Introduction
The snow this season has been beautiful. Soft runs, open lifts, and bluebird days that make you want to be out there from first chair to last light.
If you’re heading to the mountains, packing doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. You don’t need three bags or a last-minute dash to the shops. Just a few considered layers that work hard, so you don’t have to think about them again once you’re there.
Here’s what we take on every snow trip, and the one layer we never travel without.
Start With What You Feel First
What sits closest to your skin matters more than anything else.
We learned this the hard way. We wore gym leggings, because they felt easy, only to spend the day damp and cold. We tried wool thermals, but the itch and heaviness distracted us every time we moved.
It’s why we made our own base layers. Soft enough to feel like your favourite leggings, but purpose-built for cold days on the mountain. High-waisted for warmth, quarter-length legs so they sit perfectly above ski boots, brushed inside to wick moisture and keep you dry. And made from recycled fabrics because we can’t love the mountains and not protect them.
Build Layers That Do the Work
Once your base layer is sorted, everything else falls into place.
- A mid-layer fleece or lightweight puffer for extra warmth when you need it.
- A waterproof jacket and pants to keep wind and snow out.
That’s it. Functional layers that keep you warm without bulk, so you can move freely all day.
Bring the Small Things That Make the Big Difference
Warm gloves or mittens. A helmet and goggles for safety and visibility. A neck warmer or balaclava (better than a scarf that flaps and catches snow). Technical ski socks instead of cotton, because warm feet make for longer days.
And for after the slopes? Something soft and breathable to relax in. Cosy jumpers, leggings, slippers. It’s these small comforts that make the evenings part of the trip, not just the downtime between ski days.
Protect Your Skin, Fuel Your Body
The alpine sun is stronger than most expect, so pack sunscreen and lip balm. Slip a reusable water bottle and a few snacks into your bag too, trail mix, fruit, or a protein bar. Staying hydrated and fuelled will make a bigger difference than you think.
Why We Care About the First Layer
Your base layer sets the tone for the day. The wrong one, and you’ll feel it all day, itchy, damp, uncomfortable. The right one? You forget it’s even there.
That’s why we made Arctic Eco-Sno base layers. Non-wool, skin-friendly, soft to touch, designed to keep you warm without bulk and dry when things warm up. All with recycled fabrics, because the places we love to explore deserve protecting too.