Outdoor Layering: What is it?

Wet=Cold. Winter Layering is vital for having a fun experience in the snow. Making sure our sweat doesn’t make us cold is our number 1 priority. Check out our guide on how to properly layer your winter clothing for ski and snowboarding.

Baselayers

Baselayers are the first piece of clothing in the layering system. This is the clothing that will touch your skin. As we snowboard, ski, and move in the snow our body will sweat and naturally produce moisture. The role of the baselayer is to absorb the mositure and move it away from the skin. For this reason our baselayer must be a breathable material that dries quickly.

✅ Wear wool or polyester material.  Make sure to have both top layer (shirt) and bottom layer (tights/leggings). These materials are highly breathable and moisture-wicking and so they will push your sweat away from your body.

❌ Do not wear cotton as it absorbs sweat and will make you colder.

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Top: Patagonia Capilene  (100% Polyester)

Bottom: Finetrack Merino-Spin Tights(65% Polyester 35% Wool)

Socks: Darn Tough Ski Socks (Merino Wool)

Warm Toes: Socks

Our best advice is to wear one pair of good winter socks. It should be thick and warm and go all the way to the calf or knee. If you wear too many socks it will be uncomfortable inside of your boots and you may get blisters.

✅ Wear wool, polyester, or other warm thick sock.

❌ Do not wear ankle socks, cotton socks, or too many socks.

⇑⇑ Darn Tough Merino Wool Ski Socks

⇑⇑ Cotton Ankle Socks (Do Not Wear: will be too cold)

⇑⇑  3-4 Pair of Socks (Do Not Wear: will be too warm and uncomfortable)

Mid-layers

Mid-Layers are the next layer of clothing. Their purpose is to keep you warm and trap your heat. This can be a combination of 2-3 layers depending on the weather. If you bring a few layers, you can always remove layers when you get hot and add layers when cold.

✅ Wear fleece, wool, light down, or other sythetic longsleeves or jackets. These are also breathable and will keep you warm.

❌ Do not wear cotton sweatshirts or long sleeves as they will trap the moisture from your body and become cold.

⇑⇑ Top: Patagonia R1 Air Hoody (Polyester)

⇑⇑ Top: Patagonia Nano Puff Synthetic Down Jacket

Protection for Wind and Snow: Outer Layer

The outer layer is the final layer that works to protect you from the harsh environnment such as rain, snow, and wind. It should be waterproof with some wind-resistance. Even if it is not raining or snowing, this layer can also help you stay warm and trap your body heat. It should be loose fiting to fit over your layers and your snowboard boots.

✅ Wear nylon fabrics that are waterproof and breathable. You must wear both Jacket and Pants. Gore-tex, H2No, Pertex Shield, eVent, OutDry, and more are popular for breathable and waterproof jackets.

❌ Do not wear plastic rain poncho. Plastic rain ponchos are waterproof but are not breathable and can easily tear. They will also not keep you warm in windy condtions.

❌ Do not wear jeans. Jeans are cotton material so please do not wear them even under waterproof pants.

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Jacket: Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket (H2No)

Bottom: Patagonia Snow-Drifter Bib Pants (H2No)

⇑⇑ Snow Gaiter and Pants OVER the boots

⇑⇑ Snow Gaiter and Pants OVER the ski boots

Snow Gloves

Gloves should also follow the layering system with 2 different layers. The first layer should be a light glove to wear on the inside. The second layer should be a waterproof and insulation gloved to protect against the wet and cold. For skiers we would recommend using finger gloves to hold the ski poles.

✅ Wear fleece, wool, or synthetic liner gloves combined with a warm and waterproof outerglove.

❌ Do not wear cotton gloves or gloves that are not waterproof.

⇑⇑ Liner Gloves

⇑⇑ Waterproof/insulated finger gloves

⇑⇑ Leather Waterproof/insulated gloves

Helmet and Goggles

Essential for ski/snowboarding. Without them your eyes will get cold and it will be difficult to see. Under your goggles it would be best to wear a light winter hat and a neck gaiter for extra protection. If it is too hot these can be easily removed.

Helmets are a necessity for beginner and advnaced riders. We have free helmet rentals availabe for all rentals and lessons.

✅ Wear fleece, wool, or synthetic winter hat that covers your ears and head.

❌ Do not wear baseball caps or visors that will be too cold.

⇑⇑ Lightweight winter beanie + neck gaiter

⇑⇑ Winter Goggles (Under or Over the Helmet is OK)

⇑⇑ Ski/Snowboard Helmet

Extra Tips and Tricks:

Lift Ticket Holder: The lift ticket holder is necessary to have to show your ticket to the ski resort staff when riding the lift. You can borrow during rental or purchase at the ski resort.

Handwarmers can be a great companion on the cold days. Even if you don’t use them it is good to bring them for the later parts of the tour where you start to get cold. They are light and small and can easily be carried in your pocket.

Sunscreen: Even though it is winter, the sun is still strong when it reflects off of the snow. Wear sunscreen on your face and lips to keep from getting a sunburn.

Wallet: It is important to have extra money for purchasing lift ticket, lunch, or a warm drink. Make sure you put your wallet and other vailuables in a zipperd pocket so you don’t lose them!

⇑⇑ Lift Pass Holder on the arm