Lost Trail Snow
Sports School

Layer Up

The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your activity.

Wicking layer: This is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear.

• Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic or silk fiber that has “wicking” power. This means the fibers will move moisture away from your skin. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable.
• Even though it’s cold, you might sweat. Skiing/snowboarding are considered exercise after all.
• The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to the skin in order to effectively wick moisture.

Insulating layer: The middle layer could include sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. This layer is to keep heat in and cold out by insulation. Comfort is key for the insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between layers but not so bulky that it restricts movement. Try to avoid cotton because it retains moisture. Popular insulation materials include:

• Fleece: a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly.
• Wool: which naturally wicks away moisture.

Protection layer: The exterior layer, generally a shell (coat) and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. It should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate. Whether you are a skier or snowboarder, your protection layer should fit comfortably, offering you maximum range of motion.

• Most winter shells and pants are made waterproof and are breathable to some extent. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape.
• Don’t wear jeans or sweatpants. Denim is not waterproof, so water will soak through the fabric.
• Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers – details that truly make garments comfortable.