What clothes do I need for skiing?

One of the most important, and exciting, parts of preparing for a ski holiday in Andorra is packing, as this means your trip is just around the corner. But, what clothes do you need for skiing? How many ski outfits do you need? What should you not wear skiing? These are all valid questions that might cross your mind, especially if you’re going on your first holiday to a ski resort.

To help clear up these doubts about what to wear for skiing for the first time, the following guide to ski clothes will explain what to pack, how much to pack and also where to buy ski clothes for your holiday.

What outfit do you need for skiing?

Ski outfits checklist

It’s reassuring to keep in mind that every experienced and top-level skier also had to consider the question of ‘What should I wear skiing for the first time?’ at some point in their life. Given that skiing is such a different activity, it’s normal to not immediately understand what clothes do you need for skiing.

To help, the following ski clothing checklist outlines all the items, accessories and equipment that you should need:

  • Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Boots
  • Normal layer of clothing
  • Long underwear
  • Thick socks
  • Fleece
  • Ski jacket
  • Long trousers
  • Gloves
  • Neck gaiter or balaclava

Some of these items, like helmets and goggles, can usually be hired at the ski resort. As for the rest, there will be ski clothes stores in Andorra where you can make purchases on site, but it does make sense to go ski clothing shopping beforehand so that you know your clothes fit you well.

In general, it’s recommended to avoid cotton ski clothing, as this material isn’t waterproof and isn’t breathable. Wool and all other waterproof items are fine.

How many layers of skiing clothes do I need?

Most people wear one lawyer of normal clothes and then add the items like long underwear, long trousers and a jacket on top of that. Usually, this is enough, as you also don’t want to overheat.

Then, as well as asking yourself ‘What clothes do I need for skiing?’, you should also consider ‘How much clothing do I need for skiing?’. That’s because your clothes may get wet, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough spares for the whole trip.

What do I wear in a ski resort at night?

Of course, you won’t be on the slopes 24/7 during your ski holiday. So, what outfit do you need for skiing holidays for the non-skiing part, when you’re checking out the best restaurants in Andorra?

Well, here it’s still important to wear good footwear such as boots, as you’re still likely to come across some snow or ice on the ground. Any thick jacket will also do for walking between your accommodation and the restaurants or bars.

Then, once you’re in the restaurant, you should wear whatever clothing you feel comfortable in and would normally wear when going out for dinner back at home. That’s because most people enjoying the nightlife at ski resorts will be dressed very casually, maybe with more jumpers than usual.

Where can I buy ski clothes?

If you’re not sure where to buy ski clothes in the area where you live, know that there will likely be stores at or near the ski resort you’re visiting. As mentioned above, though, it’s worth searching around your city to try to find a ski store or even general outdoor clothing store so that you can try items such as ski jackets or ski pants on in person.

Another option is to search online for where to buy ski clothes, but it’s worthwhile making sure that the site has a good returns policy. If your ski clothing doesn’t fit comfortably, it’s worth continuing until you find an outfit that you feel perfectly at ease in.