How to Keep Feet Warm While Skiing

Many skiers who are new to the sport worry about being cold while on the hill. Feet, in particular, are vulnerable to getting chilled. While novices may be tempted to layer socks or wear thick socks, there are other ways to keep your feet toasty while tearing up the slopes. With a little planning, you can even avoid the temptation to retreat to the lodge after each run, thus getting more runs in and more experience, advancing your skill level in the process.

Things You'll Need

  • Ski boots
  • Ski socks
  • Custom footbeds
  • Heat packs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear good ski socks when trying out boots and then skiing. Good ski socks are thinner and reach calf height, enabling a more direct contact to the boot and binding.

    • 2

      Get your boots properly fitted by a boot fitter. Poorly fitted boots will lead you to over-buckle the boots, cutting off circulation. Well fitted boots, with heat-molded inner boots, will feel like an extension of your foot.

    • 3

      Put custom insoles in your inner boots. Custom footbeds are made of a thicker material, so they will keep you warmer. They also keep your knee and foot in anatomic alignment, leading to better skiing.

    • 4

      Carry some chemical heat packs with you. Chemical heat packs are activated by contact with air. On really cold days, you can put a pair over your toes to increase the warmth.

    • 5

      Install boot heaters, if all else fails. Modern electronics allow boot fitters to install electronic boot warmers in your ski boots. These warmers run on batteries and have multiple temperature settings, so you can stay warm and dry.