What to wear on a ski holiday? Browse retail websites and you'll find a dizzying array of skiwear - all of it packed with technical features. Down-filled jackets, lightweight wicking fabrics, layering systems, breathable zippers, wrist guards, powder skirts - the arrangements are seemingly endless; which means you'll need a kit full of them if you're going to stay warm on the slopes.
Add to that ski fashion - the cuts, textures and colors of skiwear change every two or three years - and it's no wonder people get confused.
So we're making things really easy. To introduce our skiwear section, we've put together a quick guide to what's important and not so important on the mountain.
The main purpose of base layers of long pants and long-sleeved t-shirts is to keep you dry, not warm. Nothing makes you colder than wet cloth against your skin, and base layers are designed not only to be extremely non-absorbent, but to actively transfer water or sweat away from the skin (a process called core wicking).
Manufacturers use man-made fabrics, such as polyester and polypropylene, wool, or - the latest - bamboo. Man-made fabrics are good at keeping you dry, but they quickly become smelly. Wool underlays also don't absorb water - but they have natural deodorizing abilities, which means you can wear them for days on end without having to wash them.
We like synthetic fabrics - because staying dry is more important than whether or not you play ping pong. But either way, this is one ski jacket you can't live without.
Base layer sort of? Then it's time to add wool and thin sweaters on top. Many of these layers are better than one thick layer at keeping you warm, because they trap more air - and trapped air is a great insulator. They're also much more comfortable than a bulky pullover.
You can certainly buy many specialty fleece and intermediate layers to do the job - cut for a snug fit and work in harmony with your skiing. But almost everyone we know in the ski industry is used to improvising thin fleece and old fleece. The key is to have several and avoid cotton - it absorbs water like a sponge and loses all its insulating power once it gets wet.
Another benefit of layering is its flexibility. By carrying a backpack on the mountain, you can adjust your clothing throughout the day to suit the weather and the speed at which you're working. So you can start with three layers in the morning when it's cold, then gradually take them off as the weather warms up.
By the way, it's rarely necessary to layer over your legs except in the coldest winter months. For what it's worth, long pants and a pair of ski pants almost always work.
Almost every smart piece of ski gear comes with waterproof and breathable ski pants and jackets. In terms of fabric, Gore Tex is still the gold standard, but you only really need true performance gear like this if you're an advanced skier working hard in deep snow and variable weather conditions.
Some technical features worth paying extra for.
►A high collar that you can pull up to your chin is a boon on cold and windy days.
►Ventilation zippers under the armpits and on the legs will keep you cool when it's warm and sunny.
►Lycra inner sleeves, hooked over your thumbs, will stop snow from creeping up your arms.
►Tougher fabric on the inside of the calf will keep your pants from being torn by ski boots.
►High quality zippers are always welcome (zippers are usually the first thing to break) - with a secure flap at the top to protect against the wind.
► Jackets or pants without taped seams are "performance".
Oh yes - the fur-trimmed hood is just window dressing. In fact, now that everyone is wearing a ski helmet, all the hoods are starting to look redundant.
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