It’s all about the base…

Being warm, dry and comfortable on the slopes will make all the difference on your ski holiday so finding the right baselayers is crucial.

People feel temperature differently, and while some are allergic to wool, others need their baselayers to double up as a top for looking the part both in the mountain restaurant and the bar at après.

So here is the EcoSki guide on how to choose the best skiing baselayers for you.

The EcoSki guide to choosing baselayers

What is a baselayer?

The baselayer sits next to your skin, over underwear. It needs to be figure-hugging, to trap warmth from the body but also breathable and able to wick sweat. Sizing is the same as your ordinary dress/shirt size. Make sure to wear soft, comfortable underwear beneath.

Long or short sleeves, and do I need long johns?

Unless you’re going skiing at Easter when the weather will likely be warm, skiing baselayers should have long sleeves and, if you feel the cold, it’s helpful to have a top layer with a high neck — either a quarter zip or polo-neck. The top layer should be long enough in the body to tuck into your ski pants or long johns — any gaps will be draughty.

Whether or not you need long johns depends on your outer garments and how much you feel the cold — it’s worth packing one pair for your ski holiday. If you can, find seamless long johns, and some skiers prefer a 3/4 length leg to reduce bulk and crinkle in ski boots.

Choosing the right material

Merino wool is the ideal choice for the ski baselayer because it helps regulate body temperature, wicks sweat and is naturally odour resistant. 100% merino is also a more sustainable choice as it breaks down naturally in soil. If you do opt for merino, make sure you know where the wool has come from, that it’s from mulesing* free sheep, is traceable and is ethically produced.

If you are allergic to wool, other natural fibres to try are silk, tencel and bamboo. Do not wear cotton, it is not warm and will stay wet after absorbing sweat, making you cold.

Synthetic baselayers are also great for performance sports, and are light to carry and pack, as well as quick-drying, moisture wicking and breathable. Materials include polyester and polyester blends — both of which can be made from recycled yarn and are recyclable so consider these choices first.

Check out the EcoSki Glossary for more information on the terms used here.

Extra features

The more technical your baselayer, the more features it might contain — such as a quarter zip and thumb loops (so the sleeve goes down over the hand). Synthetic baselayers can feature mesh panels under the arm or down the spine which help improve air flow, and some brands even have a wind-proof core, to help with warmth on the mountain.

Baselayers can also come with a hood — great for chilly days to put under your helmet (depending on thickness) or when sitting at lunchtime.

Plain or patterned?

While it sits beneath an insulating mid-layer, bear in mind that the baselayer is what you might walk around in for some of the day — whether in the hotel at breakfast or dancing on the bar at après. So it’s worth making sure you’re happy to be seen wearing it in public!

Take care of your kit

Once you’ve found the perfect baselayer for skiing, make sure you look after it. Read the care label and don’t wash it too hot, spin it too fast or tumbledry — all of which will cause shrinkage. And if you use your baselayer for sport in the UK, try not to wash it every single wear; washing degrades fabric and polyester blends will shed microfibres. Hanging it out to air between wears will do the job and prolong its life.

You can Rent or Buy baselayers from Ecoski.

Here are the links to our collections: Men’s Baselayers, Women’s Baselayers and Junior Baselayers.