How to Layer Up for Heli-Skiing, Ski Touring and Backcountry Snowboarding this Winter
This article was sponsored by Marmot
If you’re tackling backcountry powder, heli-skiing or ski touring in the mountains this year, you need to be prepared. One of the most important elements of adventure preparation is proper outerwear.
Quality materials that offer weatherproofing and temperature regulation don’t just keep skiers and snowboarders comfortable—it also keeps them safe.
When the temperature drops, skiers need to layer up and keep warm while maintaining dexterity, ease of movement and flexibility. It’s imperative to find layers that are insulated and malleable.
Whether you’re in British Columbia’s breathtaking backcountry or Alaska’s epic alpine, here is a layering system to follow:
1. Variant (Base to Mid Layer – Upper Half)
Marmot’s Variant Jacket offers the core insulation of a vest, with a wicking back and sleeves similar to a mid-weight base layer. Synthetic fill on the front keeps the price down without sacrificing warmth or adding too much weight.
Skiers with sensitive skin may choose to slip a sleeveless tank on first as a base layer. This is also a wise choice if you tend to unzip to let out steam while skinning—a bare chest might result in sunburn, overexposure to the elements or strange looks from your fellow skiers.
2. Toaster (Base to Mid Layer – Lower Half)
These hybrid tights are designed with insulation for the thigh and groin area and stretchy, sweat-wicking side panels. The leg length is cut short before your boots to avoid overcrowding and uncomfortable sock scrunching. A nylon waistband stays up as you ski down the mountain.
In extremely frigid temperatures, you might want to layer up with long johns. In normal conditions, it should be comfortable on its own.
3. Spire (Outer Layer – Upper & Lower Half)
The Spire Jacket and Bib Snow Pants make the perfect outer layer. Features of the jacket include a zip-off powder skirt for explorers who find it intrusive and a hood that fits over a helmet. The pockets are higher than normal to make space for your ski touring pack or climbing harness.
The GORE-TEX® three-layer seam-taped construction will keep you dry and prevent leaks. The bib pants feature full-side zippers for easy dressing and internal gaiters that guard against snow. The suspenders are removable, but we think they look cooler attached.
Bonus: you can use the Spire Jacket and Bib Snow Pants for a variety of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, mountain climbing, tobogganing and exploring in wet and rainy conditions.
Extras:
Depending on the weather conditions and your own body heat, you may need more or less layers. Here are some options to slip on underneath or overtop:
If you run hot…
Consider swapping the Variant for the Men’s Midweight Harrier ½-zip or the Women’s Midweight Meghan Hoody.
If you run cold…
Add a Featherlight Hoody if you want to warm up on-the-go or a Down Hoody for sitting in stillness (ie. cold) as you take in the scenic mountain views or wait for your helicopter ride.
This article was sponsored by Marmot
