When it comes to ski touring, dressing properly is essential for both comfort and safety. Ski touring often involves varied conditions.
Dressing inappropriately can make your day less rewarding — or even lead to serious risks like hypothermia. The goal is to stay comfortable while regulating body temperature, allowing freedom of movement, and staying protected from the elements. Here’s how to dress properly for your ski touring adventure.
Choose clothing based on the type of ski tour
One of the key factors to consider when dressing for ski touring is what type of tour you're embarking on. Your clothing choices should be adapted to the difficulty, weather and environment of the tour. When possible, keep it simple.
- Easy, nearby ski tours (e.g. late spring): For casual or shorter tours, like those in nearby areas during late spring, you can get away with more minimal clothing. A simple combination of a moisture-wicking base layer, a t-shirt and lightweight pants may be sufficient when the weather is warmer and you are not facing harsh conditions.
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Challenging ski tours: For more demanding tours, especially in colder climates or more technical terrain, you need to be fully prepared. When embarking on a harsher tour, the foundation of dressing for ski touring is a solid layering system. This system involves wearing multiple layers that you can easily add or remove depending on the weather and your activity level.
- Base layer: A moisture-wicking base layer is essential to keep sweat off your skin, helping regulate your body temperature and prevent you from getting chilled. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics work best.
- Mid layer: This layer provides insulation. Fleece or light down jackets are popular choices, as they trap warmth.
- Outer layer: Your shell jacket and pants protect you from wind, snow and rain. Look for waterproof, windproof materials that are also breathable, such as Gore-Tex or similar fabrics.
While skiing uphill, you want to minimize weight and bulk in your clothing. Choose lightweight, adjustable layers that can be easily packed or stowed when not in use. For instance, a jacket with adjustable cuffs, hood and hem can help you tailor the fit as conditions change.
You should also consider the right protective equipment for your tour. Bringing a helmet is strongly recommended, especially if you are heading out on a more technical tour.
Keep it simple, and have fun!