Skiers and snowboarders love a snowy forecast. In Breckenridge, there’s even a December festival honoring Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, hoping he’ll deliver the fresh powder. After an unseasonably warm start to the 2025-26 season, we’re (hopefully) welcoming temperatures cold enough to bring more snow.
But while the powder is worth celebrating, there’s one not-so-magical truth about skiing: It’s cold out there, and Old Man Winter nips when you’re gliding up a chairlift exposed to the elements or waiting in line for the lift.
I know this firsthand. I’m a lifelong skier who moved to Colorado in 2022 to work as a ski instructor in Summit County. I logged more than 100 days a season on the mountain—often on brutally cold days—and I’ve learned that being cold can ruin an otherwise perfect day on the slopes.
Staying warm and comfortable while skiing is all about learning how to work with your body even when the conditions are working against it. Cold weather doesn’t have to mean being miserable, cutting your ski day short or avoiding the outdoors entirely. Being intentional about how you dress and making choices that support your internal temperature-regulating system will keep you stoked all day and make numb fingers and toes a thing of the past.
After three seasons as a ski instructor, my system for staying warm is dialed. These are my tried-and-true strategies for staying warm, comfortable and stoked … even on the coldest days.
Better Layers, Not More Layers
When it’s below freezing, it’s tempting to pile on as many layers as possible to stay toasty. But just a few of the right layers will do a better job keeping you warm.
The perfect formula is three or four layers: A base layer, one or two insulating layers and a waterproof outer layer.
Choosing the right materials is important, too. The base layer should be a moisture-wicking material, such as merino wool or synthetics like polyester or nylon.
Your base layer’s job is to keep you dry as you sweat, so you need something that dries quickly and doesn’t retain moisture. Moisture takes heat away from your body and will make you feel colder. This is why you should avoid cotton.
For insulating layers, choose fleece, wool and puffer jackets with down or synthetic fill.
My favorite combination is a fleece sweater underneath a puffer jacket. If your ski jacket is insulated (as opposed to just a shell), the puffer jacket may not be necessary. The outermost layer should be waterproof and windproof.
Dressing in layers is also practical because a frigid morning can give way to a balmy bluebird day, and you’ll be able to peel off some clothes if you get too warm.
One thing to remember: When you’re cold, your body diverts blood from your extremities to your organs and vital body parts. Cold hands and feet are a telltale sign that your core is cold.
Choose the Right Accessories
Once you’ve nailed the key layers, it’s time to think about accessories that can help keep you extra warm.
A vest can be worn between base layers and insulating layers to give your core a little boost without adding too much bulk.
I’ve found that keeping my head warm does wonders for keeping the rest of my body feeling comfy, too, so consider adding a hat or a hood on those super cold days.
You can go with an over-helmet approach like your jacket hood or Blackstrap Camber Hood Balaclava, which I always find myself reaching for when it’s cold. Some of my other go-tos are thin under-helmet options like the Turtlefur Brain Shroud, The North Face Base Balaclava, or my favorite Colorado classic: the Melanzana Merino Base hoodie or toque.
Keeping hand warmers (there’s even rechargeable ones these days!) in your inner jacket pockets can also lend extra warmth.
Keep Your Feet Toasty
Many skiers and riders suffer from cold toes. Because ski boots are typically tight and bulky, being intentional about what you put inside will make a world of difference in keeping the blood flowing to your feet.
Always choose ski socks that go above your calf and are made of a material like merino wool. As with other base layers, socks need to wick sweat away to keep your feet dry and warm.
Socks should also be thin to keep circulation flowing inside your boot. I’ve seen people layer on multiple pairs of socks in hopes of keeping their toes warm—but you should resist this temptation because this ends up being counterproductive.
Your socks should go over your calves and slightly above your boots to avoid a seam inside your boots. Seams can cut off circulation and make your feet cold, and your shins will feel uncomfortable, too. Classic brands like Smartwool and Darn Tough are favorites for a reason.
Make sure your socks are the only layer inside your boot. Pull base layers up above your boots or, even better, choose ¾-length base layer bottoms. I like the Flylow Hut Wool ¾ Bottoms.
If you use uninsulated, shell-style ski pants and need an extra bottom layer on cold days, consider another ¾-length or wide-leg pant that can easily fit outside of your ski boots without being too tight or bulky. My favorite layer for this is basic fleece or flannel pajama pants, which you probably already have at home.
Invest In Boot Heaters
If you ski often but always struggle with cold feet, investing in boot heaters or heated socks is probably worth it. I have the Surefoot Winterheat 3400 Boot Heaters, which work by installing a heater element in the footbed and connecting it through a wire to a battery pack that straps to the outside of the boot. The battery packs are rechargeable, and you can adjust the temperature via Bluetooth on your phone. Hottronics is another popular brand among mountain pros.
Heated socks are also a good option and more budget-friendly, though they tend to be less durable and harder to control temperature-wise.
Go For Mittens, Not Gloves
To keep your hands warm, I always choose mittens over gloves. Keeping your fingers all in the same “compartment” lets them bounce body heat off one another more easily than when they are separated by gloves.
I also use hand warmers on cold days. Use classic disposable hand warmers found at most stores or, for a more environmentally-friendly option, go for rechargeable hand warmers like these on Amazon. I keep them on the tops of my hands, where they won’t interfere with my ability to hold my poles.
Also, try to limit the amount of time your hands spend outside your mittens. It’s tempting to take photos on the slopes, but try to only take your phone out during indoor breaks, unless it’s urgent.
Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle
Movement, of course, also helps with circulation. On cold days, I like to do more challenging runs that will keep my heart pumping and my body temperature up. There’s never a better time for moguls or tree skiing than when it’s sub-zero out. You can even try doing little “bunny hops” while on flatter terrain to keep your body moving (which will also improve your balance on skis).
While on the lift, wiggle your toes and fingers to keep circulation flowing. If your fingers are freezing, bring them all together in the main compartment of your mittens and make fists to encourage blood flow.
De-Layer When You Go Inside
Always de-layer when you go inside for a break. At the very least, remove all head and neck warmers, mittens or gloves and jackets with insulating layers.
If you don’t de-layer enough inside, two things can happen. The first is that your body adjusts to the inside temperature and then feels extra cold outside. You want to take layers off inside, where it’s warmer, so that when you go outside, you can appropriately regulate your body temperature with more layers.
The second, more detrimental result is that you start sweating. You may not notice while you’re inside, but when you go back outside and your innermost layers are damp from sweat, you will feel the chill immediately.
Fuel Your Body
Did you know your body produces heat while digesting food?
The overall effect is small, but eating does help your body maintain a higher internal temperature—and some days we need all the help we can get.
So, eat a good breakfast before heading out on the slopes and don’t forget your lift snacks. If you want to avoid pricey resort food, pack a sandwich for lunch. Bonus: You can eat your pocket sandwich on the lift or gondola, giving you more time to ski.
