On average, there are more than seven million people who ski or snowboard every year. These winter sports provide a fun outlet for people to enjoy the outdoors and the thrill of descending a snowy mountain.
For many, the thought of skiing sounds fun, but it's quickly followed by the worry of being too cold out in the elements. That problem is quickly solved by having the right ski gear. The right combination of skiing clothes will keep you cozy and warm as you spend the day racing down the mountain and enjoying the beautiful snow.
Not sure what that right combination is? Follow this guide for planning your ski clothing so you can enjoy it all winter long!
Skiing Gear
Working in several layers is the key to successfully dressing for a ski trip. This method allows you to cover the vulnerable areas of your body multiple times for ultra protection against the cold air and extra moisture. Pairing several pieces together makes sure nothing is left exposed and allows you to shed or add layers as needed
After so many years of dressing in skiing apparel and all kinds of ski clothing brands, we've developed a fool-proof system for ultimate warmth. So when you take this layering approach, you're sure to stay warm!
Base Layer
Whether you're looking at men's ski apparel or women's ski apparel, the most critical layer is thebase layer. Warmth starts at your core. Unfortunately, it's also often the most overlooked as well. As the first piece to touch your skin, the base layer should be made of soft and comfortable materials. Ideally look for a natural blend of merino to ensure proper thermoregulation, odor suppression and moisture wicking to keep you warm and dry.
Mid Layer
On top of your base layer, the next addition is amid layer jacket to add a little bit more insulationt.Mid layers are an all encompassing term that covers fleece tops, sweaters, technical insulated jackets, puffers and down jackets or vests. This layer can be made of a combination of the preceding, depending on the level of chill.
Ski Jacket
When you think of ski clothing for women or men, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the outer jacket. Aski jacket keeps the snow off your body and traps all the heat inside. This is a crucial layer that should be a top priority! Look for one that has an appropriate water and wind rating. It may feature GORE-TEX but this will influence the price, so it will also depend on your budget. Ski jackets tend to be brightly coloured so you stand out from the crowd — however, the crowd invariably is also brightly coloured, so this works better in theory!
Gloves or Mittens
You can't forget your hands when getting ready to spend time outside! It's helpful to try out both gloves and mittens to see which you prefer while skiing. Gloves offer superior dexterity, while mittens have the warmth advantage since the fingers are still touching. You can further warm your hands by layering with a pair ofglove liners.
Ski Pants
Just like your ski jacket, ski pants are a crucial element in keeping the cold and moisture out and the heat close to your body. They can either be insulated or shell pants and made of a fabric such as GORE-TEX or some other water repellent material. .
Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
It’s important to cover all areas of skin that might be vulnerable to cold winds and snowfall. There’s nothing worse than an icy wind while riding a chairlift!. You may choose between aneck gaiter or balaclava to protect your neck and face. Neck gaiters or neck tubes are smaller and provide less coverage than a balaclava, but can be worn multiple ways and are versatile layering pieces.
A balaclava is a must have for every skier and boarder. It ensures proper coverage over your face and can be adjusted to sit just under your ski goggles and ensure your nose and cheeks stay warm. Both headwear options come in different thicknesses and a range of color options to help mix and match with your ski outerwear.
Helmet
No skiing outfit is complete without a well-fitted helmet. There's no reason to leave yourself unprotected while riding down the mountain. Some skiers and boarders also like to wear a light beanie underneath the helmet for additional warmth and comfort.
Goggles
Another vital piece of equipment is your goggles. These make sure that you can see clearly while you're riding, so you avoid obstacles and unnecessary crashes. They keep moisture and debris from your eyes And combat the bright and often blinding white snow reflection.
Ski Socks
There's nothing worse than cold feet, which is why not just any socks will do while spending the day in the snow. Properski socks are designed for those cold temperatures with material that will keep you dry and warm. Snow socks are made with ski and snowboard cushioning in mind as well as targeted stitching and elastics to keep your feet comfortable all day long.
Clothing Tips
Understanding the right layering combination can significantly affect how well you can manage the colder weather while skiing.
Dress for the Climate
When you're getting ready for a ski day, you tend to only worry about how much it snowed overnight. But it's essential to consider the weather as a whole; wind, temperature, fog, ice, etc. And don't forget that the weather at the top of the mountain is often significantly different to that at the bottom.
Master Some Layering Basics
Everyone knows how vital a ski jacket is in protecting you from harsh winter weather. However, not everyone pays as much attention to the base layer, which can be even more important.
High-quality base layer pieces will give you a solid foundation for the best protection.
Merino Wool + Rayon Bamboo = Winning Combo!
The easiest way to ensure that your ski gear will keep you as warm as possible is to wear layers made with the best materials.
Merino wool is one of those materials. It has all the benefits of regular wool without the itch factor that often comes with it. Combine merino wool with bamboo rayon, and you have the ultimate fabric for cold-weather gear — warm and luxuriously soft like cashmere.
Remember to Put on Sunscreen
Most people don't associate sunburns with the winter months, which is a major mistake. The snow can reflect the sunlight and cause you to get a more severe burn than you'd get in the summer.
It's important to remember to wear your sunscreen every time you're going to be outside, especially while skiing. Lightweight balaclavas and base layers are also a great way to protect yourself from the harsh UV rays of the high alpine. This is especially great to remember in spring.
Get Your Ski Gear atLÉ BENT
There's nothing better than a beautiful day on the mountain with your friends and family. This is especially true when you have the right ski gear to stay warm and enjoy the fun.
Simply gathering a random assortment of ski apparel won't be enough to take care of you while in the snow. When you invest in high-quality pieces that work together, you'll be able to enjoy as many snow days as you'd like for years and years. In addition, you won't have to worry about your ski clothes wearing out and the cold getting in!
Our selection of cold-weather clothes is just those pieces you can count on.Check out our shop to find just what you need!
