There’s no doubt that getting into skiing takes some investment. Quality women’s ski apparel is pricey, but once you buy the right gear, it will last you for years.<\/p>\n
Ski Jacket<\/h2>\n
A durable, windproof, and waterproof ski jacket is key to staying warm and dry while skiing. Here are some factors to look for in a ski jacket:<\/p>\n
- \n
- <\/span>Waterproof<\/strong> and Windproof<\/strong>: Look for Gortex or a similar waterproof lining so you stay dry if it starts to snow (or you take a spill). A windproof jacket is also important, especially for sitting on the chairlift.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Insulation<\/strong>: Ski jackets can be insulated or not insulated (known as a hard shell). A hard shell alone will not keep you warm and will require additional layers underneath. Shells are best for mild climates and backcountry skiing. Alternatively, insulated jackets are thicker and bulkier with more warmth built in and are great for colder climates where you spend a lot of time sitting on the chairlift. My preference is a ski jacket with light insulation with layers underneath that I fine-tune to the conditions and my body temperature.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Breathability<\/strong>: Generally, hard shells are more breathable than an insulated ski jacket. To compensate for this, I always wear a ski jacket with pit zips, which is a quick way to let some air in when I get toasty.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Pockets<\/strong>: Pockets are important on a ski jacket for holding snacks, your phone, and other essentials.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Fit<\/strong>: You want the jacket to fit loose enough to layer underneath. It should also be long enough so there is decent overlap of your pants and your jacket. I like my ski jacket to hit around the bottom of my butt.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Color<\/strong>: I prefer brighter color ski jackets because it makes it easier for my partner and friends to spot me.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"\"](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
Wearing my Patagonia Insulated Ski Jacket<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Recommended Ski Jacket<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nPatagonia Insulated Powder Town<\/h4>\n
The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket<\/strong><\/a> is the my favorite ski jacket I’ve owned. The outer layer is durable and waterproof while the lightweight inner insulation keeps you warm and dry and wicks away sweat. It’s not too bulky or thick, so I can layer underneath without feeling restricted, and the pit zips allow for quick ventilation on warmer afternoons. The hood is helmet-compatible, which is convenient for those extra windy days. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ski Pants<\/h2>\n
Like your ski jacket, you want your ski pants to be reliably waterproof, especially if you’re a beginner skier when you might be spending more time sitting in the snow. Here are some considerations for ski pants: <\/p>\n
\n- \n
- <\/span>Waterproof and Windproof<\/strong>: Look for Gortex or similar and pants designed to repel water and cut wind. <\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Insulation<\/strong>: Like ski jackets, some ski pants are insulated. Others are not. I personally prefer non-insulated or lightly insulated ski pants, since you can always double up on long johns, making them more versatile for other winter activities like snowshoeing. Ski pants with thick insulation are warmer, but on spring days can feel stifling. <\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Breathable<\/strong>: Shell ski pants are more breathable than thick ski pants with more insulation. I prefer pants that have zippers on the sides so I can vent them if needed.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Pockets<\/strong>: More pockets are better in my opinion. I like my ski pants to have normal pockets along the waist, as well as cargo-style pockets along the thighs. I usually keep my ski pass in one of these.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Style<\/strong>: Ski pants come as normal pants or in a bib style. I’ve tried bibs before, and as a woman, it made going to the bathroom much more difficult. <\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Color<\/strong>: I like black ski pants because they cover up dirt better than other colors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nWearing the Arc’teryx Sentinel Pants on my Powder Highway Ski Trip<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Recommended Ski Pants<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nArc’teryx Sentinel Pants<\/h4>\n
When I ski, I wear the Arcteryx Sentinel AR Pants<\/strong><\/a>. They are pricey (I scored mine on sale at the end of the season), but these should last me no less than a decade. They are hardshell, Gortex-lined pants with fully seamed waterproof zippers. They are super windproof, but they aren’t insulated meaning you’ll want a solid base layer (or 2) underneath. During spring, they have a side zipper so you can vent them if you’re hot, making them versatile for other winter activities too.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nNorth Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants<\/a><\/h4>\n
If you want something more budget-friendly, I recommend the North Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants<\/strong><\/a>. These are the ski pants I used when I first started skiing. They are basic insulated ski pants that will keep you warm and dry in moderate weather conditions. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Skiing Base Layer<\/h2>\n
