The right layers keep you warm when it's cold and let you dump heat when you're working hard. Get it wrong and you're either shivering on the chairlift or sweating through your jacket on the way down. Here's how to layer for skiing and snowboarding.
The three-layer system
Layer 1: Base layer
Sits against your skin. Its job is to move moisture away from your body so you stay dry. Never use cotton — it absorbs sweat and holds it against your skin, making you cold.
Materials:
- Merino wool — Natural, breathable, odour-resistant. Stays warm when wet. Can be pricey but lasts.
- Synthetic (polyester, polypropylene) — Cheaper, dries fast, wicks well. Can hold odour over time.
- Blends — Merino-synthetic blends offer a middle ground: warmth and wick with durability.
Fit: Snug but not tight. It needs to contact your skin to wick effectively.
Weight: Lightweight for most resort days. Mid-weight or heavyweight for very cold days or if you run cold.
Layer 2: Mid-layer (insulation)
Traps warmth. You add or remove this layer based on temperature and how hard you're working.
Options:
- Fleece — Lightweight, breathable, affordable. Good for active skiing. Doesn't block wind.
- Down — Excellent warmth-to-weight. Compresses small. Useless when wet — keep it dry.
- Synthetic insulation — Primaloft, etc. Retains some warmth when wet. Heavier than down for the same warmth.
- Softshell — Wind-resistant, stretchy, breathable. Can replace fleece + shell on mild days.
When to wear it: Cold days, on the chairlift, or if you're not working hard. Strip it when you're hiking, in the park, or on a warm spring day.
Layer 3: Shell (jacket and pants)
Blocks wind and snow. In a proper layering system, the shell provides little warmth — that's the mid-layer's job. The shell's job is protection.
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm+ for resort skiing. 15,000mm+ for heavy snow or wet conditions.
Breathability: 10,000g+ helps. The higher, the better you'll dump heat when you're sweating.
Insulated vs shell: Insulated jackets combine shell + mid-layer. They're simpler (one piece) but less flexible. If you run hot or ski in variable conditions, a shell + separate mid-layer gives you more control. If you run cold and want simplicity, insulated works.
By conditions
Cold and dry (-15°C and below)
Base layer (mid-weight) + fleece or down mid-layer + shell. Consider a neck gaiter or balaclava. Hand and toe warmers in your pockets for the chairlift.
Typical resort day (-10°C to 0°C)
Base layer + light fleece or thin synthetic mid-layer + shell. You'll likely keep the mid-layer on. Adjust based on sun and wind.
Mild or spring (0°C and above)
Base layer + shell. Maybe a very light mid-layer in your pack for the lift. Pit zips and vents are your friend. You'll warm up quickly once you're moving.
Storm day (snow, wind, wet)
Waterproof shell (15,000mm+) + synthetic mid-layer (down gets wet and dies) + base layer. Powder skirt, wrist gaiters, and a good hood matter.
What to avoid
- Cotton — Anywhere. Base layer, underwear, socks. It kills.
- Overdressing — You'll warm up on the first run. Start slightly cold; you can always add a layer at lunch.
- One heavy layer — Better to have multiple thinner layers you can add or remove.
- Skiing in jeans — They're cotton, they're not waterproof, and you'll be miserable.
Extras that help
- Neck gaiter / buff — Versatile. Pull it up over your face on cold lifts, down when you're warm. Cheap and essential.
- Pit zips — Vents under the arms. Open them when you're hot without taking off your jacket.
- Powder skirt — Keeps snow out of your jacket when you fall. Worth having.
- Wrist gaiters — Extend the jacket sleeve over your gloves. Keeps snow and wind out.
Gloves and socks
Gloves: Waterproof and insulated. Mittens are warmer than gloves; gloves give more dexterity. For very cold days, consider glove liners or a thin inner glove.
Socks: One pair. Merino or synthetic. Not too thick — thick socks can restrict circulation and make your feet colder. They should fit snugly without bunching.
Dial it in
Everyone runs different. If you're always cold, add a mid-layer or go heavier on the base. If you're always hot, strip down — a base layer + shell might be enough for you. The key is having options: layers you can add or remove as the day changes.
Find outerwear on Boardom
Jackets, pants, base layers, and mid-layers change hands every season as riders upgrade. Browse outerwear on Boardom — you might find exactly what you need at a fraction of retail. And if you're still building your setup, check our beginner ski guide or beginner snowboard guide for the full gear list.