If you're hitting the slopes for a day full of skiing, make sure you think carefully about your clothing choices. If you don't wear enough layers, or you choose outer layers that aren't fully waterproof, you may end up shivering and miserable after a few hours. Whenever you're getting dressed, do this one simple trick: add one more layer than you think is necessary. Remember, you can always take off clothes if you get hot.
Under Layers
Your base and intermediate layers will help keep you dry and warm while skiing. Purchase thermal underwear or moisture wicking base layers. According to FamilyDoctor.org, you should purchase clothing made of wool or other non-natural fibers. When you sweat, these materials will pull the moisture away from your body and dry quickly, helping keep you warm.
On top of your base layer, pile other light-weight, warm layers. You might want to choose fleece or another synthetic fabric for these layers. The website Ski Bum suggests looking for fleeces that offer zipped "vents" under the arms to help you cool off when you get active. Depending on the projected temperature at the top of the mountain, you'll probably want two or three intermediate layers.
Outer Layers
Outer layers consist of your ski jacket and ski pants. Specially made ski clothing is both warm and waterproof, and also offers elastic around the wrists and ankles and special velcro and snap closures to help keep snow from creeping into your clothing. The best ski jackets offer lots of pockets so that you can store extra accessories or layers when they're not in use.
Accessories
Gloves, thermal socks, neck gaiters, hats, helmets and goggles will round out your ski outfit. When it's cold outside, the more of your body that you can completely cover with layers, the better you'll feel. Consider adding base-layer gloves underneath your waterproof ski gloves to help keep your fingers warm. Goggles protect your eyes from glare and driving snow when the elements get tough. Helmets help protect you from injury if you fall, or if you collide with another skier.
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