Skiing has never been so popular. Before you take to the slopes, though, it’s important to have the right equipment. One of the most important bits of kit that you will need is a ski suit. 

A ski suit is an absolute necessity when skiing, but with so many different makes and models, it can be hard to know which one to go for. The type of ski suit that is best for you depends on the climate of the area you will be skiing in, how much you tend to sweat during exercise, and how much you are prepared to spend. Of course, you will want something that looks the part too, but this is a secondary consideration.

Ski suits work by creating a comfortable climate within the suit, shielding the wearer from excess heat and cold. They typically consist of three layers – a base layer, an insulating layer, and an element layer. The best type of base layer for you depends on how sweaty you tend to get. If you perspire quite a lot during exercise, you should consider a polypropylene base layer, which wicks moisture away from your body, rather than just absorbing it and letting you get soggy. Polypropylene keeps you dry, which will help you stay comfortable and keep warm. In order for the base layer to work effectively, it needs to be quite snug to your skin. Thankfully, polypro doesn’t shrink in the wash, so unless you put on weight, it will not get too tight. 

The insulating layer provides two benefits. It helps the base layer to absorb moisture from your body, and creates an extra layer of warmth. Ideally, this should be a thick polypropylene fleece, which allows moisture to escape while keeping the heat in. In hotter conditions, you might want to leave the insulating layer, as you won’t need it to keep you warm. 

The final, outer layer of a ski suit is known as an element layer. This is the one that protects us from the elements, so it needs to be waterproof and windproof. Other things to look out for include a good storm hood that can either be detached or tucked away, a snow cuff or powder skirt to keep the snow and wind out, and lots of pockets to keep items such as your keys, mobile phone, and wallet in.

If you are looking to book a ski holiday then try Alpine Elements – they are dedicated adventure sport specialists who offer ski holidays in France.