What to wear skiing and boarding.
Ski clothing - 3 layer system is the key to keeping you warm. Dressing in layers is essential on days you plan to ski. It will be much colder on the mountain than at resort level and you can always remove a layer if it becomes warmer in the afternoon.
- Base layer – this is the first layer of ski clothing worn next to the skin and needs to be breathable to wick body moisture away from your skin rather than absorb it which is likely to leave you cold and clammy. It’s best to avoid cotton fabrics and go for a modern man-made material such as polypropylene which has the advantage of being easily washed and quickly dried. Baselayers can be ‘cool’ with increased venting for higher temperatures or ‘warm’ which will keep you warm as well as dry in colder temperatures.
- Thermal layer - The ideal second layer of ski clothing is a fleece. Choose either a microfleece - a short pile, stretchy fabric which balances warmth and low bulk or a warmer mid-loft fleece to keep you warm and dry. Both types have good wicking properties and are easily washed and dry quickly.
- Performance outer layer – ski and snowbarding jackets. These windproof, waterproof, technical outer shells are designed to be protective and withstand the elements. Shells can be hard or soft, they may be padded, have a detachable fleece or come with just with a lining.
Remember that you don’t have to spend a fortune on equipment or ski attire. What you wear will depend on your level of expertise. Beginners can buy inexpensive ski clothing and ski assessories and update with more expensive ski equipment later. It is important, though, to wear ski attire that has been designed especially for skiing or boarding.
Snowboarding attire usually has a looser cut than ski clothing, often quite baggy. The colours tend to be more subdued - plainer and darker reflecting its skateboarding roots in the urban environment. Specialised boarding gloves have reinforcements to prevent injury to vulnerable areas such as wrists.
Ski attire is often more colourful, especially on the continent. The cut is usually narrower, particularly with ski pants. Technical ski socks will have padding in different areas to technical boarding socks as pressure will be on different areas of the foot and leg.
Ski and boarding gloves should be breathable to stop sweaty hands, higher the loft content the warmer they will be. Some gloves are pre-curved to make it easier to grip the ski poles. This is perhaps an added advantage if the gloves are bulky.
Ski goggles
Your ski goggles, to some extent, will also act as sunglasses. If you can only take one then take the ski goggles. It can be dangerous to get caught out in poor skiing conditions without your ski goggles, and wearing ski goggles with the right colour lenses can lighten the contours of the slopes in flat light conditions in a way that sunglasses can’t. Orange tints are a good choice for seeing clearly in a range of weather conditions. Sunglasses are great in bright sunlight but conditions can change quickly on the mountain and ski goggles are more versatile in changing conditions and an absolute must in falling snow.
If you wear prescription specs, you will need over the glasses (OTG) goggles, or you can buy special goggles which allow prescription lenses to be inserted. Everyone should have double lenses - important as they will prevent fogging and skiing with restricted vision is a frightening experience!
Sunglasses
We always use wrap-around sunglasses for an unrestricted view. Category 4 will protect against bright sunlight but it’s better not to drive in these. On the slopes it’s better to carry them in a solid case for their protection.
Ski and boarding boots
Well-fitted boots is an absolute must and should be bought in a specialist store with trained boot fitters. It’s necessary that your boots fit well because uncomfortable boots can not only ruin a day on the mountain, but an entire holiday. Ill-fitting boots will also affect the quality of your skiing as you’ll have less control and this can be hazardous.