How to dress for ski touring?

Top and Bottom: An Outfit Adapted to Your Activity

Ski touring is a mountain activity that not only requires good fitness but also appropriate gear to tackle varying weather conditions.

Thus, a well-balanced set of layers suited to different weather conditions and levels of intensity is essential. By combining high-quality base, mid, and outer layers, you can ensure comfort, protection, and performance during your outing. Accessories like gloves, a beanie, and socks complete this setup, and we'll go through all these elements for an optimal ski touring experience.

The key is to understand and master the well-known three-layer system, which relies on layering specific garments, each with a distinct role. Let’s start with the upper body.

Breathable Thermal Base Layer

The base layer, also known as the first layer, is in direct contact with the skin. Its primary role is to manage moisture by wicking sweat away from the body and toward the outer layers. It’s crucial to choose technical underwear made from breathable, quick-drying materials such as Merino wool or synthetic fibers.

Soft, comfortable, insulating, and effective against odours, Merino wool base layers are as lightweight and breathable as their synthetic counterparts. Some are made from a blend of materials (Merino wool and synthetic fibres) for enhanced durability and stretch. One material to avoid is cotton, as it retains moisture and dries very slowly, leading to unpleasant cold sensations. We strongly advise against it.

In cold weather, your legs can also benefit from an extra base layer worn under your trousers. A pair of merino wool or synthetic leggings will perform the same moisture-regulating function.

With these choices of technical base layers, you’ll stay dry and warm, avoiding the chill that comes from damp clothing.

Mid-Layer: Insulating Jacket

The purpose of the second layer is to retain body heat. This insulating layer must be able to trap warmth while remaining breathable in key areas to prevent sweat build-up. Here are some common options and their benefits:

• Down jacket: Ideal for very cold conditions, offering excellent thermal insulation.
• Light fleece: Perfect for milder temperatures, providing a good balance between warmth and breathability.
• Softshell: A hybrid layer for sunny days, offering wind protection and some breathability.

It's also important to note that this layer, like the base layer, should not be made of cotton due to its moisture-retaining properties.

Note on Packability

Ideally, the insulating jacket should be compressible enough to fit into your backpack if the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

Tips: Synthetic Down and Primaloft Technology

Synthetic materials, such as Primaloft, are also an excellent option for your mid-layer. They provide insulation comparable to down while being more resistant to moisture and easier to care for.

With these choices, you'll be well-prepared to handle various weather conditions while staying warm and comfortable.

Third Layer: Waterproof Outer Layer

The final layer, also known as the outer layer, shields you from external elements such as wind, snow, and rain. It’s essential that this layer is both waterproof and windproof while remaining breathable to allow sweat to escape. Here are some key features to look for in this layer:

Technical Materials and Membranes:

• Gore-Tex: Renowned for its waterproofness and breathability, Gore-Tex is a go-to for weather protection.
• 3-layer jackets: These jackets combine a durable outer shell, a waterproof membrane, and an inner lining for maximum protection and better moisture management.

Practical Features and Functions:

• Large pockets: Ideal for storing essentials like gloves, maps, or energy bars, they should be easy to access even with gloves on.
• Ventilation: Pit zips allow for temperature regulation during intense activities.
• Strong seams: Taped seams enhance the jacket’s durability and waterproofness.
• Adjustable hood: A helmet-compatible hood with adjustable features and a reinforced brim provides effective weather protection.
• Snow skirt: Integrated into some jackets, it prevents snow from entering under your clothes during falls or in powder conditions.

Jacket Types:

• Hardshell: Offering maximum protection from wind and rain, hardshell jackets are durable and fully waterproof. However, they are often not essential during the climb.
• Softshell: More flexible and breathable, softshells are also a good option as a mid-layer in milder conditions or during intense activities, providing good wind protection.

By choosing outerwear with these features, you’ll be well-prepared to face the harshest conditions while staying dry.

Ski Touring Trousers

To ensure successful ski touring outings, choosing the right trousers is essential. Unlike the upper body, where several layers are stacked, the lower body favours simplicity. Thermal underwear? Only for extremely cold conditions!

Softshell Trousers

Softshell trousers are the perfect companions for ski touring. Their lightweight and flexible design allows for great freedom of movement. Here's why you'll love them:

• Warmth and protection: They provide thermal insulation while being windproof and water-resistant, ideal for days without rain or wet snow.
• Versatility: Not only for ski touring but also for hiking, trekking, cross-country skiing, and even snowshoeing. True all-rounders!
• Seasonality: No matter the season, these trousers will keep you comfortable without the need for thermal leggings.

Hardshell Trousers

When conditions get tough, hardshell trousers step in. With membranes like Gore-Tex, they protect you from moisture and wind. Why opt for hardshell trousers?

• Ultimate protection: Completely waterproof and windproof, they are perfect for the harshest weather conditions.
• Multi-purpose: Ideal for alpine skiing and compatible with thermal underwear for freezing days.
• Ventilation: With ventilation zips, you can avoid overheating during climbs.

