Ski layer guide: what to wear under your ski gear

The time has come to pack up the beach chairs and head for the hills, but before you load your skis and make a break for your favorite resort, don’t forget to update your winter wardrobe. Whether you’re more excited about hitting the slopes or enjoying a drink by the fire at après-ski, the right look can be a delicate balance. Our ski layer guide provides insight for both men and women for what to wear under your ski gear to help get you from the action to après ski in style.

Ski Layer Guide for Men

Men’s NTS Mid 250 Color Block Hoody – $130

Men’s NTS Mid 250 Color Block Hoody

Photo: Smartwool

To stay warm and also avoid the dreaded “bulky” look, proper layering is important. The Smartwool 250 Color Block Hoody provides not only a stylish base-layer, but a smart one. The material, made from Merino wool, absorbs moisture but, unlike cotton, retains its warmth when wet. The wool also contains antibacterial properties that act as odor reducers, allowing you to go straight from a long day of physical exertion to the party with no problem.

Patagonia Cap 3 Long Underwear Bottoms – $69

Patagonia Men’s Merino Thermal Weight Bottoms

Photo: Patagonia

Perfect for long ski runs or get-togethers back at the lodge, the Patagonia Cap 3 Long Underwear Bottoms top the list for appearance as well as quality. Also made with Merino wool, these pants are blended with recycled polyester to increase durability. Features include a brushed elastic waistband and a functional fly. Stylish, durable, and odor resistant, these pants are an ideal base-layer for your retreat.

Icebreaker Merino Helix Vest – $99

MerinoLOFT Helix Vest

Photo: Icebreaker

When it comes to mid-layers, the Icebreaker Merino Helix Vest is the front-runner in style. This slim-fit vest is only available in black but makes up for its lack of variety elsewhere. The polyester exterior provides weather protection while the Merino lined interior holds in warmth, making it an excellent outer layer on cool days. It also comes equipped with a secure zippered internal stash pocket with a media cord port for days when you don’t want to leave your music behind.

Icebreaker Sierra Long Sleeve Zip – $19

Icebreaker Sierra Long Sleeve Zip

Photo: Icebreaker

For a jacket that you’ll want to wear everywhere, consider the Sierra Long Sleeve Zip. Made from a lightweight Merino wool blend, and available in six colors, the versatility and flattering fit of this jacket make it perfect for activities on and off the slopes. It also comes equipped with zippered hand pockets, an internal storm flap, and a secure zippered chest pocket with a media cord port.

Patagonia Men’s R1 Pullover – $129

For those of you bored by the colors that wool is usually limited to, fleece can be a top-rate option. The Patagonia Men’s R1 Full-Zip Jacket is made from the new Polartec® Power Grid™, a  lighter and more breathable fleece exclusive to Patagonia. Unlike the wool options, fleece can be produced in just about any color imaginable. This is showcased by the wide variety of options offered for this pullover, from ‘Electron Blue’ to ‘French Red.’ It also comes with a zippered chest pocket and the proven Polygiene® permanent odor control.

Ski Layer Guide for Women

Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleep Half Zip – $100

Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleep Half Zip

Photo: Icebreaker

If you’re a woman and you’re pondering what to wear under your ski gear, this item is a great place to start. The Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Half Zip is incredibly thin, but ridiculously warm, making it an incredibly versatile layering garment. It makes the perfect base layer before you stack on your other gear to make sure none of the freezing cold slips through to your skin. Made from soft, breathable merino jersey fabric, it lets moisture out and keeps your body heat in all day long. The material stays incredibly odor free, so you can even wear it a few times before washing it. This is a top you’re going to want to wear every day.

Under Armour ColdGear Devo Legging – $41.99

Under Armour is known for producing outerwear that is lightweight and tight fitting while still being incredibly warm, and their Coldgear Devo Legging for women is one of their most stylish products yet. Made with Coldgear Infrared material, the leggings have a soft, thermo-conductive inner coating that absorbs and maintains your body heat to keep you nice and toasty on the slopes. Its dual layer design features a quick dry exterior and a super warm inner layer so you stay comfortable all day long.

The North Face Reversible Caroluna Vest – $99

This hooded vest is great to throw on under your ski jacket during the day, or over your clothes when heading out to the après-ski. The Women’s Reversible Caroluna Vest is available in 5 different colors and reversible, so you can choose between textured fleece or quilt lines. The vest also has zip hand pockets to hold on to your valuables when you’re flying down the slopes. Its incredible warm fabric is easy to take care of, quickly restored to its original glory after a trip through the washer and dryer.

Patagonia Women’s Capilene Thermal Weight Crew – $89

Patagonia Women's Capilene Thermal Weight Crew

Photo: Patagonia

Made from special Capilene material and lined with micro-grid fleece, the Patagonia Women’s Capilene Thermal Weight Crew is guaranteed to keep you warm even on the coldest days of the year. The smooth face of the Polartec fabric that lines the outside of this crew slides easily beneath any other gear you have, making this one of the most effective base layers on the market. It’s made from up to 92% recycled content too, so you can feel even better about your purchase. Top it off with Polygiene odor control, and you have the perfect pullover to wear whenever you hit the slopes.

We hope our ski layer guide has given you a better insight into what to wear under your ski gear. All there is left to do now is book your dream ski holiday!

Gibbons Whistler

Gibbons has been celebrating with people since 1979. We operate venues, run festivals, brew beer, talk travel and throw parties.