Sunny skies, mild temperature, and empty slopes make spring the best season to go skiing. However, if you are a beginner heading to the slopes for the first time, your biggest worry most likely revolves around deciding what to wear for spring skiing.
With more daylight and warmer weather, you get a chance to glide on soft snow for a lot longer compared to the usual winter days. Since the sun is out for a few more hours, you can even indulge in mountain biking or golfing during your stay at a ski resort. While these activities are fun and exciting, you may not be able to enjoy them to the fullest if you aren’t dressed appropriately.
Not putting on enough layers during your spring ski trip can make you just as miserable as deciding to wear thick and insulated clothes that are meant for below-freezing temperatures. While there is no harm in packing an additional midweight layer to ward off any unexpected cold spells or temperature drops, you should be mindful about what you put on for a day in the mountains.
According to many seasoned skiers, late March, April, and early May are ideal for spring skiing – as long as you don’t find yourself surrounded by spring breakers or get stuck in the Easter rush. Even if you find groups of college students sliding down the snow-covered hillside, the slopes won’t be nearly as crowded as they are during the peak winter holiday season.
To help you stand out against other skiers while ensuring warmth and comfort, we have put together a handy guide on how to dress for spring skiing.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s begin!
What to Wear for Spring Skiing?
Looking for the best spring skiing outfits that would neither weigh you down nor make cold seep into your bones? Here are some ideas that will help you decide what to wear for spring skiing.
Lightweight Base Layer
Just because the sun is out and skies are clear doesn’t mean you should pack a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts for your ski trip. Similarly, your heavyweight thermal long johns may not be a good choice for your spring adventure either.
Put simply, the first step to packing for spring skiing is ensuring you aren’t too cold or too warm. Therefore, you should invest in quality lightweight or midweight base layers to be able to brave the cold on the slopes. Since proper layering is essential for a day in the snow, you must pick something comfortable that will help you maintain the correct temperature.
Another thing to remember is that skiing is a high-intensity, full-body workout that engages your core muscles. The warm temperature and shining sun may also make you feel hot, resulting in your base layer being drenched in sweat. Hence, it is important to buy clothing made from moisture-wicking material like wool or polyester. It would keep your skin dry throughout the day, allowing you to have the time of your life without a single worry.
The base layer should also be well-fitted. If you choose something a little tight, it may restrict your movements on the slope. On the other hand, wearing something loose may result in bunching under your outerwear. In addition, always buy a long-sleeved base layer with properly fitted and moisture-wicking pants.
So, are you wondering how to dress for spring skiing? Here are some of the best options for the base layer:
WEERTI Thermal Long Underwear for Men
LAPASA Men’s Thermal Long Underwear Set
ViCherub Women’s Thermal Long Underwear Set
Mid Layer or Fleece
After you have chosen your base layer, the next step is to look into an appropriate mid-layer.
For winter skiing, many experts recommend thick hoodies and sweaters as the mid-layer. However, since the temperature in the mountains during the spring months is several degrees higher on average, you may either want to forgo the mid-layer or choose something lightweight and adjustable.
The main purpose of this layer is to trap your body heat. Since you wear these clothing items over your base layer, they should ideally be a little loose-fitting. However, if they are too loose, they might bunch under your jacket, making it a little difficult to continue skiing. Moreover, you don’t have to splurge on waterproof materials or boast sweat-wicking properties since the layer won’t come in direct contact with your skin.
To ensure you are not excessively warm or cold while gliding on the snow, choose a mid-layer that you can remove and put on as per your convenience. Needless to say, fleece is the best contender for this category. Also, you should only buy an upper layer, as putting on a fleece bottom on top of your base layer will probably be uncomfortable.
It is also worth noting that the weather in the mountains can change in a blink of an eye. While the chances of snowstorms are usually low during the spring season, it is always better to prepare for unexpected weather emergencies by packing a few additional layers of fleece.
Here are some of the top-rated mid-layer options for your next spring ski trip:
Under Armour Men’s Armour Fleece 1/2 Zip T-Shirt
Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Soft Fleece Vest
Amazon Essentials Men’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Vest
Hoodie or Shell Jacket
The next item in our guide on what to wear for spring skiing is outerwear. Typically, an insulated ski jacket is the first thing that pops into one’s mind when thinking of ski apparel. However, wearing a thick and puffy jacket on the slopes while the sun is shining bright above you may not be the right choice.
Instead of investing in a conventional ski jacket, buy a lightweight alternative such as a shell jacket or a waterproof fleece hoodie. If you can find a ski jacket with a detachable insulating layer, it would be a perfect option for this trip. It is also recommended to choose a shell jacket that has been designed to promote better ventilation. These garments usually feature zippered vents underneath the armpits to let off some steam after gliding downhill.
Nonetheless, if you already have an insulated ski jacket and don’t want to buy a new one, you may want to skip off the mid-layer altogether. Generally, experts recommend pairing a less insulating jacket with base and mid-layers, so you have more control over what you want to wear or remove, depending on the weather. However, you can also pair a heavyweight jacket with a lightweight base layer to protect your body from cold air, snow, and other elements.
