Layering for Ski Touring in Vermont
Backcountry Guide
Layering for Ski Touring in Vermont
Touring advice from the shop on the Mountain Road in Stowe, Vermont
Ski touring is hard work on the way up and cold on the way down. Managing that swing is what layering is for. The goal is to stay dry while you climb and warm when you stop, and the right set of layers makes a long day far more comfortable.
The short version
- Start the skin track a little cool. You will warm up fast.
- Add layers at transitions, before you get cold.
- Always pack a warm puffy for stops and summits.
- Bring a light pair of gloves for climbing and a warm pair for the descent.
Start with a good baselayer
Your baselayer moves sweat away from your skin. Merino wool stays warm when damp and resists odor over multi-day trips, while synthetic fabrics dry faster and are often more durable. Many tourers like a lightweight baselayer for climbing because it breathes well. Shop our baselayers.
Climb in less than you think
The most common mistake is starting the skin track too warm. You will heat up within minutes. Many tourers climb in just a baselayer and a breathable softshell or light wind jacket, even on cold days, and add layers at transitions. A thin hat or headband and light gloves help a lot.
| Layer | Job | When you wear it |
|---|---|---|
| Baselayer | Moves sweat off your skin | All day |
| Mid layer | Warmth that still breathes | Cold climbs and descents |
| Shell | Blocks wind, snow and rain | Storms, windy ridges and descents |
| Puffy | Big warmth when you stop | Transitions and summits |
Mid layers for warmth
A light fleece or active insulation jacket adds warmth while still breathing on the climb, and it works well on cold days or under a shell for the descent. Grid fleece and air-permeable synthetic insulation are popular for touring. See our mid layers and fleece.
A shell for wind and snow
A waterproof breathable hardshell jacket and pants protect you from wind, snow and wet New England storms. Touring shells are lighter and more packable than resort jackets and often have venting zips. Softshells breathe better on the climb and handle light snow and wind. Shop hardshells and softshells.
A warm puffy for stops
Pack a warm insulated jacket to throw on at every transition and summit. Synthetic insulation keeps working when it gets damp, and down offers the most warmth for its weight. Put it on as soon as you stop, before you get cold.
Hands, head and feet
Bring two pairs of gloves: a light pair for climbing and a warmer pair or mittens for the descent. A thin hat for the climb and a warmer one for the top cover your head. Thin merino ski socks help your touring boots fit well and keep your feet dry. Shop our gloves, hats and ski socks.
Gear from this post
Start a little cold. You will be warm within minutes on the climb, and dry layers keep you warm at the top.
Packing it up
A touring pack with room for a puffy, a spare pair of gloves, water and any safety gear the day calls for keeps everything organized. Browse our ski touring packs and stop by the shop to put together a kit that works for you.
MountainOps Outdoor Gear
Questions about touring? Ask us online, book a boot fitting or stop by the Big Red Barn at 4081 Mountain Road in Stowe.
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