What to Wear Skiing

Sports

11 December 2025 • 5 min read

Whether it’s the feeling of fresh snow under your boots, the sunlight filtering through the trees or the adrenaline rush you get down the mountain, skiing is a fun and thrilling activity that’s the perfect balance of adventure and escape from the everyday grind.

But skiing isn’t only about showcasing your skills on Piste. One thing you can guarantee about the mountains is that they’re unpredictable, and that’s something to prepare for. Wearing ski gear isn’t just about looking the part; the right protection will help you stay comfortable, warm, and dry on the slopes. Drastic changes in weather can happen quickly, so wearing the correct clothing can be the difference between coping with the conditions, and potentially creating an emergency.

We’re here to walk you through exactly what to wear when you’re skiing, from your ski jacket and trousers all the way to your ski helmet and snow boots. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first trip on the powder or you’re a seasoned winter sports expert, let us do the hard work. All you need to focus on is the breathtaking views at the top of the mountain, and enjoying the ride down it.

Ski Gear

The Ski Wear Essentials

Ski Jackets

If there’s one item where you don’t want to be found lacking, it’s your ski jacket. This outermost layer is your chief protection against the snow, wind and ice, and if you’ve ever been stuck on a chairlift as the snow rains down on you, you’ll know all about the benefits of a good one. You’ll want something that ensures you can enjoy the day if there’s a change in weather, as well as jackets that keep you from overheating or feature wind and water-repellent fabrics like The North Face Descendit Jacket.

Look for insulated options like the Iceberg Point II Ski Jacket, the Columbia Abbott Peak II Insulated Ski Jacket, and the Dare 2B Skiing Send It Jacket for kids. And remember the importance of detail, because you’re going to need a jacket with plenty of features – we’re talking enough pockets to carry your ski pass, a snow skirt, hood, pit zips, and locked-in cuffs and hems.

Ski Jackets

The North Face Mens Descendit Ski Jacket

Columbia Mens Iceberg Point II Ski Jacket

Columbia Womens Abbott Peak II Insulated Ski Jacket

Little boy wearing a Dare 2b Boys Skiing Jacket that is khaki, white and dark grey.

Dare 2b Boys Skiing Send It Jacket

Base Layers

The base layer is your first defence against the cold and is key to warmth and versatility on the slopes. Focus on moisture control rather than bulk, to keep you dry during your excursions. This is especially important if you tend to overheat when you’re active, where you’ll want your thermal tops and leggings to be breathable as well as having anti-odour properties.

You have to layer smart to ski hard, so go for the Dare 2b Ski Exchange Baselayer Set or the Columbia Midweight Stretch Long Sleeve Top in black or burgundy. Fabrics like merino wool or synthetic blends will be your best friend here, and the Columbia Midweight Long Sleeve Crew Base Layer is a superb pick to keep kids warm.

Women's Base Layers

Men's Base Layers

Dare 2b Ski Exchange Baselayer Set

Columbia Midweight Stretch Long Sleeve Top in black

Columbia Midweight Stretch Long Sleeve Top in Burgundy

Columbia Midweight Long Sleeve Crew Base

Ski Pants

A premium pair of ski pants can be what separates the experts from the novices on the snow. They’ll not only protect you from the cold, but they’ll also allow you to move freely on the slopes. Comfort is the main priority here, but make sure they synchronise with your jacket as you don’t want any gaps or bunching between the two when you move. Plus, be on the lookout for ski pants with practicality. An adjustable waistband, multiple pockets, reinforced cuffs and inner snow gaiters that keep the snow out are all features that come in handy.

Go for waterproof and breathable selections such as the Shafer Canyon II Ski Pants, the Winter District Ski Pants or the Roffee Ridge VI Ski Pants from Columbia’s skiwear range for adults and the Dare 2b Skiing Outmove II Pants - the perfect ski pants for kids.

Women's Ski Pants

Men's Ski Pants

Men's Winter District Ski Pant

Men's Shafer Canyon II Ski Pant

Columbia Womens Roffee Ridge VI Ski Pants

Dare 2b Girls Skiing Outmove II Pants

Après-Ski Wear

A day on the slopes is an amazing experience, but the fun doesn’t just stop there. Extend the magic and indulge in the best that après-ski has to offer with clothes that are going to keep you warm and cosy. Whether you’re in front of the fire in the chalet or dancing on the tables outside with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand, you want to be kitted out when the time comes to kick back and relax.

You can’t go wrong with The North Face Fleeski ¼ Zip Pull Over Fleece in green or The North Face Fleeski ¼ Zip Pull Over Fleece in brown - chunky stylish pieces the snow specialists would call “gnar”. Or go for the Oakley Sierra Waterproof 2.0 Fleece Ski Hoodie that’s lightweight, warm and waterproof. Make sure you’ve room for these off-duty essentials when you’re packing, and don’t forget a bobble hat like The North Face TNF Logo Box Pom Beanie to round off your look.

