How to Dress for Ski Touring: 9 Most Important Rules

Winter encourages a variety of outdoor activities. Ski touring, also known as ski touring, is incredibly popular. It's a form of mountain travel—on flat stretches, hills, climbs, and steep ascents. You'll easily find a ski touring route suited to your skill level, but before you set off, you'll need the right equipment. Read the rules below and learn how to dress for ski touring.

Several layers of clothing when ski touring

The most important rule of dressing for ski touring is to choose layers that provide adequate thermal protection. Above all, however, they should be adapted to the intense activity. What layers of ski touring clothing are essential? Here are the most important layers:

Base layer – the first layer is simply thermal underwear, which is responsible for rapidly wicking sweat away from the body. This keeps the skin dry, preventing chills. It's crucial that thermal underwear be made of breathable materials.
Insulation layer – the second layer is primarily intended to provide thermal comfort, even when wet. Fleece sweatshirts, synthetic ski touring jackets, and merino wool sweaters are ideal.
Outer layer – the final layer consists of ski pants and a jacket with windproof, waterproof, and breathable properties. This prevents overheating during intense activity while still allowing for freedom of movement.

Durable ski touring pants

The right ski touring pants are one of the most important pieces of clothing. They impact both comfort and safety while skiing. Softshell pants are a common choice, as they protect against wind, rain, snow, and other weather conditions.

Ski touring pants should provide complete freedom of movement, which is essential for both skiing and climbing. A high level of material durability is also important, which is why pants made of materials like Cordura or Gore-Tex are often chosen.

How to dress for ski touring? Also consider whether the clothing has practical pockets on the sides of the legs. Trousers with suspenders and ventilation holes are also a popular option.

Insulating layer made of merino wool

Think cotton underwear and an insulating layer are best for ski touring? You're wrong, though. Ski touring clothing should be made from materials that don't absorb moisture, and cotton has precisely that property. Merino thermal underwear or thermal leggings are ideal, as they allow for quick drying.

Remember that moisture that remains on the body for too long can intensify feelings of cold and discomfort, even leading to hypothermia in extreme cases. Therefore, ski touring clothing should not be made of cotton.

So, what should you wear for ski touring? Choose the following materials:

merino wool – a natural material with excellent thermoregulatory and moisture-wicking properties; a long-sleeved base layer made of merino wool is a great solution;
softshell – distinguished by excellent elasticity, breathability and waterproofness;
natural down – this is a type of filling; a down jacket provides excellent protection against the cold;
hardshell – is characterized by a high level of water resistance and durability, which is why hardshell is usually chosen to produce a ski jacket;
membrane – protects against moisture and allows air to pass through.

Appropriate ski touring shoes and socks

Ski touring footwear should be lightweight, durable, and provide a high level of thermal insulation. Models with integrated bindings are a good option. Before purchasing, try on several pairs of ski touring boots to determine the model that best fits your foot.

Also, choose ski touring socks with breathable properties. Another interesting option is models with special reinforcements in areas prone to injuries and abrasions, ensuring even greater comfort while skiing.

Matching touring skis

Of course, touring skis are essential equipment for any skier. These models are lightweight, making climbing easier and reducing fatigue. At the same time, they are durable and ensure safety during descents.

Remember to match the base width to the terrain you'll be riding on. Wider models are better for deep snow, while narrower ones are better for firm terrain.

A spacious and comfortable backpack for ski touring

A good backpack for snacks and drinks can be incredibly useful on ski touring trips. Ideally, a model with a capacity of at least 20-30 liters will work. It should also have several pockets and compartments that make it easier to organize and quickly reach snacks, drinks, or a new pair of gloves.

Choose a backpack made of waterproof materials to protect its contents from rain and snow.

A properly selected ski touring jacket – hardshell or membrane

One of the most important pieces of ski touring equipment is a jacket – whether a membrane, softshell, or hardshell. You can also opt for a down jacket. Check out the characteristics of the most popular ski touring jackets.

A membrane jacket is made of a material with a waterproof membrane that also facilitates moisture wicking, ensuring thermal comfort. A membrane jacket is lightweight and can be easily packed into a backpack.
A hardshell jacket is resistant to mechanical damage and highly waterproof. This type of jacket can have additional ventilation systems under the arms and on the back, making it a good outer layer for ski touring.

Ski touring sunglasses models

Remember to protect your eyes when ski touring. Sunglasses are an essential piece of equipment for every skier, providing protection from cold winds, glare, and UV rays.

Choose sunglasses with a high UV protection rating of around 400. Polarized models are also a good option, as they effectively reduce glare from snow, improving driving comfort.

Sunglasses must fit both the helmet and your nose and head. Therefore, choose models with adjustable nose pads.

Durable and warm ski touring gloves

When setting off on a ski tour, you can't forget about hand protection. Gloves are essential, as they increase comfort and safety while skiing. They must be made of durable material – waterproof and windproof, yet highly breathable. This will prevent your hands from slipping and allow you to easily hold your ski poles.

When ski touring, take at least two pairs of gloves with you – one for the ascent and one for the descent. Make sure each pair has adjustable cuffs to fit your wrists.