What clothes to wear skiing: A style and gear guide for your trip

July 25, 2024

You have likely asked yourself at some point: what clothes do I need for skiing? Whether you are planning a trip with children, as a couple, or with friends, knowing the right attire is essential—regardless of whether you intend to hit the slopes or simply enjoy the scenery.

We will guide you through the best clothes to wear skiing, considering functionality, comfort, and fashion so you don’t lose an ounce of style on the piste.

Ski Gear: The Three-Layer Theory [+ Checklist]

The first thing to understand is that snow gear is not like regular clothing; its technical materials and properties protect you from the cold and damp. Experts always recommend following the “three-layer theory” to master how to layer clothing for skiing:

1ª Layer (Your second skin): Long-sleeved thermal tops and leggings are ideal. They should fit closely to the body to retain heat. Avoid cotton entirely, as it absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry.

2ª Layer (Heat retention and breathability): Fleece jumpers or down/synthetic jackets. Their goal is to maintain body heat and wick away sweat.

3ª Layer (Your protective shield): This must be waterproof and windproof. It protects you from rain, snow, and wind while allowing internal moisture to escape if you perspire.

Top Tip! [Download our checklist] so you don’t forget a single item when packing. Your family and friends will thank you!

Packing Your Suitcase: What Clothes Do I Need for Skiing?

Packing doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it’s exciting as it marks the start of your snow holiday. Your wardrobe will vary depending on your goal (skiing or not) and the time of year you travel.

For example, packing to spend New Year’s Eve in Baqueira Beret with your partner is a completely different experience from skiing with children and family during the “Semana Blanca” (half-term). Here is what you need for each scenario:

What clothes to wear if you are not skiing

If you don’t plan to ski, you have much more freedom in terms of materials and style. We don’t expect you to match the colours of the ski slopes, but we do want to debunk the myth that you can’t look elegant in the mountains:

Key garments: A high-quality wool jumper and a premium down coat are your best allies against the cold.
Footwear: You won’t strictly need technical ski boots, but you will need waterproof footwear with non-slip soles.
Accessories: A beanie, scarf, and high-quality sunglasses are the accessories that will define your outfit.

Essential Gear: What Clothes to Wear Skiing on the Slopes

If you are planning snow activities like skiing or snowboarding, your clothing must be technical. Following the “three-layer theory”, here is what you cannot miss:

Clothing: Thermal top, leggings, fleece jacket, technical trousers, and a specific ski jacket.
Critical Points: Bring at least two pairs of specific ski socks in case of dampness.
Protection: Waterproof gloves (you can wear thin ones underneath), Apres-ski boots (non-slip and high-cut), and goggles (homologated for better resistance to falls).
Safety & Care: A helmet (vital for beginners), sun cream (SPF 50), and lip balm. Don’t forget a backpack with water and energy bars for your belongings.

Basically, what we need to bring are garments like a wool sweater and a down jacket that keep us warm and protect us from cold and moisture. Snow boots won’t be strictly necessary, though appropriate footwear is.

Meanwhile, a hat, scarf, and sunglasses will be your best allies.

Ski Gear: What You Can’t Miss [+ Infographic]

If you plan to do snow activities like skiing or snowboarding, the clothing must have certain characteristics and you should follow the ‘three-layer theory’ we mentioned earlier.

The clothing and accessories you can’t miss are:

Clothing: Long-sleeved thermal shirt, leggings, fleece jacket, technical pants, down jacket or snow-specific jacket
Socks: Bring at least two pairs in case they get wet from moisture
Waterproof gloves: Although not necessary, you can wear thinner ones underneath and thicker ones on top
Snow boots or après-ski boots: non-slip, water-resistant, and high so snow doesn’t get in
Sunglasses or ski goggles: Ski-approved sunglasses or goggles are more resistant to impacts and falls
Hat and scarf: protect the head and neck, two of the body parts that get cold first
Helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads: especially important for beginners
Bag or backpack: with water and energy bars, also for your belongings
Sunscreen and lip balm: SPF 50 protection for face and lips

P.S. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t have all the specific ski equipment—it’s very common. Some people prefer to rent it somewhere near the ski resort. If you’re going to Baqueira, you can do so at Totiaran, in Baqueira Beret’s 1500 Base Area.

From now on, you and your family will be the kings of the slopes and also of après ski with your outfits. Remember that comfort doesn’t clash with style and that how you layer your ski clothing is almost as important as choosing it.

Now that you have everything planned, it’s time to book your apartment in Baqueira Beret.

Au revoir!

Author: Totiarán

At Totiaran, we know the Aran Valley like the back of our hand. We have been managing vacation rentals for years with a professional, close, and fully adapted approach to this unique destination. We select each accommodation, take care of every detail, and support both owners and travelers to guarantee quality, authentic, and worry-free stays. Our local experience is the foundation that allows us to offer trust, results, and a way to experience the Aran Valley as it deserves.