When skiing, dress in layers: a close-fitting thermal base layer against the skin, a mid-layer only when it's very cold, then waterproof and breathable ski jacket and trousers. We're talking about what goes underneath, that is, top, legs, socks and neck. The base layer determines whether you spend the day warm and dry or get chilled on the first chairlift.
What to wear under ski wear?
Under ski wear, you need a thermal base layer against the skin, knee-high ski socks and something to cover the neck. Ski jacket and trousers must be waterproof and breathable: they keep out snow and wind, while warmth depends on what you wear underneath.
The base layer has only one job: to wick sweat away from the skin. If it stays wet, it chills you, no matter how thick the ski wear is. For this reason, it must stay close-fitting: a loose top lets cold air in and doesn't wick moisture away properly. In very cold weather, add a mid-layer, such as a lightweight fleece, between the thermal top and the ski wear.
Which thermal ski top to choose?
The choice depends on how cold it is and how active you are. Risalti thermal tops have three lines for different temperatures: Merino Wool (from 0°C to -15°C) is the warmest, Extreme (from -5°C to +10°C) is in the middle, despite the name, and Energy (from +5°C to +20°C) is the lightest. The table matches them to the type of day.
| Type of day | What to wear | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sun on the slopes, mild weather (above +5°C) | Energy thermal top | It's the lightest line, made from SoftAir+ yarn: it dries quickly when you warm up skiing. |
| Sun on the slopes, but cool (from +10°C to -5°C) | Extreme: women's or men's | Mid-range, made from polyamide and Dryarn® polypropylene. |
| Cold at altitude, chairlift, wind | Merino Wool: women's or men's | It's the warmest line, rated down to -15°C, for when you're stationary. |
| Ski touring and cross-country skiing | Energy, plus a warm layer in the backpack | You sweat a lot on the ascent: the lightweight top dries quickly and you put on the warm layer when you stop or descend. |
| Children | Energy Junior | Top and leggings from +5°C to +20°C, see the dedicated section. |
The long-sleeved Merino Wool top has a merino wool exterior and a polypropylene interior (46% polypropylene, 28% wool, 22% polyamide, 4% elastane). Extreme is 60% polyamide, 36% polypropylene and 4% elastane. All are machine washable at 30°C and Made in Italy. The catalogue also includes the Tech+ line, which combines merino wool and Dryarn®.
Seamless garments are close-fitting, never oversized, and if you're between two sizes, choose the larger one. Merino Wool fits about one size larger than Energy: if you wear an S or M in Energy, you'll need an XS or S in Merino Wool. For more information about the fibres, see the guide to the merino wool thermal top.
And for your legs?
The same rule applies to your legs: close-fitting thermal trousers under your ski trousers, chosen according to the temperature, never cotton or fabrics that retain moisture. To choose between leggings and ski tights, see the guide to thermal trousers. The two ranges, divided by line, are in the thermal underwear collections for women and men.
What ski socks should you use?
You need socks that go above the top of the ski boot, which reaches mid-calf: knee-high or thigh-high, and only one pair. For cold days, the Merino Wool Thermal Knee-High Sock is suitable from 0°C to -15°C (33% wool, 33% acrylic, 16% polyester, 15% polyamide, 3% elastane). On mild days, the Energy version, from +5°C to +20°C, is lighter.
Heights, yarns and sizing based on shoe size are explained in the guide to thermal socks.
Do you need a neck warmer?
Yes, and it weighs very little in your backpack. The ski neck warmer covers your neck, face and head, and is the accessory that's easiest to adjust: pull it up on the chairlift, lower it when descending. In Merino Wool (34% merino wool, 34% polyamide, 28% polyester, 4% elastane), it's suitable from 0°C to -15°C. You can find it in the women's version and in the men's version, both in one size.
The Energy neck warmer, made from SoftAir+ and suitable from +5°C to +20°C, is for mild days and cross-country skiing. It can be worn as a neck warmer, headband or under a helmet.
How to dress children for skiing?
Children should dress in the same layering style. Risalti has the Energy Junior line, from +5°C to +20°C: the thermal turtleneck top and leggings, made from 70% polyester, 20% polyamide and 10% elastane, with a close fit.
It's a lightweight line: it's suitable for mild days. In cold weather, it works as a base layer under a fleece, which provides real warmth. The top and leggings are in the children's thermal underwear collection.
Errors to avoid
- Cotton as a base layer. It absorbs sweat and stays wet: it will chill you after the first descent.
- Two pairs of socks in the ski boot. They compress your foot, restrict circulation and chill it.
- Socks that are too thick or have prominent seams. In the ski boot, they create pressure points and chafing.
- Layers that are too tight. The wrong size restricts circulation and lets the warmth escape: it's better to choose the larger size.
Frequently asked questions
How many layers do you need for skiing?
Usually two under the jacket: a thermal top and, if it's very cold, a mid-layer such as a lightweight fleece. Waterproof and breathable ski jacket and trousers complete the system.
Is a thermal top enough under a ski jacket?
On mild days, yes, if you choose it according to the temperature (Energy above +5°C, Extreme between +10°C and -5°C). In cold weather at altitude and in the wind, Merino Wool is better, sometimes with a fleece over it.
What size thermal top should I get?
One that fits close without compressing: seamless garments are not oversized. If you're between two sizes, choose the larger one. Merino Wool fits about one size larger than Energy.
How do you wash thermal ski tops?
In the washing machine at 30°C, as indicated on Risalti garments. For technical fibres and merino wool, you'll find the details in the guide to how to wash seamless underwear and merino wool.
