If you're a beginner on the slopes or haven't skied in a while, you might be wondering what to wear for your next ski or snowboard session in Les Gets. This guide covers the essentials to keep you warm, protected from winter weather, and stylish.
Quick Guide on What to Wear for Skiing or Snowboarding:
✅ Thermal base layers
✅ Lightweight fleece or wool top
✅ Ski or snowboard socks
✅ Ski or snowboard jacket
✅ Ski or snowboard pants (or bibs)
✅ Gloves or mittens
✅ Helmet
✅ Ski goggles
✅ Neck warmer or balaclava
Thermal Base Layers
This layer wicks away sweat and keeps you warm. Choose wool, synthetic, or silk (avoid cotton). Depending on the temperature and your sensitivity to the cold, go for a lightweight or midweight version.
Lightweight Fleece or Wool Top
Wear this over your base layer in the car or at the chalet and under your jacket for extra warmth on the slopes.
Ski or Snowboard Socks
They should be taller than your boots and not too thick—excess thickness can compress your feet, reducing circulation and making them colder. Some socks have shin padding. Opt for wool or synthetic materials and avoid cotton, which dries slowly when wet from snow or sweat.
Ski or Snowboard Jacket
Typically waterproof or water-resistant and insulated, ski and snowboard jackets come with practical pockets and snow-specific features. A waterproof, breathable rain jacket worn over a fleece or wool top can work too, though it may be more slippery if you fall.
Ski or Snowboard Pants (or Bibs)
Waterproof or water-resistant and insulated, ski pants often include practical pockets, ventilation zippers, and built-in gaiters to prevent snow from getting into your boots. A waterproof, breathable rain pant with a fleece layer underneath can also work in a pinch.
Gloves or Mittens
Choose waterproof or water-resistant and insulated gloves or mittens. The thicker they are, the warmer they will be. Mittens tend to be warmer than gloves but reduce dexterity (you can add liner gloves for flexibility). Ski and snowboard-specific gloves often feature useful extras like built-in goggle wipes and long cuffs to keep snow out.
Helmet
Not mandatory but highly recommended, a helmet protects your head while keeping your ears warm and dry. Most ski resorts rent helmets, so you don’t need to buy one right away. If you don't wear a helmet, opt for a warm beanie.
Ski Goggles
Goggles protect your eyes from wind, snow, and glare. Ensure they fit well with your helmet and sit snugly on your face, especially if you wear prescription glasses. If the weather is clear and it’s not snowing, sunglasses can be an acceptable alternative.
Neck Warmer or Balaclava
A neck warmer can be pulled up over your nose in very cold weather, while a balaclava provides even more coverage.
What’s the Difference Between Ski and Snowboard Clothing?
Traditional ski clothing is more fitted, reflecting the sport’s Olympic heritage and emphasis on speed. Snowboard clothing, on the other hand, is generally looser, reflecting the sport’s counterculture roots. Today, this stylistic distinction remains, but the technical features of ski and snowboard clothing are quite similar. In short, ski clothing works fine for snowboarding and vice versa.
Clothing and Dressing Tips for Skiing and Snowboarding
✅ Dress for the climate:
- In the Alps, where conditions are cold and dry, opt for warm and waterproof clothing.
✅ Layering = guaranteed comfort:
- Add or remove layers based on temperature and activity level.
✅ Use what you already own:
- If you're on a budget, hiking or outdoor sportswear can work, though they may lack specific ski features.
✅ Invest wisely:
- If you have a season pass, investing in quality gear makes sense.
- If you ski occasionally, there's no need to spend a fortune—renting first helps you determine what suits you best.
✅ Waterproof and synthetic insulation = the winning combo:
- Jackets, pants, gloves, and mittens should be waterproof and have synthetic insulation to maintain warmth, even when wet.
- Some clothing is only water-resistant or uses down insulation, which is better suited for cold, dry conditions.
✅ Use hand and foot warmers if needed:
- Air-activated heating packs provide several hours of warmth, even if your gloves or socks are damp.
✅ Check for a Recco® reflector:
- Some helmets, jackets, and pants feature this safety technology, which helps ski patrol locate avalanche victims using a Recco detector.
- No activation required—just wear a Recco-equipped garment in one of the 800+ ski resorts with the system.
- ⚠️ Note: A Recco reflector is NOT the same as an avalanche beacon, which is essential for off-piste skiing and requires manual operation and training.
✅ Don't forget sunscreen:
- UV exposure is stronger at high altitudes, and snow reflection increases the risk of sunburn.
- Apply sunscreen to your face, including under your chin, nose, and ears, to avoid the classic “panda tan.”
What to Look for in a Ski or Snowboard Jacket
✅ 3-in-1 Design:
- These jackets let you detach the waterproof outer shell from the insulated inner layer.
- On warm days, leave the inner layer in your locker.
- If the inner layer is wind-resistant and the weather is clear, you can leave the outer shell behind.
- Traditional jackets are less versatile but mean you only have one garment to manage.
✅ Plenty of Pockets:
- Most resort skiers don’t carry backpacks, so multiple pockets for essentials are useful.
✅ Specialized Pockets:
- Some jackets feature a transparent lift pass pocket.
- Others have a soft-lined inner pocket for goggles.
✅ Powder Skirt:
- This inner seal fits around your waist to prevent snow from getting inside when you fall.
- Wrist gaiters serve a similar purpose for your arms.
✅ Specialized Hoods:
- Some jackets have removable hoods.
- Others allow adjustments to fit over a helmet.
✅ Zippered Vents:
- Pit zips or core vents help regulate airflow during intense activity.
What to Look for in Ski or Snowboard Pants
✅ Bibs (Overalls):
- Extend higher on the torso and attach with suspenders, offering better snow protection and extra warmth.
- If you like suspenders but not full bibs, you can buy separate suspenders.
- ⚠️ Drawback: Bibs are less convenient for bathroom breaks.
✅ Snow Gaiters:
- These built-in inner cuffs prevent snow from entering your boots.
✅ Thigh Vents:
- Adjustable vents help regulate temperature when you're exerting yourself, even in cold weather.
✅ Reinforced Inner Ankles:
- Extra fabric protects pant cuffs from sharp ski or snowboard edges.
What to Look for in Ski or Snowboard Gloves and Mittens
✅ Gloves vs. Mittens:
- Mittens: Warmer because they group fingers together, but they reduce dexterity.
- Gloves: Provide better finger mobility but may be less warm.
- Hybrid Models: Some gloves combine the benefits of both by grouping some fingers together.
✅ Removable Liners:
- Thin liner gloves can be removed for fine tasks or left inside for extra warmth.
- They dry faster when separated from the main glove.
✅ Hand Warmer Pockets:
- Designed to fit heating packs, these pockets can also act as vents on warm days.
✅ Soft Fabric on the Thumb:
- Perfect for wiping your nose or clearing goggles without scratching.
✅ Goggle Squeegee:
- A rubber strip on the thumb or forefinger acts as a mini windshield wiper for ski goggles.
✅ Touchscreen Compatibility:
- Some gloves have fingertips designed to work with smartphones and touchscreen devices.
This guide should help you prepare for your ski or snowboard trip in Les Gets! Enjoy the slopes and stay warm! 🎿🏂