How to choose your ski outfit?

In winter, the snowy trails call is strong. In order to experience the best possible experience, in addition to practice, the secret is to choose its skiing outfit.

Whether you are a veteran skier or a beginner, it is essential that your ski outfit be adapted to you and your practice. There are standards, but they can't suit everyone. Here are some tips so that the skier in you can choose his ski outfit.

What is a good ski outfit?

Waterproofness and breathability

Impermeability is the ability of the garment to keep you dry, while breathability allows your body not to stifle under the heat it releases. These are the two main criteria you will find on the labels. They are determined by figures , for example: 8.000/10.000. The first reflects impermeability and the second reflects breathability. It is advisable to opt for indications equal to or greater than 10,000 in both cases.

Several membranes have been patented, such as Gore-Tex® and PrimaLoft® . These two technologies reinforce the impermeability, breathability and resistance of the fabrics that are equipped with it. The more expensive, they also guarantee superior quality and durability.

Aeration pockets and zips

Choose clothes with pockets (including the famous pocket of the package, placed on the left sleeve). Also, check that they are equipped with aeration zips. These will refresh you when you take a break in your ski day, or you will be on the chairlift. When you think of skiing, you think cold. But we don’t always realize that practice is hot, it’s a sport after all!

RECCO® system

The RECCO® system is essential for choosing the right ski outfit, as this will allow you to be found in case accident or avalanche . Just tell you that it’s the essential equipment, to find on jackets, pants, helmets and combinations.

Beanie or helmet, glasses or mask?

The helmet is advised to beginner skiers who do not yet fully master the practice, but the very good skiers should not go away: in the event of a fall or collision, the helmet will protect you more than a hat. The latter only protects you from cold and sunlight.

As for the question of glasses or mask, it will be according to your preferences. The mask has a hold on to face more important and it protects more globally from the rays and the high brightness of the mountains.

What outfit for what level of skiing?

Without getting too much into the technical details, it is a question of thinking about the perfect combination of waterproofness, breathability and clothing resistance, according to your practice and the region (temperatures are not the same everywhere).

Runway skiing

If you practice the so-called “track” ski which consists of going up the slopes via the ski lifts, going down to ski and starting again, then your slip time is less than your waiting time. So you'll be advised to equip yourself with three distinct layers having each of its properties for maximum comfort.

Ski off track

Are you more intensive to practice off-piste? So you can only have two layers , just as protective but less hot, because the body produces a lot of heat during a long physical effort.

How to choose the children's skiing outfit?

For children there are two choices: the combination or the duo jacket/pantalon-bretelles. Some will opt for the combination, more convenient, it fits in place and does not let snow pass in case of falls. But it is binding when it comes to going to the toilet. Contrary to the duo jacket/pantalon-bretelles that allows easier dressing, especially in sometimes narrow cabins. Most often, there are guests, avoiding snow coming in. From an economic point of view, you can also look for adjustable jackets and trousers (extensible sleeves or legs), this will prevent you from buying equipment every year.

Whether you choose the combination or jacket/pantalon option, you will have to respect the three-layer rule: the sub-pull, the sweater, and the technical jacket. The wearing of the helmet and the mask is highly recommended, as well as the wearing of slaps and squat.

What budget to choose its ski outfit?

For a new full ski outfit, you must be able to devote between 100 and 300 euros . If you opt for a top-of-the-top outfit, plan a little more budget ( 900 euros ). Note, however, that the range entries remain well designed, even if, de facto , they are less good quality than the high-end game.

When do you change your equipment?

Everything's gonna be about sensation . If you feel a little strait, it’s too small a joke from the washing machine or too much raclette?). Also, it is possible that the impermeability or resistance of a garment may know wear. If you’re cold or feel the humidity of the fabrics, it’s time to renew your ski outfit.

Where to buy the elements of a ski outfit?

Several choices are available to you: in stores, where the advice of sellers is valuable, or online with authorized and specialized dealers. Do not buy on any website, prefer them sites dedicated to the practice of skiing , they better select the products they sell.

You can also wait to be at the station, to go to one of the stores rental/sale , where you will find items to choose your ski outfit. Take a lot of time to compare, especially on the internet!

Ski shoes: buy or rent?

To find the ski boot that suits you best, go to a rental/sale shop so that staff members can try several.

Then you decide: do you prefer to rent a pair of ski shoes during the day, or go directly to the purchase? It depends on your budget , but also of frequency your practice. Even if you only go to the station once a year and stay there for 3 days, it can be profitable to buy (large product durability).

Know that it is possible, in some shops, to buy a pair of occasions, among those subject to rental. So you can test your -futur?- purchase for a day, or two.

You now know how to choose your ski outfit. Let's go!