The Perfect Layering System for Skiing

On the slopes, having the right layering system for your ski clothing is vital. It will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable enabling you to perform at your best. The wrong skiing layering can leave you wet and cold, restrict movement and ruin a day on the hill.

In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about layering for skiing, what you should wear, and most importantly, what ski gear you shouldn’t wear.

The Ideal Ski Layering System

When it comes to a ski layering system, typically it can be broken down into three areas.

These are:

Base Layer

The best base layers will wick sweat away and trap body heat.

Next Layer

The best next and mid layers will insulate body heat and warm air.

Outer Layer

Finally, outer layers are crucial in snow. They should be waterproof to protect you in extreme weather conditions - wind, snow, and rain.

Ski Base Layer

Whilst skiing, a base layer should be a tight-fit, hugging your entire body. You’ll need two items of clothing - base top and base bottoms. A good base layer needs two main properties, moisture-wicking and heat insulation. These are crucial to keep you warm and dry.

It used to be that most people had to layer up and sweat it out in an itchy fortress of synthetic fabrics to keep warm in hostile environments. Thankfully, natural, eco-friendly fabrics like merino wool are fast overtaking synthetic blends in performance of moisture wicking and heat insulation, being the most reliable material you can choose.

Skiing is a physically challenging outdoor sport. Even in the coldest weather conditions, you will sweat. A material such as cotton is not suitable as it will absorb moisture, leaving you wet and cold on the snow.

What's the Best Material for a Ski Base Layer?

Whilst traditionally synthetic blends have been favoured, modern technologies such as Nuyarn and merino wool are vastly out performing all other options on the market.

Base Layer Weight

The weight of a base layer can range depending on what’s perfect for the season. Our Nuyarn merino base-layers provide excellent next-to-skin thermoregulation and breathability, with our lightweight 125gsm range perfect for the summer heat.

Meanwhile, for extremely cold conditions, we can still keep our base layers lightweight while giving you excellent extra warmth with pieces like our Darkhorse 185 GSM base layer top.

Ski Next Layer

On the slopes, a ski next layer is typically a hoodie, crew or jacket worn directly between a base layer and an outer layer. Its primary purpose is to help trap warm air, keeping skiers warm and comfortable.

The fit of a ski next-layer is very important. If it's too tight and the fabric isn’t stretchy enough, it'll restrict your freedom of movement and make you feel uncomfortable. If it's too loose, it may not insulate heat efficiently or fit well under a ski jacket. Whilst we can give expert layering advice, the skier's fit preference should always be taken into account. Make sure you always test the fit to ensure it's suitable before you start your next icy adventure.

Remember, comfort is key.

At Artilect, we know the importance of the next layer when it comes to your enjoyment and performance. This is why our incredibly stretchy and breathable Nuyarn merino and Primaloft Bio next layers are a vital part of our high-functional apparel systems, and greatly complements the other high-performing layers. All our layers work together perfectly for optimum performance, keeping you warm, comfortable and dry with expert moisture wicking all over so you can just focus on skiing.

What's the Best Material for a Ski Next Layer?

Merino wool is considered the best of the bunch due to its excellent warmth and moisture-wicking properties, as well as its breathability and odor control. Synthetic fleece is also a very reliable option as it provides high warmth-to-weight levels and is light and packable.

At Artilect, we’ve also given merino wool an extra edge by spinning it in our Nuyarn structure, providing 5 times faster drying and 35% more loft. Now, you can really glide down those icy slopes with added comfort, brushing off anything the weather throws at you with ease.

What's the Best Material for a Ski Outer Layer?

Generally, you can use either 2 layer insulated garments or 3 layer shell garments, both of which are fully waterproof and treated with a DWR (Durable Water Protection) coating which allows the water to bead off the fabric. This treatment usually needs refreshing regularly to maintain its performance.

At Artilect, we believe in cutting edge apparel technology where sustainability is not optional! Using a clean chemistry, water-free process, our outerwear jackets utilise the GTT Empel super hydrophobic treatment which is hyper-fused to fibre level providing 10x premium water protection and enhanced breathability that is also PFC free and fully permanent, meaning it does not need to be refreshed.

Can You Have Too Many Layers?

Yes. There is a common misconception that you can’t have enough layers, in truth it will work against you. When you layer more than the recommended layering system, you’ll trap in too much sweat and moisture. This is going to, especially if not using breathable, moisture-wicking material, make you wet, heavier, and uncomfortable.

And, when you’re wet in the cold, you end up freezing.

Ski Tips for Staying Dry and Warm– The Dos and Dont's of Layering

The Do's

•  Do wear a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer.
•  Do invest in high-quality ski material technology.
•  Do wear completely dry ski clothing.
•  Do wear waterproof gloves, especially if you have cold hands.
•  Do eat and hydrate throughout the day for energy.
•  Do wear ski socks

The Don’ts

•  Don’t wear too many layers.
•  Don’t wear non-moisture-wicking clothes that will easily become soaked.
•  Don’t wear cotton.
•  Don’t wear clothes that aren’t breathable and don’t fit comfortably.

Choose Artilect for the Best Ski Layering System

After reading our guide, you’ll know how much a ski layering system will support you throughout your time on the slopes, keeping you dry and warm.

Whether you’re looking for women or men’s Nuyarn merino wool base layers or that high-functioning, robust mid layer to laugh off whatever nature throws at you, we have designed a range of outdoor next-level performance clothing that creates the perfect microenvironment for your body

Make sure you check out our collection. If you have any more questions about ski clothing or our apparel, get in touch with our team.