The Base Layer: A Skier's Best Friend
When you go skiing, having a base layer is essential to keeping warm on the slopes. Without one, you risk your winter fun ending in you becoming a shivering mess. Then there's the wet clammy feeling you get in not having a base layer on under your clothes. A base layer is a skier's best friend and will serve you well on the slope.
What Is a Base Layer?
A base layer is a lightweight top and bottom that fits snug against your skin. It keeps you very dry and warm and will insulate you from the cold. The best base layers include moisture-wicking, odor management, a four-way stretch, fleece-lining, and breathable fabric to release moisture and sweat.
Why Do You Need a Base Layer?
While you don't need a full winter parka, a base layer makes your outfit snug and warm. It also helps regulate your body temperature to not sweat profusely, thus eliminating the chafing and discomfort that happens when you sweat. Most base layers have a micro-fleece lining that helps trap body heat in the winter and keeps you comfortable.
Why Do I Need a Base Layer?
Base layers function as a barrier between you and your sweat and are not your best friend when trying to find the motivation to get out on the mountain. In this type of weather, you should never go out in ski boots without a base layer on and should be wearing them when you go to your car. The base layer should be placed in between your skin and your ski boots so that the sweat on your skin can evaporate into the air.
How Do You Know You Need a Base Layer?
You need a base layer on even if you're dressed in warm clothes or layers. If you're going out into the snow in shorts and a T-shirt, you'll want to wear something on underneath the layers. You can wear a long sleeve base layer under your regular clothes.
Having a suitable base layer is essential for any winter activity. After all, you want to stay warm and dry without any added sweat or clammy feeling. It's better to have a base layer and build precious memories on the slope than those of you shivering on the lift.
Don't forget to stay hydrated and eat well to stay fueled for your day in the winter sun. Protect any exposed skin with sunblock and wear a proper head cover and gloves. Keep those ski and lift passes handy as it's a long walk uphill, and bring some extra thermals so you won't have to do any laundry while you're on vacation.
