Winter is upon us as ski hills are opening. Whether you are heading out for a day at the slopes or a week there are certain things every ski bunny should have to stay warm skiing. Our ski outfits for women packing list will have everything you need for skiing.
Ski Outfits for Women Packing List
- The Coat – Here’s the thing about your ski jacket. Any ski jacket will do the job. You are going to want something that is at the very lest water resistant so that it can withstand some snow. But water proof is better especially if you get caught in those big wet flakes as opposed to a dryer snow. There are lots of technical fabrics that give you a waterproof coat without it being a rubber rain coat. Some ski coats come as two parts. The hard shell that protects against wind and wet and the inner puffer layer that keeps you warm. I have a similar coat to this and it is hands down my warmest coat making it perfect for skiing in colder conditions. I love this as a colourful alternative.
- The Wool Sweater – Even if you aren’t going to wear a sweater while skiing I would pack one for apres ski. How much you layer really depends on where you are skiing and how low the temperatures get. In Ontario I regularly skied with just a cotton turtleneck over my base layer. But when skiing in Quebec where temperatures get very low (I once skied in minus 60 temperatures!) I would definitely layer a sweater over my base layers. I love the fun saying on this one and the high neck on this one. Stick with warmer materials like wool, cashmere or alpaca.
- The Hat – This is another item you might be packing for apres ski as opposed to while you are skiing. I used to ski with just a hat but now I am converted to the balaclava and helmet combo. But if you are wandering around the ski resort or driving home you will want just a hat to keep warm. Love the large pom pom on this one.
- The Snow Pants – What is the saying? Friends don’t let friends ski in jeans? I remember school ski trips and there was always at least one classmate that didn’t bring snow pants and it was a disaster. At a minimum snow pants keep you warm, but they also protect you if you fall. Snow sticks to jeans or track pants. But snow doesn’t stick to snow pants and make you feel wet and cold. You can buy affordable snow pants, so don’t feel you have to spend hundreds of dollars on snow pants.
- The Turtleneck – Last year while skiing I mostly wore a base layer and my tissue turtleneck. Unless we were skiing in a very cold snap this was really all I needed. I prefer layering up my base layer with a turtleneck because I want my neck to be protected. Cotton turtlenecks have come a long way since the 1980s where the thick white turtleneck seemed to be the staple. Now you can get them in a variety of thickness and materials. Want something a bit more substantial? Try a turtleneck sweatshirt over your base layer. Or a Fleece Turtleneck.
- The Snow Boots – Obviously you are going to need ski boots as part of your gear that you might rent or bring with you from the hill. But you are going to want to wear your snow boots too and from the hill before you put on your gear. If you are dealing with deep snow I would recommend these. But if you need more of a city snow boot these are super cute. I have had these for years and highly recommend.
- The Helmet – I recently became a convert to wearing a ski helmet. I grew up skiing without one (it was the 80s & 90s!). I would say even 10 years ago I didn’t feel all that odd not wearing one. But the last couple years skiing it seems like everyone has adopted the helmet. It makes sense because no matter how good of a skier you are you could be at the mercy of an inexperienced skier.
- The Base layer – Base layers are probably the most important part of a ski outfit. A great base layer makes sure you stay warm all day. I am partial to this and this. They are a half the price of ski brands but they are still super warm merino wool.
- The Goggles – When I head down the hill without my goggles on I tend to tear and wonder why I am so cold. Goggles aren’t a must have in warmer climates but when you are skiing in temperatures that could give you frost bite goggles are a must. If you are skiing at night make sure you get a clear lense style.
- The Mittens – I am definitely team mittens when it comes to doing anything outside in the winter. They are warmer than gloves and really you don’t need your fingers for skiing as you are just going to be holding onto poles. Even better upgrade your mittens to down mittens as they are significantly warmer. Options found here, here or here.
- The Balaclava – Before I wore a helmet I would have suggested one of these as a must have but now I prefer this. The fleece versions keep your head, neck and face warm going down the hill.
- The Ski Sock – If you ever search ski socks you will notice the ones that come up the most are the extra long kind. These work fine for my kids but I don’t have long, lean calves and I find them uncomfortable. I prefer something a bit shorter. Plus when you have good base layer long johns you don’t really need the extra long socks.
Coats and snow pants
Base Layers
Accessories
Apres Ski
I haven’t included skis, boots or poles in this round up as not all skiers own their own equipment. If you are traveling and staying away from home for a bit of a ski vacation you are going to need to pack more than ski outfits for women. You will need apres ski options like an alternate coat and jeans or maybe fleece leggings or luxe leather leggings. You might want to add a scarf too. Plus the basics like toiletries and undies.
What would you add to the ski outfits for women packing list?