How to dress for ski touring: Layers need to work together

In this article you’ll learn:

• What makes ski touring clothing special compared to ski clothing

• Which materials are best for ski touring clothing and why

• How to layer clothes for ascents and descents

• How to choose good ski trousers

What makes ski touring clothing special compared to ski clothing?

Compared to ski clothing, ski touring clothing is lighter and more elastic. While on a normal ski run you spend 80% of time going downhill and the rest waiting or ski lifting uphill, it's the other way around on a ski tour. Ski trousers and jackets are inappropriate for a ski tour. They’d soon become too warm and limit more demanding movements.

Our ski tour clothing utilises hybrid constructions. They combine wind-resistant materials in the front (jackets: mainly chest and shoulders; trousers: mainly thighs and seat) and elastic breathable materials in the back and on the back of trousers. We also use top-quality insulation that is light, breathable, and regulates heat very effectively.

Two or three layers?

While traditional approaches to layering clothing for nature use three layers, hybrid constructions change this principle. They combine the properties of the second and third layers. During intense activity, typically when climbing you can easily skip the middle layer.

Under layer: Thermal underlayer

This is designed to wick sweat away from the body and into the next layer of clothing, keeping you dry. This underlayer’s material should be pleasant to the touch (as you will wear it directly on your body), while also being elasticated to allow complete freedom of movement. We use Dri-release® DUO material in the under layer of clothing, which is perfectly elastic and dries extremely quickly.

Middle layer: Insulation

This layer will keep you warm. And it has to work well with both the base layer and top layer of clothing, especially for thermo-regulation and wicking away excess moisture. Here too, you will appreciate quick-drying and elastic material, for example Dri-release® DUO, or fleece or microfleece material, which ensures good breathability at high load intensity and keeps the body warm at lower load. You can skip the second layer if you use hybrid outer jackets. Intensity of movement, weather conditions, and how you feel the cold are decisive factors.

Top layer: Protection

Layer for summiting and descending

In addition to the basic two or three layers for climbing to a summit, pack a few more warming items in your backpack. You’ll need them at the top and when descending. Typically these are warm jackets and ski tour warming shorts or skirts, which you can slip over what you’re wearing without a tricky change of clothes.

In extremely bad weather, a hardshell protective jacket will ensure protection from the wind and wet even in very heavy snow or rain. Such jacket must be light, easy to pack, and compact in your ski tour backpack.

Ski tour trousers: Elastic, durable and functional