How to build a layering system for skiing

When you’re choosing ski clothing, there are basically two options to choose from — an insulated system or and layering your ski kit. An insulated system simply means ski jacket and pants/bib with integrated insulation, while layering means a system of individual pieces of kit that you wear together to achieve the correct warmth for the job.

Years ago, we only had insulated ski kit and they were bulky, heavy and very ski-specific, only really comfy during the most wintery months, so you couldn’t wear the jacket/onesie at home on the streets or walking the dog without looking like you’d lost your ski poles. With lighter, highly waterproof materials, warm down jackets, as well as the growing popularity of ski touring and backcountry skiing, layering is a popular choice.

A layering system works by trapping air between each layer, which then heats up to keep you warm. Layers offer good flexibility both on and off the slopes as you can wear most (if not all) of the layers back home in the UK but also take layers off and on as needed, stowing them in your backpack when you’re not wearing them.

So, how do you build a layering system for skiing?

Baselayers

Start with a breathable, wicking, comfy and lightweight baselayer. The idea is that if you get hot, the baselayer wicks away sweat from the skin, keeping you dry and warm. We love merino, which has all the properties you needs as well as natural odour-reducing properties. Choose long-sleeved baselayers unless you’re going skiing in sunny spring and get very hot, and a half-zip neck on the top helps keep the cold out. If you get really chilly, try putting a baselayer t-shirt over the long-sleeved top. Some people prefer ¾ length long johns so they don’t bulk out your ski boots though full length is fine — just beware of lumpy seams that might rub in your boots.

Midlayers

Choose a technical fleece or merino jumper immediately over the baselayer. It’s a nice idea to have a gilet option, too, which adds warmth to the core without being too restrictive. When you’re buying the midlayer, you still want to go for a lightweight option, and look at the warmth-to-weight ratio of the fabric — a heavy cotton hoody which offers no warmth is an inappropriate choice, as would be a heavy wool jumper that is difficult to stow in a backpack and might get wet and stay wet.

Down jacket

This is an essential layer, trapping pockets of warm air to give an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Down sits over a baselayer and midlayer but beneath a shell jacket and pants and while not cheap to buy, is something we all wear at home much of the year.

Natural down (feathers) is generally warmer than synthetic insulation, but if it gets wet will stay damp longer. Many down jackets these days contain a mix of the two, with ‘body-mapped’ insulation so the areas that might get damp — under the armpits and down the back — are synthetic. Some of the brands we stock at EcoSki, such as Maier Sports and Ortovox, also insulate with wool

As well as how much insulation you want (lightweight to heavier, super warm) other things to consider are pockets — where they sit, do you want a chest pocket? And whether you want a hood. If you get chilly you can also wear a down gilet, skirt and even down pants beneath your shell.

Shell jacket and pants

The outer ‘shell’ of your layering system needs to be lightweight, waterproof, windproof, breathable. Don’t think about having any kind of insulation in your jacket and pants if you’ve build the layers up properly, as you won’t need it, but do look for ski-specific features such as helmet-compatible hood, inner snow skirt, wrist guards, a good high neck and plenty of handy pockets as well as zips, poppers and Velcro fastenings that can be easily done up while wearing ski gloves. Windproof zips and taped seams are fairly essential, too.

While it might look simple, a good shell outer layer will be made with fabric with a three-way stretch and contoured around the knees and elbows for ease of movements. The pants or bib should be slightly wider towards the bottom of the leg, with reinforced material around ankles, to accommodate ski boots and protect against bashes with the edges of your skis.

Extra bits and pieces

Consider lining gloves under your ski gloves — to trap warmth — as well as neck gaiters/snoods and you must wear ski-specific socks that are long and thick enough (often padded in the correct places) to be worn under your ski boots.