• Layer one: long underwear/base layer
• Layer two: insulating tops & pants 
• Layer three: outerwear

• Ski outerwear that is waterproof/breathable offers the ultimate in protection from the elements
• Making garments waterproof/breathable is accomplished through various coatings and laminates, such as Gore-Tex®, a popular microporous laminate
• To make waterproof/breathable outerwear most effective, garments should be seam-sealed, meaning that no water from snow, sleet, or rain enters your jacket
• The ultimate goal is to keep moisture from the outside from passing through the jacket, while still allowing water vapor generated by perspiration to escape
• You should note that waterproof/breathable outerwear is usually less breathable than water-repellent/water-resistant outerwear
• Some waterproof/breathable outerwear styles include design elements like zippers and venting systems to allow more perspiration vapor out

• Outerwear that is water-repellent or water-resistant will keep you dry for long periods of time, but unlike waterproof fabrics, these fabrics can become saturated and lose their effectiveness in extreme weather conditions or when you make a lot of contact with the snow
• Water-resistant garments generally keep out more water for longer periods of time than water-repellent garments.
• Most fabrics with these characteristics are breathable and will allow water vapor from perspiration to escape while keeping snow, sleet and rain at bay
• DWRs, durable water-repellent finishes, are often used in ski outerwear and enhance water-repellency without negatively affecting breathability

• It's important to choose outerwear that will protect your body from the chilling effects of wind passing through your jacket

• Some outerwear has a moisture wicking layer attached to the underside of the shell that helps promote the release of perspiration vapors and enhances comfort and the body's ability to stay warm

• Weather conditions
  • Colder skiing conditions usually require outerwear that offers the added warmth of an insulation. Warmer spring skiing conditions may call for only a shell.
• What you plan to wear underneath
  • If you do not plan to dress in layers, with long underwear and an insulated mid-layer, you will definitely need a garment with some insulation for skiing, especially in cold conditions
  • Keep in mind, however, that a good thermal base layer and an insulating second layer can reduce or eliminate the need for insulating materials in your outerwear, even on very cold days
  • Skiers who dress in layers consider shells more versatile than insulated pieces, because they can function well in a variety of conditions
  • Skiers who choose a non-insulated shell should make sure it is waterproof/breathable

Man-made insulations

• Most insulations are made of polyester and come in a variety of weights and lofts

• Generally, the greater the weight and loft, the more warmth the insulation provides

• Improvements in technology have lead to the development of insulations that provide greater warmth with less weight and loft than previously required

Down

• Down is nature's great insulator

• It offers a high warmth-to-weight ratio, and is compressible, lightweight and breathable

There are some design features that will make a real difference to your comfort on the slopes

• Zippers with big pulls make it easy to zip and unzip your jacket when wearing bulky gloves

• Storm flaps that conceal zippers help to keep out wind and cold

• Cuffs are used to keep snow from entering your gloves and jacket

• Hoods are used to keep your head dry thus keeping you warm

• Large functional pockets are used to hold valuables such as your wallet and keys

Jackets and pants should be roomy enough to allow for maximum freedom of movement

Radial sleeve

• Radial sleeves eliminate the restrictions and tugging that occurs in the shoulders of a normal jacket or parka

• More space is created in this area by using a different construction of the shoulder, armhole, and underarm panels allowing for easier movement

Sealed seams

• Ensures that no water from snow, sleet, or rain enters your jacket, making sure you stay dry and warm

Venting systems

• Most venting systems are simply an underarm pit vent

• This is simply a zipper in the underarm area of the jacket that can be opened to provide ventilation when temperatures heat up

Zippered Pockets

• This feature allows you to not only have a place to store valuables, such as a wallet or keys, but also can act as a hand warmer

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