The first thing you want to put on is long johns. This next-to-skin base layer is intended to regulate your body temp and wick away sweat while you’re skiing. Base layers come in different weights from lightweight to heavyweight and are intended to be combined depending on conditions.<\/p>\n
Base layers are made from a variety of materials, and the key is to avoid cotton since it tends to hold onto moisture and doesn’t dry quickly. I recommend merino wool or synthetic materials, like polyester. <\/p>\n
If it’s really cold, I may wear two base layers under my mid-layer which I’ll talk about below.<\/p>\n
\nHere I’m wearing the Icebreaker Oasis 200 Baselayer while getting ready for skiing in my van<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Recommended Base Layers<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIcebreaker Oasis 200 Crew top<\/h4>\n
I wear a wool baselayer that wicks sweat. My go-to is the Icebreaker Oasis 200 Crew top<\/strong><\/a>. I’ve worn it more than 100 days, and it’s a lot more durable that other wool baselayers I’ve tried from other brands. It’s also super soft and doesn’t leave you feeling itchy like wool can sometimes do. Just be careful not to dry it, or it will shrink.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIcebreaker Oasis 200 leggings<\/a><\/h4>\n
I also wear Icebreaker long johns on my legs. The Icebreaker Oasis 200 leggings<\/strong><\/a> keep me warm (but not too hot), and they don’t stretch out, even after many days of wear. If it’s really cold, since my ski pants aren’t insulated, I sometimes double up on these.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Mid Layer Jacket<\/h2>\n
On top of my base layer and underneath my ski jacket, I wear a mid-layer jacket. Again you’ll want to avoid cotton, and I’d also avoid down. Down doesn’t dry quickly, and it’s also less breathable than synthetic materials. Breathability is really important for your mid-layer because there is no way to vent it underneath your ski jacket.<\/p>\n
Typically mid-layer can be a fleece, a synthetic jacket, or a thicker wool layer. I also prefer a mid-layer without a hood in order to reduce bulk under my ski jacket. <\/p>\n
During warmer spring skiing, you may not need to wear a mid-layer. <\/p>\n
\nWearing the Patagonia Nano Puff, which is also a great layer for winter hiking<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Recommended Mid-Layer<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nPatagonia Nano Puff Jacket<\/h4>\n
When I’m skiing, I wear the Patagonia Nano Puff<\/strong><\/a> as my mid-layer. It’s very thin and light, so it doesn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable layered under a ski jacket. At the same time, it’s warm, breathes well, and provides extra wind protection. See my full Patagonia Nano Puff review<\/a> for more thoughts on this jacket.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ski Socks<\/h2>\n
Despite popular belief, thinner socks are better than thick socks when it comes to skiing. Thinner socks allow for a better fitting boot which will give you more control over your skis. Further heavy ski socks can result in sweaty feet, which actually make your feet colder than if you were wearing a thinner ski sock.<\/p>\n
If your feet tend to get really cold like mine, I highly recommend you invest in some boot heaters. And for what it’s worth, I much prefer boot heaters to heated socks. Heated socks are thick, and you can feel the wires running through the sole of the sock, which I found very distracting and uncomfortable.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nRecommended Socks<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nDarn Tough Lightweight Ski Socks<\/h4>\n
I personally like Darn Tough\u2019s ski and snowboard socks<\/strong><\/a>. I wear the lightweight ones, which have padding in all of the right places, like in front of the shin and the heel. They also stay glued in place throughout the day, and I never experience any shifting around in my boot. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Skiing Accessories<\/h2>\n
In addition to all of the layers, you always want to wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, and a neck warmer when you are skiing. Below is a checklist of the accessories you need.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n\n- \n
- <\/span>Ski Gloves or Mitts<\/strong>: My hands tend to get really cold when I\u2019m skiing, so I choose mitts over gloves since mittens are warmer. These Black Diamond Mercury Mittens<\/a><\/strong> are the warmest I’ve ever tried, completely waterproof, and have removable insulated liner filled with Primaloft Gold Cross Core for extra warmth. They also have an index finger inside the mitten so you have a little more dexterity.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Ski Helmet<\/strong>: The best ski helmets have MIPS technology, which reduces rotational motion to the brain during impact, protecting it from injury. I’ve tried a number of different helmets, and the Sweet Protection Switcher Helmet<\/strong><\/a> is by far my favorite. It’s so lightweight, it almost doesn’t feel like I’m wearing it. It also has 22 adjustable vents so my head doesn’t get super sweaty, and the ear pads on this helmet have cutouts so your ears don\u2019t get squished or achy. <\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Ski Goggles<\/strong>: A quality pair of ski goggles will come with two different lens that you can swap out \u2013 one for bright light and one for low light. With the Smith I\/O Chromapop Mag goggles<\/strong><\/a>, it’s incredibly easy to swap out the lens via magnets depending on the weather and sky cover. These ones specifically are designed for smaller faces (making them a great choice for women). The anti-fogging technology performs fairly well, but keep in mind that if you are wearing a face mask that tightly covers your nose and mouth, you can expect some fogging no matter what goggle you choose.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Neck Gaiter<\/strong>: This Polar Buff<\/a><\/strong> is fleece-lined so it\u2019s super soft and cozy, and it can be pulled up to cover your face when you get chilly on the chairlift. It\u2019s easy to breathe through (which helps prevent your goggles from fogging up too much) and most jackets will zip up over the buff.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMore Winter Tips<\/h2>\n