Features That Make a Difference

To ensure your ski touring trousers are truly top-notch, here are a few elements to consider:

• Adjustable belts and braces for a perfect fit.
• Ventilation zips: Essential for releasing heat during climbs.
• Reinforcements: Reinforced knees and ankles for added durability.
• Compatibility: Make sure the trousers fit well with your boots and other gear. Ski touring trousers often come with built-in gaiters or gussets to fit around your boots, preventing snow and wind from getting in.

With these features in mind, you're ready to choose the perfect trousers for your ski touring adventures. Whether you go for a softshell or hardshell model, ensure it meets your needs and the conditions you’ll face.

What to Wear for a Ski Raid?

Participating in a multi-day ski raid requires meticulous preparation, particularly when it comes to clothing. The weather can be extreme and unpredictable, leaving no room for carelessness in organising your backpack. It’s crucial to dress appropriately to stay comfortable and safe.

This type of adventure, usually spread over several days, involves crossing passes, summits, and valleys, often requiring overnight stays in mountain huts or, in some cases, wild camping in the mountains.

Three Layers for the Day

As mentioned earlier, you should follow the three-layer system during your ski raid. On sunny days, you might be able to keep your insulating and waterproof layers in your backpack during climbs, but they’ll keep you warm during breaks and in windy or shaded areas.

A Warm Change of Clothes for the Evening

Your ski outfit will be similar to what you'd wear for a typical day of ski touring. However, your backpack will need to hold more gear to ensure your comfort and make the adventure a success. A change of clothes will be essential.

Wild camping: You’ll likely be on snowy terrain, setting up camp around your tents. The cold will set in quickly once the sun disappears behind the mountains. At this moment, your biggest enemy, besides the cold, is moisture.

It's important to keep your Hardshell jacket and trousers on for protection. For comfort, warm cold-weather boots will help give your feet some relief after hours of being cramped. A dry base layer will also be key to staying comfortable. Paired with warm trousers, you’ll stay cozy in your sleeping bag all night.

Additionally, you should double up on some accessories, such as heated gloves, heated socks, a neck tube like a Buff, and a warm beanie. With these, you’ll be ready to face the mountain and its challenges!

In a Hut: You’ll need similar gear to what you would bring for wild camping. However, most mountain huts, when staffed, offer ‘Crocs’ to avoid dirtying the space with your ski boots, so you can leave your cold-weather boots behind.

What to Wear for Ski Mountaineering?

Ski mountaineering requires clothing that can handle the changing conditions of the mountains while allowing for full freedom of movement, enabling you to navigate technical and challenging terrain with speed and ease. For this reason, softshell garments are particularly favoured for this activity, thanks to their versatility, breathability, and protection against mild weather.

In addition to a softshell jacket and trousers, softshell gloves are a great option, offering good dexterity while shielding against the cold and wind. Their light insulation is enough for when you're on the move in moderate conditions, and they can be paired with liners if needed. They are also reinforced with leather or synthetic materials in key areas for added strength.

Lastly, as the head is a major source of heat loss in cold weather, it’s crucial to keep it covered. Beanies and neck warmers add an extra layer of insulation, protecting your head and helping you perform at your best, regardless of the circumstances.

Ultimately, by carefully selecting each layer based on weather conditions and activity intensity, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable ski touring experience. Remember that everyone has different needs for warmth and breathability, so it’s important to adjust your gear based on your personal comfort and past experiences in the mountains.

Essential Skimo Accessories at Glisshop

Sunglasses

To fully enjoy your adventure, it’s essential to protect your eyes properly. Ski touring sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory but a necessity for ensuring both your safety and comfort. In moderately sunny conditions, when glare is limited, category 3 sunglasses will suffice.

UV exposure increases by 10% for every 1,000 meters of elevation, meaning that once you reach 2,000 to 2,500 meters, it’s crucial to be extra cautious. With snow reflecting nearly 90% of solar radiation, category 4 sunglasses are highly recommended. Their enhanced protection is vital for effectively blocking the harmful effects of intense sunlight.

Additionally, brands like Julbo and Vuarnet offer 'Glacier sunglasses' designed with removable or permanent side shields on the frames, providing full eye protection. This way, you can safely enjoy the breathtaking landscapes around you.

Neck Warmer or Buff

Among essential accessories, the neck tube stands out for its versatility and effectiveness. This multifunctional item is more than just a piece of fabric: it protects against the elements and enhances comfort. The neck warmer offers effective protection from the cold and wind, keeping your neck warm and shielding you from unpleasant drafts. It can also be pulled up to cover the lower part of your face, protecting your mouth and nose from icy winds.

In addition to being a shield against the cold, it efficiently manages sweat with its microfiber or merino wool texture. Quick-drying, it remains comfortable throughout your outing. It also provides sun protection when exposed to intense radiation.

Light Gloves

A pair of light gloves is crucial. These gloves provide optimal cold protection while maintaining the dexterity needed for precise tasks often required in the mountains. Whether adjusting bindings, using poles, consulting a map, or removing your skins, you won’t need to take them off, allowing you to enjoy notable thermal comfort. Investing in a quality pair of light gloves ensures both comfort and performance.