Maybe you’re all about carving down the slopes at top speed. Or perhaps your idea of a perfect day is gliding across a serene cross-country trail. Whatever your pace or terrain, wearing the right ski attire can mean the difference between enjoying the mountain or heading back to the lodge early.
To help you gear up, we turned to adidas employee and ski expert Jack Egan for his top tips on what to wear while skiing. Not only has he been coaching freeride skiing for the last 10 years, Jack also spent a decade racing competitively on the North American Ski Circuit. In other words, he knows snow—and exactly how to dress for it.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: BUILD YOUR LAYERING SYSTEM
Both cross-country and downhill skiing start with the same foundation: smart layering. How much warmth and breathability you need will depend on which activity you choose, but either way, you’ll want to gear up with some version of these three layers:
Base Layer
Your base layer sits closest to your skin, wicking away sweat and helping to regulate your body temperature so you don’t overheat or get chilled. This is your most versatile layer, because you can wear it for a wide range of activities.
“My base layers are always the same whether I’m downhill or cross-country skiing,” said Jack. “It’s the layers I wear on top that really vary depending on the activity or conditions.”
Materials matter, he added. “Cotton is an absolute no-no, because the moment it gets wet, it’s not going to keep you warm.” Instead, look for wool or synthetic fabrics that manage moisture and dry fast. The Terrex Multi Synthetic Top and Tights are both a great option; so is the Terrex Xperior Climacool+ Long Sleeve Tee.
Mid Layer
Your mid layer adds warmth between your base and outer layers—but how much insulation you need depends on your activity. Downhill skiers tend to reach for fleece or lightweight puffers for extra heat, while cross-country skiers do better with lighter, more breathable layers that let body heat escape as they move.
Outer Layer
Your outer layer stands between you and the elements. Downhill skiers should opt for waterproof, insulated jackets to block wind, water, and cold during long lift rides and fast descents. On the flip side, cross-country skiers will want to go for a minimal shell to prevent overheating on the trail.
Even if you don't wear all three layers at the outset, it's a good idea to take them along on every outing. You can always shed layers as you warm up, but you can’t add layers that you left at home.
WHAT TO WEAR DOWNHILL SKIING
Wind and snow are your two biggest factors when it comes to dressing for downhill skiing, said Jack. “You’re going to be spending part of your day just sitting on the chairlift getting blasted by the elements, so you need to really focus on warmth and weather protection.”
To gear up for a day on the slopes, start with your wicking base layer, add a warm fleece or down midlayer, then top it all off with a technical ski jacket like the Terrex Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Climaproof+ Jacket. The waterproof construction locks out storms, while a snow skirt and heat seal cuffs keep cold air and powder from sneaking in. To make sure you’ve got the fit dialed, check out our guide: How a Winter Jacket Should Fit.
Pants
When you’re skiing downhill, your legs do most of the work—so your pants need to move with you while keeping out wind, snow, and sleet. Look for durable, waterproof ski pants—and if you’re going to be skiing in deep powder, you can’t go wrong with Terrex Hybrid Primeknit Climaproof+ Bibs.
“Bibs are great because they protect you from any snow that might creep under your jacket,” Jack said. “They also provide another layer of insulation around your core, which is really nice.”
Accessories
Accessories play a big role in keeping you safe on the slopes, and protecting your head takes top priority. “You 100% have to wear a helmet,” said Jack. “It’s not cool to wear not wear a helmet.”
Next up, goggles. High-speed descents mean constant exposure to wind and blowing powder, which can strain your eyes and impact visibility. Choose lenses with UV protection, and make sure they fit over your helmet and glasses if you wear them.
Cotton socks have no place in your ski boots. Moisture-wicking, lightly cushioned ski socks like the Terrex Merino Crew Sock will keep your feet warm and dry without bunching or slipping.
To protect your face and neck from the cold, wear a neck gaiter like the Terrex Merino Neck Gaiter to block frigid wind. And complete your setup with a pair of well-insulated waterproof gloves.
WHAT TO WEAR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
To prepare for a day of cross-country skiing, it’s important to remember that you’re dressing for a serious aerobic workout. You'll warm up quickly as you move, so leave the heavy layers at home, Jack advised. “Otherwise, you’ll overheat right away—and in the backcountry, you won’t have anywhere to ditch extra clothing.”
Instead, keep it minimal. A base layer and fleece vest or softshell jacket should be all you need to keep your core warm—for a little added protection, Jack also likes wearing a lightweight running jacket over a fleece midlayer. “It’s a phenomenal way to block the wind and keep heat in,” he explained.
Pants
According to Jack, cross-country ski pants should prioritize breathability and freedom of movement over heavy insulation. “If it’s not pouring rain or dumping snow, technical soft-shell pants are going to work great,” he said. Look for a pair with plenty of stretch, and don’t go too roomy—a snugger fit will move with you better as you kick and glide.
Accessories
No need for a helmet—a wool or synthetic beanie like the Terrex Xploric Merino Beanie or Terrex Multi Beanie is all you need for backcountry trails. And you can swap heavy ski goggles for UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from glare and wind.
When it comes to your hands, you’ll want a lighter pair than you’d use on the slopes. “You’re going to be moving your hands more, so they’ll naturally stay warmer,” Jack pointed out. “You’ll also want more grip and dexterity for pole planting.”
No matter what kind of skier you are, the goal is always the same: stay comfortable, stay warm, and stay dry. With the right apparel, you can achieve all of the above and keep moving no matter what the mountain throws your way.
Of course, skiing isn’t the only way to stay active in winter. Snowboarders will want to check out our guide that covers what to wear snowboarding, and we’ve also got some great tips to help hikers and runners stay safe and comfortable in the cold.