When you see a skier on the slopes who's thoroughly comfortable, whether he's carving turns downhill, skinning uphill or waiting on the ski lift line, you're witnessing more than just skiing ability. He must also have some skill at dressing properly to be comfortable at such varied levels of activity in cold winter weather. You can be just as comfortable as he is if you follow a few basic rules for choosing ski wear.
Dress in Layers
Layering lets you quickly tailor your insulation to suit weather conditions and activity levels by adding or removing layers of clothing. Several thin layers restrict movement less than bulky, super-insulated clothing.
The base layer, on both upper and lower body, should fit snugly and help keep you dry by moving perspiration away from your skin. Wool and synthetics treated to wick moisture are ideal. Avoid cotton, which loses its insulating properties when wet.
The mid-layer, which some skiers choose to wear only on the upper body, should be fleece, pile or wool. Again, avoid cotton. The middle layer can be thicker and roomier than the base layer, but shouldn't bunch or sag when you put the final layer, outerwear, on over it.
Wear a Shell
Protect yourself against snow, rain and wind by wearing a jacket and ski pants that are both water- and wind-proof. While your jacket and pants shouldn't be bulky or saggy, they should be loose enough to let you wear inner- and mid-layers underneath.
Check labels to make sure your shell garments are also breathable. This means they'll let perspiration escape from your layers instead of trapping the moisture close to your body, all while still protecting you from the elements.
Some ski pants and jackets also have thigh or armpit vents that zip open and closed to help you further regulate your temperature. Close the zippers when you're standing still, then open them to help keep you cool and dry when you're active.
Limit the Socks
While it's tempting to swaddle your feet in extra layers to keep them warm, limit yourself to thin, wicking liner socks and a single pair of thicker insulating socks. Some skiers go without the liner socks. If you try to fit your feet into ski boots with too many sock layers, you'll either get a sloppy fit, which can cause blisters, or the extra material will squeeze your feet so tightly that you'll limit your circulation and end up with colder feet than if you'd just worn a single sock.
Don't Be a Mad Hatter
You lose most of your body heat through your head, but wearing three or four hats at once isn't practical. A helmet liner under your helmet, or a single warm, insulating hat with a liner or balaclava beneath it, is usually sufficient.
Cover Your Eyes
Good ski goggles or sunglasses protect you from flying snow and help cut the sun's glare on ice, snow and water. Make sure the goggles or shades fit well over or beneath your helmet and hat. Vented goggles and shades will help reduce lens fog, keeping your field of vision clear.
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