Heavyweight fleece hoodies are also ideal for spring skiing – as long as they are breathable and resistant to water.
Let’s look at some of the best shell jackets and other outerwear options that are suitable for spring skiing:
CAMEL CROWN Women’s 3-in-1 Ski Jacket
North End Axis Black Softshell Jacket with Waterproof Zippers
MAGCOMSEN Men’s Water Resistant Softshell Fleece Jacket
Waterproof Ski Pants
Given the warm temperature, it may be tempting to skip the layers under your insulated ski pants. However, it’s never a good idea as it can cause serious chaffing and even result in skin rashes – which is about the last thing you want to experience on a ski trip with your friends or family.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or making your way to the slopes for the first time, you probably already know that falling in the snow is an essential part of this recreational sport. Hence, it would be best if you considered pairing your lightweight or midweight base layer with a pair of shell ski pants. They will keep your legs warm and stop the snow from getting inside.
For the uninitiated, shell ski pants are not the same as insulated ski pants. This garment protects your lower body from external elements, such as water, snow, and wind. Moreover, they are highly breathable and waterproof, keeping your base layer from getting moist even if you fall in the snow while skiing. These pants are also rather lightweight, which means they offer maximum mobility on the slopes.
Most high-end brands produce shell ski pants with thigh zippers for increased ventilation. It is suggested to invest in a pair of well-fitting pants that aren’t too tight or too loose, much like other items of clothing mentioned in this guide on how to dress for spring skiing.
These are some of the most sought-after shell ski pants that may be perfect for your springtime trip to a ski resort.
TSLA Women’s Winter Snow Pants
Arctix Men’s Snow Sports Cargo Pants
FREE SOLDIER Men’s Fleece Lined Softshell Ski Pants
Spring Gloves
Say goodbye to your insulated gloves and thick mittens. Instead, pair your best spring skiing outfits with soft wool or spring gloves that are equally stylish and functional. These gloves will help protect your fingers from the cold air while ensuring a stealthy grip on the ski poles. If you are worried about sudden temperature drops, throw in a pair of warm ski gloves in your suitcase for emergencies.
Here are some of the most popular options for spring gloves:
Marmot Men’s Spring Glove
Lightweight Anti-Slip Thermal Gloves
TRENDOUX Thermal Soft Wool Lining Gloves
Wool Socks
While you can use your winter ski boots for the trip or rent a pair from the resort, you should not be borrowing socks from anyone. Hence, consider buying a few pairs of lightweight wool socks for your spring vacation.
A good pair of light socks will keep your feet warm and dry by wicking moisture and sweat off your skin. Moreover, they will help prevent blisters on your sole from wearing thick ski boots throughout the day.
Let’s look at some of the most highly rated light ski socks you can add to your shopping cart right now:
Smartwool Men’s Ultra-Light Over-the-Calf Merino Wool Socks
Darn Tough Yeti Over The Calf Light Socks for Women
Ultimate Socks Women’s Lightweight Merino Wool Ski Socks
UV Protected Ski Goggles
Goggles are another important part of your spring skiing checklist. This accessory can play a vital role in protecting your eyes from ice particles and harsh wind, which may ultimately damage your cornea or result in another injury.
For a spring ski trip, invest in a pair of quality goggles that offer 100% protection against UV rays. This way, you will be able to safeguard your eyes from the harsh glare of the sun on the snow while sealing them against other elements. Lenses with anti-fogging features are a plus.
Here are some of the best ski goggles that are much better than your regular sunglasses:
Outdoor Master Ski Goggles PRO
Findway OTG Ski Goggles
OTG Ski Snow Goggles
Ventilated Ski Helmets
Even your best spring skiing outfits would be incomplete without a proper ski helmet. You can rent ski helmets from a local rental store or directly from the resort like ski boots. But if you want to invest in your own gear to ensure proper hygiene, it would be best to buy a helmet that offers increased ventilation.
Since the weather in the mountains is relatively warm during April and May, you are likely to sweat a lot while skiing. Hence, buying a well-ventilated helmet can keep you stay cool and fresh even after hours of making tracks on the soft snow.
These are some of the most popular ski helmets for the spring season:
VELAZZIO Valiant Ski Helmet
Stomp Ski & Snowboarding Snow Sports Helmet
Outdoor Master Kelvin Ski Helmet
Our Final Thoughts
Many people believe spring skiing is akin to sliding on mashed potatoes when in reality, it is anything but that.
While it’s true that snow can get rather mushy as the weather gets warmer, you are likely to find soft snow and occasional powder days if you choose to visit a ski resort between March and May. It would also help to check the weather predictions and get in touch with the locals to figure out the latest conditions on the mountainside before booking a resort.
Our comprehensive guide on how to dress for spring skiing includes everything you may need to pack for your next excursion. Hopefully, you will know exactly what to wear for spring skiing now.
