Clothing Layers For Winter Sports

Wear a Base Layer, Thermal Layers and Shell Outer Layer

The best way to achieve the perfect 'body climate' during strenuous exercise or light activity is with a clothing layering system. Gone are the days of thick ski jackets which are not versatile enough to cope with intermittent aerobic activity.

It is not difficult to stay warm, wearing thin, wind proof clothing when exercising vigorously in the snow, in sub-zero (below 32 Fahrenheit) temperatures.

Skiing (downhill and cross country), snowboarding, snow shoeing or hiking warm the body. Too much clothing will cause overheating and sweating. The problem arises when taking a break from activities without seeking shelter e.g. riding a chairlift, stopping for a picnic lunch or simply easing the pace.

Sweating makes a person wet and combined with low temperatures, wind and energy expended, rapidly makes her cold. Once cold, without the chance for shelter it can become difficult to warm up. This leaves the snow enthusiast more susceptible to injury (since their muscles are cold) or, exposure which in extreme cases can lead to hypothermia.
Base Layers, Wicking Layers and Thermal Underwear

Wicking, breathability, insulation, flatlock stitching, and odour control are some of the properties referred to with base layer clothing. These are the layers worn closest to the skin. They are desirably soft, close fitting and transport moisture away from the body (also known as moisture wicking). Merino wool, polypropylene and various other synthetic fabrics achieve this aim. Read more about Choosing Thermal Underwear in a related article in this series.
Mid-Layers or Thermal Insulation Layers

The number, thickness and nature of thermal layers will vary with the temperature and winter sport activity.

Fleece and mid-thickness thermal layers (typically wool or synthetic) are the most inexpensive options and versatile since they can be peeled off or layered on to regulate temperature.

Soft shell jackets and pants are high-performance, technical garments suitable for four seasons. Manufacturers' specifications suggest they are wind resistant, water repellent and breathable. Soft shell is built for freedom of movement, durability, typically has a sleek, form-fitting design and will accommodate a base and thermal mid-layer underneath. Except in storm conditions or during very cold temperatures, they can be worn as an outer layer.

E.g. Plusheat: Venture Exclusive Softshell Jacket for Women

Down jackets provide serious warmth and were traditionally bulky garments that readily shed feathers and became useless when exposed to moisture. Nowadays, down sweaters have become a very practical and fashionable insulation layer, with quilting to contain the down, often featuring a durable, rip stop, water resistant outer layer.

Unlike down jackets which become soggy once wet, synthetic jackets retain their thermal properties in all weather conditions. They are versatile garments for wearing as insulation layers, or over the top for added warmth.

E.g. Patagonia: Men's Micro Puff Hooded Jacket
Outer Shell Layers Offer Wind and Weather Resistance

A shell implies these layers are thin, worn on the outside and are designed to keep the weather out. These layers readily pack down to a small size for stashing away and yet provide full weather protection, keeping out rain, snow and wind but with limited insulation or thermal benefits.

E.g. Arcteryx: Alpha LT Jacket which according to manufacturers' specifications, is a lightweight Goretex, fully waterproof jacket.

Useful features on all-weather outer garments include full length zips on over trousers (such that they can be taken off without removing crampons, oversized footwear or, harness) and a storm hood on jackets that will accommodate a helmet.

E.g. The North Face Men's Varius Guide Pant

A layering system requires carrying a backpack to store extra layers as they are peeled off. Indeed a backpack can conveniently stow water and other useful items and acts as insulation, keeping the wearer's back warm and to a certain extent protected.

These days clothing for all kinds of winter activities has become technical and highly specialized. There are however some key elements to a winter layering system that simplifies purchasing choices and can be combined for multiple outdoor winter activities and weather conditions.