While clothes don’t help your technical proficiency, it will keep you dry, warm, stylish and happy. I’ve always found skiing in Southern California challenging due to the weather – it can change so easily – and if you dress for warmth against the cold, but it turns out to be a warmer day? Well, even if I only go skiing for one day, I bring a bag with changes of clothes so I’m ready for anything. But, no matter where you ski, you need a strategy for dealing with the ever changing mountain weather.

You want to be warm, but not too warm, dry on both the inside and the outside, and well sealed, at least until you have to open a zipper or flap.

Layering:

Two layers are better than one and three are generally better than two. A ski outfit generally consists of three layers: a base layer, and insulation layer, and a shell layer. Each layer serves its own function, and when combined properly can work wonders.

Each garment can be designed with a specific task in mind – wicking sweat, keeping your warm or blocking the wind.

Layers can be mixed and matched to provide just the right amount of warmth and protection.

Layers can be added or shed during the course of the day to keep pace with the often-unpredictable mountain weather.

Layers can be laundered individually depending on their use and proximity to the skin.

Layers can be worn separately – many of them through all four seasons – making them much more versatile, both on and off the slopes.

Technical Skiwear:

There is a premium on performance fabrics and insulations and functional features.

There is waterproof, breathable fabrics (such as those made with Gore-Tex) seem made for skiing. These one-way materials allow perspiration to escape but keep rain and snow out, and synthetic insulations will keep you warm on even the frostiest days. Technical garments also boast underarm ventilation zippers, high collars with build-in hoods, fitting storm cuffs at the wrists and ankles, drawstring waists, and other high-function features.

Some ski clothes meld looks and features of traditional skiwear and snowboarding clothing. Some manufacturers specialize in one type of skiwear which other companies defy simple categorization and offer several lines.