What to wear under snow clothing?

Whether you're planning to glide down snowy slopes or enjoy an alpine adventure, the right choice of base layers is crucial to ensure not only maximum comfort but also protection against the elements. Here at Söll, we care not only about the outer layer of your ski attire but also about the layers that keep you warm, dry, and ready to tackle any challenge the mountain presents. Join us on this journey to discover the best options for men, women, and children in the clothing that goes underneath your ski gear.

Base Layer: Snug and Breathable Garments

The first of the three layers of clothing, known as the thermal base layer, is key to keeping the body warm and dry. The base layer is essential when dressing for snow, as it provides warmth and comfort to the body. It consists of snug and breathable garments worn directly against the skin.

Thermal Shirts

Thermal shirts are an ideal option for the base layer or first layer. These are designed with soft and breathable materials that help keep the body dry and warm. It is recommended to choose a long-sleeved thermal shirt made from technical fabrics such as polyester or merino wool, which have insulating properties and allow for good sweat evaporation.

Thermal Leggings

Thermal leggings are an essential garment to protect the legs from the cold. Like thermal shirts, they are made with breathable materials that maintain body temperature. It is advisable to choose snug but comfortable leggings that allow freedom of movement and prevent cold from seeping in. Thermal leggings go under ski pants and ensure safety, protection, and comfort during snow activities.

Mid Layer: Comfort and Warmth

Cotton Sweaters

Cotton sweaters or fleece liners are ideal for the mid layer or second layer in cold climates. Their soft texture and ability to retain heat provide comfort and warmth during snow activities. It is recommended to opt for sweaters with a high neck to protect the neck area and maintain body heat. Additionally, dark colors help absorb more sunlight and maintain a feeling of warmth.

Hoodies

Another option for the mid layer or second layer is hoodies, which provide great comfort and thermal insulation. These, made with components like cotton or polyester, create a heat pocket between layers and are ideal for staying warm in cold conditions. Likewise, hoodies with hoods offer additional protection for the head and ears against wind and cold.

  • Cotton sweaters provide comfort and heat retention.
  • It is recommended to choose sweaters with high necks for added protection.
  • Hoodies offer thermal insulation and comfort.
  • Hoodies with hoods provide additional warmth for the head and ears.
  • View Söll women's fleeces
  • View Söll men's fleeces

Outer Layer: Protection Against the Elements

The outer layer is a fundamental part of ski clothing, as its main function is to protect the body from external factors such as rain, snowmelt, and wind. To achieve this, it is recommended to use a special garment that offers lightness, resistance, windproofing, and waterproofing.

Special Snow Apparel

The choice of specialized snow apparel is key to ensuring maximum protection and comfort. This garment must be lightweight to allow unrestricted movement, resistant to withstand adverse conditions, and durable to withstand continuous use. Both ski jackets and pants are part of this third layer, which will be the shield that protects us from external elements such as rain or wind.

Features to Consider

When selecting the garment, it is important to consider some specific characteristics that will increase its effectiveness. These characteristics include:

  • Lightness: The garment must be lightweight to avoid burdening the user and facilitate mobility in the snow.
  • Resistance: It is necessary for the garment to be resistant to wear and tear as well as possible scratches or abrasions that may occur in the snowy environment.
  • Windproofing and Waterproofing: The garment must be able to block the wind and keep the user dry, preventing snow or rain from penetrating inside.
  • Hood and High Neck: An adequate hood protects the head and ears from exposure to weather elements, while a high neck completely covers the upper torso.

Choosing a high-quality garment with these characteristics will provide complete protection against the elements in snowy conditions.

Accessories to Complement the Outfit

Aside from suitable layers of clothing, it is essential to have the right accessories to complement the outfit and protect against cold and moisture. Here are some essential accessories:

Thermal and Waterproof Gloves

To protect the hands from cold and moisture, it is advisable to use thermal and waterproof gloves. These accessories ensure good protection against cold and keep the hands dry, preventing them from freezing. It is important to choose waterproof gloves that are snug but comfortable, allowing proper finger mobility.

