What to wear snowboarding and skiing

You’ve booked that ski trip. You’ve bought all the gear. You’re getting more and more stoked to get out there. But… wait a minute — what exactly do you wear!? Do you just wear a t-shirt under your new ski jacket, or is more of a layering system involved? Do ski socks go over or under your thermal leggings? And do you even need thermal leggings? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered (literally!). Dope Mag’s here to save the day with our simple intro to what to wear snowboarding and skiing. Follow our checklist, and you’ll stay warm, dry, and comfortable in whatever conditions the mountains throw at you.

How to get ready for snowboarding and skiing

Layers

Layers! Yep, the key element of dressing for snowboarding and skiing is layers. Think of them as the foundation to everything else – they’re effective at keeping you warm and dry, and you can add another one or take one off depending on the conditions. 

When getting ready for a day on the mountain, most riders use the trusty three-layer system. This involves a base layer, mid layer, and outerwear (a ski or snowboard jacket and ski or snowboard pants). Let’s get into each of these below. 

Base layer

Your base layer is what you wear next to your skin, and when we say ‘base layers’, we mean a pair of form-fitting thermal leggings and a long-sleeved top. This bottom layer sets the tone for everything else you’ll add on top before heading for the lift.

However, because you’re working hard (especially when learning), you’ll sweat when skiing and snowboarding. So, it’s important to choose base layers made from moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics, such as Merino wool or synthetic materials. They draw sweat away from the skin, so you stay dry and comfortable. But avoid cotton! Although it seems like a cozy next-to-skin layer, it isn’t breathable and only traps moisture on your skin, leaving you cold, clammy, and cranky. The worst combo! 

Mid layer

Also known as your insulating layer, mid layers go on top of your base layer. They don’t have to be waterproof or have mega moisture-wicking abilities, but they do need to keep you warm. A mid layer can be a fleece. But it can also be a packable padded down or synthetic jacket for less bulk and a stronger warmth-to-weight ratio. And you can wear more than one mid layer at a time. 

Out of everything you wear skiing and snowboarding, your mid layer is the most versatile. For example, did you head out in a whiteout but now the sun’s out? Swap to a thinner mid layer, or don’t wear one at all. Has the wind picked up, leaving you shivering on the chair? Grab an extra insulating layer. 

You don’t have to worry about adding a mid layer for your lower body – most riders find an insulating layer for their top half works perfectly. But remember that fit is vital. Avoid anything too tight that restricts movement as you carve, cruise, and charge. However, don’t go too baggy either, as you’ll need room to wear a softshell or shell jacket on top. 

Ski and snowboard jacket

The last layer in your ski and snowboard outfit is your outerwear, which protects you from wind, snow, and even rain. Yep, it’s no good having a toasty mid layer to keep you warm but getting soaking wet because of crappy outerwear. So, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a ski or snowboard jacket, such as waterproofing and breathability. 

Waterproofing and breathability determine how shielded you are from the elements and how much sweat can escape. Typically, waterproof ratings are written in ‘mm’, while breathability is as ‘g’. And the breathability rating will often match the waterproof rating. So, a jacket with a waterproof rating of 15,000mm will have a 15,000g breathability rating (sometimes written as ‘15K/15K’). It’s the same for ski and snowboard pants, too. Remember, the higher the waterproofing and breathability rating, the more waterproof or breathable your ski or snowboard jacket is. 

Generally, you’re safe choosing at least a 15,000mm/15,000g rating when snowboarding and skiing, as it’s reliable enough for continued use. Don’t forget to look at each jacket’s features, too. These can include storm hoods for added weather protection, pit zips for ventilation, an elasticized powder skirt to keep you dry in deep anoq, media pockets, internal stash pockets, and more.  

You also need to choose between a shell, softshell, or an insulated jacket:

Look for ‘gsm’ in the product description, telling you how warm a ski jacket is. For instance, 60gsm offers medium-weight insulation for that awesome balance between warmth and performance. On the other hand, 200gsm is classed as heavy insulation, keeping you toasty in the coldest conditions. Just bear in mind that you can’t remove insulation from an insulated jacket, so these become less flexible in higher temperatures and spring slush. 

Ski and snowboard pants

Scouting for ski and snowboard pants involves the same process as hunting for your perfect ski and snowboard jacket. For example, consider the waterproof and breathability ratings alongside insulation. 

You can also choose between bibs and snow pants. Generally, selecting one over the other is down to style preference. However, bibs provide more material over your core and greater protection from snow getting up and down your pants after a yard sale or two.

