What to Wear for Skiing and Snowboarding – Ski Clothing for Beginners

Knowing what to buy and what to wear for skiing and snowboarding can be overwhelming. Here’s the best ski clothing for beginners on a budget.

Before I left for my very first winter snow sports trip snowboarding in Mont Tremblant, Canada to trips years later skiing in the Alps,  I stressed about purchasing adequate clothing. It’s important to have adequate gear to protect you from the cold, that’s easy to layer, comfortable to move around in, and also looks good. 

But what if you are new to skiing and snowboarding, or someone who doesn’t regularly go on this type of holiday? How do you find ski clothing without the hefty price tag?

As a person who climbs mountains, wanders dusty cities and generally roughs it around the world in basic clothing, I admit I knew very little about how to go about kitting out for ski sports and snowy adventures at first. I was also reluctant to invest a lot of money if I might not use it again. Luckily, I did, and good gear is a brilliant investment. 

Ski/Snowboard clothing doesn’t have to be expensive when you look hard enough, and if you are not too vain.

I may not be the funkiest, edgy and coolest skier out there, but I managed to get the basic gear – a waterproof ski jacket and waterproof ski trousers – for around £100. It all comes down to finding brands that are known for a budget offering while retaining durability – think Colombia, Dope and Mountain Warehouse over North Face and Burton. Find outlets for travel clothing and equipment aimed at the more budget-conscious, and source a bargain for a first-time trip to the slopes.

Staple Item One: Ski Jacket

I typically choose ski jackets in bright colours in order to get into the spirit, and be seen! A waterproof jacket (pictured) is a must – it is a great fit (with handy thumb loop sleeves), keeps me warm, is waterproof and folds down to a good size without taking up too much space in my backpack. It also features lots of zipped pockets, especially discreet ones, which are handy for protecting small items like my wallet and iPhone.

I liked it so much that I used it a lot during my two weeks in Canada, outside of the ski resort, where I battled daily with the minus temperatures! Therefore, choose your jacket wisely, because this is the one item you will no doubt use over and over again. I have this packed away for future cold spells, even in England.

Staple Item Two: Ski Pants

As a beginner, where you are likely to fall over a lot, waterproof ski pants are the better option, and choosing a pair in a dark shade also helps hide dirt from any light falls. 

Aim for those with a warm fleece inner lining and handy ankle zips, making it much easier to get the snowboarding shoes on and off. Like most of my gripes with ski trousers, these are not always the most flattering and are slightly bulky due to the waterproof layer. However, no one is looking that closely, and you don’t wear these out in the evening. They did the job, and for around £40 for a basic set, you can’t really complain, especially when you are wearing them out more quickly as a beginner.

Other Ski Clothing and Gear

The Must-Haves: Thermals and Fleece

Invest in great thermal layers (including socks), a decent fleece and ski gloves. I have a long-sleeved thermal vest and leggings that have lasted 4 years to date, enduring all kinds of mountain treks and other adventures.

I never thought I would use a fleece as much as I do on my travels, but it’s become one of my must-pack items, especially for those slightly chilly evenings and public transport which blasts out the air conditioning!

These are all investments you can use outside of ski and snowboarding trips, making them better value for money.

Rent Ski Clothes

Check What Clothing You Can Rent At Ski Resorts

Aside from renting skis and ski boots at a ski resort, I’ve also rented extras like snowboard boots, a helmet, and goggles.

Check what you can hire at your chosen resort before you leave for your trip to help conserve your funds; booking ahead often includes a discount of up to 10%.

Some winter sports areas rent jackets and pants, which can save you a lot of cash if you are trying skiing and other activities for the first time. 

Check Charity Stores and Thrift Shops

It’s all about getting lucky, but scour second-hand stores and thrift shops for ski wear and winter sports clothing. You can find items for around a third of their original price, and if you are into vintage styles, land yourself a retro onesie ski suit. 

Budget Ski Clothing Takeaways

I soon learnt that budget ski clothing doesn’t mean bad ski clothing, and for three days learning how to snowboard, my staple clothing items were ideal. 

You may not look like a true pro, but you can still look stylish. And for those who haven’t ruled out the possibility but who have no immediate plans to return to the slopes, this is an investment that won’t hurt your pocket.

Ski Gear Testing

See my ski gear put to the test:

In Canada, while in the national park wonder of Banff in Winter and Mont Tremblant in ski season.

During a host of winter activities in Austria, which include skiing in St. Johann in Tirol, enjoying the sunny slopes of Gerlitzen Alpe in Carinthia, tackling the biggest Salzburg ski resort, heading up some 2000m skiing in Lech and taking to the slopes around Austria’s most beautiful village.