Table of Contents
Type of Ski Wear and Features
There are three types of ski wear. “Demo type”, “Alpine ski race type” and “backcountry type”.
Demo type
This is the most standard type which is lightweight with moisture management, cold protection and snowproof. Tight fit compared to other types creating a slimmer look. This type offers many color selection and designs fun for beginners to choose from.
Alpine ski race type
Alpine ski race type is one piece ski suit designed in a way that pro skiers can take it off easily with full side zip pants. This allows for a skier to take off boots with pants on. Keeps in moisture inside. Comes in various designs.
Backcountry type
This type is the most functional wear out of three types equipped with water proof, moisture-permeability and heat retention. Very comfortable that some wear as a daily winter jacket, a rainwear or some even go mountain climbing in it. On a warm sunny day, you can put on the wear on top of an underwear and you will be warm enough.
Size Matters, Find Your Perfect Fit
Choose a ski wear in the same size as a jacket you wear daily. Wearing a smaller size will give you stiff shoulder where larger size will have ski poles tangled into sleeves causing you to fall.
Go one size up if you are going to wear thermal inner wear or sweater to keep you warm. Make sure you try it with inner wear. Put your arms out to see if the jacket covers your wrists. That is the right size. With pants, try them on with your shoes off. Check to see if bottom of the pants touch the floor. It is perfect if the pants barely touch the floor.
Try it on, move around.
Move your elbow, knee and shoulder with the wear on. Make sure you you can move around freely. Stretchy elastic material is suitable as you move your knees and joints often in skiing or snowboarding.
Breathability adds to comfort.
A person weighing 50 kilogram burns about 226 kcal per hour with ski. This is more than what you would burn jogging or walking. You would sweat more skiing than doing those two sports.
Breathability of your wear is an important factor as skiing can make you sweat easily which can cause odor problem or your body temperature go down so you can easily catch cold. Choose a wear that is breathable and quick to dry.
Waterproof, a must feature for beginners.
Beginner skiers tend to fall down and when they do, snow gets on their wears which then melts and becomes water. After a few falls, you will be soaking wet. If you choose a wear with poor waterproof or water resistant, not only your wear but also your body become wet and cold which can cause your body temperature to go down and get tired.
Waterproof rate is described in millimeters (mm). For example, “waterproof rating 10,000mm”. Rating of 20,000mm can handle heavy rain or snow and is recommended.
Heat retention feature. Keeping yourself warm on a freezing terrain.
Ski resorts are often located on top of a mountain with cold wind blowing and low temperature. Ski is a full-body workout but when you are on a lift, you are staying still losing your body heat. This causes your body to lose body temperature making your body muscles stiff which can result in injury. You should find a ski wear that is thick possibly with raised backing fabrics. Look for something that is made with materials that blocks water from outside but lets inside sweat transmit outside (called moisture permeability) and keeps moisutre inside at the same time.
Fashion matters.
Ski wear just like a regular clothing has trends. Tartan, camouflage and animal patterns are in style in 2018. Varsity jacket style is popular as it can be worn as everyday jacket. Choose a colorful jacket against a plain pants, etc. Play around to find your own style.
Choose within your budget.
Ski wear prices vary from a reasonably priced piece around 15,000 JPY to a stylish new model around 100,000JPY.
Inexpensive line: Jacket 10,000 JPY/ pants 5,000JPY (total: 15,000 JPY)
Functional line: Jacket 30,000JPY/ pants 20,000JPY (total: 50,000 JPY)
New style: Jacket 50,000JPY/ pants 40,000JPY (total: 90,000 JPY)
Cheap wears may only last for one season with wear and tear. Expensive wears may cost you some money but quality ski wear can last for some time. Keep in mind that a ski trip can run your prices up with gear rentals, a lift ticket, transportation fees and other expenses. Spend wisely on your ski wear with a proper budget in mind.
Find Your Perfect Fit and Enjoy Skiing!
How did you like our column on ski wear? A perfect fit ski wear not only makes you look good but also allows for an enjoyable snow cruising. Come back here and read again if you get lost in finding your perfect fit.
【Note】
Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.