Your body heat will change dramatically from when you’re powering down the slopes to when you’re queueing patiently for the ski lift, so you need to be able to adapt. And our remark about the jeans and cotton hoodie? You don’t need to be Cath Kidston to know that these are materials that soak up water and hold it there. You might as well roll around an ice pool in a onesie made of sponges.
• Waterproof trousers: More often sold as “ski/snow pants”, which is misleading because they’re actually thick, warm, waterproof trousers. Which is what we decided to call them.
• Thermal underwear: A second skin designed to regulate your body temperature. They look absurd, but we’ll let you shuck them for the après ski.
• Gloves and hats: If you’re considering just bring one of each, we beg you to reconsider. Not only should you have a softer, lightweight option for your time off the slopes, but you’ll also end up paying a fortune on the mountain to replace any you lose. If you’ve got an extra pair of gloves, take them. Also consider glove liners, which is are basically thermal undies for your fingers.
• Fleece: You heard us the first 4 times, right? LAYERS.
• Thick socks: Don’t assume you can just layer 20 pairs of the threadbare cotton socks you wear at home, this will be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and probably smelly too. You can get specialist ski socks, but as long as they’re thick, comfortable, woollen socks, they should be okay.
• Scarf or neck gaitor: Either will do, but the neck gaitor is the better option as it’s specifically designed for winter sports.
• Jacket: L A Y E R S. If you’re snowboarding then try to make sure it’s on the long side – save yourself walking around with a soggy bum all day.
• Helmet: Considered a non-essential by some, we still think this should be the most important part of your outfit. Yes, even more important than your collection of t-shirts with ironic slogans.”
