It sure seems glamorous, but there is more to dressing for a ski trip than simply getting noticed wearing the latest high dollar ski clothing with a designer label.
When the temperature is hovering around freezing the name of the game is to stay warm. I am not suggesting that great looking ski clothing isn't capable of keeping you warm. It most certainly can. But there are other measures you can take to keep yourself warm and comfortable while roaming about the slopes.
Let's take a look at some tips on dressing for skiing that will protect you from the elements without breaking the bank. I doubt that any of these suggestions will have the paparazzi tripping over themselves to take your picture but at least you'll be warm and comfortable.
Footwear:
Ski boots are padded and designed to help prevent things like blisters from destroying your ski trip. The rigid outer shell keeps you from twisting your ankle if you should fall by keeping your foot and ankle totally immobilized in the boot. You will need a good pair of warm socks that will keep your feet dry and fit well enough to enable you to feel the balance of your ski boots and bindings.
Ski Jackets:
There are many varieties of ski jackets to choose from but the object is to pick one that keeps you warm and dry. Be sure to pick one that is breathable, windproof and either waterproof or water-resistant. Be sure it is not too tight as to restrict movement and if possible has adjustable velour type straps or elastic on the sleeves to allow release any excess body heat. You want to stay warm but not sweat. Unless you plan on wearing a ski cap to keep your head warm, consider a jacket with the hood attached.
Ski Gloves:
Just keeping your hands in your pockets when you are on the lift is not enough to keep your hands warm. When you are skiing a good pair of gloves is a necessary item. The gloves must be insulated and water resistant to keep your hands warm and dry, but also snug enough at the top of the gloves to prevent snow from entering yet is able to breath enough in order to regulate heat from the hand to prevent them from getting sweating and uncomfortable.
Long Johns:
Dressing in layers is the key to staying warm the slopes and the first line of defense in a good pair of insulated underwear. Also know as Long Johns, insulated tops and bottoms are designed to keep your body heat close to your body and the cold wind out, and are not only good for skiing but any activity that puts you out in the cold for several hours.
Ski Pants:
Ski pants have not really changed that much in the past 20 years. They are made from insulated material designed to keep the wind away from the body and many now have fleece linings and pocket linings to warm up cold hands. Some ski pants are designed like a throwback from the 1920's with a bomb drop butt flap, which is a flap in the back of the pants to make going to the bathroom easy without having to undo all the buckles and straps.
Ski Goggles:
Is it necessary to invest a pair of goggles if you don't ski that much? Not necessarily but it's a good idea. You can use sunglasses instead but there are a number of benefits goggles over over sunglasses. Ski goggles vary in price but you buy a decent pair for around $20 and offer a number of advantages over sunglasses. The main benefit is that goggles keep you warmer and prevent your eyes from tearing or getting snow or rain in them. They also reduce glare and prevent the brightness of the sun bouncing off the snow and causing sun blindness. If you do invest in a pair, buy a pair that fit properly so they keep snow and ice from coming in from the sides, and consider a pair that have a lens color that compliments the time of day you normally ski. 