What to wear for ski touring?
Staying flexible by dressing in layers
When it comes to clothing for ski touring, nothing should be left to chance. After all, you need to dress for two different situations: On the one hand, there’s the ascent, where you’ll quickly work up a sweat from the exertion. Secondly, there’s the descent, where your aim is to keep warm against the cold wind. That’s where the layering system, more specifically the three-layer system, comes in handy.
Dressing in layers is the tried-and-trusted method for outdoor activities like ski touring. Multiple layers are worn on top of each other, and can be put on or removed depending on the weather conditions and level of physical activity. The first layer, known as baselayer, wicks away moisture, while the midlayer provides the necessary insulation to keep you warm. At the same time, the outer layer acts as weather protection against the wind, rain, and snow. Thanks to the flexibility of this system, you’ll stay dry and comfortable throughout your tour. To learn more about this topic, check out our in-depth guide on how to dress in layers .
How to put together the perfect ski touring outfit
At the start of every ski tour, there’s the grueling uphill climb, where your body builds up a lot of heat from the intense effort, even in the freezing cold. This is where breathable, moisture-wicking gear is your best friend – clothing that wicks away sweat to prevent overheating. At the same time, you want to make sure you can quickly adapt by having a spare layer within reach that you can quickly throw on – or remove – when you hit cold gusts or shady stretches along your route. On the way down, your activity levels are bound to change significantly: you’re no longer working up a sweat, and you get cold faster. That's why you should always pack weather-proof layers to keep icy winds, rain and snow at bay. If you stick to these rules, you'll stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you – regardless of whether you're making your way up or down.
Setting the tone: Baselayers for Ski Touring
Your first layer of ski touring gear has one mighty job: wicking moisture away from your body while keeping you warm and dry. So make sure this layer is both breathable and quick-drying, as this will prevent your body from becoming hypothermic when you reach your destination all wet and sweaty.
Merino wool in particular shines in cold conditions, keeping unpleasant odors at bay, while also keeping you warm, even when damp from sweat. Synthetic materials like polyester or polyamide are super quick-drying, making them the perfect choice for warmer days, or exhausting and challenging ascents. At Mammut, you’ll find a wide selection of baselayer tops with varying sleeve lengths – perfect for layering. Our HeiQ Fresh technology keeps unpleasant odors at bay, while inserts made of lighter materials provide extra ventilation. For the bottom half of your body, leggings or tights made from polyamide or merino wool are the way to go. When choosing socks , opt for breathable, padded models with a tight fit to prevent blisters and cold spots. You can spot Mammut's first layers by the letters "FL" in the product name.
Midlayers: The right insulation for ski touring
Your midlayer's job is to keep the cold out. A fleece jacket is perfect for the climb since it's both lightweight and moisture-wicking while also keeping you nice and warm. For the descent or in case of serious drops in temperature, an insulation jacket will effectively trap your body heat, but won’t add any weight thanks to lightweight materials like down and synthetic insulation. As a general rule of thumb: The more layers you're wearing, the easier it is to manage your body temperature. At Mammut, our midlayers can be quickly identified by the letters "ML" in the product name, while our insulation jackets are marked with "IN
The outer layer: The ultimate weather protection for ski touring
Your outer layer stands between you and whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you at any given moment – be it wind, snow or rain. Depending on the weather, you can opt for a hardshell or softshell jacket . As hardshells are both water- and windproof, they are great in tough conditions, keeping you perfectly dry even in heavy snow or rain. You can spot Mammut's hardshell gear by the letters "HS" in the product name. Softshells – which are identified by the additional "SO" like all our other softshell products – will provide a lot more breathability and freedom of movement, which in turn makes them the perfect choice for dry, less windy days. On the climb up, you can simply wear your jacket unzipped or stow it in your backpack , and then quickly throw it on for the descent – or during breaks when you need that extra layer of protection and warmth.
The Perfect Ski Touring Pants
Ski touring pants should ideally be breathable, and also give you plenty of room to move. If you’re all about venturing off the beaten path, your pants should be weather-resistant to give you the best possible protection – both on the way up and on your way down. For warmer conditions, lightweight hybrid or softshell pants are your best friend, as they offer plenty of ventilation and freedom of movement. When it's cold or windy out, on the other hand, you'll want hardshell pants that give you extra protection from wind, snow, and moisture. Materials like polyamide and elastane serve this purpose especially well, since they're hardwearing, flexible, and water-repellent.
When choosing your new pair of pants, it’s also worth keeping an eye out for the following key features:
High-rise fit: Ski touring pants with a high waist will ensure your back is fully covered and effectively kept warm at all times, even during intense movement.
Bibs: Lots of models have built-in bibs that prevent snow from getting in while making sure your pants won’t slide down. Plus, the bib usually has a pocket that's perfect for stashing your Barryvox .
Zips for ventilation: Side vents ensure a solid airflow, helping to prevent overheating when you're working up a sweat on your way up.
Adjustable cuffs: Adjustable leg openings allow you to easily pull the pants over your ski boots to keep the snow at bay.
Pockets: Pants with plenty of pockets are perfect to store essentials like snacks or your phone – stuff you want quick access to without having to dig through your backpack first.
Gloves & head gear for ski touring
Gloves and a warm hat round off your ski touring attire. For the ascent, lighter, breathable gloves are the way to go. They will give you enough dexterity and keep your hands from getting cold, while simultaneously preventing overheating. For the descent, or when it's freezing cold, make sure to pack a pair of warmer gloves for an extra level of warmth in strong winds and heavy snow. Up top, a thin beanie or headband works great on the way up, but you can also wear it under your helmet during the descent if needed. For extra warmth, and depending on your personal preference, you can also throw on a scarf or neck gaiter , depending on your preference.
Perfectly prepared for any weather
With these tips, you're all set to put together the perfect ski touring outfit to suit any occasion. Remember to stay flexible, and to always adjust your gear to match the current weather conditions. No matter what the mountains throw at you – with the right clothing, you're all set for the perfect outdoor adventure! For more ski touring tips, check out our ski touring gear guide. And if you're looking for more inspiration for your next outdoor adventure, our Mammut Stories are the perfect starting point.