9 Best Base Layers for Skiing

By Christine
  

The first step in wearing the proper clothing starts with a base layer. This is the first garment that you put on your body when getting ready for skiing, and it can provide you with a lot of protection against the elements.

Hi, I’m Christine, and I created this blog to provide my fellow skiers with a valuable resource for essential gear and important information. I have experience with many of the base layers you’ll see in this post and know how to find the best options available. 

The Smartwool Merino 250 is my top pick for the best base layer of the season. This is a very warm and comfortable option made of high-quality Merino wool. You can expect solid insulation and outstanding moisture-wicking capabilities from this garment.

There are a lot of base layers to choose from, but I’ll show you the top models in this post. To be prepared for anything that comes your way on the mountain, you need to have a good foundation – and that starts with a great base layer. 

Let’s get after it.

Who Should Get This

All skiers need to use layers. By wearing multiple clothing items while skiing, you’ll be well-prepared for anything that might come your way. 

This also gives you the ability to adapt because you can add or remove a layer if you get too hot or too cold. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

A typical layering setup for skiing is a base layer, mid-layer, and outer shell. This article will address base layers, and I would always recommend wearing this layer to any skier, regardless of the conditions. 

You don’t need a mid-layer if it’s warm out, but a base layer adds comfort in any environment. It also feels better against your skin than a sweater.

Even though a base layer is highly recommended, it is possible to ski without one. If you ski in a warm location or the spring when temperatures are higher, you might not need to always wear a base layer. 

I know some skiers who just ski with a t-shirt and a light shell during the spring.

Base layers provide the first layer of insulation against cold weather, and they have a significant effect on how warm you will stay. Not only do they block out wind and cold, but they also help wick moisture away from your body, keeping you warmer in the long run.

This is really a personal preference, but I don’t know too many skiers who wear more than one bottom layer when skiing. I wear a pair of shorts or tights as the first layer, and then my ski pants go over the top of those.

Generally, ski base layers should have a reasonably tight fit. They don’t need to be highly form-fitting, although that’s fine to use if it’s your preference. You just don’t want a base layer to be really loose, or it won’t won’t correctly.

Not really. You can wear a bra if you want to, but a good base layer is designed to sit right on your skin. This ensures that it works properly by giving you good insulation from the cold and wicks away moisture that your body creates.

Cashmere is too delicate to make for a good base layer. It’s a type of wool, so that will give you good insulation even when wet. But I like to use a more rugged material that isn’t going to wear down, especially since cashmere is expensive.

Best Base Layer for Skiing: Top Picks

Here are my top picks for the best base layers for skiing. Every garment you see below will deliver a solid layer of insulation to help you stay comfortable and warm when you ski.

1. Best Overall: Smartwool Merino 250

  • Key features: All Merino wool, warm, breathable, durable, odor-resistant, good moisture-wicking 
  • Materials: 100% Merino wool 
  • Fit: Slim 
  • Cost: $$$

If you’re searching for a complete, all-around base layer, look no further than the Smartwool Base Layer Top Merino 250. 

Smartwool makes excellent wool-based clothing for various outdoor activities, and their base layers are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world. The key here is the Merino wool construction, which is warm, breathable, and incredibly lightweight.

The wool also makes this model odor-resistant, even for skiers who work up a sweat on cold days. It is also quite durable and will hold up well under heavy use. 

It’s a bit expensive, but I still think it’s more than worth it for how high-quality of a base layer it is. 

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

==> You can also get it on Smartwool or Backcountry.

2. Also Great: ibex Woolies 2 Crew

  • Key features: Super comfortable, excellent construction, durable, stitch thumbholes, warm
  • Materials: 100% Merino Wool 
  • Fit: Crew
  • Cost: $$$

The ibex Woolies 2 Crew is one of the most comfortable base layers out there. It has a standard fit that isn’t too loose or tight and lightweight construction that makes it easy to wear for long days on the mountain. 

This one features a 100% Merino wool construction, which means you can expect reliable warmth and comfort no matter how or where you like to ski. Merino is one of the best base layer materials out there, and it shows here. 

The Woolies 2 Crew is also a highly durable option with excellent stitching in the 240 grams of wool that help reduce wear and tear. The stitched thumbholes are another nice touch to give a little more practical use. 

The only real downside to mention with this base layer is its price. It’s expensive and might be out of the budget for the average skier.

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

==> You can also get it on Ibex or Garmentory.

3. Best for Full Body: AirBlaster Ninja Suit

  • Key features: Full body design, 4-way stretch fabric, includes a hood and thumb loops, warm
  • Materials: Polyester/Lycra  
  • Fit: Slim, full body 
  • Cost: $$$

If you want an easy solution to full body insulation, check out the AirBlaster Ninja Suit. This will give you full-body coverage that is useful on really cold days.

The garment really does look like a ninja suit. You get coverage from your ankles to the top of your head, letting you stay warm and comfortable no matter how cold it is. 

I also like that it’s made out of 4-way stretch wicking fabric because it keeps you very comfortable and allows excess moisture to evaporate quickly. 

This is another reasonably expensive option, but I still highly recommend it.  

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

==> You can also get it on Evo or Backcountry or PRFO Sports.

4. Best for Women: Smartwool Women’s Base Layer 

  • Key features: All Merino wool, women’s specific fit, comfortable, warm, durable
  • Materials: 100% Merino wool  
  • Fit: Regular 
  • Cost: $$$

The Smartwool Women’s Base Layer Top is a fantastic base layer for female skiers. This is another excellent option from Smartwool and is one of the most comfortable and warmest options that you will find anywhere. 

That is because the base layer is made with 100 percent merino wool to ensure warmth, comfort, and versatility. It can be worn all day under any condition.

It also has a great design that utilizes an Interlock knit to increase comfort, odor resistance, and breathability. 

It has a 1/4 zipper that allows you to regulate your body temperature as needed, as well as a crew neck to add extra protection against the wind and snow. It also comes in multiple colors.

It has a zipper, which some skiers might not like if they wear a tight-fitting mid-layer. 

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

==> You can also get it on Moosejaw or EMS or DICK’S.

5. Best Fit: Under Armour Cold Gear Compression Mock

  • Key features: Great fit, durable, comfortable, 4-way stretch fabric, warm 
  • Materials: Polyester 
  • Fit: Slim 
  • Cost: $$

If you are looking for a great fit and don’t want your base layer to slide around as you ski, the Under Armour Cold Gear Compression Mock is recommended. 

This is a slim-fitting and comfortable option that will work well for many different kinds of skiers. It has a polyester construction good for insulating and wicks away sweat and moisture very quickly. 

It’s also made out of 4-way stretch material so that you won’t be limited with any of your movements on the mountain. 

It might be a little tight for larger skiers, but the stretch design can help. 

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

==> You can also get it on DICK’S or Walmart or Zappos.

6. Best Classic: Helly Hansen Dry Stripe

  • Key features: Classic design, goo