When getting ready for winter sports, figuring out what to wear in the snow can be quite a process. Being prepared for the elements can make or break your experience, and without the right clothes, it can affect your desire to ski all together.
The key is finding skiing apparel that will be warm, but not sweaty or stinky, and give you a full range of movement.
There’s no doubt that getting into skiing takes some investment. Skiing clothes are pricey, but once you buy the right stuff, it will last you for years.
OUTER LAYERS: jacket and pants.
Wanna stay dry while skiing? New Zealand has fairly damp conditions, keep this in mind when choosing your pants and jacket. The most important thing is getting outer layers that are waterproof. Look for Gortex, membrain etc. Most brands produce a fabric that is comparable to Gortex that will stay dry when it’s snowing or if you take a spill.
Another major factor to consider with outerwear is breathability. While the technology is getting better every year, generally the more waterproof a jacket is, the less breathable it can sometimes be, so read the tags or ask the staff, the information is always on the product. Some outerwear will have pit zips and/ or leg vents which are a quick way to ventilate if you are getting toasty.
Insulated vs Shell. Next, you have to decide if you want to wear something insulated or a simple shell. A shell alone will not keep you warm and will require additional layers underneath. At the same time, shells or jackets with low insulation are going to be more versatile since you can adjust your temperature by throwing on or shedding a base layer. If you plan on skiing in relatively warm winter climates (spring skiing) or you are using your jacket for backcountry skiing, a shell or jacket with light insulation is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are mostly skiing in colder climates, a jacket with heavier insulation will be more appropriate.
BASE LAYERS:
These are intended to provide added insulation and quality base layers will regulate your body temp by wicking away sweat while you’re active in the snow. They come in different weights from lightweight to heavyweight depending on conditions .
Base layers come in a variety of materials, and the key is to avoid cotton since it tends to hold onto moisture and be slow to dry. Wool is a very popular material for base layers. In addition to being soft, it’s excellent at managing moisture, stays relatively odor-free, and it has a long lifetime. Base layers can also be made out of synthetic materials, like polypropylene or polyester. These tend to be both lighter and cheaper than wool. At the end of the day, everyone has their own personal preference. If you have a wicking workout shirt that you like, that can also work as your bottom layer as long as you have warmer layers to put on top.
On days that it’s colder you can add a midlayer top or jacket. These can often be used as a stand alone garment or as an added layer to keep toasty warm, providing an added layer against chilly winds.
GET A HELMET. All the cool kids are wearing them. In all seriousness though, nothing is going to ruin a good day on the hill (or your life) more than a head injury. Most brands produce a helmet with MIPS technology which reduces rotational motion to the brain during impact, protecting it from injury. It’s so lightweight you won’t even know you are wearing it. Helmets come in a range of fits, it is really important to try helmets on and have the correct fit for your head shape. Bad fitting helmets are also uncomfortable! Ensure you have a snug and proper fit so you'll enjoy wearing it.
GOGGLES have come a long way. These too need to be fitted correctly. If they are not compatible with your face shape you will have all sorts of issues with fogging etc. These days there are an array of lenses options to suit your snow conditions and your wallet. When purchasing goggles take your helmet with you so you can try them on together. They need to fit together snugly, otherwise you could end up with a gap between your goggles and your helmet, resulting in brain freeze or sun / wind burn.
GLOVES can make or break your day as well, there is nothing more debilitating than cold / wet hands. If you are cold sensitive mitts may be the way for you. Hand warmer pouches are an inexpensive insurance to carry with you for warming up cold hands.
Despite popular belief, thinner SOCKS are better than thick socks when it comes to snow sports. Without unnecessary bulk, ski socks are padded in all of the right places, like in front of the shin and the heel, and the lightweight, wickable materials should keep you warm and dry. The construction of a ski sock also means they stayed glued in place throughout the day.
A NECKGAITER or BALACLAVA is always a good idea in order to keep the wind, cold air, and sun from hitting your neck and face directly. It is important to ensure these wick moisture as well.
It may seem expensive to first set yourself up, however if you buy right you are only buying once. Your gear can last you a very long time.