Snow Sunglasses

Snow-specific sunglasses are essential to protect the eyes from sunlight reflections on the snow and wind. These glasses have special filters that block ultraviolet rays and prevent glare. Additionally, they protect the eyes from dryness and cold. It is important to choose sunglasses with UV protection and a good fit to prevent fogging.

Snow Boots

Snow boots are essential to keep the feet dry, warm, and protected. It is recommended to wear footwear that is non-slip, waterproof, and high, so as to prevent snow or moisture from entering when walking. This ensures better stability on snowy terrain and provides greater comfort during snow activities.

Not Recommended Clothing for Snow

When dressing for snow, it is important to avoid certain garments that will not provide adequate safety and could cause discomfort or even health issues. Below are some garments that are not suitable:

  • Rain Boots: This type of footwear is not designed to withstand low temperatures or protect the feet from snow. It is preferable to opt for specific footwear that is non-slip, waterproof, and high to prevent snow from entering.
  • Cotton or Wool Outerwear: Cotton or wool garments are not recommended in cold and humid climates, as they tend to get wet easily and take time to dry. It is preferable to use special garments that are waterproof and windproof.
  • Regular Gloves: Regular gloves do not provide the necessary protection against cold and moisture. It is recommended to use thermal and waterproof gloves that keep the hands dry and warm.

These garments do not offer the necessary features to properly protect against cold, moisture, and wind in snowy environments. It is important to opt for suitable snow attire that allows you to stay dry, warm, and protected during activity.

Sun Protection and Additional Waterproof Clothing

If you're going to enjoy the snow, it's essential to consider sun protection and the need for additional waterproof clothing. Even though the temperature is low, the sun's rays can be intense and reflect off the snow, causing damage to the skin. Therefore, it's important to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body and reapply it regularly throughout the day.

Additionally, it's advisable to carry additional waterproof clothing to stay dry in case of heavy rain or snow. A good set of waterproof jacket and pants will ensure that water does not penetrate the outer layer and will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the mountain activity. At Söll, we understand the importance of keeping ski clothing in perfect condition, which is why we offer a range of high-quality waterproofing products. These products are designed to preserve and enhance the waterproofing of your equipment, ensuring that your garments remain resistant to water and wind, extending their lifespan and performance on the slopes. With Söll, you can be sure that your ski clothing will always be ready to face any weather conditions.

Choice of Materials and Specialized Brands

When selecting the right components for ski clothing, it's important to consider the quality and durability of the fabrics. Opting for specialized brands in this type of clothing will guarantee better performance and durability in extreme conditions.

It's advisable to look for specific characteristics in garments, such as breathability, water resistance, wind protection, and lightness. At Söll, we pride ourselves on using only the best materials in our garments, including advanced technologies such as Gore-Tex and Polartec. These not only ensure greater comfort but also offer unmatched protection in snowy environments. By choosing Söll garments, you'll be investing in clothing designed to the highest quality standards, ensuring an optimal and safe skiing experience for you and your family.

The technology applied in snow clothing has advanced significantly, allowing the development of fabrics with thermoregulatory, water-repellent, and windproof properties. These advances contribute to a more comfortable and safe experience in extreme conditions.

Aside from fabric selection, it's important to consider other aspects such as garment design and functionality. Choosing garments that have additional features like spacious pockets with closures, cuff and waist adjustments, and ventilation systems provides greater comfort and practicality during snow activities.

In conclusion, the right choice of base layers for skiing is not only a matter of comfort but also one of safety and performance on the slopes. At Söll, we are committed to offering you the best options for the whole family, ensuring that your snow experience is as exciting as it is safe. Remember that the layers we wear under ski clothing play a fundamental role in our well-being during the practice of this sport. We hope this article has provided you with the necessary guidance to make informed decisions about how to dress from the base layer to the outer layer. May your next snow adventure be memorable and comfortable with the help of Söll! See you on the slopes.