Layering is an art, and we're here to help you select the ideal system to ensure warmth and comfort for a day outside.
Ski Socks- Ski socks can make or break a day. A new boot deserves new socks, as they are important for both warmth and fit of a touring boot. Note: Thicker is not always more warm or comfortable. A snug-fitting or compression sock will also help prevent blisters.
Brimmed Hat- Brimmed hats are becoming more and more popular for ski touring as they help keep the sun out of your face and offer some warmth when it's not quite cold enough for a winter hat. 8 hours in the sun can be a lot- even with sunscreen - and a brimmed hat is a backcountry essential.
Warm Hat- Keep your noggin' warm on the up and the down, depending on conditions. Need we say more? Long hair or not, winter is cold!
Helmet- Helmets are standard these days, and light is still safe. Helmets for downhill skiing are heavy and don't breathe- so choose a lightweight, breathable, touring-specific helmet.
Base Layer Bottom- Keep your legs warm and dry with long underwear that breathes well and gives warmth. Wool- more comfortable, doesn't smell after use, keeps you warm when wet. Synthetic- lighter, more breathable, and less expensive (on average)Base
Layer Top- Often, we sweat the most on our upper bodies while ski touring, and it's important to mitigate heat and moisture. Wool and synthetic both have advantages, but make sure you're using one of them. Cotton kills!
Mid-weight / breathable insulating layer- Take the edge off of the wind or maybe just a tiny bit of extra warmth is needed. Sometimes a down jacket is too much, and just a bit of insulation is needed. Ideally, this layer is synthetic for good breathability.
Hardshell or softshell ski/snowboard pants- Softshell vs. Hardshell comes down to personal preference, depending on where you live. PNW folks often want the most waterproof hardshell, whereas Colorado skiers will be using either/or depending on conditions. Breathability is key, and vents are key on layers with non-breathable fabrics.
Hardshell (waterproof + breathable) jacket- As with shell pants, a ski touring-specific hardshell jacket is an important layer to block wind and water while also letting out moisture. Breathability is as important as waterproofness, as we generate heat while ski touring normally.
Larger weight (i.e. 800 fill) 'security' puffy (down or synthetic)- From November to March, a puffy jacket not only will be brought but used on day tours. Remember- if you're warm and even a little sweaty from going uphill, it takes only minutes to cool to an uncomfortable temperature.
Gloves- Ski touring gloves (or mittens) should have good dexterity and match to regulate temp. Most experienced ski tourers have a few different pairs they will select from, depending on the day. Example: Glove liners for a warm spring day in March, heavier gloves or mittens for a cold January day.
Mittens (aka "Oh Shit Mitts")- A staple of any ski tourers kit, "Oh Shit Mitts" should be light and ready for emergencies. On the days you just can't get warm- down mittens are great. Compactable and extremely warm, it's not a burden to have these live in your backpack.
