The three-layer rule — how to dress for skiing, by Mia · Alps & Beyond on YouTube. 1 min.
- Video length
- 1 min
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start with a base layer in merino wool or a synthetic fabric. Skip cotton, because it holds sweat and stays wet against your skin.
Add a mid layer of fleece or light down. Pick one you can pull off and stuff into your backpack when you warm up.
Put on a waterproof, breathable shell with vents. Open the vents on the climb or on warm runs to let heat out.
Step outside and check that you feel slightly cold before you start. You will warm up fast once you are moving.
Dress for the lift, undress for the run. Remove the mid layer or open the shell before a hard run, then close up again on the lift.
Add a neck gaiter to seal the gap at your collar and keep wind off your neck.
Switch to mittens on cold days. They keep your fingers warmer than gloves.
Fit a low-light goggle lens for cloudy or snowy days, and pack spare gloves so you can swap out wet ones.
Tips and common mistakes
Never wear cotton as a base layer, it soaks up sweat and chills you on the lift.
Keep your mid layer in your pack rather than tied around your waist so it stays dry.
Check that your shell fits over the mid layer without squashing the insulation flat.
Questions
What is the three-layer rule for skiing?
A base layer wicks sweat away, a mid layer traps warmth and a shell blocks wind and snow. Adjust by removing layers rather than wearing one thick jacket.
Can I wear a cotton t-shirt as a base layer?
No. Cotton holds moisture and cools you down when you stop moving. Use merino wool or a synthetic base layer instead.
How do I stop sweating on the run?
Open your shell vents or take off the mid layer before hard runs, then add it back on the lift. Start the day feeling slightly cold.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
