ski-trip-banner-ski-gear-clothing-essentials.webp__PID:34ccbb8f-11ac-4999-afab-8fa92017561c

Everything You Need To Know Before Your Next Ski Trip

Picture by Visitalmaty

Published Nov 22, 2021 | Updated Feb 17, 2025

Reading time: 5 minutes

Planning your next ski adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned skier or hitting the slopes for the first time, preparation is key to making the most of your trip. From choosing the right gear to staying warm in freezing temperatures, this guide covers everything you need to know before your next ski trip.

Let’s get you slope-ready with tips that blend performance, comfort, and sustainability.

1. What to Wear for Skiing: Mastering the Art of Layering

When skiing, your clothing isn’t just about style—it’s your first line of defense against the cold. The secret? Layering smartly. Here’s how to do it right:

Base Layer: Your Second Skin

Think of the base layer as your climate control system. It should wick away moisture while keeping you warm. Alpaca wool is the ultimate choice because it’s:

Naturally thermoregulating: Keeps you warm without overheating [1].
Moisture-wicking: Stays dry even after hours of activity [1].
Hypoallergenic: Perfect for sensitive skin [2,3].

For full coverage, opt for long-sleeve tops, thermal leggings, and warm alpaca wool socks. Bonus tip: Pack extra pairs of socks—they’re your best friends after a long day in the snow.

Mid Layer: Your Insulation Hero

The mid layer traps body heat while allowing sweat to escape. You can choose from fleece, synthetic fibers, or—better yet—natural alpaca wool sweaters. Why alpaca?

Lightweight yet warm: Provides insulation without the bulk [4,5].
Breathable: Prevents that clammy feeling after intense runs [5].
Environmentally responsible: Sourced sustainably, reducing your environmental footprint [2,5].

Outer Layer: Your Shield Against the Elements

The outer layer protects you from wind, snow, and moisture [6]. Look for:

Waterproof ski jackets and pants with sealed seams.
Windproof features to block chilly gusts.
Ventilation zippers for temperature control.

Don’t forget the essentials: gloves, a beanie, and a neck warmer. These small items make a big difference when battling harsh weather.

2. Prepare Your Body: Get Fit for the Slopes

Skiing isn’t just a leisure activity—it’s a full-body workout. Preparing physically will help you enjoy longer days on the slopes without burning out [7,8].

Key Focus Areas:

Leg strength: Squats, lunges, and step-ups to handle those intense downhill runs.
Core stability: Planks and Russian twists improve balance.
Cardiovascular endurance: Jogging, cycling, or HIIT workouts to boost stamina.

You don’t need to train like an athlete, but a few weeks of pre-ski conditioning can make a huge difference.

3. Organize Your Ski Gear Like a Pro

If it’s your first ski trip, renting equipment is a smart move. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ski Gear:

Ski Boots: Should feel snug but not painfully tight. Wear thick socks when trying them on.
Skis: Trust rental shop experts to match you with the right pair based on your skill level.
Poles: Proper height ensures better control. When planted vertically, your elbow should form a 90° angle.
Helmet: Safety first! Always wear one, even if you’re an experienced skier.
Goggles: Protect your eyes from snow glare and UV rays.

Pro Tip:

Pack a small repair kit with duct tape, zip ties, and a multi-tool. You’ll thank yourself if something breaks mid-run.

At Arms of Andes we make our gear from 100% Royal Alpaca Wool of 18-18.5 microns.

MIDWEIGHT HOODIE

Women's Alpaca Wool Joggers 300 Lightweight

Men's Alpaca Wool Jacket420 Midweight Full-Zip

4. Protect Yourself from the Elements

Skiing isn’t just cold—it’s also sun-intense due to snow’s reflective properties. Don’t underestimate the power of the sun at high altitudes.

Must-Have Protection:

High-SPF Sunscreen: Apply even on cloudy days.
UV-Protective Lip Balm: Prevent painful chapped lips.
Polarized Goggles: Reduce glare and protect your eyes from UV damage.

Hydration is key, too. Cold weather can dehydrate you faster than you think. Carry an insulated water bottle to keep fluids from freezing.

5. The Ultimate Ski Trip Checklist

Make packing stress-free with this sustainable skier’s checklist:

Base Layers: Long-sleeve top, thermal leggings, alpaca wool socks.
Mid Layer: Insulating alpaca wool sweater or fleece.
Outer Layer: Waterproof ski jacket and pants.
Accessories: Gloves, beanie, neck warmer, helmet, goggles.
Gear: Skis, poles, boots (or rent on-site).
Protection: Sunscreen, UV lip balm, hydration bottle.
Extras: Repair kit, energy snacks, and a small first aid kit.

