What Kind of Clothing Is Needed to Go Skiing?

Skiing is one of the most popular recreational and professional winter sports in the world. When it comes time to go skiing, you need to have the proper equipment. Skis, boots, poles, and some wax are the basics. But then you have to think about protecting your body from the harsh weather that might ensue. This is as important for a fun day on the slopes as the gear that will get you down the hill safely.

  1. Head

    • Your head is one of the most important areas of the body to protect when you go skiing. A lot of heat can escape from the head if not covered, so warm knit hats are worn to keep the heat in and the cold out. Another option is a helmet. These are generally used in extreme-type skiing, such as back mountain. When you use a helmet, you get the added benefit of protection from falls or getting hit by branches. Goggles are also worn to protect the eyes.

    Neck

    • The neck also needs to be protected from the cold as this is a sensitive area and snow often has a tendency to fly up in the air and hit it. Apple warmers are used to keep the neck warm and protected. These resemble wide headbands that go around your neck.

      Another common piece of clothing to protect the neck and head at the same time is a balaclava. This resembles a face mask that comes all the way down to the bottom of the neck (see References for a balaclava).

    Thermals

    • When you go skiing, it is a good idea to wear thermal underwear. This is especially the case when there are high winds and the wind chill factor is in the single digits or less. When you dress in layers, thermals are good to use as the foundation for layering.

    Jacket

    • A ski jacket is also a very important piece in the clothing puzzle. It should be comfortable, lightweight, warm and fully cover your arms when you are making turns and bending your elbows. Another trait to look for in ski jackets is Gore-Tex. This is a light, breathable material that is often used in outdoor clothing for its superior ability to repel the cold and keep heat in.

    Pants

    • Ski pants have the same qualities as a jacket. They, too, should be comfortable, lightweight, warm, waterproof and should easily fit over your ski boots. There is also a type of pants that can be worn called bibs. These have suspenders that go over your shoulders and regular pant legs attached to them. The suspenders are adjustable and the bibs have pockets to store keys and other personal items.

    Gloves

    • Hands have to be protected from wind, snow and branches in the event you take your game into the woods. Gloves should be waterproof, comfortable and also come up high on your wrist to form a good seal with the sleeve of your jacket. Mittens are another option. They have a tendency to keep your fingers warmer because they are all touching each other, which promotes more body heat.

    Identification

    • Skiing during the spring is a different situation altogether. There are times when the temperature is in the low 60s and you can still be skiing. In this case, shorts are usually worn with a T-shirt, ball cap and sunglasses. It is not even out of the question to ski with bikinis and board shorts during this time of year.