How to dress for the mountains in winter?

Are you looking forward to skiing, snowboarding, or simply hiking in the snowy mountains? Before you set off on your dream trip, prepare well. Make sure you have the right wardrobe that will keep you warm and protect you from snow and moisture. Get help from us and learn how to dress for the mountains in winter.

Why is appropriate clothing important in the mountains?

The mountain climate is characterized by variable weather conditions – temperatures can drop to several degrees below zero, and the wind further intensifies the feeling of cold. At the same time, winter hikes and other activities cause sweating, so it's important to wear clothing that allows excess heat to escape while quickly wicking away excess moisture. This will help you maintain thermal comfort – you don't have to worry about overheating or hypothermia. Therefore, appropriate winter clothing for women or men in the mountains is essential.

Three layers of clothing – the foundation of a winter wardrobe

The best protection against unfavorable weather conditions comes not only from women's or men's winter hats , but above all, from a three-layer dressing system. This allows you to better control the amount of clothing and adapt your wardrobe to the temperature, physical activity, and so on. Find out what a layered mountain wardrobe should consist of.

First layer – thermal underwear is essential

The first layer is thermal underwear, which is responsible for wicking moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry even during intense exercise.

When choosing thermal underwear, pay attention to its material. Clothing made of synthetic fibers or natural materials such as merino wool are best.

It's crucial that thermal underwear fits snugly but doesn't restrict movement. This will prevent hypothermia and make walking and skiing easier.

Second layer – necessary at low temperatures

For winter hikes, you should also wear a second layer of insulating clothing. These can include wool sweaters , fleece sweatshirts , or jackets with synthetic fill.

If you plan to be more physically active, synthetic clothing is a better option. Down clothing is ideal for less active days when the body doesn't produce as much heat.

Outer layer – provides thermal comfort and protects against snow

The third layer of clothing is a membrane jacket that protects against wind, snow, and rain. It's essential that your winter jacket has high breathability (ideally 10,000 g/m²/24h) and waterproofing (over 10,000 mm).

A down jacket is a good option, especially for mountain hikes. If temperatures on the slopes are expected to be slightly higher, a rain jacket with a membrane, such as GORE-TEX, may be a suitable option. This type of membrane provides comfort and also provides good protection against snow and rain.

Be sure to pay attention to the fact that the last layer of clothing, i.e. men's or women's winter jackets had an adjustable hood, sealed seams and solid zippers that additionally protect against water.

Perfect accessories for a trip to the mountains – what can't you forget?

A well-rounded winter hiking wardrobe isn't just about jackets, sweatshirts, and thermal underwear. Suitable hiking boots, softshell pants, and accessories that will make your ride more enjoyable are also important. Here's a list of the most essential winter hiking accessories:

Appropriate headgear

Protecting your head from the cold is crucial, as it's where your body loses most of its heat. men's or women's winter hats made of thermoactive materials that both provide warmth and wick away moisture.

Waterproof gloves

Gloves should be waterproof and provide good heat insulation. Synthetic materials with breathable panels are ideal, especially if you plan on more active leisure or trekking with poles.

Sunglasses

Of course, good quality sunglasses are essential in the mountains. Sun rays reflecting off the snow can be blinding and dangerous to the eyes. Therefore, be sure to bring sunglasses with high UV protection and contoured nose pads and temples. This will ensure they won't slip off while descending or walking briskly.

Suitable trekking shoes

Trekking boots are also a must-have for any mountain adventure. Good footwear should provide warmth and be waterproof. Ideally, they should have a deep-tread sole that provides adequate grip on slippery surfaces.

Choose shoes with a membrane that effectively protects against moisture while allowing your feet to breathe freely.

Trekking trousers

The right trousers are essential – we especially recommend softshell trousers, as they provide effective protection against cold, wind, and moisture. At the same time, they allow your body to breathe freely and allow your skin to move freely.

Make sure your hiking pants have pre-shaped knees, an adjustable waistband, and elastic inserts. Gaiters are also essential, as they prevent snow from entering your boots and protect your pants from moisture.

3 rules when assembling your wardrobe for a winter trip

1. Avoid cotton – although cotton is a natural material, it's not suitable for mountain wear because it retains moisture. This can lead to hypothermia. Instead, opt for merino wool or technical materials that dry quickly and wick away sweat effectively.
2. Choose a layering system – it allows you to easily adapt your clothing to changing weather conditions, allowing you to add or remove layers as needed.
3. Choose good-quality socks – warm, breathable socks made of merino wool or synthetic fibers are essential. This improves thermal comfort, and these materials also facilitate moisture wicking, preventing cold feet and unpleasant odor.