6. Ski Sustainably with Arms of Andes

At Arms of Andes, we believe adventure shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. That’s why we create high-performance outdoor gear from 100% alpaca wool, a natural fiber that’s:

Thermoregulating: Keeps you warm in the cold and cool when it’s warm [1].
Lightweight and breathable: Perfect for active winter sports [4,5].
Sustainably sourced: Reducing environmental impact with minimal water usage and sustainability-focused production practices [2,5].

Choosing alpaca wool means you’re not just investing in performance—you’re supporting a cleaner planet with every layer you wear.

Glossary keywords

Alpaca Wool:
A natural fiber sourced from alpacas, known for its lightweight warmth, breathability, and thermoregulating properties, making it ideal for outdoor winter gear.

Base Layer:
The first layer of clothing worn closest to the skin, designed to wick moisture, regulate body temperature, and keep the wearer dry during cold-weather activities.

Breathable:
A fabric’s ability to allow moisture vapor to escape, helping to prevent sweat buildup and maintain comfort during physical activities.

Cardiovascular Endurance:
The ability of the heart, lungs, and muscles to sustain physical activity over time, essential for maintaining stamina while skiing.

Hypoallergenic:
Refers to materials that are unlikely to cause allergic reactions, such as alpaca wool, which is gentle on sensitive skin.

Insulation:
The ability of a material or clothing layer to retain body heat, helping to keep the wearer warm in cold conditions.

Layering:
A technique of wearing multiple clothing layers to manage body temperature effectively, typically consisting of base, mid, and outer layers.

Moisture-Wicking:
The process by which fabric pulls sweat away from the skin to the fabric’s surface, where it can evaporate, keeping the wearer dry.

Outer Layer:
The protective, weather-resistant layer designed to shield the body from wind, snow, and moisture while allowing internal moisture to escape.

Sustainably Sourced:
Refers to materials obtained in a way that minimizes environmental impact, ensuring ethical and eco-conscious production practices.

Thermoregulating:
The ability of a material to maintain a stable body temperature by adjusting to external weather conditions, keeping the wearer warm or cool as needed.

Waterproof:
Describes materials or fabrics that are completely resistant to water penetration, essential for protecting against snow and wet conditions while skiing.

Alpaca wool (particularly the royal and baby alpaca fiber grades) is warm, and performs better than merino and other types of sheep's wool. This makes alpaca wool perfect for your outdoor clothing, slipper socks, and even underwear.

References:

[1] Li, Y., Holcombe, B. V., & Apcar, F. (1992). Moisture buffering behavior of hygroscopic fabric during wear. Textile research journal, 62(11), 619-627.
[2] Moulton, L. (2024). The Emergence of the Peruvian Alpaca Industry in American Markets.
[3] Karthik, T., Rathinamoorthy, R., & Ganesan, P. (2015). Sustainable luxury natural fibers—production, properties, and prospects. Handbook of Sustainable Luxury Textiles and Fashion: Volume 1, 59-98.
[4] Bartl, K., Mogrovejo, P., Dueñas, A., & Quispe, I. (2023). Cradle-to-grave environmental analysis of an alpaca fiber sweater produced in Peru. Science of The Total Environment, 905, 167023.
[5] Doyle, E. K., Preston, J. W., McGregor, B. A., & Hynd, P. I. (2021). The science behind the wool industry. The importance and value of wool production from sheep. Animal Frontiers, 11(2), 15-23.
[6] Czaplicki, Z., Mikołajczyk, Z., & Prążyńska, A. (2018). Analysis of functional properties of knitted fabrics made of alpaca wool and other fibres. Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe, 26(3 (129)).
[7] Raschner, C., Platzer, H. P., Patterson, C., Werner, I., Huber, R., & Hildebrandt, C. (2012). The relationship between ACL injuries and physical fitness in young competitive ski racers: a 10-year longitudinal study. British journal of sports medicine, 46(15), 1065-1071.
[8] Hébert-Losier, K., & Holmberg, H. C. (2013). What are the exercise-based injury prevention recommendations for recreational alpine skiing and snowboarding? A systematic review. Sports medicine, 43, 355-366.