Then, it’s time to look at features. Yep, ski and snowboard pants are often loaded with features to improve your time on the hill. These could include zipped and mesh vents to cool off quickly, elasticized gaiters to stop snow entering, adjustable waistbands for boosted comfort, zippered gusseted hems for enhanced boot fit, and more. 

Accessories

Now you’re layered up, you’ll need to accessorize. And don’t be fooled – these little items pack a punch, transforming your outfit from ‘meh’ to ‘hell yeah!’

Ski socks 

Usually, you don’t have to give socks too much thought. However, in the mountains, they’re a vital piece of kit, determining how warm your feet are and – crucially – how comfortable your boots will be. 

Pick the wrong socks, and you’ll be in agony all day. So, it’s always important to go for ski and snowboard-specific socks. That’s because they’re moisture-wicking (so your feet stay dry) and slim-fitting. We totally understand you might equate skiing and snowboarding with wearing bulky, thick socks for extra warmth. But you’d be sorely mistaken (with the emphasis on ‘sore’). You see, thick socks scrunch in your boots, causing rubbing and discomfort. However, ski socks are slim-fitting to provide improved circulation and boot fit – and better times on the mountain! Oh, and pull your ski socks all the way up, making sure you don’t layer your base leggings on top for proper fit and comfort!

Gloves or mitts

Cold hands can ruin a day on the mountain! Trust us – it’s no fun having to shake your hands on the lift to get blood flowing again. So, choose your ski gloves and mitts wisely. “Should I go for gloves or mitts?” we hear you ask. Well, it’s down to preference. Mitts typically offer more warmth than gloves but sacrifice dexterity. On the other hand (pun fully intended!), gloves make it easier to handle items such as your phone but aren’t as cozy. Though you can help the situation with liner gloves! These thin gloves can keep your hands warm when you slip your gloves or mitts off on the lift, and are usually touchscreen compatible, too …

And, like many things already on our list, it’s essential to consider waterproofing and warmth with ski gloves and mitts. Ask yourself if the mitts you have your eye on feature insulation or whether the leather ski gloves you like have a waterproof treatment. 

Helmet

It’s always best to wear a helmet, as protecting the noggin is crucial when skiing and snowboarding. Most ski and snowboarding helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and super effective at protecting your head with advanced safety technologies, such as MIPs. But all this becomes redundant if your helmet’s too big for you. So, make sure you get an exact fit. Do this by measuring your head and referencing the brand’s size chart. Then, dial in the perfect fit using the helmet’s internal adjustable systems (most designs include these).

Helmets can have other awesome features, such as multiple vents, audio/headphone integration, magnetic buckles, and more. Goggle integration is also important. Make sure there’s no gap between your helmet and goggles and that your helmet isn’t pushing your goggles out of place. If it is, you might find your goggles fog up (and no one wants that!). 

Goggles

Speaking of goggles… These are essential for keeping your vision sharp, crisp, and clear while on the mountain. Bear in mind that different lenses are tailored for specific light conditions and weather. However, some goggles feature interchangeable lenses and include a spare low-light lens – great if you have goggles for a bluebird week but discover a whiteout morning! You might also discover features like vents to circulate airflow and a TPU frame for superior comfort. 

When it comes to goggle shape, you might need to choose between cylindrical and spherical. There’s no real advantage to either shape providing the goggles fit properly, so the primary focus should be how they fit with your helmet. A good goggle-to-helmet fit is essential to keep goggle fog at bay!

Neck gaiter or facemask 

One of the finishing touches on what to wear when snowboarding and skiing is a facemask. They keep you warm warm, and tuck up under your goggles to keep the wind off your face on the lift or while skiing.

You can also pull them down so they just cover your chin or neck, but just watch out for goggle tan! The danger is real. If you feel like the facemask might stifle your breathing, you can get a thinner one, or even one with breathing holes! Talk about life upgrades…

Beanie

Your ski and snowboard helmet will do a great job of keeping your head warm. But some riders wear a light liner beanie underneath to boost coziness. Just make sure your beanie doesn’t have any pom-poms or cuffs that could mess up your helmet fit. Wear your goggles underneath your helmet, too? This is known as ‘East Coast style’ and is purely preference. 

If you don’t fancy wearing a beanie underneath your helmet, that’s fine, too. Many riders keep one folded in their jacket to whip out at coffee stops and après-ski. How else are you going to cover that helmet hair, huh? 

