https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 13:49:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-265790 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:03:25 +0000 elpgal 265790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo: Thanks for reminding me about STP. I even have a coupon that I can use.</p> <p>Marley and anna: Thanks for the recos. I haven't seen any Helly Hansen products in the store but I did see plenty of North Face, Burton and Marmot stuff. </p> <p>kellygirl: Do you remember the style name of these Spyder pants? </p> <p>Gaylene and trix: You are awesome for typing out so much info in such great detail. I am signing up for a pass that allows me to take a free 1 hr lesson on every visit for the first season. This will be for downhill skiing as this resort does not offer XC. DH is insistent that I buy some good gear so I won't have an excuse to chicken out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-265105 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:54:23 +0000 trix 265105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Finally, a clothes question I can actually address! Gaylene has given you an extremely comprehensive answer, so I'll just fill in a few things from my own preferences. FYI, I'm an XC skier; the one time I tried downhill (after I'd gotten used to XC), I found the skis so heavy and unfamiliar that I gave up early.</p> <p>It's completely true that you can get extremely warm while cross-country skiing. Once I warm up, I can be comfortable in a sweater, softshell jacket and wool-lined softshell pants and ear protection even into the 20s. I do layer a lot; I always start off with a down jacket on top until I get a little warm and continue to remove layers as needed. Be sure to delayer as soon as you feel yourself getting warm and before your sweat; once your clothes get damp, you can get chilled extremely quickly once you stop. In fact, I switched to merino wool some time ago because even though it's heavier, I was told that it keeps you warmer when wet/damp, and I think that's true; when I wear my wool liner gloves, my hands don't chill as quickly when I stop, unlike when I wear my wicking synthetic liner gloves, where the wicking/quick-evaporation properties seem to be a liability in the winter. But I don't know if that's actually scientifically proven or just my belief. Another bonus of wool is that it doesn't develop the same, um, aroma that synthetics do. I own mostly Icebreaker and Ibex wool, with a little Patagonia thrown in there. However, a lot of people can't tolerate the itch factor.</p> <p>I probably end up layering a bit more lightly than Gaylene suggested because I warm up fast when I'm working out. This is a little OCD of me, I admit, but I've recorded what I've worn for skiing at various temperatures (because I always forget by the time the next winter rolls around), and here's what worked for me skiing in the high 20s after warming up: an Icebreaker Mako 190 turtleneck (zip-neck is crucial for temperature regulation for me), Ibex Backcountry pants (wool), an Arc'teryx Gamma MX hooded softshell, and an earband and gloves/mittens -- plus my down jacket for late-afternoon downhills. (I have a down jacket that packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle.) Sometimes I layer two wool tops instead and may lose the softshell jacket partway through the morning. With my wool pants, I don't need leggings until the temperatures are in the teens. I do always have a hat and gaiter in my pack, though I only need them when starting or finishing.</p> <p>As for good brands/sources: Well, you've heard my favorite brands -- Ibex, Icebreaker, Patagonia. (also known as Patagucci because of the price factor, although it is also more stylish than the typical outdoor gear). I also like REI's house brand when I don't want to splurge, and I find myself suggesting Marmot to friends reasonably often. You can find good sales online -- try Sierra Trading Post, Altrec.com, Backcountryoutlet.com, and REI (see the outlet section). Patagonia's web specials are often half-off, but Ibex doesn't tend to go on sale for large discounts. Be sure to use Froogle/Google Shopping as well, because there are a lot of smaller stores that may offer good clearance sales. </p> <p>Re safety: I don't have expert knowledge, but I would imagine that XC skiing is associated with fewer injuries because you're spending less of your time going at exremely high speeds, and I don't think the speeds on downhills come even close to downhill speeds.</p> <p>Anyway, I hope you have lots of fun with your skiing -- I can tell you that once I got hooked on cross-country skiing, I never minded the beginning of winter again. Enjoy!</p> <p>P.S. And you probably know this already, but no cotton, ever! Once it gets damp, it stays that way and is a sure recipe for hypothermia. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-265097 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:19:33 +0000 Gaylene 265097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops. Happened to mention this post to my DH and got a frown "Didn't you EMPHASIZE starting with a lesson????" Disclaimer: DH has been a certified ski instructor for almost half a century. (We met on the slopes when my girlfriends and I took a lesson to flirt with "that really cute Nordic ski instructor".)</p> <p>His advice (a husband wanting to post on YLF????) Take a lesson to give you confidence and to start off on a positive note. Cross country is not "safer" than downhill (true for me; my only "serious" injury in almost 40 years of skiing has been a twisted knee on cross country skis.) Having injury-free fun in either sport requires knowledge and well-maintained equipment. DH's advice is to rent downhill equipment a ski shop if you are just starting out because you'll probably be on better stuff and, more importantly, it will be well maintained (liability issues for the store!) Better, however, to have your own boots. Rental boots can fit sloppily and make it harder to learn. And seriously consider wearing a helmut; aside from safety issues, it'll be warmer and you'll look like a real skier.</p> <p>Re: length problems with ski pants. If you buy from a reputable ski shop, they should offer alterations. PPL for ski pants is NOT dragging on the ground; you don't want pant legs caught in your bindings. Same goes for arm length on jackets.I always have to get my pants shortened because I have a long torso and short legs.</p> <p>Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-265049 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:13:44 +0000 Gaylene 265049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, first the credentials: Started downhill skiing when I was around 8 years old (now in my early 60's), ski mostly expert runs in the Rockies, but am starting to leave the serious moguls to the younger set (knees just can't take it like they used to...) Also have gone cross-country skiing and snowshoeing regularly in the mountains. My take-- wear the right gear and you'll have fun; wear the wrong gear and you'll be cold, wet, and miserable.