Colorado Ski Country USA

What should I wear?

Clothes that will keep you warm and dry. Du-u-u-uh, I'll bet you're saying. But after you fall a couple of times - and you probably will fall - cotton clothing (jeans and a sweatshirt) become wet, then cold. You'll need the right kind of clothes to keep you warm and dry. You probably have most of what you need. If you don't, borrow some from friends.

Learn to Layer!
Dressing just right for Skiing and Snowboarding can be a difficult task. You want to be not too hot, not too cold, but just right, and of course, dry. The key is making smart apparel choices and layering. We suggest dressing in 3 layers: inside, middle, and outer.

Inside or "wicking" layer

• Since the inner layer is worn next to your skin, it is important to pick a material that will pull moisture away from your skin, which is called "wicking." This way you will stay dry and warm. Columbia's Omni-Dry® advanced evaporation technology is great for this. It is made of quick-drying polyester jersey fabric that offers great moisture management and breathability, while an antimicrobial treatment defends against odor and stays fresh for a long day on the slopes. Silk is also a good natural fabric that pulls away moisture from the skin. So when looking for your inner-layer, which is most commonly long johns, make sure you chose your fabric wisely.
• Also, consider your sock choice. There is nothing worse than frozen toes. A pair of lightweight or medium-weight socks works best. Make sure the socks have wicking abilities to keep the moisture out and the heat in. Good materials for this are wool, polyester, and silk. Also, don't give into the idea that multiple layers of socks are better. That will only restrict circulation and cause your feet to be colder rather than warmer.

Middle or "Insulation" layer

• For the middle layer, look for pullovers, sweat shirts, and vests that will keep you warm by trapping air between the fibers, or insulating you. A great material for this is fleece. Columbia has taken their fleece one step further with their Omni-Shield® technology. This technology has advanced repellency that sheds water and stains, while a soft, fleece interior wicks moisture away from the body to keep you nice and warm.

Outer or Shell layer

• A good outer later, or shell can't make or break your day on the slopes. It is important that your jacket and pants guard against the elements and keep out the snow, while allowing some breathability. When looking for a jacket, look for one that has a snow guard or is long enough to overlap the pants a couple inches. A perfect example of this is Columbia's Whirlibird™ Parka, which has Omni-Tech® waterproof breathability and full-seam sealing guards against all forms of precipitation and a snap-back powder skirt keeps snow on the outside of your apparel. The same idea transfers to the pants. An internal leg gaiter, such as the one on Columbia's Boundary Run™ Pant makes sure the snow stays on the mountain and out of your boots, while reinforced cuff guards prevent boots and bindings from wearing on your pant, while the pant keeps you warm and dry.
  
  
  
• One of the most important purchases you will make for skiing and snowboarding is the gloves. Hands can easily get wet and it is important to keep them warm. A great glove is Columbia's Whirlibird™ Glove, that will not only keep you warm and dry, but has a pass pocket built in to save you time in the lift lines and get you shredding the powder fast. They also have a polyurethane grip palm increases dexterity and ensures a good grip, there is a webbing wrist adjustment to lock in warmth.
  
  
  
  
  

Also, Don't Forget…

• A good pair of goggles. Sunglasses or goggles protect eyes from UV rays, which become stronger with the reflection of surfaces such as snow. Without good goggles or sunglasses, eye may be burned or you may have difficulty navigating the slopes. Make sure your glasses protect UV rays in order to avoid these problems.
• A warm hat or helmet. A wool knit yarn, such as Columbia's Chunky Beanie can be very warm. Like other layers, make sure the fabric works well when wet, such as wool or polyester. Helmets are also a warm and safe idea. Most helmets have the same safety standards and can be rented if need be.

You may not need as many layers of clothing as you think. On a sunny day, you may only need two layers - the waterproof outer layer and the turtleneck/long underwear first layer. But bring a middle layer (fleece or wool sweater) just in case. You can always take off clothes as you get warmer.