A comfortable base layer
Choose a quick-drying wool or synthetic base layer that fits comfortably. It should move sweat away from your skin. Pack enough changes to avoid starting the day in damp clothing.
Adjustable insulation
A fleece or light insulated midlayer lets you change warmth without replacing your outerwear. The amount you need depends on your activity, cold sensitivity, wind and the forecast. Carry an extra warm layer when conditions or long stops call for it.
Choose your weather protection
A shell lets you change the amount of insulation underneath. An insulated ski jacket combines weather protection and warmth. Try the whole outfit on together and check movement, hood fit, cuffs and vents.
Adjust during the day
- For cold lifts and stops, add warmth before you become chilled.
- During sustained effort, open vents or remove insulation before overheating.
- For wet weather, check waterproof construction and keep spare gloves or liners dry.
- On spring trips, retain a warm layer for early starts, exposed terrain and weather changes.
Check the whole outfit
Try your jacket, midlayer and base layer together. Reach forward, bend and turn your head with the hood up. The outfit should leave room to move without opening gaps at the wrists or waist.
For your legs, start by checking whether your pants or bibs are insulated. Thick thermals beneath insulated pants may be more warmth than you want on a mild day. With a shell, all the warmth comes from the layers underneath.
Pack dry gloves or liners and think about warmth during lift rides, not just while skiing. Use a mountain forecast for the elevations you will visit; the village temperature alone can be misleading.
Quick answers
How many layers do you need for skiing? You may wear three separate garments or combine warmth and weather protection in an insulated jacket. Choose what suits your activity and the forecast.
What should you wear under a ski jacket? Start with a comfortable, quick-drying base layer. Add a fleece or insulated midlayer as needed, allowing for any insulation already built into the jacket.
Is a shell or an insulated ski jacket better? A shell makes it easier to change your warmth during a trip. An insulated jacket gives you built-in warmth. Choose by fit, activity and how readily you feel the cold.
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