7 Tips On How To Stay Warm While Skiing

We all dream of skiing in blue skies and sunshine but when temperatures plummet or the weather changes, it can be hard to stay warm. Fear not! Here are our top tips for staying comfortably warm when you hit the slopes.

The key to staying warm in winter is layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. We love merino thermals as they are odour-resistant (you only need a couple of sets for a week’s holiday). Merino base layers vary in price from around £30 at Decathlon, to £80 from our friends at Snow Finel. Then add an insulating fleece, merino or down layer for warmth and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield against the elements. This trio ensures you're ready for whatever winter throws your way. 

Invest in an insulated layer: Your outer layer should be insulated with high-quality materials like down or synthetic fibres. These materials trap heat effectively while remaining breathable, preventing you from overheating (though you will notice the warmth when you are walking to the ski lift)!

Fingers and toes are often the first victims of the cold. Opt for insulated, waterproof gloves specially designed for skiing or mittens which will help your hands stay warmer for longer. You could even invest in some rechargeable USB hand warmers to slip into your mittens when you’re on the ski lift. For ultimate comfort, if you suffer from cold feet when you're skiing, electric rechargeable heated socks or foot beds are a game changer and would make a great gift for a skier.

Most skiers and snowboarders wear helmets which help to keep their heads warm but a well-insulated hat or balaclava that can be worn underneath a helmet makes a big difference. A buff or neck gaiter will protect your face from windburn. Goggles will also help to keep your face warm and protect your eyes from the sun's reflective glare on the snow and the cold. Although it may not seem possible, you can get sunburn while skiing so don’t forget your SPF even on snowy days.

In extreme cold, it's crucial to recognise when your body needs a break. Head to a cosy restaurant or café to allow your body to recover, and warm up indoors. To prevent frostnip, ask your ski friends to keep an eye out for white patches on each other's faces. Act quickly if you start to feel pins and needles, numbness or throbbing in your fingers, toes, nose or ears.

Cold weather can quickly lead to dehydration. Hydrate well before hitting the slopes and carry a water bottle to sip on throughout the day. Take some snacks to keep your energy levels up, as your body burns more calories in the cold. Save the vin chaud for après-ski and choose a non-alcoholic option whilst you’re skiing!

Staying active generates body heat. Take breaks but try to keep moving to maintain your body'’s internal warmth. Quick, light exercises during breaks can help keep the blood flowing.

Plan your skiing during the warmer parts of the day. Late mornings and early afternoons usually offer more favourable conditions than early mornings or late evenings.

With the right gear, mindset and planning, you can enjoy skiing even in the coldest weather. Often some of the best snow conditions are to be found in December, January and February. If you prefer warmer temperatures and longer lunches soaking up the sun, then a ski holiday in March or April could be just the ticket.

Now that you know the basics of your ski gear, protection and maintaining body heat, we can assure you you'll be extra toasty when hitting the slopes in winter. Make sure to stay safe and stay warm on your skiing adventures!

Need a packing list for your ski holiday? Take a look at our What to wear skiing blog.