When the weather dropped dramatically last week, I started strategizing about the best ways to keep warm and the best way to dress in layers. My family’s winter trip to the mountains at Nemacolin Woodland Resorts is fast on my mind as I think about what to pack and how to dress my kids. Dressing the family for a ski trip getaway takes a lot of planning and strategy on my part. It’s all about knowing what to wear, how to wear it, and the best time to wear what.

Technique for Layers

In general, dressing warmly for cold-weather is all about layers. I’ve written about layering once before on the blog, discussing the hows and whys. When you’re dressing for outdoor activities in cold weather, especially skiing, you have to be smart about it. The proper way to dress in layers for a day on the slopes should look like this:

1. The first layer or base layer should be made of wicking fiber. Wicking helps pull the perspiration from your body, keeping you dry. I made the mistake the first time I went snowboarding and wore long johns. Not a good idea. Cotton doesn’t do the trick. I like a few brands out there like Hot Chilly’s, Athleta, Patagonia and I really like this base layer set from UnderArmour.

2. The second layer is your mid layer – This is what keeps you insulated. You can wear a sweatshirt, turtleneck or fleece to keep you warm. I personally am a fan of Land’s End fleece pullovers. They’re not pricey, they’re comfortable, and they last.

3. Third layer is your outer or shell layer. This is basically your ski pants and jacket, which need to protect you from wind, snow and rain. They also should keep you warm while being flexible and moving with you. If it’s your first-time on the slopes or you’re like me and your bottom and the snow seem to be magnets for one another, you’re going to kiss the snow at some point.

A couple of years ago I got a CUUTE snowboarding set from Under Armour. I felt like a snow bunny all dressed in white. I thought my new fashion sense would actually make me a better boarder until that first run showed me otherwise. Clothing coordination has nothing to do with proper turns on your board. One thing’s for sure, it was hard to see where I’d fallen since the snow blended right in with my white and blue set. I planned that! They looked something like this (with a matching jacket of course):

If you’re hanging around the lodge or don’t intend to be overly active,  you won’t need to dress in as many layers.

And what about the kids? You’ll want to dress them pretty similar. Again, Land’s End always has nice fleece pullovers and jackets as well as bibs. The North Face is also well-known for their outer layers and never really fails at looking cool. Don’t forget your hat, goggles, helmet, and gloves.

And there you have it. Everything you need for a family day on the slopes and how to dress in layers. Do you have a favorite brand that you love for your ski gear? Got ski pics to share? Join the discussion – we love pics.