First Ski Trip: What to Wear for Different Occasions

What to wear for skiing

In a typical ski outfit there are several layers that you need, depending on the weather conditions: underwear, base layers, mid layers, outer layers, a ski jacket and a pair of ski pants, a helmet and some accessories and of course your ski boots and snow shoes. (I’m not covering ski equipment like skis, poles and bindings here). 

Here’re the absolute essentials that I think you would need:

Thermal base layers and underwear

It’s very important to keep yourself warm starting from your base layers. Invest in good quality thermal underwear and sports bra as well as a thin long sleeved top and leggings as base layer. I’ve found that the best material is definitely merino wool because it keeps you warm and also keeps you dry when you sweat.

Mid layer

A mid layer is something you put on top of the base layer to give you extra warmth. They can be a little thicker than the base layer but not as thick as the outer layer. Think of fleece sweater, turtleneck wool top and maybe light hoodies. I usually go for a turtleneck with zip so that I have the flexibility to zip up when it’s cold and unzip when the sun is burning during noon time on the slope.

Ski jacket and outer layer

Your jacket is definitely one of the most important elements of your ski outfit. Invest in a ski jacket (or a shell jacket) that is waterproof, windproof and easy to put on like those made of Gore-tex. It’s also helpful to have different internal and side pockets so that you can easily grab your essentials like tissues, SPF lip balm and ski pass whenever you need them. Some ski jackets also include small pockets to put your earphones’ cable so you can enjoy great music while skiing. Make sure there’s a detachable hoodie that comes with the jacket as you want to cover your helmet during very snowy conditions.

In between the ski jacket and mid layer, you can wear an extra outer layer like a light down jacket or a down vest coat. During cold weather conditions, they’re the game changers that keep you warm!

Ski Pants and the layer underneath

Same as ski jackets, get a pair of ski pants that are windproof and waterproof and very importantly, a pair that hug your hip and legs well. From my experience it’s better to get high-waist style ski pants than mid-waist or low-waist so that you don’t have to worry about wearing a belt to keep the pants tight. Also, high-waist ski pants make you feel warmer than other fits, and for petite ladies like me they also make you look a little taller. Usually a pair of high-waist Gore-tex ski pants would be something you can wear for years.

Underneath the ski pants, wear a pair of thermal leggings (or two pair when it’s very cold). Make sure the leggings fit you perfectly.

Helmets & Goggles

Make sure you wear a helmet as it gives you essential protection when you fall or when someone accidentally hits you on the slope (think when the slopes get busy during peak holiday season). Make sure you buy your helmet with your goggles because you usually wrap your goggles around the helmet before you put them both on.

Goggles are a crucial gear to keep your head warm too because together with the helmet, they cover most parts of your head. So, try on different googles to make sure you find a pair that can cover your eyes and the top part of the bridge of your nose. I’ve discovered that some brands offer Asian fit goggles so if you have a low nose bridge like mine, it’s worthwhile to get those special fit goggles to ensure a snug fit.

Ski accessories that keep you warm

Don’t overlook the importance of accessories for your ski trips, they can be the ones that keep you from shivering under the snow.

Gloves and ski mittens

You can’t go on a ski trips without good ski gloves. I like those leather ski mittens with fleece lining that create good insulation. They look stylish while keeping you warm. I would also recommend to have another pair of thinner ski gloves underneath your ski mittens so that when you want to take off your mittens to get hold of something small (e.g. your phone, lip balm and tissue) your hands aren’t exposed in the snow.

Ski masks & balaclavas

They’re vital if you’re planning to ski in snowy weather conditions such as Japan. They will keep your face from being exposed under the snow and wind.

Neck warmer/gaiters

A great extra accessory to keep you warm under cold weather.

Deep heat patches

They saved me from shivering when I was skiing under -26 °C. They come in as thin patches so you can put them under your ski socks or keep them in your pocket so you can grab them in your fists to warm up your body in between your ski runs. 

Sunglasses

You would also need sunglasses for times like walking from the parking lot to the ski base and having lunch at a restaurant up on the mountains.

