Ski Clothing

I'm going on a ski trip this January and am looking for guidance on ski clothing. What should I keep in mind? What are people's favorite items among: Undergarments, Turtlenecks, Jackets, Hat/Helmet, Gloves, Snowpants. Any additional accessories worth having?

Goggles

Undergarments: icebreaker merino wool
Turtlenecks: I don't wear turtlenecks

Jackets: for sunny days Dale of Norway knitshell jacket or windstopper sweater. For bad weather just pick a goretex hardshell by a reputable outdoor brand (look for a jacket that fits a little longer so it wont expose your lower back when you sit down on a skilift. bonus points for a snow/windskirt inside the jacket and a hood that is adjustable so it can fit over your helmet.)
Hat/Helmet: I own a no name helmet so I am not too picky.
Gloves: Hestra gloves
Snowpants: peak performance hivent pants are good enough for me
Goggles: I use these when the weather is bad/low light/snow/hard wind etc., so I use red or orange lenses, no mirror like lens because those are more for sunny days (when I wear my sportsglasses)

Flask, rag to wipe goggles (pretreat w/anti-fog as fogged goggles are annoying), fresh socks (if you remove your boots during lunch that is) -- I usually bring a backpack up the lift and check it in the lodge up-top. That way, I can bring shoes, socks, etc., to wear while eating.

goggles: anything but make sure the lenses are pristine
base layer: lifa
gloves: auclair

Originally Posted by Flieger

Click to expand...

Undergarments: icebreaker merino wool Gloves: Hestra gloves Goggles: orange lenses
+100 The rest of the pieces is all up to personal style/budget.

There is absolutely no utility (social or otherwise) in wearing fashion brand ski gear. If you want nice gear just pick up some Patagonia or Arc'teryx stuff.

+1 on icebreaker.

Some thing to cover ur face. I use a lined bandana. Other options are balaclava or neck warmers.

And watever you do, don't wear jeans.

Originally Posted by eml4sker

Click to expand...

I'm going on a ski trip this January and am looking for guidance on ski clothing. What should I keep in mind? What are people's favorite items among: Undergarments, Turtlenecks, Jackets, Hat/Helmet, Gloves, Snowpants. Any additional accessories worth having?
First, am I correct in assuming you have never been skiing before? Second, it depends a lot on where you are going.

I have about 4 sessions jackets for snowboarding. Not sure about the style but their gortex stuff will keep you dry even under heavy rain. If you're going backcountry you might want to get some gear with that RECCO avalanche system.

Originally Posted by Bounder

Click to expand...

First, am I correct in assuming you have never been skiing before?

Second, it depends a lot on where you are going.

I've skied plenty. I'm just at a point now where I want to get clothing/gear that is comfortable, functional and I can own for 15-20 years.

I'd say I'm looking for normal weather ski gear -- 20 - 35 degrees F.

Patagonia merino wool baselayer items (both long underwear and top in either turtleneck or mock-zip). Patagonia wool socks. Mid-layer fleece top, generally as tight as possible and with a zipper. Then a light outer layer for waterproofness and windproofness.

The point is that you want the wool, which wicks away moisture, as close and tight to your body as possible. It'll keep you warm even when it gets wet, and it will pass the moisture to the fleece, which will distribute it and allow it to evaporate off your skin. Patagonia Level 3 wool and fleece keep my wife, who runs cold, comfortable even in Jackson Hole, probably the coldest and windiest skiing in the lower-48.

If you're skiing for more than one day, you should have two sets of all baselayer (wool). It should cost in the range of $650, comes with a lifetime guarantee, and is used by those who actually do this professionally.


eta:

obviously I left out the pants, which you should purchase based on what you find comfortable. Bibs will be the most comfortable on the mountain. Snowboard style pants will be more trendy and lower cut, potentially exposing more skin to the snow.

Helmet - find something you like. I bought a helmet with speakers inside so I can listen on the chairlift if I'm so inclined. Think that I actually used them once.

Gloves - go with waterproof leather and treat it well. Recoat them every season. The ones with the pockets for handwarmers are popular. Mittens wear warmer than gloves.

Originally Posted by TurboBruce

Click to expand...

If you're going backcountry you might want to get some gear with that RECCO avalanche system.

Please don't do this without a significant commitment to education and safety protocol.

Where are you skiing? In Colorado? Europe? PNW? Very different climates that change what you're going to want from ski gear.

+ a zillion on merino. Base layers and layers all the way up to shell. (for nordic skiing where wind chill isn't as big an issue i go merino up to and including shell)

For shell, eVent material breathes so much better than Goretex it's incredible. From personal experience can't even recommend Goretex for jackets. Pants maybe, but not up top.

Previous posters mentioned orange lens goggles. I'll second that. Rose tint works very well also.

Other than that, without other info on where and type of skiing it's hard to comment. ie. gondola, enclosed lifts or exposed lifts? The temps you listed are pretty warm so maybe ultra breathable softshells could work but depends on wind, precipitation and other factors.