UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2020 – Skiing can be a lot of fun. But if you aren’t dressed for the occasion, skiing can also be cold and miserable.
The first time I went skiing, I was 21 years old, and borrowed an old ski outfit from a friend. Not knowing what to wear skiing for the first time, I was totally unprepared and ill-equipped to handle the cold temperatures. I instantly hated skiing.
Eight years later, I am an avid skier and I’m married to an extreme skier with a crazy goal of skiing America’s scariest ski run someday. Ski trips are a yearly occurrence.
Over the years, I have learned much more about what to wear on a ski trip and how to dress while skiing to stay warm. That has made all the difference.
If you are new to the sport, this article covers everything you need to know about what to wear skiing.
We’ve also included some ski gear recommendations and accessories you will want to invest in if you continue with skiing or other mountain sports.
Skiing can be a fun sport if you know what to wear to stay warm while skiing!
Must-have ski clothes and gear for first-time skiers
It is no secret that skiing is an expensive sport. So if you aren’t sure you will continue with it, I recommend renting ski gear, borrowing what you can from friends, and rummaging through your closet for pieces that will work on the mountain.
You will likely still have to buy a couple of things, but you won’t be dropping a thousand dollars on ski clothes and gear right out of the gate.
How to look the part on the slopes
Before we get to the gear and clothes you need to wear skiing, first let’s cover some dos and don’ts on the mountain.
Ski Gear Dos
Dress in layers.
Wear a helmet!
Rent what you can unless you know 100% you will be skiing a lot more in the future.
Invest in quality pieces.
Ski Gear Don’ts
Don’t wear denim. Just don’t. It looks ridiculous. You will also freeze because it lacks water resistance and thermal properties.
Don’t skip the helmet. It’s dangerous. And the lack of a helmet is a sure-fire way to tell someone is a rookie skier.
Don’t go crazy on expensive gear and clothing. No one needs to look like a Bogner ad their first day on the mountain.
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What to wear skiing: First time skiier’s guide to ski attire
The key to staying warm while skiing is to dress appropriately. That means you need to wear the right gear and dress in layers.
I’m one of those people who always gets cold, even indoors, so I typically always wear three layers when skiing. My husband can often get by with two layers, or a thin outer layer or shell.
Here are the essential layers you should wear skiing on a cold day. On a warmer winter day, you might get by with just two layers. You will need the following:
Base layer
Mid layer
Thick, waterproof outer layer
Now that we’ve covered how many layers to wear skiing, let’s cover the basics and break down what to wear skiing for the first time.
What ski brands are best?
Not all ski gear is created equal. Ski brands vary in price and quality. However, I don’t recommend going out and buying the most expensive ski brand thinking it will keep you warmer.
If you are going skiing the first time, here are few reasonably affordable ski brands that we wear and recommend:
Chances are if you are going skiing for the first time, you will fall a lot and spend a lot of time on your butt. So keep your butt warm and dry, even when sitting in the wet snow. A quality pair of ski pants are a must on the mountain.
Look for an insulated, waterproof ski pant that fits over your ski boots. You also will want something that is a bit looser than your typical pants. You will have a base layer underneath, and you want something that is easy to move in.
Of the brands mentioned above, Spyder and The North Face are our go-to brands for ski pants. They are, in my opinion, the best quality for the money.
An example of what to wear skiing for the first time or the 100th time.
Cost-saving tip: if you are a petite woman, look at buying your pants in the girls’ section instead.
The North Face pants I’m wearing in the picture above are actually a size 14 in girls, and cost about $30 less than the same pants in a size 1 in women’s.
Equally important as the insulated ski pants is a warm, waterproof ski coat. A lot of skiers, myself included, love the variety you find in ski apparel. It’s rare you ever see two people on the mountain wearing the same jacket.
While there are so many ski brands to choose from, I would caution you not to just buy the cheapest jacket you can find. You get what you pay for in ski apparel, and you want to stay warm or you will be miserable.
This was one of the investments I didn’t make for a couple of years. My first ski gloves were inexpensive and low quality. My hands stayed cold on the mountain, but I knew no different.
After a few seasons, I finally invested in a high-quality pair of ski gloves, and it made a huge difference.
For toddlers, I would recommend mittens. They are easier to put on and help to keep their fingers warmer. Since little ones typically don’t ski with poles yet, the mittens work well for their needs.
They protect your eyes from UV rays bouncing of the snow and keep the wind and snow out of your eyes. They also help to balance out the lighting, making it easier to see the snow conditions and changes in the mountain.
Two of the three layers to wear skiing: a base layer and a mid layer
Your base layer is the first layer of clothing you will put on. It should be lightweight, somewhat snug to the skin, breathable, and wick away moisture. Your base layer serves as added thermal insulation.
You likely have something that will work for a mid layer in your closet. My mid layer is usually a fleece sweatshirt. This is worn between your base layer and your jacket. If you don’t already have one, you can find one relatively inexpensive just about anywhere.
These are great pieces to have in your winter wardrobe, as they can be worn on or off the mountain.
Your helmet will serve two purposes when skiing. Most importantly, it is there for safety. Even expert skiers who never fall wear a helmet for safety.
If you are a first-time skier, a helmet is a must. It will also keep your head and ears warm while on the mountain.
If you aren’t sure whether you will ski again, you can always rent a helmet along with skis and boots. But if you plan to ski more than once in your life, it’s cheaper to buy one than to rent.
Other things you need for skiing if you continue to ski
After you fall in love with the sport, you’ll eventually want to purchase your own skis, poles, boots, and a good ski bag and boot bag. If you know you plan to ski at least once a year, I would definitely recommend buying a fitted pair of ski boots.
Rental ski boots are incredibly uncomfortable. You will have a much better time on the mountain once you are in boots fitted for your foot.
You’ll also want to invest in somewinter boots to wear in the evenings when you aren’t skiing, and a few winter accessories like a hat or beanie, and a neck gaitor for the really cold days.
Have a question or comment about what to wear skiing the first time? We’d love to hear from you Leave us a comment below. We would be happy to answer any questions about our go-to mountain brands, apparel, and gear.
3 comments on “What to Wear Skiing | A First-Time Skier’s Guide”
This is such a useful post! Thanks for sharing – I can imagine that if you haven’t skiied before, it would be super useful to read something like this before you go.
Skiing seems like awesome outdoor activity. Your post and tips are so good for beginners and for pro skiers. I am definitely going to save your post! 😉
Thanks, Agness! I learned to ski as an adult, and we are now teaching our 2-year-old. I remember being so clueless about what to wear and what I needed to stay warm and safe on the slopes.
3 comments on “What to Wear Skiing | A First-Time Skier’s Guide”
This is such a useful post! Thanks for sharing – I can imagine that if you haven’t skiied before, it would be super useful to read something like this before you go.
Skiing seems like awesome outdoor activity. Your post and tips are so good for beginners and for pro skiers. I am definitely going to save your post! 😉
Thanks, Agness! I learned to ski as an adult, and we are now teaching our 2-year-old. I remember being so clueless about what to wear and what I needed to stay warm and safe on the slopes.