• Layering clothing provides the best comfort and protection while skiing.telemark skier image by Mike & Valerie Miller from Fotolia.com
  
  Knowing the best way to dress for skiing in order to keep warm and dry and get the most enjoyment out of the sport can be a challenge for the first-time skier. Learning how to dress for skiing is simple, however, once the principles of layering are understood.
  
  

Wicking Layer

• The wicking layer is the layer worn next to the skin and gets its name from the use of fibers with "wicking" power or the power to wick moisture away from the skin. The purpose of the wicking layer is to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. Choose thermal underwear made of a synthetic material such as polyester, polypropylene or silk. Avoid cotton clothing such as jeans, sweatshirts and sweatpants next to the skin, since it absorbs sweat and snow and will make you cold.
  
  

Insulating Layer

• The insulating layer includes items like sweaters, sweatshirts, vest and pullovers. This middle layer keeps heat in and cold out by trapping air between the fibers, so choose insulation materials like fleece, which insulates even when wet and dries quickly, and wool, which has wicking ability.
  
  

Protection Layer

• The exterior, protection layer provides your guard against the winter elements. It usually consists of a shell and pants, which must repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block wind but also allow perspiration to evaporate. Choose winter shells and pants that use tightly woven fabrics and a coating or laminate to make them waterproof and breathable. Uninsulated shells for the outer layer are usually made of synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester and come in many finishes and colors so you can look stylish on the slopes.
  
  

Headwear and Eyewear

• Use a helmet or knit hat to keep your head warm, which is important for not losing heat through the head. Goggles protect your eyes from wind chill and snow cold on days when it's snowing. On other days, sunglasses may be used. Either way, make sure the goggles or glasses are UV-protected, preferably with 100 percent protection.
  
  

Gloves/Mittens and Socks

• Make sure the gloves or mittens you wear skiing are water resistant and tight enough that they do not interfere when you are holding your ski poles but not so tight that they interfere with circulation. For socks, wear a single, thin pair of wool or acrylic, the Ski Snow Valley Barrie website suggests. Ski boots are warm, and thick or multiple socks will give you blisters.
  
  

Ski Boots

• The all-important ski boots must be snug and support the foot and ankle while permitting flexible movement. The three types of ski boots are rear-entry, mid-entry and front-entry. Rear-entry, which are put on and removed by unbuckling a flat at the rear, are the simplest and cheapest model, appropriate for beginners. Proper fit is essential, so when purchasing, wear the socks you will be wearing on the slopes, try the boots out for at least 15 minutes, and check afterward for pain in ankle bones, shins and toes, advises ABC-of-Skiing.com.