Let's be honest, we all want to look cool on the mountain, and there's nothing wrong with that! Skiing and snowboarding are fun activities that also give us the freedom of self expression in the way that we ride and the outfits we wear. We're here to help make sure that you select the proper base layers and materials to keep you comfortable, warm, and looking stylish on the slopes.
These essential clothing items for women skiers and snowboarders will make sure that you're prepared for a long day on the slopes regardless of what the weather throws at you. We've also included tips on what to wear on the way to and from the mountain resort. Outdoor brands have learned that women want stylish options that have the perfect fit, with some personality, too.
Here's what we recommend that women skiers and snowboarders include in their outfit.
Women's ski and snowboard base layer leggings
Select leggings that are designed to keep you dry and comfortable in cold temperatures while skiing and snowboarding. We love the cute styles of Smartwool leggings for women, made of merino wool. These styles offer the perfect fit with breathable warmth to prevent you from catching a chill when you're stuck on the chair lift between runs.
REI also carries wool base layers for women, or shop local sporting goods store during the winter months for leggings like these. Other brands include Hot Chillys, that makes simple women's base layers that will do the job! Leggings like these are a base layer specifically designed for outdoor activities, making sure the seams are minimal and in the right places and won't cause discomfort.
Wear a supportive, moisture-wicking sports bra
Select a supportive sports bra that can handle the intense activity on the slopes and wick away moisture between ski runs. When selecting your undergarments for your skiing or snowboarding outfit, prioritize comfort and support. Make sure that your basics fit well and that you'll be comfortable wearing them all day while being active on the mountain.
Find a sports bra with polyester material to wick away sweat and moisture to keep your core dry. Title Nine sports bras are designed for high intensity activities like skiing and snowboarding and have a wide range of different styles and fits. There are loads of color and pattern options to choose from to add some more fun to your ski or snowboard outfit.
Women's snowboarding and skiing socks
Wearing socks with the perfect fit is vital for keeping your feet comfortable in your ski or snowboard boots all day. If your socks are too bulky or loose it will cause blisters or even bruises after wearing your ski or snowboard boots. Ouch. Shop for long socks made of merino wool to keep your feet warm and dry, Smartwool has plenty to choose from.
Breathable material will wick away moisture as your body temperature warms up on the mountain, keeping your feet dry. Pull your socks tight over your leggings and run your hands up and down to get the creases out before putting on your boots. Wear your ski or snowboard socks on the drive to the mountain resort so your feet stay warm.
Wear a long moisture-wicking tank top underneath
Wearing a long tank top as your first core layer provides another layer of warmth and more outfit options if the weather changes. Wearing a moisture-wicking tank top tucked into your snow pants while skiing or snowboarding helps prevent snow from touching your back or going down your pants. Shop for women's tank tops made of breathable materials like polyester from brands like PrAna and Vuori.
If the sun pops out and the temperature warms up, waiting in lift lines can get hot! Wearing a tank top gives you another option for layers. Take off your long sleeve and ride with your tank top under your jacket or hardshell if you get too warm.
Hack: Lay out this outfit the night before you go to the mountain resort to get ready faster in the morning
Women's long sleeve top with moisture-wicking material
Keeping your core warm is important while skiing and snowboarding, and wearing a basic cotton shirt won't cut it. Cotton will stay wet and make for an uncomfortably long day. Instead, select a long sleeve top with moisture-wicking material, like merino wool or polyester.
Moisture-wicking fabrics will help keep you dry from sweat when you're active outdoors. Merino wool or polyester long sleeve shirts will also dry more quickly if they get wet from the snow. Brands like Smartwool, Patagonia and Arc'teryx design women's long sleeve tops perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
Women's GORE-TEX Ski and Snowboard Jacket
Not all ski and snowboard jackets will provide you with the same resistance to snow and rain. Women who regularly ski and snowboard while it's snowing will want to stay dry with a jacket that features GORE-TEX technology. Women's ski and ride jackets like this one by Outdoor Research are designed with maximum waterproofing to prevent getting soaked on a snowy day, or conditions where rain is mixed with snow.
Oftentimes it's not the winter weather conditions that end up bothering you, but apparel and gear that doesn't meet standards. Look for GORE-TEX in the features product description when shopping for a women's ski or snowboard jacket so you know that you'll stay dry.
Women's GORE-TEX Ski and Snowboard Pants
Sitting on the chairlift while a puddle of water accumulates in your lap is no fun! It's important to wear snowboard and ski pants that feature GORE-TEX technology to stay dry. It's especially important for women who snowboard to select pants that have waterproofing technology, as you'll be sitting in the snow to strap in at the top of the mountain.
Snow pants designed with GORE-TEX will prevent moisture from being absorbed, making it easy to brush off the water and keep skiing and snowboarding in comfort. Burton, Arc'teryx, Volcom, 686 and other brands design women's snowboard and ski pants with GORE-TEX so you have plenty of styles to choose from. If you're more of a ski bib kind of girl, go with that!
For the drive: A comfy baggy sweatshirt
For a comfortable drive to the ski resort throw on a lose-fitting hoodie or sweatshirt over your long sleeve top. Wearing a cozy sweater in your vehicle can be more comfortable than sitting in your ski or snowboard jacket.
Sometimes the snowstorm hits and your jacket and gear will end up covered in ice by the end of the day. If so, you'll be glad that you brought an extra hoodie or jacket that stayed dry in the vehicle. Staying dry and warm after your last run will also prevent catching a cold.
For the drive: Wear a beanie to keep in heat
We quickly lose a lot of heat from our heads during the colder months. Wearing a beanie on the drive to the ski resort and in the parking lot can help you retain your body heat and stay warm.
For safety, it's best to wear a helmet while skiing and snowboarding, but having a beanie to wear before, after, and at lunch is a good way to stay comfortable and warm while spending the day skiing or snowboarding.
For the drive: Wear water-resistant boots with traction
It's common to see ladies arrive at the ski resort wearing their UGG boots or Vans, but both of these are mistakes! Be sure to wear water-resistant boots as you'll be walking through snow and wet parking lots. It's also important to wear boots designed with traction so you don't slip on ice in the parking lot.
Wearing water-resistant boots will prevent your socks from getting soaked and boots will also dry off quickly, whereas canvas shoes will stay wet. Water-resistant boots are a good investment if you're going to be skiing or snowboarding this winter - REI will have the boot styles that you need for the snow.
Lay out your outfit the night before
The best time to snowboard and ski is first thing in the morning when the ski resort opens, but getting up early and making it in the lift line by 8:30 AM can be trickier than it sounds.
Lay out this outfit the night before and make it out the door and on your way to the ski slopes with ease. When you get to the mountain resort, throw on your outer jacket and pants, and your women's skiing or snowboarding outfit is complete.
Women's ski and snowboard base layer outfit
Supportive sports bra
Moisture-wicking long tank top
Long sleeve moisture-wicking top
Base layer leggings
Snowboarding/ski socks
What to wear on the drive to the ski resort
Baggy sweatshirt or jacket
Beanie
Water-resistant boots
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