\n- \n
- <\/span>15 Beginner Skier Tips for Adults<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Benefits of Skiing: 8 Reasons Why You Should Try It<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>What to Wear Hiking in Winter<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>How to Snowshoe: Beginner Tips<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Save this post to Pinterest<\/h6>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nGot any questions or your own tips about what to wear skiing? Leave a comment below!<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
The post What to Wear Skiing: Women’s Ski Apparel Guide<\/a> appeared first on Bearfoot Theory<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Layering properly for skiing is a bit of an art, and if done wrong, it can really affect your enjoyment of the sport. Being overdressed or underdressed while skiing can be majorly uncomfortable, as I’ve learned over the years. The key is finding skiing apparel that will be warm, weatherproof, and windproof, but won’t get […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backpacking"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=616"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":645,"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions\/645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- <\/span>Benefits of Skiing: 8 Reasons Why You Should Try It<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Ski Helmet<\/strong>: The best ski helmets have MIPS technology, which reduces rotational motion to the brain during impact, protecting it from injury. I’ve tried a number of different helmets, and the Sweet Protection Switcher Helmet<\/strong><\/a> is by far my favorite. It’s so lightweight, it almost doesn’t feel like I’m wearing it. It also has 22 adjustable vents so my head doesn’t get super sweaty, and the ear pads on this helmet have cutouts so your ears don\u2019t get squished or achy. <\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Insulation<\/strong>: Like ski jackets, some ski pants are insulated. Others are not. I personally prefer non-insulated or lightly insulated ski pants, since you can always double up on long johns, making them more versatile for other winter activities like snowshoeing. Ski pants with thick insulation are warmer, but on spring days can feel stifling. <\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Insulation<\/strong>: Ski jackets can be insulated or not insulated (known as a hard shell). A hard shell alone will not keep you warm and will require additional layers underneath. Shells are best for mild climates and backcountry skiing. Alternatively, insulated jackets are thicker and bulkier with more warmth built in and are great for colder climates where you spend a lot of time sitting on the chairlift. My preference is a ski jacket with light insulation with layers underneath that I fine-tune to the conditions and my body temperature.<\/span><\/li>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Utah_Alta-Ski-Area_Winter-Skiing-3.jpg\")
![\"Patagonia](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Patagonia-Insulated-Powder-Town-Jacket-Womens.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Revelstoke_Ryan-Kristen-skiing.jpg\")
![\"North](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/North-Face-Freedom-Snow-Pant-womens-139x300-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"North](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/North-Face-Freedom-Snow-Pant-womens.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Utah_Sprinter-Van_Aeropress-9.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Icebreaker-Oasis-Top.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Icebreaker](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Icebreaker-Oasis-200-Leggings-Womens.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"BFT](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/utah-park_city-hiking-winter-nanopuff_3-1.jpg\")
![\"Patagonia](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Patagonia-nanopuff-jacket-maroon.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/137-ALTA-SKI-RESORT-GUIDE-1024x768-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Darn](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Darn-Tough-Ski-Socks-160x300.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/First-Time-Skier-FAQ6-1024x682-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Collage](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/What-to-wear-skiing-pinterest-3-512x1024-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/What-to-wear-skiing-pinterest-1-512x1024-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/What-to-wear-skiing-pinterest-2-512x1024.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/cloudyou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/What-to-Wear-Skiing-Pinterest-2022-683x1024-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n