Après-Ski Wear

The North Face Fleeski ¼ Zip Pull Over Fleece in green

The North Face Womens Fleeski ¼ Zip Pull Over Fleece in brown

Oakley Sierra Waterproof 2.0 Fleece Ski Hoodie

The North Face TNF Logo Box Pom Beanie

Goggles

The mountain is a place where you need clear vision, and goggles will help with your visibility as well as protecting your eyes from wind, glare and snow. And if you’re a real pro on the slopes, you’ll seamlessly match your goggles to your ski jacket, because even though they’re an essential on the slopes, it doesn’t mean that style needs to suffer.

Search for goggles with anti-fog coating vents for clarity and UV protection for safety, because snow strongly reflects the sunlight. We’ve got amazing picks from Bollé including Nevada Small Ski Goggles in black or Nevada Small Ski Goggles in white for adults and the Rocket Ski Goggles for kids. Or alternatively, opt for a different style completely like these Visor glasses from Oakley.

Ski Goggles

Bollé Nevada Small Ski Goggles in black

Bollé Nevada Small Ski Goggles in white

Bollé Kids Rocket Ski Goggles

Oakley Visor glasses

Helmets

Safety is (s)no(w) joke! A helmet is an absolute essential when it comes to high altitude style and will keep you safe and protected if you end up in a wipe out. Modern helmets are generally made to be lightweight and well-ventilated, so you’ll feel as comfortable wearing one. Some even have magnetic buckles so they’re easy to get on and off even if you’ve got gloves on! When you’re wearing your ski helmet, it should fit snugly on your head without sliding around and there shouldn’t be any gaps between your goggles. You only get one head, so you should do everything you can to look after it!

Not to mention if you pick up one like the Bollé Might Visor Large Ski Helmet, the Decathlon PST 550 Ski Helmet with Visor or the Bollé Keystone Small Ski Helmet, they’ll fit your super stylish snow aesthetic perfectly. And for little skiers, we’ve got the Bollé Junior Keystone Small Ski Helmet to keep them safe.

Ski Helmets

Bollé Might Visor Large Ski Helmet

Decathlon PST 550 Ski Helmet with Visor

Bollé Keystone Small Ski Helmet

Bollé Junior Keystone Small Ski Helmet

Snow Boots

Once your ski boots come off, it’s time for your snow boots to step in to the action. When those cold days turn into even colder nights, they’ll ensure your feet stay warm and steady on the icy paths to the resort. Some of the most important things to look for are snow boots with waterproof membranes that can handle the snow puddles and a good grip underneath that can handle the terrain and won’t have you sliding around like Bambi in the iconic scene from the film.

Find snow boots with fleece insulation and lugged soles like The North Face Traction Booties and the Sorel Caribou Waterproof Boots for men or the Columbia Snowtrot Mid Boots and Sorel Torino V Waterproof Boots for women that provide the foundations to keep you comfortable as you dance into the night. We’ve got options for the whole family including a wide range of kids’ snow boots.

Women's Snow Boots

Men's Snow Boots

The North Face Traction Booties

Sorel Caribou Waterproof Boots

Columbia Snowtrot Mid Boots

Sorel Torino V Waterproof Boots

Accessories

And there are a few extras that you should always remember to have with you when you’re on the snow to really make it the trip of a lifetime. Let’s go through the list of essentials below:

Balaclavas and Neck Gaiter

A balaclava or a neck gaiter can be a saviour when you’re travelling up the ski lift. They’ll keep your face and neck protected from the brutal combination of frostbite, windburn and sunburn. Go for a moisture-wicking fabric with stretch like this Oakley Backwoods Ski Balaclava that’s easy to pullover your face whatever conditions you’re facing.

Oakley Backwoods Ski Balaclava

Ski Socks

Ski socks are something you’ll mainly know about when they’re not there. Get a pair that are warm and breathable like the Decathlon 100 Ski Socks made from a wool and synthetic blend that prevents blistering and avoid thick cotton socks that weigh you down when they inevitably get wet.

Decathlon 100 Ski Socks

Gloves

Keep your hands out of the cold with a solid pair of gloves like The North Face Montana Ski Gloves which keep you insulated whilst you’re holding onto your poles or adjusting the zips on your ski jacket pockets. That’s ideal if the ranch ranger asks to see your ski pass.

The North Face Montana Ski Gloves

Sunglasses

When you’re not wearing your ski goggles, it’s a smart move to get yourself a pair of sunglasses that protect from the harmful UV rays. If you’re exploring around the resort or grabbing a bite to eat, then you’ll want a pair of polarised lenses with UV protection to reduce the glare. These Oakley Sunglasses have a wraparound fit that won’t slide off when you’re on the move.

Oakley Corridor SQ Rectangle Sunglasses

Down to Base

So, what have we learned from all that information? The right ski gear makes all the difference on the slopes! Every piece, from your ski jacket to your ski trousers works to keep you fully protected so you can focus on having fun out there. Whether you’re taking on the green, blue, red or black runs, being kitted out correctly is key to making memories on the mountain.

Now as you plan for your next ski adventure, take some time to invest in essential ski pieces that will leave you feeling unstoppable on the mountain to give you the ultimate adrenaline ride!

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