Staying comfortable whilst skiing is the most important part of having fun in the mountains. With weather conditions that can vary from freezing snow to pleasant sunshine, it is important to be prepared for this so your fun won't be compromised. To help you achieve this, we’ve put together a small and quick guide to inform you about layering and what you could wear under a ski jacket.
Simply put, layering consists of three levels:
- a base layer to clear away moisture from your body
- a mid-layer(s) to keep your body warm
- a ski jacket (or outer layer) to protect you from the heavy weather conditions
The base layer: what is it?
The base layer will help you to clear away the perspiration of your own body. Even though it’s generally cold when you go skiing, your body gets warmed up by doing the activity. Most commonly, base layers are made from synthetic fibre or wool. Depending on the weather conditions of the day and your own personal preferences, both options will suffice. If it’s a little more windy and cold, go for a wool base layer and if the sun’s it and it’s a little warmer choose a Thermo base layer with synthetic fibres. Lastly, it is important to note that you shouldn’t pick a cotton base layer, as it can’t wick away moisture very well and will get cold when it gets wet.
The mid-layer(s)
Most importantly, mid-layer jackets are designed to keep your body warm. You could either go for a fleece or a lightly insulated jacket from synthetic fabrics. Most ski jackets or outer layers already are fleece-lined or contain a down filling, so you should pick your mid-layers accordingly so that it compliments your ski jacket. Moreover, when a ski jacket is specifically a shell jacket, a warmer mid-layer is needed, so you could double up and combine a fleece with a light insulated jacket. Cortazu provides both types of men’s mid-layer jackets, as well as women's mid-layer jackets to keep you extra comfortable.
The ski jacket (or outer layer)
Your ski jacket is the outer layer to protect you from the elements and extreme weather conditions. As mentioned before, most ski jackets contain a fleece or a synthetic fabric lining. Warmer options are fully insulated with down fill power. You should check if the jacket you’re considering is fully wind- and waterproof as you will get exposed to these elements whilst skiing in the mountains.
Both mid-layer jackets and fleeces from Cortazu will help you stay warm. Combine these with the hard shell jacket for men or women, which are 100% waterproof and windproof, and you will be able to deal with any unexpected weather conditions on your next skiing adventure.