</p> <p>Cross country and downhill skiing are two different sports. Cross country requires layers that wick away moisture. You'll be surprised at how fast you'll heat up once you start moving, even on a very cold day. BUT, you'll also lose that body heat very quickly once you stop, and, if your clothes are damp, you'll start getting seriously chilled. You'll need to peel off layers as you heat up and put on more layers when you stop. Start with a set (top and bottom) of polypropylene underwear (NEVER cotton!), lightweight/synthetic-knit/high-collar top, mid-layer of fleece--vest or zipped pullover, depending on temperature, bottoms only if seriously cold--and finish with a windproof jacket and pants. Hat, waterproof/wind resistant/insulated gloves (mitts if hands tend to get cold), and wool/poly socks (not too thick--your toes should have lots of wiggle room in your boots.)</p> <p>Downhill skiing requires warm pants and jacket-- sitting on a chairlift for 20 minutes at -15C with a wind and snow blowing in your face can be a miserable experience if you don't have the right gear. After four decades, I've finally figured out what works best for me. I wear my polypropylene underwear, a 3/4 zip synthetic high-neck top (can unzip if I get warm), and my insulated ski jacket and pants. Downhill ski wear technology has evolved so that the gear is warm, waterproof, and not bulky. Hat, gloves, and ski socks complete the outfit. </p> <p>Some more thoughts:</p> <p>Go to a ski shop to check out the clothing and gear that is available. Try on jackets and pants, ask lots of questions, and check out brands and options. You don't have to buy your stuff at specialty ski shops if you are on a tight budget, but you'll have a much better idea about what to look for if you shop at discount or warehouse stores. The staff at ski shops are usually avid skiers and love to talk about gear.</p> <p>My son has been a "boarder" for almost 20 years now and would cringe if he thought I was giving advice on snowboarding gear. If you decide to go that direction, you'd probably want to check out the gear with sales staff who are snowboarders. Snowboard pants and jackets are similar to downhill gear, but there are some important differences. For example, you definitely want a waterproof layer on your butt if you snowboard; skiers don't tend to sit around on the snow as much, so it's not such an issue with them.</p> <p>When I buy a downhill jacket, I look for one that has sufficient pockets to hold my wallet, keys, kleenex, lip balm, etc. It also needs to have a high collar and a hood so that I pull it up if I'm stuck on a chairlift and the wind comes up. A good jacket also is long enough to cover my butt so my back doesn't come into contact with the cold metal on the chairlift. Pants need to fit comfortably in the waist and be the right length. They should also be easy to get off if you need to go to the bathroom. (My worst ski outfit was a very stylish, one-piece suit....) I also prefer zip-neck tops to turtlenecks because I can adjust them to suit the temperature. Gloves need to be flexible and have room in the fingertips so that my hands don't get cold. Socks also need to be warm, but light so that my toes have lots of room inside my ski boots.</p> <p>If you are on a tight budget, you can pick up underwear, fleece, socks, hats, and gloves in discount or warehouse stores. Invest in a good jacket and pants. Check out higher end brands like North Face, Carbon, Bogner etc. but, once you know what to look for, you can save money by looking at some of the less expensive stuff by Columbia, REI, etc. You can sometimes get great deals on last season's gear or at a ski swap.</p> <p>Consider buying your own boots, even if you rent skis and poles. Go to a specialty ski shop that has a boot fitter. He, or she, can help you find a good pair of beginner boots that are warm and comfortable. A well-fitted boot makes a big difference in your skiing and makes it much easier to learn how to ski safely and comfortably. </p> <p>Long post, but I can't help but get excited when I hear that someone wants to take up my favorite sports. Go for it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-264972 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 03:23:45 +0000 kellygirl 264972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'3" and have Spyder pants. Of the pants I've tried, they seemed to have the shortest inseam and a good rise. I've never tried CC--is the gear different? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-264970 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:48:06 +0000 Mo 264970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I've done downhill, x country, and snowboarding and I find x country hardest personally. But we all have our strong suits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-264966 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:29:43 +0000 annagybe 264966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aerobically downhill is easier, skills wise cross country. I've never taken a cross-country lesson. Taken years of downhill lessons, and I'm still on greens and blues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-264963 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:27:02 +0000 Marley 264963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think downhill is easier than cross-country! Especially when you are trying to go "up" cross-country style - just makes me start panting thinking about it! Helly Hansen or North Face - you can't go wrong! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-264948 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:02:06 +0000 annagybe 264948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cross-country is easier than downhill. Second Helly Hansen. Also I like North Face. My ski pants are from North Face. Although I had to buy a pure gear belt (from Patagonia) to get to fit in the waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-264942 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 01:56:06 +0000 Mo 264942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would recommend trying snowboarding gear for a lower rise. Also think about just renting for the day if you're not sure you want to take up the sport yet. Be sure to wear your own under layers (wicking leggins and long sleeve) because you can't be sure how often a shop cleans the rental gear. And you don't want to wear cotton underneath because you'll be a clammy mess after 15 minutes. I bought a Helly Hansen jacket/shell and snowboard pant from Sierra Trading Post for less than $100 each piece. They have great stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skiing-what-to-wear#post-264937 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 01:48:16 +0000 elpgal 264937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I plan to take skiing lessons and have little that fits the 'stuff that keeps you warm and dry' requirement. I do have lots of smartwool socks and some waterproof warm gloves. So tell me, what things do you recommend - brand names, styles, what to look for, etc?</p> <p>I did go to REI and had time to try on some skiing pants. I found most of them too long and way too high-rise for me (5' 2") to wear comfortably.</p> <p>ETA: Is cross-country skiing easier and safer than downhill or am I kidding myself? </p>