Do ski socks go over or under pants?
It's all about the 3/4 merino, with the socks always under. Socks have a nice snug fit, with something else under them it becomes too snug.
I would recommend wearing the thermals over underwear especially since you probably want to wear them a few days without washing :-) Socks go over the thermals to help keep snow out. Generally you probably want to max out at three layers - a thermal layer, a light ski top or fleece and then a ski jacket.
jb1970, as t-bar suggests, you shouldn't wear anything under ski socks. Modern ski boots should fit well enough and be warm that you don't need that extra padding. Generally it reduces closeness and precision of fit.
Wearing a pair of ordinary socks underneath ski socks will only make it harder for your feet to breathe and will provide more discomfort than additional warmth.
You should definitely wear base layers. That much we know. Ski pants aren't designed to be worn directly on skin (for the most part), and will just get damp and cold. Base layers will help to regulate heat, wick moisture, and keep you comfy while you're riding.
Most pants are desinged to go over and some can fit comfortable insdie your boots.
Now that we've built the base for your skiing experience, it's time to add new layers to your body. A rule of thumb is that every skier has three layers of clothes on their body. You should follow this rule in every type of weather but make sure that you put on different materials in line with the conditions out there.
- Only wear one pair (never double up)
- Your sock should be tall - come above your ski boot.
- Your sock should be thin - thinner = warmer.
- Your sock should be smooth inside your boot = bumps/wrinkles will lead to irritated skin.
- Your sock should be made out of wool.
1. DO NOT TUCK PANTS INTO SKI BOOTS. This should not be mistaken with snowboarders that get the bottom of their pants stuck between the back of their boot and the inside of their hi-back. This is not great but it is forgivable.
What you wear under your ski pants is called a base layer. You can also call it long underwear or even long johns, but don't think you should wear old-fashioned cotton long underwear. Today's base layers are made with synthetic or fine natural fabrics that help you stay dry, which in turn helps you stay warm.
What do you wear under ski pants in cold weather?
There are several types of base layers that you can use under ski pants. Some of these include the shell, fleece, and neoprene base layers. The shell layer is made from a thin, waterproof fabric that helps keep you warm on your way to the slopes.
The basics: Ski and snowboard socks should fit snugly, especially in the foot. This will prevent the sock from moving around or bunching up, which can lead to blisters. They shouldn't fit too tightly, though—you want to have enough room to wiggle your toes and flex your foot.
Wear Only One Pair Socks
Wearing two pairs of ski socks will reduce the breathability of both, resulting in sweaty (and cold) feet. Also, double socks tend to bunch within your boot, which can cause distracting pain and irritation.
The feet are wet
When we're in cold conditions this moisture can then lead to cold feet. This is why we always advise that you wear clean socks each day.
Why are lightweight ski and snowboard socks often better? Thin ski and snowboard socks go hand in hand with a more precise boot fit, meaning more response and less slipping of your foot inside the boot. Less material between your foot and the boot liner means more blood flow in your foot, and in turn, more warmth.
Most snow sports brands make leggings that can also be used as base layers. Leggings work very well under your snow pants when you need extra warmth. One of the benefits of leggings is that they are often three-quarter length. Therefore, they work well with ski socks and don't rub your ankles inside your boots.
Save your track pants, leggings and other absorbent material pants for underneath your snow pants. Skip the jeans entirely as they are not made of a flexible material and when added with the additional layer of snow pants, they may leave you feeling stiff, impeding your ability to turn and move on the slopes.
Thermal underwear is the only ski pant base layer you should use. Some people may try other options, but they simply do not work in the same way. While it may seem like a good idea to throw on a regular pair of pants, like your everyday sweats or jeans, under your skiing ones, that's a bad idea.
It depends on the style of the jeans and the boots. If you are wearing skinny jeans, they will look best tucked into your boots. If you are wearing looser fitting jeans, you can leave them untucked. It depends on the style of the jeans and the boots.
They should be neither too tight or too loose: a happy medium is always best, although for snowboarders, veering towards a looser fit is recommended due to the extra breadth of movements involved in the sport.
Why do ski pants have zippers all the way up the leg?
Venting. Another feature shared by many ski and snowboard pants is zippered vents. These vents open up to allow you to dump heat and promote air circulation when you start to get too hot. Most often they are located on the inner thigh inseam and feature a mesh lining to keep stray snow from getting in.
The optimum way to layer your clothing for skiing is to have three high-quality layers: a body-hugging thin base layer. An insulating mid-layer (thicker for colder temperatures) is typically a fleece. Followed by a waterproof outer layer which is your ski jacket and defense against the elements.
Wearing everyday leggings for skiing and snowboarding is highly discouraged, even as a layer. Most leggings lack moisture-wicking capabilities. Without this technical feature, leggings trap sweat and moisture inside, which will make the wearer colder and uncomfortable while skiing or snowboarding.
Bibs are superior to traditional snow pants thanks to three main upgrades. They offer superior protection from the elements, their storage potential is huge, and they're much more comfortable.
“Too many layers of socks would lead to tighter boots which in its turn leads to cold toes. But this is not the whole truth; cold feet could also mean that your boots are too big”. He adds: “If your boots are too big you will keep pinching your toes and tightening your feet and thereby hampering the blood circulation.
The importance of good ski and snowboarding socks is often overlooked, despite the fact that nothing will end a great day on the slopes faster than cold feet. Help keep your feet warm, dry and ready for run after run, all day long with Smartwool® PhD® Ski and Snowboard socks.
