what do you need to wear when going skiing or snowboarding?

Question

so this isn't my first time going to the snow but it is my first time trying to ski or maybe snowboard. i know you need to dress warm and wear goggles but what else? do you need to wear different things for skiing and snowboarding? please be specific because i honestly have no ideas. thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Dressing for outdoor activities such as skiing, boarding, hiking, mountaineering etc is based on the 'layer system'.

There are 3 layers - the base or under layer, the middle or thermal layer and the outer shell or protective layer.

The base layer is a close fitting but not constrictive layer of synthetic material which wicks moisture away from your body. Synthetic materials retain virtually no moisture so when you sweat (which you undoubtedly will) the sweat is wicked away from your body helping you stay dry. Not only is this more comfortable and less smelly but it helps maintain your bodies normal temperature. Wet clothing next to the skin quickly robs your body of heat - the last thing you want in a cold climate.

The middle or thermal layer insulates you from the cold. Normally the material will be fleece or pile but maybe bunting and as with the base layer, will be synthetic. The thick material traps air and so prevents heat being lost from your body and because they're synthetic moisture from your body is wicked to the outside of this layer helping keep you dry.

The purpose of the outer shell is to keep the elements out and as such should be both waterproof and windproof. Modern technology has come up with a range of materials such as Goretex and Sympatex which have a porous membrane consisting of tiny holes - small enough to let molecules of sweat out but too small to let droplets of water in.

All the clothing you need can be bought at outdoor stores and needn't cost a fortune. You could spend a fortune if you wanted but in my experience this isn't necessary. The best fleece jacket I've ever bought cost about $50 and is superior to ones I've bought at $250. It's worth paying a little more for the outer shell garments and look for jackets and pants that have as few seams as possible and where seams do exist make sure they're sealed to prevent water ingress. Zips should be of the waterproof type and ideally protected with stormflaps. Zipped and flapped pockets are useful as are pockets on the insides of the garments. Pants that can be taken on and off over your shoes or boots are an advantage and your jacket needs to have a hood that can be drawn tightly around your face to prevent wind blown snow and rain penetrating.

The above is suitable for pretty much any outdoor conditions but specifically for winter activities you could consider a pair of salopettes instead of the outer layer (and in some cases the middle layer as well - depending how cold it is). The good thing about snow is that it's not wet like rain is and if you're wearing decent clothing then there won't be enough heat escaping to melt the snow that sticks to you.

Accessory wise then a pair of ski goggles, thermal gloves and a hat are all you need. Because most body heat is lost through the head then your hat will be your thermostat, just keep taking it on and off to maintain a comfortable temperature.

As for specifically what to wear, it's hard to give advice as you need to dress to suit the conditions and these can vary tremendously from region to region and are dependent on the time of year and prevailing weather. In certain conditions it's quite possible to go skiing, boarding and ice-climbing wearing little more than shorts and a tee-shirt and be comfortably warm - I wouldn't advise this as bare skin sliding across consolidated snow or ice isn't a pleasant experience as it acts like sandpaper.

The type of skiing you intend to undertake may have a bearing on your choice of clothing; for example, requirements may vary for cross country and downhill skiing - again, it depends on the conditions.

Try talking with someone familiar with the area you're going to and see what they advise. If you're planning on skiing and boarding in different areas and in different conditions you'll find you need to buy a range of clothing.

Answer 2

Depending on where you go, the weather will be different. West coast could be warm or cold, east coast likely to be colder. I would plan to dress in layers so you can shed your clothes depending on how cold it is. If you are going to be snowboarding, you will probably fall more than if you are skiing, make sure all your clothes are waterproof and there isn't a way for snow to get in your pants.

If you haven't decided which you are going to do, I would get a pair of pants that can work for either (again the waterproof kind). You also need gloves and ski socks.

Answer 3

dress in layers. also, get a waterproof coat, gloves/mittens, and ski/snowboard pants. EMS and other sporting good stores sell that kind of stuff.
columbia, zero exposure, and pacific trail are probably the 3 best affordable brands to go with. most of their stuff is waterproof.
zero exposure would be my first choice because they have warm gloves, coats, and pants as well, so look for them.


have fun!

Answer 4

I went skiing at Park City mountain Resort, and afterwords, we walked around the town of Park City. I just wore athletic pants and a sweat shirt, and gym shoes. I am usually too tired to care how I look. If I'm at home, I'll just walk around the house in T-shirt, and boxers.

Answer 5

There is some good information here. http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Category:New_to_the_Snow

It is run by Australians, but the information is pretty good.