomorrow is awful
Essential Gear
Beyond the layers — the gear every skier needs regardless of conditions.
Helmet
Non-negotiable. Modern helmets are light and warm. MIPS technology adds rotational impact protection.
Goggles
Match lens to conditions: yellow/rose for flat light, amber/orange for versatile, dark/mirror for bright sun. Anti-fog coating matters.
Ski Socks
ONE pair of ski-specific merino socks. Over-the-calf length. Never double up — it creates pressure points and reduces circulation.
Gloves/Mittens
Waterproof with good insulation. Leather palms grip poles better. Mittens for cold days, gloves for dexterity.
Neck Gaiter/Buff
Versatile — pull up for cold, pull down for warm. Merino or synthetic. Skip the cotton bandana.
Sunscreen
SPF 50+ every day, even cloudy ones. Snow reflects 80% of UV. Reapply at lunch. Don't forget ears and under-chin.
🏔️ The Golden Rule
If you're comfortable standing still outside, you're overdressed for skiing. You should feel slightly cool before you start moving. Within 5 minutes of skiing, your body heat will bring you to the perfect temperature. Overdressing leads to sweat, which leads to being cold when you stop.