Christy Sports – Skiing & Snowboarding Clothing
How to Choose the Right Clothing for Skiing & Snowboarding
When you are out on the mountain, being exposed to the elements is part of the experience. Luckily, Christy Sports carries all the important clothing one might need to stay warm and dry. Dressing appropriately for a day on the slopes can be tricky. This clothing guide provides all the necessary information to layer clothing correctly so that you can have an enjoyable day on the mountain.
Base Layers
Purpose: Base layers are crucial to staying warm and dry on the mountain - they regulate temperature and wick moisture as the first layer against your skin.
Best materials: Choose synthetic or wool for warmth and moisture management.
- Avoid cotton: Cotton loses insulation when wet, making you colder.
- Comfort: Wool or synthetic long underwear feels good against skin while keeping you dry and warm.
- Hot Chillys is our top pick for premium synthetic base layers.
- Shop base layers from Smartwool for the comfortable feel of wool.
Weather matters:
- Cold winter days → thicker, insulating base layers.
- Warm spring skiing → lighter base layers for sweat management.
Key tip: Match base layer thickness and material to the day’s conditions.
Mid Layers
Purpose: Mid layers add warmth between base layers and outerwear.
Options:
- Fleece jackets like the Helly Hansen Versalite Half Zip or Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 Zip
- Down or synthetic puffy jackets like the Patagonia Down Sweater or Helly Hansen Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket
Weather Matters:
On cold days, use heavier puffies or multiple mid layers.
On warm days, one thin layer—or none—may be enough.
Outerwear considerations:
- Insulated jacket → fewer mid layers needed.
- Shell jacket → mid layers provide all warmth.
Key tip: Match mid layers to both weather conditions and outerwear type.
Outerwear
Purpose: Outerwear protects from wind, snow, and moisture.
Style vs. performance: Look matters, but technical specs keep you warm and dry.
Waterproof ratings:
- Fabric weaves: 5k–30k mm → tighter weave = more waterproof.
- 15k–20k+ = very waterproof.
- High-end options use membranes like Gore-Tex or eVent (waterproof + breathable).
Insulation types: Heavy insulation, light insulation, or uninsulated shells.
Weather-based choices:
- Wet climates (e.g., Pacific Northwest) → prioritize waterproofing with a waterproof shell like the Helly Hansen Garibaldi 2.0 Jacket.
- Cold climates (e.g., Summit County, Big Sky) → prioritize insulation with an insulated outer jacket like the 686 Gore-Tex Willow paired with a warm mid layer.
Key tip: Match outerwear’s waterproofing and insulation to your typical conditions.
