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Baselayers for Skiing: Stay Warm and Comfortable on the Slopes
After a lifetime of skiing, 30 years of snowboarding and numerous expeditions in challenging conditions, I've learnt just how important a good baselayer is in the mountains. A 30 day man-haul across Greenland at down to -40 degrees in dreadful weather was the most testing, whilst the 7 day Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt was a joy, in brilliant sunshine for almost all of it. I very much value the next-to-the-skin layer in the mountains and the arctic, so I have real pride in our baselayer range.
Your baselayer is the first layer of clothing next to your skin, so comfort is essential. It needs to help you stay warm without becoming uncomfortable as your activity levels and the weather change. Here's my guide to choosing the best BAM baselayers for skiing.
What Makes a Good Baselayer for Skiing?
Warmth without unnecessary bulk.
You want a layer that helps keep you comfortable under your ski jacket and trousers without restricting your movement. All of our Base Layers are warm and breathable. This is thanks to the nature of the bamboo viscose fabric, which traps tiny pockets of air next to your skin. It’s like wool, but so much softer. Every single one is super comfy next to the skin, that’s one of the magic keystones behind why bamboo is better, it’s a performance fabric that’s incredibly comfortable. One of the things I love most about our Base Layers is how soft they feel against the skin. You don't want to be distracted by uncomfortable clothing when you're out enjoying the mountains.
Freshness over a multi-day trip.
When you're away skiing for a week, it's useful to have clothing that resists odour and stays pleasant to wear. All of our Base Layers are nature based, naturally antibacterial and designed with freshness in mind. You could wear the same pieces all week long.
The Best Base Layer Tops for Skiing
We have two main options when it comes to choosing a skiing baselayer top: our warmer Thermo Luxe range and our regular Base Layer tops. Both are comfortable, but I tend to choose between them according to the conditions.
Thermo Luxe: My Favourite for Colder Days
On the coldest days I’d want the Thermo Luxe version, a personal favourite, it’s a rib knit, super cosy and will look after you in all conditions. I wear mine under a ski jacket, never a mid layer because it’s never necessary. The zip neck is particularly useful because it allows you to adjust ventilation as conditions change. If you're someone who feels the cold or regularly spends long days on the mountain in winter, the Thermo Luxe is well worth considering.
Everyday Skiing Baselayers: Sudbrook and Reflex
For most other conditions, our regular baselayer tops are excellent choices. The Sudbrook is our women's option, while the Reflex is designed for men. Both offer the soft, comfortable feel I look for in clothing that sits next to the skin. You want to concentrate on skiing, not your clothing, and these guys let you do just that.
Choosing Baselayer Leggings for Skiing
Your legs deserve the right next-to-skin layer too and a comfortable pair of Base Layer leggings under your ski trousers can make a big difference on cold days. We have several options, and my recommendations depend on what you're looking for.
Men's Base Layer Leggings
For men it’s an easy choice - our classic jersey leggings are a great all-rounder. They're versatile enough for activities such as running and skiing, making them a useful addition to your outdoor wardrobe.
I particularly like having a comfortable layer under a shell outer. When you're moving around in the mountains, you want clothing that feels good, allows you to move freely and works with the rest of your kit.
Women’s Base Layer Leggings
For women, we have several versatile leggings, whether it’s for yoga, running or outdoor adventures.
For skiing, I'd look particularly at two options: our Ultimate Balm leggings and our Wonderlight Seamless leggings. The Ultimate Balm leggings are worth considering if you're looking for a comfortable, versatile option for the mountains. And if you feel the cold, I’d recommend our Wonderlight Seamless leggings.
Don't Forget Your Ski Socks!
One final recommendation: don't overlook your socks. I use our thick walking socks for snowboarding. We could equally call them Ski Socks, or ‘lounge-around-inside-in-winter-instead-of-slippers’ socks, as that’s what I use them for, but it’s not very catchy. Whatever you call them, a comfortable, warm pair of socks is a welcome addition to your winter kit, whether you're out on the slopes or relaxing afterwards.
Discover BAM's thick walking socks
For me, a great baselayer comes down to three things: warmth, breathability and comfort next to the skin. Find our skiing baselayers section on the website. You’ll never want any other baselayer next to your skin.
David Gordon, Founder, BAM
