While planning for snow sport adventure trips, we hardly think about the base layers that are essential to be worn underneath your ski suit. Rather, most of us, especially the ones who are beginners, believe in spending more on accessories like gloves, glares, face masks etc.

I have come across many skiers who put the blame on their base layers for feeling the chills up in the snow covered mountains. Most of us forget that the key to a successful skiing experience is keeping yourself as warm as possible. Keeping up with the temperatures in the mountains is not child’s play. One needs to ensure that the quality of the base layers you own is exceptional. This directly implies that you should divert your spending on buying superior quality base layers that might cost a bit of money. This is the best way to save yourself from all the hoopla up in the mountains.

Necessity of Owning Warm Layers

It is quite clear that areas which experience snowfall tend to have more moisture in the air. Hence, wearing wet clothing can be a direct call to death. Cold can easily seep into our bodies and successfully suck out all heat from the body.

Remember your mother telling you to change your clothes when you come back home after a gruelling football game? Sweating and wet clothing can affect your health tragically. It is always advisable to change into dry clothing as soon as your clothes are drenched in water or sweat. The sweat that sticks to your body can give you chills while you ski down the slopes. With passing years skiing experts have eventually found out that a base layer underneath the fleece and jacket can do wonders in such cold circumstances.

The thermals, as these base layers are called, have taken centre stage and are definitely taken into consideration by all skiing experts and professionals. Known to have properties that can keep you dry while you engage in hardcore skiing sessions, these are moisture-wicking in nature, along with having the tendency to soak water away from the skin up into outer layers.

Fabric that does the Trick

Capilene is considered the ideal fabric for baselayers. A close friend who is a passionate skier chooses Capilene for most of his skiing trips. He once told me that this material does not leave behind any dampness, but on the other hand keeps the entire body warm. However, he warned me that heavy skiing sessions with the legendary Capilene on would mean ending your day on the slopes with a lot of stink. Yes, it might smell, hence carrying more than just one is recommended. Night time laundry is another option you can look into.

Other Kinds of Fabrics

Merino Wool: People looking for alternatives can always choose a woollen layer as a baselayer, if nothing else. Made from renewable fabric, Merino wool is in trend and is also loved by most skiers, for it does not smell.

Cashmere: This is usually handcrafted in Scotland. Extremely light, this can be handwashed too using lukewarm water. Odour resistant, this might be expensive, but it is worth it. This luxurious fabric is extraordinary.

Bamboo Base Layer: You heard it right! You have not made a mistake! There are base layers that have a bamboo construction. That's correct! Eco-friendly, this material easily takes away all the moisture, and is anti-bacterial and anti-static.

LIFA: This distinct technology is a blend of merino wool and exceptional LIFA fibre, making it ideal for insulation and wicking moisture. This is for all those looking for a non-itchy alternative to wool.

Recycled: This sounds a little out of the box. Recycled base layers easily store the wasted energy and recycle it back into muscles. Not only is it helpful in facilitating better circulation of blood, but this also improves tissue oxygen by 20%.

Yak: Never imagined such things could be, right? But Yak hair is used for crafting base layers. If a base layer is made from 100% yak hair, then you are assured a soft, warm, light, and breathable fabric. Like the animal uses it to insulate against cold weathers, similarly this is highly recommended.

That’s about it! Remember, it pays to have and wear best and optimum quality gear. Skiing, unlike in earlier times, is a safe sport to try. Modern day base layer apparel ensures you a comfortable skiing experience! Carry this in your rucksack and plunge into some skiing fun up in the snow-capped mountains.