How to Dress for Winter Sports

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Last winter, I wrote about learning to enjoy winter in New Hampshire, citing winter sports as a key factor, and Hans is working through a series of posts introducing the basics of skiing (downhill & cross-country). His posts will tell you what you need to know about gear (skis, poles, etc.), but you may still be left wondering how to dress comfortably.

Note: If you’re warm and happy with whatever you already have in your closet, you really don’t need to invest in new clothing. But if you are trying to get into winter sports and your existing wardrobe is just not going to cut it, I encourage you to check out my suggestions.

Fabric considerations

Base layer

Most people will recommend one of two fabric types for any layer that is right next to your skin:

  • Synthetic (polypropylene; polyester; nylon) fabric: wicks moisture; durable
  • Merino wool: wicks moisture; breathable; doesn’t tend to retain odor

Mid layer(s)

Fabric isn’t so important for your middle layer(s) since they likely won’t get sweaty or snowy.

Outer layer

The most important thing when it comes to your outermost layer is water/wind-resistance to keep you dry and warm. You’ll want to look for varying levels of thickness/warmth depending on your activity.

Head, ears, and neck

Cross-country (Nordic) skiing or winter hiking

Depending on the weather, you’ll be comfortable in anything from a thick, wool hat to ear warmers.

  • Cold: a thick, lined hat like this* will keep you warm or a Merino wool hat like this* is another good option
  • Chilly: a headband like this* (or a less sporty one like this*) is a suitable choice for moderate weather

Hans wants to add: If you are moving at a brisk pace, your head is often the first place to heat up. A great way to quickly stash your hat or headband is to unzip your outermost top layer, put the discarded garment against your chest, and zip it back up for safe keeping. The neat part? When you cool down and want to use your gear again, the clothing will be warmer than it would have been in your pocket or backpack due to keeping it pressed against your body!

Any winter activity

Whatever you’re doing outside this winter, you’ll probably want some neck coverage. Scarves are fine, but tube-shaped options are less bulky and won’t come loose or get bunched/tangled up.

Here I am modeling some options with my friend, Jaimie

Hands

Cross-country (Nordic) skiing or winter hiking

A thin glove liner and water/wind-resistant glove or mitten to go overtop is a great combo; this way you can remove either layer depending on the weather.

Hans wants to add: Similar to above, these winter activities can often keep you pretty warm when cruising along, especially if you’re going uphill. The natural motion of swinging your arms can drive warm blood to your fingers, helping to keep your hands from freezing in the colder temperatures. Once you are comfortable on skis, you will probably be able to get away with lighter gloves for these sports – though it never hurts to have a warm backup pair!
 

Downhill (Alpine) skiing or snowboarding

If you’re anything like me, downhill skiing will leave your fingers and toes at risk of being uncomfortably cold. You typically aren’t exerting as much energy as with cross-country skiing or hiking, especially when you factor in the time spent riding on the chairlifts. It’s worth investing in something well-insulated so that you aren’t miserable! Your fingers will likely stay warmer if they’re not separated, so opt for mittens over gloves.

  • I have these, but these* also sound like a solid pick (and seem to be unisex)
  • For something a little less pricey, check out this pair: men’s* or women’s*
  • Any of the cross-country/hiking glove options above would also work well on a warmer day!
You’ll also want a good helmet and pair of goggles to protect you from the elements.
  • I like a helmet with vents that you can open or close depending on the temperature – like this one*
  • These* anti-fog goggles come in a variety of lens options – tinted lenses are nice for sunny days while clear lenses are helpful in keeping snow & wind out of your eyes while still allowing you to see clearly in overcast or stormy weather

Top half: base & mid layer(s)

When your torso gets cold, your body sends less blood to your extremities in an effort to preserve your vital organs. This means that having a warm torso makes it much easier for the rest of your body to also be warm. Depending on the weather and your activity of choice, you’ll want to layer accordingly.

Base layer

The goal is to stay warm without getting too sweaty… but you might get a little sweaty. Avoid cotton, which soaks up moisture like a sponge, and opt for moisture-wicking fabric instead.

Mid layer(s)

You might go thicker or double up on this layer if it’s really cold; you might also skip this layer altogether on a warmer day. The idea here is to stay warm while avoiding bulkier items that will restrict your movement.

  • A pullover like this* or this*
  • A fleece jacket like this* or this*
  • A lightweight vest like this* or this*
  • Any other layer your might have laying around (crewneck sweatshirt, etc.)
My mid layer became my outer layer on this warm (for winter) day

Top half: outer layer

Cross-country (Nordic) skiing or winter hiking

You might be tempted to throw on a heavy winter jacket, but I would caution you against it. Instead, you’ll likely want to opt for a lightweight, water/wind-resistant outer layer to keep you warm, dry, and easily able to swing your arms.

  •  I usually wear a lightweight jacket like this one (this is the men’s version)

Downhill (Alpine) skiing or snowboarding

This is when you will be smart to go for a heavy winter jacket. Water and wind resistance are still just as important, but warmth is another primary concern.

Bottom half: base layer

This is another instance when you’ll likely be wearing the same thing no matter the activity you choose. Just like with your top half, you will want to look for moisture-wicking material (avoid cotton!) that will keep you warm and dry without being too bulky or causing you to overheat.

  • Long, Merino wool underwear like these* or these* – or try a something with pattern like these*
  • Any synthetic or Merino wool leggings you already have will also work perfectly well!

Bottom half: outer layer

Cross-country (Nordic) skiing or winter hiking

Many people reach for their thick snow pants, but just like with your top half, you will want to focus on water/wind-resistance and the ability to move freely.

  • For especially cold days or casual skiing, you’ll want a pair of warm (fleece-lined), lightweight, and weather-proof pants like these* or these*
  • Choose something with a slimmer fit and less insulation if it is a warmer day and/or you plan to work up a sweat: something like these* or these*

Downhill (Alpine) skiing or snowboarding

Again, this is when some extra warmth is your friend.

  • I love these (this is a similar men’s pair) not-too-bulky but still very warm pants
  • For something a little less pricey, try these* or these*
Hans opted for thinner pants while skate skiing so he could move freely and avoid overheating

Feet

Whatever the winter activity, thicker, non-cotton socks (especially Merino wool) will keep your feet warm and dry.

  • For downhill (Alpine) skiiing or snowboarding, some – like these* or these* – even have a thin layer of padding over your shins!
Remember: it’s always better to remove a layer than it is to wish you had another layer. Dress warm and adjust as you go!

Note: Links with “*” at the end are affiliate links, meaning that we might receive a financial reward if you click the link and sign up for something. This is done at no extra cost to you, and I have only included products that I have used or would purchase!

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