What to Wear Skiing or Snowboarding for the First Time
One of the biggest worries for first-time skiers and snowboarders is simple:
“What do I actually wear?”
Getting your clothing right can be the difference between a great first day on the slopes and a very cold, uncomfortable one. The good news? You don’t need to overthink it — you just need to layer correctly.
Think of getting dressed for skiing like peeling an onion… but in reverse.
Start With Base Layers (Your First Layer)
You start the day in your everyday underwear, but over the top of that, you’ll wear base layers.
Base layers:
- Sit close to your skin
- Wick moisture away
- Help keep you warm and dry
This is important because beginners often work harder than they expect—getting up, falling over, and standing back up. You will sweat, and base layers stop that sweat from making you cold later.
Avoid cotton if you can. Synthetic or merino wool base layers are best.
Socks: Don’t Get This One Wrong
If there is one thing not to cheap out on, it’s socks.
Ski/board socks are absolutely crucial for comfort.
After a full day in boots, your legs can feel like they’ve been put in plaster. The wrong socks make this much worse.
🚫 Do not wear everyday socks
🚫 Do not wear football socks
🚫 Do not wear thick socks layered on top of each other
A true story
When I was a chalet host, a young boy turned up wearing football socks. By the end of his first day skiing, the pattern of the socks had turned into tiny blisters all over his legs.
I had to tell his dad, who then had to buy ski socks in the resort, at twice the price they would have been back home. Dad wasn’t happy… but the kid was much more comfortable the next day.
Comfort is key. Always buy proper ski/board socks.
Mid-Layers: Easy to Add, Easy to Remove
Your mid-layer is usually a thin fleece.
This is the layer you might:
- Wear first thing in the morning
- Take off halfway through the day
- Carry in a small backpack just in case
Beginners often get hot and bothered from getting up and down all day, so having something you can remove easily is a big plus.
Even if you don’t wear it all day, bring one with you.
