Cross-Country Ski Clothing

By REI staff

On This Page
• General Clothing Guidelines
• Basic Layering Tips

Clothing for cross-country skiing must keep you warm, comfortable and protected from the elements. The level of protection you need will depend on the kind of skiing you have planned, the expected weather conditions and the length of your tour.

General Clothing Guidelines

Be prepared

Weather conditions can change quickly, no matter how short your tour is or how close you are to home. Be prepared for changes every time you venture out.

Dress in layers

The easiest way to stay warm, comfortable and dry while cross-country skiing is to dress in a series of lightweight, non-binding clothing layers. This will allow you to add or remove layers throughout the day in response to weather and internal temperature changes.

Don't overdress

NOTE: Wearing too much clothing can lead to increased perspiration, which can lead to discomfort, chills and even hypothermia.

Basic Layering Tips

Start with wicking long underwear

Wicking fabrics help keep you dry and warm by pulling the sweat away from your skin and transporting it out into your other clothing layers (where it can evaporate without robbing you of important warmth).

Wicking long underwear layers are available in a variety of thicknesses or "weights" to provide different levels of insulation. On warm days (or days when you're enjoying aerobic skiing styles like skating and in-track racing), a medium-weight wicking layer may be enough on its own to keep you comfortable as you ski. In colder conditions, your wicking layers will form a solid base for your multi-layer clothing system.

NOTE: Wicking socks (and wicking sock liners) are also available to help keep your feet warm and dry.

Match your insulation layers to your skiing plans

On most ski tours, you'll need additional insulation on top of your wicking base layers. When choosing insulation layers, consider the expected weather conditions and how hard you'll be skiing.

In general, you'll want layers that are lightweight, comfortable, thermally-efficient and quick-drying. No matter what kind of insulation layers you choose, make sure they fit well and allow you to move freely as you ski.

The most popular materials for cross-country insulation layers are wool, synthetic fleece and Lycra® spandex. Wool is a traditional favorite because it's natural, durable and keeps you warm even when wet. Fleece is extremely popular because it's lighter than wool, dries more quickly, insulates while wet and is available in a wide variety of thicknesses, styles and colors. Lycra® spandex is a thin, stretchy, form-fitting fabric typically used in one-piece racing and touring suits by skiers who want low wind-drag and limited insulation.

Typical insulation choices

Warm days and/or highly aerobic skiing styles (like skating or in-track striding) — stick with thin, close-fitting layers made of fleece or Lycra. They'll keep you comfortable when your body heats up and they'll produce less wind-drag. A single wicking layer is often warm enough on its own when skiing hard on warm days.

For general touring in good-to-moderate weather — choose lightweight, roomy fleece or wool layers that breathe well and provide moderate warmth. Also make sure they allow a full range of motion. Single-layer soft shell jackets and pants are lightweight, wind- and water resistant and keep you warm without making you overheat.

For exploring the backcountry or skiing in moderate-to-poor weather conditions — choose thick, warm insulation layers that will keep you from getting chilled when you ski downhill, stop for meal breaks or get caught in deep snows/sudden storms.

Choose reliable outer layers

Precipitation and wind chill can be problems on any cross-country ski trip, no matter how good the weather looks when you start out. Staying dry and warm is essential to staying safe. Carry some form of protective outer layers with you on all but your very shortest trips.

For short tours and trips close to home/shelter, pack a reliable wind/water-resistant shell jacket and pair of pants in your fanny pack. These will keep light rains, snow and wind at bay, and help you get back to shelter safely if conditions worsen.

For longer trips and trips in more extreme conditions, carry waterproof/breathable outer layers for sustained protection from the wind and precipitation. Also pack waterproof gloves and a warm, water-resistant hat.

NOTE: If your skiing plans involve long tours in wet conditions and/or deep snows, consider packing a pair of gaiters along with your water-resistant or waterproof pants to protect your feet, legs and ski boots from excessive moisture.

Pay special attention to the "critical areas"

Skiers lose the most body heat through their heads, necks and wrists. Make sure that you protect these important areas whenever you ski in moderate-to-cold conditions. Wear a warm hat, warm socks and thick, comfortable mittens or gloves on all but your shortest tours.

Don't forget the sun

Remember to protect yourself from the sun, too. Prolonged exposure can cause serious burns (and in some cases, even "snow blindness"). Keep in mind that light reflecting off of the snow can be intense.

Wear protective sunscreen when you tour, as well as reliable sunglasses with good UV protection. Also remember that even on cloudy days, a large percentage of the sun's harmful UV rays reach the ground.

Carry extra layers

Staying dry is an essential part of staying warm and safe. Make sure you have extra socks, extra mittens/gloves and a warm hat nearby whenever you cross-country ski. For longer trips and trips further into the backcountry, carry extra insulation layers and extra wicking long underwear in case your primary layers get wet.