READY, SET, SHRED
Set-ups for all conceivable conditions with Jonathan
It has undoubtedly been an exceptionally good start to the ski season in Scandinavia and the Alps. Ski enthusiasts have been enjoying powder turns since November. However, the ski season has truly just begun, and there are many, many months ahead to revel in the snow and skiing, offering a guaranteed mix of mountain weather and conditions.
Our ski-loving friends Jonathan and Madeleine have kicked off their seasons in different places with different conditions and types of skiing. They have one thing in common, though; they have both ensured to be properly dressed to enjoy every moment. In this article, you will follow Jonathan's best tips on layering up for varying weather and skiing conditions.
Jonathan took the first turns of the season in Åre during the New Year's week, experiencing the classic 'Åre conditions,' followed by a couple of exhilarating, frigid days in Idre.
Closest to the body
"Wear clean clothes closest to the body, especially when it comes to base layers and socks. Dirty or sweaty clothes are much less effective at keeping out the cold."
Merino wool has a natural self-cleaning/antibacterial effect, resisting stains and odors better than other materials. Additionally, it is warmer than regular wool.
Base layer:
Guard yourself against humid air
"In Åre, around New Year's, the temperature was around -15 degrees Celsius, with cloudy conditions creating humid air. This, combined with relatively strong winds, intensified the cold. We mainly skied groomers in the resort since it had been a while since the last snowfall. My best trick to guard against humid air is to wear multiple thin layers. It also makes it easy to adjust quickly if you need more or less clothing. The Arolla Hood Jacket was packed down in the backpack and came in handy during the coldest moments."
Mid layer:
Levo Quilted Zip WOMEN'S | MEN'S
Levo quilted Pants
The shell:
d'Arbi Trousers WOMEN'S | MEN'S
In the backpack:
Layer up for high-speed activities in freezing temps
"In early January in Idre, where we went snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, we faced temperatures between -20 to -33 degrees Celsius, with sunny weather and less wind. To cope with riding snowmobiles at -25 degrees, I maximized my layering method. I definitely looked like a Michelin man, haha! But it did the trick."
Mid layer:
Levo Quilted Zip WOMEN'S | MEN'S
Levo Tights
Insulation:
Arolla Hood Jacket WOMEN'S | MEN'S
Levo quilted Pants
The shell:
d'Arbi Trousers WOMEN'S | MEN'S
Belay layer:
Richemont Jacket WOMEN'S | MEN'S
Most importantly; don't sweat
"The absolute key to staying warm and dry is not to start sweating. I'd rather carry an extra sweater in the backpack that I can put on if needed, than wearing all layers from the start and having to take one off when getting too warm. If you need to remove a layer, it's usually already too late.
Gett dressed and then go out. Try to avoid going in and out after getting dressed, as it's easy to start sweating when going between shifting temperatures. When we went cross-country skiing in the cold temperatures, I used many thin layers to regulate body temperature and ensure not to sweat."
For a freezing lap on the cross-country track:
Plannard Flex Jacket WOMEN'S | MEN'S
Plannard Flex Pants WOMEN'S | MEN'S
Levo Quilted Pants
Madeleine's tips
Madeleine has started her season in Idre, Hemavan, and Kittelfjäll. Three trips with three completely different types of conditions and skiing. Read more about Madeleine's start of the season and her tips for the best set-ups.