Nothing can ruin your ski trip quite like being cold.  As a Texas girl married to a Norwegian, it took me a while to learn exactly how to maximize my skiwear.  I’ve finally mastered my own ski fashion as well as learned how to outfit my kids, and I’m now often asked by fellow Texas friends what the heck to take for their family on a ski trip.  For that reason,  I’ve compiled a handy dandy guide to how do so below.  Knock yourself out!

At first glance, it might seem complicated but it really isn’t.  Base Layer, Mid Layer, Top Layer, hands/feet/head.  

Layers and Material

No two words are more relevant to skiwear as “layers” and “material.”  Your internal temperature will alter during the day based on wind, the absence or presence of sunlight, your physical effort level, and even the elevation of your position on the mountain.  For that reason layers are a no brainer.  Take one off, unzip another, open a vent.  Crisis averted!  And strategically approaching the material of your clothing ensures less bulk and maximum comfort and warmth.  The proper ski clothing will keep moisture out and heat in. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you should be thoughtful about your choices.  You’re going to spend money on a ski trip anyway, so don’t blow it by being freezing.

Base Layer

The Base Layer is — wait for it — the base of your clothing!  It’s what’s closest to your skin so moisture-wicking and comfort is key.  People who don’t live in a snowy winter wonderland are maddened at the thought of purchasing something they’ll wear only three days.  That’s why my family chooses base layers that are versatile enough to wear on the ski slopes and also during the winter months back home.  You can choose to do this, as well, or you can opt for a more traditional base layer which you could still double as pajamas back home.

The material of your base layer is crucial.  I personally adore anything by Smartwool.  It’s sleek, not bulky, and it’s perfectly warm and moisture-wicking.  I have it in socks, leggings, and tops.  It’s hard to believe you’ll sweat in twenty degree weather, but you will!  A moisture-wicking base layer can prevent certain chill and discomfort on the mountain.

My approach to base layer for kids may be unique to some.  Since my little guy, Espen, was four months old, I’ve invested in various sizes of fleece-lined blue jeans.  They are ideal for so many reasons.  First of all, it’s one piece of clothing that goes on the bottom layer and it easily translates into evening wear or lunch time.  The littlest ones have a long day of ski school, but they spend much of their time taking breaks, having hot cocoa, maybe playing a little in the snow, or even watching a bit of a movie.  When they take off their snowsuit, they’re still comfy and there is nothing for you to do at the end of the ski day to transfer your kiddos into dinner outfits.  I’m all about ease!

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Shop Kids Insulated Jeans/Base Layer alternative

Mid Top Layer

My family always wears a sweater or sweatshirt as our second layer.  This is where you can wear something you already have!  Just make sure it’s a proper material with tighter weaving.  Zipper hoodies are ideal because you can open or close them depending on your heat index, but turtlenecks or sweaters work, too.

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Ski/Board Jacket

Ahhhh the ski jacket. Sometimes the price can be daunting to newbie skiers, but if you seek longevity and anticipate wearing it one ski trip a year for a few years, choose a more subtle color or style.  Just like every article of clothing, the more daring and trendy, the less shelf life you can expect.  But, of course, as I always say, wear what you love and love what you wear!

If you want only one ski/board jacket, I suggest one of waterproof material because of its versatility. If you can purchase two, next get a comfy down puffer which is great for sunny days where snow is not in the forecast.

As far as the kiddos, I recommend one-piece outfits for the smallest.  They, much like mittens, are the warmest of the warm. Everything is in one place, warming the rest of the body up as if in a ski-appropriate Snuggie!

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Ski/Board Pants

Your legs are the superstars of your ski or board trip, so make sure you have well-fitting pants.  First decide if you want more fitted or more relaxed.  If you prefer more fitted, ensure you purchase pants that describe themselves as “fitted” as opposed to just buying a smaller size.  You need the liberty to bend and squat and extend and tuck! Don’t restrict yourselves by buying the wrong ski pants.

You also don’t want to be sagging if you’re a snowboarder.  I know, I know. Whole other soapbox.  But snowboarders are often seen as speed bumps to skiers, sprinkling the mountain by sitting down and resting or wiping out nonstop.  There is NOTHING that will wake you up quite like snow trickling into your pants.  Believe me.  You don’t want this!  Find a pair that fit your waist properly and pull your base layer up above your pants.

As for kids, bibs are by far the warmest.  They’re a bit of a chore when they go to the bathroom, but honestly it’s a bit of a beating anyway to go to the bathroom when skiing.  You have to take off gloves, helmet, etc.  So it’s a small price to pay for the littles staying warm and happy!

