How to layer up for your ski or snowboarding holiday

Let’s begin with those all-important base layers. The clothing you put closest to your skin should be:

• Nice and warm to keep your body at a constant and comfortable temperature
• Moisture wicking to repel sweat away

The best skiing base layers tend to be close fitting but quite thin so you don’t overheat. Long sleeve tops and leggings (tucked into each other) are a great choice, as are thermals made from breathable merino wool or specially engineered synthetic fabrics. Don’t forget a good pair of thick ski socks, either!

Once you’ve sorted out a base layer, it’ll be time to move on to those skiing mid layers. Arguably the most important layers of all, they should:

• Insulate you by trapping warm air between them and your base layers
• Let you move around without any restriction
• Be easy to take on and off

A lightweight zip-up fleece is the ideal mid layer as it’ll keep you cosy while not being too bulky. Invented in the 1980s, they’re a must-have item. Most are made from soft, quick-drying fabrics, meaning you’ll never get too hot or sweaty as you ski.

In extremely cold conditions, you may want an insulating down or shell jacket instead – both are designed to trap air between fibres just like a sleeping bag. Legs tend to stay warmer than your upper body so you don’t need to worry too much about a middle layer on your bottom half.

When it comes to your final layer of ski clothing, you’ll need to start thinking about your outside environment - and by that we mean the snow! Your upper garments should ideally be made of a fabric like Gore-Tex that’s completely waterproof and hard-wearing in case you fall over (it happens to us all).

Salopettes – skiing trousers with high waists and shoulder straps – are an ideal top layer option for your legs. It’s a great idea to get some with zippers round the ankles so that they can be easily undone when you’re having a cool down at a mountainside bar or café.

Next up will be a skiing jacket made of a similar breathable and waterproof fabric to your salopettes. The thickness of your jacket will depend on the time of year you’re skiing, although nowadays you can purchase super lightweight options that will keep you cosy even when the temperature plummets well below zero.

High quality winter accessories are absolutely essential when you’re heading somewhere as icy as the Alps or the Pyrénées. Invest in a thick pair of ski gloves that are the right fit for your hands and able to be tightened around the wrists. You can even get high-tech gloves with heated finger pads if you’re particularly prone to getting cold hands!

A buff – a tube shaped scarf that sits around your neck – is also a great shout as they’ll keep the wind and any wet snow off your neck and chin. What’s more, they tend to come in a range of different materials and cool colour options if you’re keen to add personality to your skiing getup.

You may also want a beanie hat to keep your head warm and an extra pair of gloves to stash in your pocket in case your first pair get soaked through.

Now you know exactly how to layer for skiing, why not take a look at our skiing holidays and book your place this winter at one of the many incredible resorts spread across Europe?