Merino Ski Base Layers

Why choose a merino base layer for skiing?

Downhill skiing alternates between short, sweaty runs and long, static lift rides. Cross-country skiing makes you sweat more evenly, but moisture starts to chill you as soon as you take a break. Merino wool handles this kind of variation well: the fibre absorbs moisture into its core, so the surface feels dry for longer, and wool naturally slows down the build-up of odour. On a ski holiday lasting several days you usually do not need to wash your base layer every evening – airing it is often enough. The merino wool in our base layers is 17.5–19.5 microns, so it does not trigger an itch response in most people. Skin sensitivity does vary from person to person, though.

How a base layer works under your ski clothing

Dress in layers: a base layer next to the skin, a mid layer in cold weather and your ski or cross-country outfit on top to keep out wind and snow. Moisture needs to be able to pass through the layers, so avoid cotton next to the skin: it soaks up sweat, holds on to it, and wet fabric chills you.

• A base layer should fit close to the body so that it moves moisture away and fits under your ski clothing without chafing.
• 3/4-length base layer leggings work well for downhill skiing, because the leg does not bunch up under the cuff of your ski boot.
• Wear one pair of long socks in your ski boots, with the cuff reaching above the top of the boot.
• A thin balaclava protects your head, neck and face under your helmet, and a neck gaiter protects your neck on the lift.
• Liner mittens add extra warmth under ski gloves or mittens.

Read more about combining the layers in our layering guide.

Which weight for skiing?

Choose the weight of the knit according to how much you move. The faster you move, the lighter the base layer.

• 150 g/m² – Motion and Intense pro 150. For cross-country skiing and fast-paced activity where you sweat a lot.
• 180–200 g/m² – Intense pro 180 and Multi Action 200. A versatile base layer for downhill skiing and relaxed cross-country skiing.
• 225 g/m² – Sensitive 225. A warm base layer for a day on the slopes. Merino wool is on the outside of the knit and soft bamboo viscose sits against the skin.
• 260 g/m² – Arctic 260. For severe cold and long lift rides. Also works as a mid layer over a lighter base layer.

Do you need a mid layer for skiing?

In severe cold or wind, it is worth adding a mid layer between your base layer and your ski jacket, for example a merino fleece jacket or an Arctic 260 mid layer. In milder weather and when cross-country skiing, a base layer and shell are usually enough. With a zipped mid layer it is easy to adjust your temperature between the lift and the run. See all merino mid layers.

What to wear under a ski helmet?

A thin, close-fitting balaclava that does not press inside the helmet works best. The Intense pro 150 balaclava is designed to be worn under a helmet. For the coldest days there is the thicker Arctic 250 balaclava in merino fleece. You will find all styles in our balaclava collection.

Which socks for ski boots?

For ski boots, choose one pair of long merino wool socks. Two pairs on top of each other bunch up and cause pressure points, and a boot that is too tight can make your feet cold. Arctic HIGH socks are made of thick terry knit for freezing days, while Intense pro HIGH socks are a thinner, firmer option. For cross-country skiing, lower BASIC socks are often enough.

Ski base layers for kids

For kids we have Sensitive 225 JR base layers and an overall, an Arctic 260 mid layer overall and trousers, plus kids' balaclavas, neck gaiters and liner mittens. You will find the full range under merino base layers for kids and kids' mid layers and overalls.

Base layers for women and men

All base layers can also be found on their own pages: women's merino base layers, men's merino base layers and all merino base layers. The differences between the ranges are explained in our base layer guide.

How to care for your base layer on a ski holiday

Air your base layer between wears – merino wool slows down odour, so it needs washing less often than synthetic garments. When it does need a wash, wash it at 30 °C on a wool or delicate programme with a wool detergent of pH 7 or lower. No fabric softener and no tumble dryer. You will find more tips in our merino wool washing guide.

Mulesing-free merino wool

North Outdoor is a Finnish company specialising in merino wool clothing. We design our products in Finland. We use only mulesing-free merino wool in our products.