Ski boots and snow boots

For first time skier, it makes more sense to rent ski boots (as well as your skis and poles, or snowboard) because you want to make sure that you feel completely at ease while wearing those giant heavy boots (usually that’s when you’ve developed a passion in skiing). It’s important to wear your ski socks when you try on the ski boots so that you can feel the fit of your boots as if you’re skiing on the slopes. Upon trying on the ski boots with your ski socks, you should feel snug but still be able to press your toes, especially your big toes, on the sole of the boots. The pressing of your toes is what helps you control your direction and speed when you ski.

Apart from ski boots, you should also have a pair of snow boots for before and after skiing. Good quality snow boots are usually made of shearling lining and a rubber sole to keep you safe on slippery surface or when the snows get icy. Do get mid calf or high calf snow boots to give you some extra protection from the cold weather.

What to wear for après-ski

For some people, après-ski is more important than skiing itself because it’s the time for having some drinks after a ski day. There’s a big après-ski culture around Europe (with Austria being the most renowned for that). Normally, skiers go straight to the bar after finishing skiing so they’re still in their ski suit. You would see people dancing at the bar in their ski boots and singing those old school Schlager songs.

You can go back to your apartment (or we call it “chalet” in Switzerland) to get changed into more comfortable clothes like sweater and jeans before hitting the bar. However as my husband would say, the whole point about après-ski is to have a good time with your friends and family right after skiing. So if you go home in between the essence of the culture is not the same anymore!

What to wear in the ski village, when you’re not skiing

Apart from skiing, you will also spend time exploring the ski village, going for an onsen (for Japanese ski resorts) or thermal bath (in Europe), having a nice dinner with your family at the restaurant etc. Here’re some essentials you need to create your outfits out of the ski slopes:

Down jacket

Invest in a good feather or down jacket to keep you warm. Those with a detachable hoodie and stand up collar are the most practical. Make sure the length of the jacket is long enough to cover your hip so you wouldn’t be surprised by those crazy winds that blow you from behind.

Cashmere/wool clothing

Cashmere and wool are the perfect fabrics to keep you warm while looking put together. I would usually wear a cashmere jumper on top of my thermal base layer before I put on my down jacket.

Fleece or corduroy pants

Fleece and corduroy pants are perfect for ski holidays when you’re not skiing. If you want you can wear jeans that’s fine too but make sure you wear a thermal base layer underneath in case it gets too cold. I wouldn’t wear skirts during ski trips. Save them for the next beach holiday.

Cozy lounge wear

This is essential for staying in for those snowy days that are too cold or windy to go skiing. Pick up some long sleeved jumpers, hoodies and wool pants and cozy house socks to stay warm. I also tend to bring my shearling slippers to wear inside the chalet as well as they’re just super cozy and cute!

Swimwear

If you plan to go to a spa, thermal bath or sauna, don’t forget to bring your swimwear and towels.

Do’s and Don’ts

Last but not least, there are some do’s and don’ts that will hopefully help you plan for your ski trip better.

Choose the right material

When it comes to skiing gear, material is everything. Invest in good quality ski wear that have the functionality of keeping you warm. Make sure your ski jacket and ski pants are made of good materials like Gore-tex that is windproof, water resistant and breathable. Your base and mid layers should be made of materials like merino wool, polyamide or fleece for warmth. For non-ski winter wear, make sure they’re made of quality fabrics like wool, cashmere, feather or shearling.

Be practical

I know you want to stay stylish, but warmth and practicality are definitely the top priority.

For base layers, I always make sure to get those tops with elongated sleeves with a thumb hole for warmth.This will make sure your wrists are well covered before you put on your gloves. For mid layer, I tend to go for turtle neck style with zip because it saves me from carrying a scarf and I can unzip whenever the day gets a little hotter. Small details like these will ensure you can ski with ease without the need to carry extra accessories to stay warm.

Other essentials you need for skiing

Be sure to have your sunscreen, SPF lip balm and tissues ready in your ski jacket as you would need them often during your ski day. Take your camera (put it in a backpack) as well to capture the beautiful snowy mountains. And don’t forget your portable phone charger if you plan to stay out on the mountain for the whole day.

Stay safe

I’ve observed that some skiers don’t wear a helmet, and it could get dangerous when the slopes get busy. You might fall or get hit by others during steeper runs. Make sure you buy a helmet and wear it!

Also, avoid wearing all white on the slopes because it’s harder for people to spot you during their ski runs. Wearing any other color than white would ensure visibility and also safety for you and for others.