Base Layers for the Ski Holiday – Avoid Getting Cold in the Queue
Short answer: On a ski holiday, you sweat on the slopes and freeze in the lift queue. The solution is a base layer that moves sweat away from the skin before it has a chance to make you cold. Bamboo long johns and undershirts are a soft and effective base layer under your ski clothes.
Why you freeze in the lift queue
The cold alone is rarely the problem. It is the sweat from your last run. If you stand still in damp underwear, the moisture draws heat out of the body. A base layer in bamboo viscose moves sweat away while you ski, so your skin is drier when you queue or sit on the lift on the way up.
The undershirt on the inside
On the upper body, a bamboo undershirt for men is a good choice for the inner layer. It lies smoothly against the skin and is barely noticeable under fleece and a ski jacket. Choose a close fit that does not squeeze, so the fabric can move moisture away. For women, the same principle applies with a close fitting undershirt.
Long johns under your ski trousers
Your legs work hard on the slopes and stand still on the lift. A pair of bamboo long johns under ski trousers keeps you warm without feeling bulky, and the smooth surface makes it easy to pull the trousers on. Choose a length that ends above the ski boot, so no extra fabric sits inside the boot and presses.
How to build your ski layers
Inside: undershirt and long johns in bamboo. Mid layer: fleece or wool depending on the temperature. Outside: your usual ski clothes, which keep wind and snow out. The layers can be adjusted during the day, so you take off the mid layer when the sun is out and put it back on when the wind picks up at the top.
Socks in your ski boots
Ski boots fit tightly, and there is no room for thick socks that collect moisture. Choose a sock that is thin enough for the boot to fit properly and that keeps the foot dry. See the range of bamboo socks for women. Avoid wearing two pairs on top of each other, as that often leads to pressure and cold feet.
Breaks and lunch
When you go inside for lunch, open your jacket and let some heat escape. A dry base layer makes the break comfortable, because you are not sitting in wet clothes. If you head out again after a long break, it is a good idea to put the mid layer on until your body has warmed up again after the first few runs.
Do not forget the evening
After a day on the slopes, the body wants something soft. Soft socks and loose clothing are what you want in the cabin. Pack an extra set of underwear, so you can always change into something dry after the last run of the day. A dry set in the evening also makes it easier to stay warm when the temperature drops.
Washing on holiday
For a week of skiing, a few sets of base layers are enough. Rinse worn clothes in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent in the evening, press them gently in a towel and let them dry overnight. Avoid putting bamboo directly on a hot radiator, as high heat can wear on the fibres. See also bamboo and temperature regulation and the bamboo undershirt as a base layer.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo warm enough for a ski holiday?
Yes, as a base layer under fleece and a ski jacket. Bamboo mainly keeps you dry, and it is dry clothing that holds on to warmth when you stand still in the lift queue.
How many sets of base layers should I pack?
Two to three sets are often enough for a week if you rinse them in the evening. Also pack an extra set of underwear for the evening, so you always have something dry.
Should I wear thick socks in my ski boots?
No, a thin sock that keeps the foot dry is often better. Thick socks or two pairs can cause pressure and cold feet, because the boot no longer fits properly.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