What to wear for different riding conditions

As you might have noticed, we’ve mentioned switching layers and adapting what you wear a few times already. It’s all in reaction to the conditions. Being too hot on a bluebird or cold in a whiteout is never ideal. So, adjust your layers accordingly.

It’s always handy to keep your location in mind. For example, do you regularly rip the PNW? Remember that the snow’s moisture content is higher. That means you’ll want a ski or snowboard jacket with a higher waterproof rating. We’re talking at least 15,000mm/15,000g (15K/15K)!

What to wear in below-freezing temperatures

If you’re venturing into sub-zero temperatures, you’ll need to prioritize warmth. This means definitely wearing a mid layer on top of your base layer – especially if you’re a frequent East Coast shredder! Those temperatures get Baltic! And don’t forget you can wear more than one mid layer at a time. 

Opting for insulated outerwear is a smart choice when riding in anything below freezing. And you’ll potentially only need one mid layer underneath. You can also grab yourself a heavily insulated ski and snowboard jacket (look for a figure like ‘200gsm’ in the description). These heavily insulated jackets provide extra warmth in the coldest conditions. And you can double up on your hands, too. by wearing liner gloves underneath your gloves or mitts for extra warmth. 

What to wear for spring sessions

When slush laps and goggle tans await, it’s time to shed some layers. That means ditching your mid layer and only wearing your base layer and shell. Alternatively, swap your shell for a riding hoodie. These are comfy, baggy hoodies with a water-resistant coating and riding-friendly features, such as a lift ticket pocket. 

Leaving your ski gloves or mitts at home might seem tempting, but you’ll feel a chill as you rip the mountain. Plus, falling on snow can cut your hands. So, make sure you wear glove liners at least or thin spring ski gloves. Keep your facemask with you, too. This helps shield you from the sun’s mega-strong rays – whether on the slopes, in the park, or soaking up beers on the après terrace. 

FAQs

Let’s check out some frequently asked questions about snowboard and ski layering below.

Is there anything you’d wear skiing that you wouldn’t snowboarding and vice versa?

Generally, you’d wear the same items skiing as snowboarding. However, snowboard jackets and pants can be slightly looser to mirror the sport’s laid-back, rebellious background. Plus, a looser fit gives more room for those park maneuvers!

Just starting out snowboarding? You might want to wear a tailbone pad/protector and wrist guards. These help protect your coccyx and wrists against the inevitable falls when learning. Don’t worry – you’ll only need them for a few days until you get the hang of it. 

What else could you wear skiing and snowboarding?

There are always a few extras you can add to your shred outfit. Venturing in between slopes or further off-piste? Wear a backpack to carry essential avalanche safety gear with you – and make sure you know how to use it. Sunny out? Pack some sunnies into your ski jacket and whip ‘em out for deck chair sessions. Freezing? Bring portable hand warmers to pop into your ski gloves and stay toasty all day. 

Next, it’s vital to think of your après outfit! We’ve already mentioned having a beanie on standby to cover that helmet hair, but what about the rest of your outfit? You’ll shed your outerwear when dancing to live music. So, why not have a rad tee over your base layer, ready to show off your style?

Wrapping up

Itching to grab your new gear? We don’t blame ya! Now you know how to look good and stay warm, dry, and comfortable! 

Browsing our collection and have a few questions? Want to know more about the ins and outs of waterproofing, wrist gaiters, or layering? Reach out to our expert team at crew@dopesnow.com. They’re more than happy to help with any queries so you can nail your new-season look! We can’t wait to see you out there!

Women's snowboard clothing

Adept W Snowboard Jacket Women Spray Green Grape

Sight Ski Goggles Black W/Black Champagne Mirror

Con W Snowboard Pants Women Black

Ace Snow Mittens Sand

Snuggle W Base Layer Top Women 2X-Up Dusk

Cozy Hood II Facemask Light Grey

Pile W Fleece Sweater Women Faded Green

Chunky Beanie Faded Violet

Men's snowboard clothing

Legacy Snowboard Jacket Men Sand

Sight Ski Goggles Black W/Black Silver Mirror

Blizzard Snowboard Pants Men Black

Comfy Fleece Sweater Men Blue Steel

Ace Ski Gloves Bottle Green

Snuggle Base Layer Top Men 2X-Up Shards Gold Green

2X-UP Knitted Facemask Gold

Chunky Beanie Faded Violet

Related reading

• How to choose a snowboard jacket
• Avalanche safety
• How to tune a snowboard