What to wear on a ski holiday: a guide to clothing for the slopes

If you're wondering what to wear on a ski holiday, you're not alone. For first-time skiers in particular, ski clothing can seem confusing. From baselayers and midlayers to ski jackets, goggles and gloves, there's a lot of unfamiliar terminology.

The good news is that staying warm and comfortable on the slopes is actually quite simple once you understand the basics. The key is dressing in layers and choosing the right clothing for mountain conditions.

Whether you're heading on your first ski holiday or simply refreshing your ski wardrobe, here's our guide to what to wear skiing and what you can leave at home.

Quick ski clothing checklist

For a typical week’s skiing, you’ll need:

Ski socks

Baselayers

Midlayers

Ski jacket

Ski trousers or salopettes

Ski gloves or mittens

Ski helmet

Ski goggles

Sunglasses

Neck gaiter or snood

Lip balm and factor 50 suncream

What should you wear skiing?

The secret to staying warm on the slopes is layering.

A typical ski clothing system consists of:

• Baselayer

• Midlayer

• Outer layer (jacket and ski trousers)

Each layer has a different job. Together, they help keep you warm, dry and comfortable throughout the day.

What are baselayers and why are they important?

Baselayers sit next to your skin and are one of the most important parts of your ski clothing.

They should be:

• snug fitting

• breathable

• moisture wicking

Merino wool is a popular choice because it provides warmth while remaining breathable and naturally odour resistant.

For a week's skiing, two sets of baselayers are usually enough, alternating between them throughout the week.

Do you need a midlayer for skiing?

A midlayer provides insulation and helps retain body heat.

The right midlayer for you will depend on how much you feel the cold and the time of year you’re skiing (with temperatures generally being a little milder in March and April), but common choices include:

• fleece

• wool

• lightweight insulated layers

One of the advantages of layering is flexibility. If conditions are warmer than expected, you can simply remove a layer rather than overheating.

Should you choose an insulated or shell ski jacket?

Your ski jacket and trousers form the outer layer of your clothing system.

Insulated ski jackets

Insulated jackets combine warmth and weather protection in a single garment. They are often a popular choice for beginner skiers because they're straightforward and generally require less thought about layering.

Shell ski jackets

Shell jackets focus on waterproofing and breathability rather than insulation.

They are commonly used by more experienced skiers, particularly those skiing off-piste or touring, as they offer more flexibility in changing conditions.

Whichever option you choose, make sure your jacket and trousers are properly waterproof and designed for skiing.

What socks should you wear skiing?

Investing in proper ski socks is one of the best things you can do for your comfort.

Avoid wearing multiple pairs of socks or thick everyday wool socks. These can cause rubbing, restrict circulation and increase the risk of blisters.

Instead, choose ski-specific knee-high socks designed for ski boots.

Are gloves or mittens better for skiing?

Cold hands can quickly spoil a ski day.

Look for gloves or mittens that are:

• waterproof

• breathable

• insulated

If you suffer from cold hands, mittens are generally warmer than traditional gloves because fingers share heat more effectively.

On particularly cold days, adding a thin liner glove can provide additional warmth.

Do you need a helmet for skiing?

Yes.

Helmets are now considered standard equipment for skiers of all ages and abilities. They provide important protection and are available to hire in most ski resorts.

Many first-time skiers choose to hire a helmet alongside their skis and boots.

Do you need ski goggles?

Yes.

Goggles don't just protect your eyes during snowfall. They also help protect against glare and strong mountain light.

Even when the sun isn't shining, goggles can improve visibility and make skiing more comfortable.

It's also worth packing a pair of sunglasses for lunch stops, walking around resort and sunny days away from the slopes.

What other ski accessories should you pack?

A few small items can make a big difference to your comfort:

Neck gaiter or snood

A simple way to keep your neck warm and protect your face on colder days.

Suncream

The alpine sun can be surprisingly strong, even during winter. We highly recommend factor 50.

Lip balm

Choose one with SPF protection if possible.

Handwarmers

Particularly useful for children and anyone who feels the cold.

Snacks

Skiing is surprisingly active, so having a snack in your pocket can provide a useful energy boost during the day.

Should you buy or hire ski equipment?

For many first-time skiers, hiring equipment is the easiest option.

Hiring allows you to:

• avoid a large upfront investment

• try different equipment

• discover your preferences before buying

Most beginners choose to hire:

• skis or snowboard

• boots

• poles

• helmet

and purchase their own clothing. We highly recommend buying ski wear from places like Vinted or Marketplace or hiring it from companies like EcoSki.

What should you wear in a ski resort when not skiing?

What you wear off the slopes is often much more casual than people expect.

For exploring the village, heading out for dinner or relaxing after a day of skiing, comfort is usually the priority. Most ski resorts have a relaxed atmosphere and there is rarely any need to dress up.

A few essentials worth packing include:

• a warm winter coat or insulated jacket - some people just stick to their ski jacket for this

• comfortable jumpers or fleeces

• jeans, leggings or other comfortable trousers

• a woolly hat

• gloves

• waterproof footwear or snow boots with good grip

One thing many first-time skiers forget is that village streets can be snowy, icy or slushy, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Waterproof footwear with good grip is therefore a priority.

If your accommodation has a swimming pool, spa or wellness area, don't forget to pack swimwear too.

The good news is that ski resorts are generally very relaxed, so you can leave your formal outfits at home and focus on dressing warmly and comfortably.