What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding

The three-layer rule

In winter sports you wear three thin layers instead of a single thick jacket. That way you stay warm and can also regulate your temperature during the day by adding or removing layers as the weather and your effort change.

Base layer: staying dry

A base layer should fit close to the skin without being tight. Synthetic base layers dry quickly and are affordable; merino wool keeps you warmer and does not smell. Do not wear a cotton T-shirt under your base layer; the base layer should be in direct contact with your skin.

Mid-layer: regulating warmth

Fleece is the most practical mid-layer for winter sports: light, warm and breathable. On very cold days you can add a thin puffer gilet. On a sunny, mild day it is also possible to take off the mid-layer and ski in just your base layer and jacket.

Outer layer: ski jacket and trousers

The outer layer has two key properties:

• Waterproofing: Shows how well the fabric resists water, usually expressed in millimetres (mm). For holiday skiing, around 10,000 mm is enough on most days; for wet snow and the first days when you fall a lot, higher values add comfort.
• Breathability: The ability to let sweat escape as vapour; the higher the value, the less you sweat inside.

Useful details: a powder skirt at the waist (stops snow getting in when you fall), ventilation zips under the arms, a ski pass pocket on the sleeve and a helmet-compatible hood. The trouser legs should have inner gaiters that go over your boots.

Socks: single, thin and long

Inside your boots you wear a single pair of thin, knee-length ski socks. Thick or double socks do not keep your feet warm; on the contrary, they squeeze the boot, restrict circulation and make your feet cold. Make sure the sock does not wrinkle inside the boot; a wrinkle quickly causes pressure pain. Do not tuck trousers or leggings into the boot over the sock.

Gloves

Waterproof, insulated ski gloves are essential. Gloves with fingers give you dexterity; mittens keep your hands warmer. In snowboarding your hands touch the snow often, so models with durable palms are preferred. For very cold resorts, adding thin liner gloves is a practical solution.

Head, neck and face

• Helmet: Always worn for skiing and snowboarding. You can wear a thin beanie or a balaclava underneath; a thick hat stops the helmet from fitting properly.
• Neck gaiter (buff): Protects your face and neck on windy chairlift rides.
• Goggles: Protect your eyes from wind, snow and reflected sunlight. There should be no gap between your goggles and your helmet.

Do not underestimate the sun

Snow reflects most of the sunlight back, and the sun's effect gets stronger as altitude increases. Even on cloudy days, use high-factor sunscreen and lip balm; do not stay on the snow for long without sunglasses or goggles.

Rent or buy?

In your first season, skis or a snowboard, boots, a helmet and goggles can be rented; personal items such as base layers, fleeces, socks and gloves are bought. Renting is also possible for jackets and trousers, but if you plan to ski for a few seasons, a good outer layer will last a long time. On Doğadayız basic course packages, the ski or snowboard set, helmet and goggles are included.

Packing list

When you set off on a winter activity holiday, pack for two settings: the slopes all day, and the hotel and social programme with the group in the evening. Doğadayız packages include the ski or snowboard set; your snow jacket, trousers and gloves, however, are personal equipment, so pack them. For the time spent out with the group in the evening (the best-loved part of a social adventure holiday), a warm outdoor jacket and boots with non-slip soles also come in handy.