Troop 135 Franklin - Going Places

Skiing Attire
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Ski Clothing - Appropriate clothing during skiing can make your experience much better.  Below are items of clothing that each skier should consider.  The most important thing to remember in Ski clothes is:  DO NOT WEAR COTTON!
  • Waterproof, breathable fabrics
  • Multiple pockets
  • Layering systems
  • Ventilation
  • Sealed seams
  • Reinforced elbows and knees
  • Zipper flaps

Ski shirts and rollnecks are essential for you ski holiday

Layering is absolutely essential for maximum warmth and dryness.  With layers, you can easily add or shed clothing as you choose.  There are three pieces in the layering system:

Inner Layer - The inner layer is the moisture-wicking layer that serves to keep you dry.  A fabric that has wicking capabilities takes moisture away from your skin and brings it to the outer surface of the garment, where it can evaporate.  A good choice for the inner layer is lightweight, Polyester type or Lightweight Capilene. 

Avoid pure cotton and 100% nylon.  Cotton alone retains moisture and will only make you colder as you sweat.  Nylon does not breathe, so, is not recommended.  Some stores sell long underwear that has polyester type material inside and thermal cotton on the outer side.  This could actually be an inner and middle layer.  However, this may be to warm underneath ski pants or a bibb.  Nike and a few other retailers are selling a dryit brand which is very expensive. 

Middle Layer - A middle layer polar fleece is ideal.  A light fleece or micro fabric turtleneck is also appropriate for this layer.  Again, avoid cotton pieces while snow skiing.  

Outer Layer - Waterproof, windproof fabrics are best for the outer layer. A pullover is a good choice.  A light weight jacket with lots of zippers and pockets to secure things while skiing.When choosing layering pieces, remember:

  • Lightweight fabrics are best.
  • Cotton is not a good layering piece because it retains moisture.
  • Synthetic+- fabrics with wicking capabilities keep you dry and comfortable.
  • Versatile garments (removable hoods, mesh pockets, etc.) make it easy to adapt to different activities.

Things to consider:

SKI GOGGLES/SKI GLASSES                 Ski Goggles are designed for the snowy winters
These are essential to protect eyes from harmful ultra-violet rays intensified due to reflection off the snow.  Sealed goggles, treated to prevent fogging, are especially necessary when skiing during a snowfall.  To avoid injury in accidents or falls ensure frames and lenses are made of pliable plastic.

SKI SOCKS                  Ski Socks are designed for the cold winters
Are specially designed to be just the right thickness according to ski boot manufacturers. They are knee-high, seamless, thermal socks that keep the feet warm and wick moisture from the skin, while the special spongey weave cushions the feet in the boots.  Note: Thick Wool Socks; No Cotton.  Sock liners are recommended to reduce friction.

SKI PANTS                                    Ski pants or salopettes are essential for you ski holiday
Ski pants (BiB) are essential to your comfort and enjoyment of skiing. Substitutes like jeans should not be considered.  Pants should be waterproof and high-waisted to protect the small of your back and kidneys. A dungaree design is preferable as it prevents body warmth escaping and snow getting inside during a tumble.  A snow cuff in the leg is important to prevent snow working up into the boot top. 


SKI HATS                       Woolley hats or fleece peaks are essential for warmth and protection from the sun
Did you know...40% of your body heat is lost through the head alone? A ski hat is essential for comfort and health.  Also consider a neck toboggan in colder weather.

SKI SUITS                      Ski Suits are essential to your ski holidayOnepce2.gif (1054 bytes)
The one-piece ski suit, an insulated overall, is by far the most comfortable item of clothing to ski in.  However, a two-piece ski suit is more versatile, allowing you to wear the ski jacket in the evenings and when travelling. 

THERMAL UNDERWEAR Thermal underwear is important for cold winters

Remember the Inner Layer guidelines noted previously.  A good choice for the inner layer is lightweight, polyester long underwear.

SKI GLOVES & MITTENS                    Gloves or mittens are designed for the cold winters
Cold hands can ruin a ski holiday.  Not enough emphasis can be placed on the importance of good quality gloves.  Designed to protect hands from cold as well as abrasions from falls, a strong outer shell of coated polyester microfibre, Trimicro, or leather is advisable.  For warmth, the fill is important: Thermulate insulation with an inner lining of brushed cotton or silk is recommended.  Gloves offer greater versatility than mittens, but mittens are warmer in general. Pure silk liners are available for additional protection.  Also consider a pair of lightweight capilene glove liners to keep your hands from getting cold. These liners dry fast with body heat.

SKI JACKETS                              Ski jackets are ideal for the snowy winters
Not really needed; but, nice to have.  A multipurpose garment, light warm and smart, that can be used for skiing, travelling and in all other circumstances - even in South Africa.  Look for a jacket that has a high collar, wind hood and non-freeze zippers with elasticised stitching at stress points. The outer shell should be coated polyester, Trimicro, or Entrant making it water-, snow-, and wind proof as well as breathable. The insulation should be Thermulate B or Thermasoft - high density polyester with low loft, excellent durability and thermal properties to contain body heat and withstand subzero temperatures. Remember, a ski jacket that matches the pants looks smarter, and in most cases is worn in place of a sports jacket as casual wear.