The simple trick to outfitting a ski trip is the subtle art of layering your ski apparel! While you shop, try to map out all your options and preferences so that each layer complements the other.

We’ve got shelves stocked with soft, warm, and waterproof fabrics to regulate body temperature and keep cold weather out. Shop online, or see our store associates for our top ski apparel recommendations!

1st Layer of Ski Apparel - LONG UNDERWEAR

Patagonia's capilene line of ski apparel is an outdoor pro's version of long underwear. The difference is, capilene is a technical fabric that wicks sweat, fights odor, feels great against your skin, and won’t bunch up and lose shape -- benefits that long underwear made from 100% cotton simply can't provide. 

Icebreaker's high-quality long underwear is also a great choice for your first base layer!

Technical long underwear comes in different thicknesses, and tops and bottoms are sold separately. Choose a combo that complements the rest of your ski apparel outfit and activity level. The trick is to balance out the warmth on your torso and legs, based on the thicknesses of your jackets and pants.

2nd Layer of Ski Apparel - MIDLAYERS

Midlayers go on top of your capilene, but below your hardshell pants and jackets. These layers work great for extra insulation in your ensemble of ski apparel. They also serve as your outer layer if you ever need to remove or unzip your bulky coat once you’re back inside sipping cocoa. Down jackets and vests all make great midlayers!

Our favorite midlayer tops?

Arc'Teryx  -  Atom LT
Arc'Teryx  -  Thorium
Patagonia  -  Down Sweater 
Patagonia  -  Nano Puff 
The North Face  -  Thermoball
The North Face  -   Shelbe Raschel

3rd Layer of Ski Apparel - HARD SHELL PANTS & JACKETS

These are your waterproof fabrics, usually constructed with GORE-TEX technology. There are different grades of protection, so choose the one that best suits the rest of your outfit (and your price point). Hardshell pants and jackets can also come with insulated layers attached underneath, so you can possibly forgo a midlayer in your ski apparel if you purchase a jacket or pant that already has that midlayer included. “Triclimate," or3-in-1 jackets, offer such a combo, and are great for creating separate pieces when you don’t need all three at once.

Women's Ski Pants  /  Ski Jackets
Men's Ski Pants   /   Ski Jackets

Ski Apparel Accessories - SKI SOCKS & GLOVES

Ski Socks are designed with freezing temps in mind and are an essential element of your ski apparel. They go over your calf, up to your knee, and are super thick. Wool blends are preferred, since they are naturally breathable and fight odor -- something you’ll appreciate once you take off your ski boots!

Darn Tough Ski Socks 


Ski Gloves are thick pieces of work, but they need to be! Like jackets and other ski apparel, they can be insulated, or you can mix and match a waterproof shell glove with a softer liner glove. Using two layers of gloves helps when you need dexterity, but don’t want to expose bare hands to the cold wind and snow.

Outdoor Research gloves
The North Face gloves

Ski Apparel Accessories - GOGGLES, HATS & HELMETS

Quality goggles dont just help you enjoy the view - they're an essential of ski apparel. SMITH is our trusted brand for affordable, well-fitting goggles that won’t fog or slip while you’re shredding down the mountain. Ski Hats should be warm and long enough to cover your ears. Form-fitting hats are great to choose, since they fit nicely under helmets. Some midlayer down jackets are constructed with hoods that fit well under helmets. Since you’re dealing with snow, try to find a hat or hood that won’t absorb too much falling moisture (or moisture from you falling).

Smith Goggles & Helmets
Women's Beanies
Men's Beanies

Photo by Pamela Saunders on Unsplash
Written by Lindsay McDuffie for MountainHighOutfitters.com