The boot liner should engulf your whole foot and feel like a snug-fitting glove,” says Tischendorf. But what, exactly, does “snug” feel like? “With an ideal fit, I want people to be able to wiggle their toes still. You shouldn't be able to curl your toes, but you should have some toe movement.
The reason you're able to lift your heel is because your foot is more flexible than the ski boot. If you can't lift your heel that's not a bad thing, it's more likely that you are sized down in your boots or you have a less flexible foot.
If you have heavily insulated, water-resistant snow pants you may not need a second layer underneath. Sweatpants or yoga pants will do nicely if you have snow pants with little or no insulation. Even if they are high-tech water-resistant and breathable fabric, without insulation they don't provide much warmth.
They offer protection from the wind & snow, and limited protection in the event of a fall. Ski pants are usually lined, and this double layer helps to keep the skier's legs warm. The pants are often designed in a baggy style, which gives the skier freedom to move in any direction.
What is the difference between snow pants and ski pants?
To sum it up, snowboard pants fit loose to help you move, ski pants fit snug to decrease wind resistance and help you go zoom. If you're venturing into skiing or snowboarding for the very first time, you may wonder if you even need special snow pants to ski or snowboard?
The reason is more function than fashion, according to CBC Olympics snowboarding expert Craig McMorris. "Sometimes those bibs can fly up in your eyes. That's very, very dangerous. So a lot of the riders will tuck it under their arm," McMorris said during the snowboard halfpipe competition.
The big thing to avoid with base layers is cotton. Cotton doesn't wick moisture away from you, instead it just lets that moisture sit on your skin and make you cold. So look for wicking long johns and a long sleeved top.
On 40+ degree sunny days, I always go with a base layer, T-shirt and a hoodie or flannel. When it dips below 40 degrees or there is any sign of snow, wind or rain, I always go with a jacket that has at least 5,000 mm water/weatherproofing. Again, this will keep you warm, dry and on the hill for longer periods of time.
Your toes should be touching the end of the boot when you first put it on, it may even feel half a size too small. Then as you buckle the ski boot up and flex forward (push your knees over your toes) you will feel some pressure release and a bit of room for your toes.
Two to three pairs of good-quality ski socks should last you for a week on the slopes.
Toes can hurt in ski boots when pressure on the toes is caused by one of two possible issues – either the boot being too small or, counter-intuitively, the boot being too big. Ideally when the boot fits you right your toes should comfortably contact the front of the boot.
With your knees at shoulder width apart (moving towards the right) you are going to step out with your right foot, about 30cm (12 inches) then step the left foot. Try not to have your knees move closer than shoulder width apart which will help keep the band under tension.
Headbands & Earmuffs
Adorable for building snowmen and winter walks, headbands and earmuffs are just not quite enough to keep your head warm when you're skiing down a mountain. Plus, while fleece headbands may keep your ears cozy, they may also give you ridiculous tan lines.
Skiing with your feet closer together and standing tall will reduce fatigue, and increase control. Remember to bring your feet together at the end of the turn for smoother turns.
Should ski socks be thin or thick?
It might sound counterintuitive, but thin socks with keep your feet much warmer during a day of skiing. Bulky ski socks also tend to bunch up. Those wrinkles can easily reduce circulation to your feet, making them very cold.
Ideally, you want a pair of socks for every day of the trip, plus a couple of spares, although you can get away with a three if you take travel wash (see below).
The general rule is for your skis to measure somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. With expert level skiers often choosing skis slightly above their head. SIZE SHORTER, CLOSER TO CHEST IF: Child's weight is less than average for their height.
Wear merino blend socks or ski socks which have high tech insulation properties such as Primaloft or Thermolite. Never cotton. Only wear one pair of ski socks. Choose a mid-weight sock if you get cold feet for extra warmth.
Socks go under tights/warmers. Oversocks go over.
I have worn tights with socks because I found it more comfortable when wearing shoes. I find the shoes are slightly looser with just tights and more likely to get blister which is why I will generally wear socks with tights. It might also help to stop the foot of the tights wearing out quicker.
Anyone can wear socks over pants, and it really doesn't take too much planning to pull together outfits that are both trend-forward and comfortable.
Some people believe that socks over leggings can look stylish and unique, while others find it to be too messy or “clunky.” Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to rock socks over leggings - if you feel confident and comfortable doing so, go for it!
Thermal underwear is the only ski pant base layer you should use. Some people may try other options, but they simply do not work in the same way. While it may seem like a good idea to throw on a regular pair of pants, like your everyday sweats or jeans, under your skiing ones, that's a bad idea.
Wear Only One Pair Socks
Wearing two pairs of ski socks will reduce the breathability of both, resulting in sweaty (and cold) feet. Also, double socks tend to bunch within your boot, which can cause distracting pain and irritation.
Do I need to wear leggings under ski pants?
Save your track pants, leggings and other absorbent material pants for underneath your snow pants. Skip the jeans entirely as they are not made of a flexible material and when added with the additional layer of snow pants, they may leave you feeling stiff, impeding your ability to turn and move on the slopes.
Wearing everyday leggings for skiing and snowboarding is highly discouraged, even as a layer. Most leggings lack moisture-wicking capabilities. Without this technical feature, leggings trap sweat and moisture inside, which will make the wearer colder and uncomfortable while skiing or snowboarding.