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Socks

You need ski and board-specific socks.  You will be shocked at the fact that your feet sweat, even in arctic temps, even if you thought you feet don’t even sweat in Texas.  At least my sweaty-footed friend told me that … 😉 But seriously, this is an investment you shouldn’t skimp on.  Again my faves are Smartwool.  They come in baby sizes to adult, and they’re perfectly sleek, warm, and moisture-wicking.  Even if you buy only two pair and wash them for the remainder of your stay, your feet and kids will thank you.

Women’s Socks

Men’s Socks

Kids Socks

Handwear

Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers generate more heat when they’re not divided into individual sections for each finger.  Divide and conquer? That’s Cold Weather’s plan against your fingers.

But for those of us not used to wearing mittens, you might fear being incapacitated without the use of individual fingers.  Fear not!  All you need to be able to do is grip your ski poles while skiing.  If you need the use of your fingers, simply stick your poles into the snow, put your mittens on the tops of each, and scratch that nose. :).

Under your mittens, I recommend you wear a glove liner.  The best choice for this is something sleek and moisture-wicking with touchscreen capability.  That way when you slip off your mittens to answer your phone or adjust your boot, your hands are still protected.  In only takes a few seconds for your fingers to regret being exposed to the chilly mountain air.

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Headwear

Thankfully gone are the days when ski bunnies flung themselves down the mountain with fur hats and sunglasses.  With head injuries on the rise, those in the know make no mistake by not wearing a helmet.  My husband, a Norwegian expert skier, fell a few years ago and received a mild concussion.  It was frightening, but it is quite possible that his helmet saved his life.   It only takes a slight fall and hitting the head just right to cause irreversible damage, and a helmet can protect against that.  Need more convincing?  It’s MUCH warmer than anything else you could wear on your head, keeping your ears perfectly protected and cozy.

 

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Eyewear

Just like fur hats are a thing of the past on the mountain, as are sunglasses.  They’re simply not practical.  When it’s snowing or even just because a snowboarder just shaved a ton of snow right in front of you, nothing protects your eyes and eyesight like goggles.

Need prescription glasses?  No problem!  Simply buy a pair of goggles big enough to go over your glasses, wear contacts, or purchase a prescription pair of goggles.

 

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Ski Boots/Board Boots

If there is only one piece of equipment you invest in for yourself as an adult, I’d recommend you get a perfectly-fitting pair of ski boots.  Either go to a reputable local store or buy when you arrive at the ski resort.  If you buy locally in an area with little or no snow, make sure the salesperson REALLY knows what they’re doing or you go with someone who does.  Rental boots for adults are like mini torture chambers you can’t wait to remove at the end of the day.  A decent pair of well-fitting ski boots is a worthwhile investment if you plan to return to ski in the future.

Kids don’t seem to have much issue with rental boots, however. But in the day of “gently used” resale shops, it still might be worth it to purchase a pair of gently used boots for your kids.  Just do the math to determine how much rental skis would cost based on the amount of days you are staying.

Ski Trip “Enhancers”

There are a few little touches that can improve and even save your ski trip experience.  A face mask, some hand warmers, a Go Pro, a funky helmet cover for kids.  Add these items to enrich your experience.

Helmet Covers:

Go Pro:

Boot Warmers:

Hand Warmers:

Heated Boot Bag:

Baclava

Apres Ski

Apres Ski is all about the comfort.  You can look like a snow bunny and still be warm and comfortable.  After a long day of shredding, I want nothing more than cozy boots, comfortable leggings, soft sweaters, and a snuggly scarf.  If you dress your kids as I’ve suggested, kids can remain in their fleece-lined jeans or pants with a long sleeved shirt under a sweater and simply throw on their snow boots and ski jacket.  Get too warm in a restaurant? Simply remove that sweater.

Now is the time you can let the kiddos wear gloves instead of mittens. Most important thing? Don’t let your kids play in the snow in the same glove/mittens they will wear the next day unless you have a raging fireplace to dry them out and warm them up overnight. If they are still the LEAST bit moist from all that snowball-making the next day, they will quickly turn into freezing fingers.

As for footwear, invest in a good pair of snow boots for your children that either have a zipper, velcro, or drawstring to ensure no snow can get into their boots while playing in the snow.  Ladies, leave the stiletto boots at home.  Just have to have a little height?  I get it. Snag some wedge, waterproof boots.

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I really hope this little guide is helpful to you! Is there something your family loves that really makes the trip go smoothly? Comment below to let me know!

XOXO
Elisha