How to dress correctly this winter

Useful tips on how to dress correctly on skis

The holiday is booked and planned, departure is getting closer and the thoughts of what to pack are starting to buzz in my head. If you overpack for the southern trip with 30 degrees, what will it be like to pack for the ski holiday? We try to help you on your way with tips on what to bring in your bag on a ski holiday. 

The right equipment for your ski holiday can be the alpha omega for whether the trip is successful or not. Frozen toes, wet clothes and screaming children with nails popping are often not a good recipe for a relaxing and memorable holiday. The most important thing is to stay warm and have equipment that fits. 

Layer 1: Innermost

We start with the innermost layer, which should be wool.  Today, most wool underwear is made of merino wool. This is comfortable against the skin and does not itch as you remember from childhood. Using cotton on the inside is bad as the cotton attracts moisture and retains it so you get cold. Wool warms well and is most practical for active days in winter. Choose ski socks that go up to the knees (without a pattern) to avoid chafing during the day, and for a week's holiday you should have 2 or 3 sets of wool underwear and ski socks. 

Layer 2: Middle layer

The middle layer can be a sweater in functional materials, such as fleece. This transports moisture away from the body so you don't stay damp and cold. You also get a middle layer of felted wool that works very well. For those who freeze easily, a thin and light down or insulation jacket may be the best. If you have a thick outer jacket, a fleece may suffice, but if you have a shell jacket as the outer layer, you should have a thicker middle layer. To the legs, the same rule applies

Team 3: Outer layer

This layer should be windproof and water-repellent. Here you need something that insulates against wind and weather, as well as keeps you dry no matter how much you base in the snow. It is important that this layer also has the opportunity to let the moisture from the body out.
If it is extra cold, you can also use a bubble vest or similar on the outside of the outer layer, or an extra fleece in the middle layer.

One or two pairs of socks?

Alpine/snowboard boots should fit snugly but comfortably. If you have room for two pairs of socks without it squeezing and being uncomfortable, this is fine. If it gets too tight, the blood circulation stops and you end up freezing on your feet. In the vast majority of cases, it is therefore better to have 1 pair of good alpine socks made with a high proportion of wool. Ordinary cotton socks should be avoided.

Heat loss:

The head and wrists are where you have the greatest heat loss. Wear long mittens that cover the wrist. Pull the jacket over tightly. Mittens are preferable to gloves.
A helmet helps to prevent heat loss from the head. You can also use a hat, steak or headband under the helmet if you feel a cold pull on your ears.

Cold cream:

Cold cream on the face can in many cases help well. There are many brands on the market, but you should use a cold cream that contains SPF and does not contain water.

Neck/neck:

You get a type of buff where the top part consists of fleece and the rest is like a regular buff. This warms extra well and can be pulled up over the chin when sitting in the lift.

Breaks:

Take a break when you notice that it is starting to get cold. A hot cup of cocoa works wonders. When you have breaks, take off your ski boots and be careful not to get wet. Also take off the outer layer when you are inside. After eating, a lot of the blood collects in the stomach and you can more easily freeze on your feet and hands for the first half hour after the meal.

Other tips:

Wool shorts are very good to wear on top of your thermal underwear to stay extra warm when sitting in the lift. Here you can buy a tight-fitting wool shorts or you can cut off the legs of an old pair of underwear pants.
Some ski pants have a pocket on the knees to put in a wool pillow which is great if you are doing with children on the slopes and have to sit on your knees to put on slalom boots or other things. You can also use knee pads.

Remember a helmet, mittens, ski goggles and sunscreen!