What to Wear Skiing: A Layer-by-Layer Guide (and What You Can Rent)

The most common reason people get cold skiing isn't wearing too little but wearing the wrong things. A cotton T-shirt soaks up sweat and then sits on your back like a cold compress while you wait for the lift. This guide explains how ski layers work, what to look for in each one and what to do if you don't own any ski clothes.

How layering works

Skiers wear three layers, each with its own job:

• Base layer (thermals): Moves sweat away from your skin and keeps you dry.
• Mid layer (fleece or light jacket): Holds in warmth.
• Outer layer (ski jacket and trousers): Keeps out wind, snow and wet.

The beauty of layers is that you can adjust them: take off the mid layer when it warms up, zip the jacket right up when the wind picks up. One thick jumper can't do that.

Base layer: what to look for

• Fabric: Synthetic (polyester or polypropylene) or merino wool. Synthetics dry quickly and cost less; merino stays warm when damp and doesn't smell, but costs more. Avoid cotton.
• Fit: Close but not tight. A baggy base layer can't move sweat away from your skin.
• Weight: Midweight for cold January mornings, lightweight for March sunshine.

Should you wear a vest under thermals? No. The base layer needs to touch your skin to work, and a cotton vest holds sweat and chills you. Underwear is worn as normal, ideally synthetic or wool.

Mid layer

A thin fleece or a light, packable jacket makes a good mid layer. On very cold days you can wear both; on mild days, leave the mid layer off altogether. Chunky wool jumpers are heavy and slow to dry.

Outer layer: ski jacket and trousers

• Waterproofing: Usually given in millimetres (for example 10,000 mm). The higher the number, the more water the fabric can resist. For a beginner who sits in the snow a lot, a mid-range rating is usually enough.
• Breathability: Lets your sweat escape as vapour. A waterproof but non-breathable raincoat gets wet inside.
• Powder skirt and gaiters: The elastic skirt inside the jacket and the gaiters inside the trouser legs keep snow out when you fall.
• No jeans or tracksuits: They soak up melting snow and stay wet all day.

Socks: how many pairs?

One pair of ski socks is enough. They should come up to just below the knee so the boot doesn't rub your shin. Two pairs or very thick socks squeeze your feet, slow your circulation and make your feet colder. It's one of the most common errors in 10 mistakes people make on their first ski trip.

Gloves, neck warmer, helmet and goggles

• Gloves: Waterproof ski gloves are a must. If your hands get cold easily, mittens are warmer.
• Neck warmer: Protects your face and neck from wind. A balaclava helps on very cold days.
• Helmet: Don't wear a thick beanie under it. If you need something, use a thin beanie or a balaclava.
• Goggles: Protect you from snow and sun. Dark lenses work best on sunny days, light lenses in cloud and fog.

The sun is stronger at altitude than it feels. Use sunscreen and lip balm even when it's cloudy. More in staying healthy on a ski holiday.

Outfits for different weather

• Cold, windy day: Midweight base layer + fleece + ski jacket and trousers + neck warmer or balaclava + ski gloves.
• Snowy day: Base layer + thin fleece + waterproof jacket and trousers, with light lenses in your goggles.
• Sunny spring day: Light base layer + jacket with the vents open. Keep the mid layer in your bag and don't forget sunscreen.

What if you don't own ski clothes?

You don't need to buy ski clothing for your first trip; ski resorts rent it. On our Erciyes packages the ski jacket, trousers and gloves, plus helmet and goggles, are included and handed over at the hotel on day one. You bring thermal base layers, long ski socks, a neck warmer, sunscreen and sunglasses. The full list is in our ski holiday packing list.

Travelling with children? The same layering rules apply. See Erciyes with kids for family tips.

If you'd rather start without worrying about clothing, look at the 2-night First Steps package or the 4-night First Steps package.

• Ski clothing
• Base layers
• Beginners
• Ski holidays