Choosing the right ski clothing can transform your skiing experience. The right ski jacket and salopettes for you will be unique to your needs, discipline and experience level. We have partnered with leading ski lesson booking platform, Maison Sport, whose expert instructors have helped to create a handy guide on the best ski clothing to choose according to each snowsports discipline and your personal experience, so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to picking your ski outfit.

 

The Different Types of Ski Jackets:

There are three main types of ski jacket to choose from, each with varying functionalities:

Insulated Jacket

Insulated ski jackets provide warmth with built-in insulation. This can be down or synthetic insulation. An insulated jacket can be a great option for beginners, who might not be as physically active as experienced skiers, as it will keep you both warm and dry during periods of inactivity.

Shell Jacket

Shell jackets are thinner, waterproof and windproof outer layers that don’t have insulation. Many skiers choose to wear mid-layer underneath to provide extra warmth. Shell jackets are typically more suited to advanced skiers who will often exert a lot of energy and hence require more breathability.

3-in-1 Jacket

3-in-1 ski jackets are a great middle-ground between insulated jackets and shell jackets. They have a waterproof outer layer that attaches to a removable insulated inner layer, so you can choose your layering system depending on the weather conditions. 3-in-1 ski jackets are versatile making them great for skiers of all abilities.

 

What to wear for each discipline? 

Skiing 

Typically, ski clothing has a slim fit for improved heat retention and streamlining. The best ski jacket for you will vary according to your ability, with an insulated or 3-in-1 jacket being best for beginners. Most ski jackets will have powder skirts to stop snow from getting in as well as helmet-compatible hoods. Ski trousers (or salopettes) are slightly bell-shaped so they can fit over your ski boots easily and typically have a zip to help with this. They also tend to have a snow protector to stop snow from getting in your boots and are more reinforced at the ankle to prevent any wear and tear from your skis and boots.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding clothing usually has a looser fit than ski clothing to allow for a greater flexion of the legs and arms. But this is also stylistic – closely resembling skateboarding style. Snowboarding trousers are typically baggier than ski trousers so that you can sit down and stand up easily. This makes strapping in and out of your snowboard boots a breeze. Snowboarding jackets tend to be insulated and slightly longer than ski jackets to add an extra layer of waterproofing when sitting. If you are a beginner you can get salopettes with padding or a waterproof layer on the knees and backside to help soften your landing when you fall and keep you warm and dry.

Cross-Country Skiing

As cross-country skiing typically requires a lot of exertion, especially when hiking uphill, you will want light, breathable layers that can easily be added or removed. A shell jacket or 3-in-1 jacket are both good options for this reason. When cross-country skiing, you will need flexible salopettes to allow you to skate and lunge easily. Thermal leggings are recommended as salopettes can be too bulky and may restrict your range of movement. Remember to always take into account the daily weather conditions, as this will affect how many layers you will need to wear.

Off-Piste Skiing

There is no one specific outfit that is best suited for off-piste skiing. It depends on the weather and snow conditions as well as where you plan to go. For instance, if you are going to a high altitude, you will want to wear warmer clothing. However, you may get hot hiking uphill, so it’s great to have layers that can be added or removed easily. Powder skirts are essential if you are skiing off-piste in deep powder to prevent snow from getting inside your jacket. Salopettes with a bib are also great for keeping the snow out. When skiing off-piste, it’s important to have the required safety equipment, including a snow shovel, avalanche probe and transceiver, as well as your normal ski gear.

 

Which Ski Clothing is Best for You?

Despite our recommendations, there is no one-style-fits-all approach to ski clothing. Most importantly, you want to be comfortable in your ski outfit. Make sure that your ski clothing fits you well so that your movements aren’t restricted and you stay as warm and dry as possible. Your outfit needs to be functional, however, it’s also important to feel comfortable in the way that your ski clothing looks. Don’t be afraid to express your style on the slopes!

One of the benefits of renting ski clothing with EcoSki is that you can try different styles and find the perfect style and fit for you. Similarly, on Maison Sport, you can browse 1,000+ expert ski and snowboard instructors across more than 430 European resorts to find the ideal instructor for your needs. It’s simple to learn more about each instructor: You can check their reviews, explore their profile and send them a direct message with any questions you may have prior to booking and paying for any lessons so that you can confidently book the right instructor for you.

 

Visit Maison Sport to find your perfect instructor today!