Cold weather is here - who else gets overwhelmed with all the options of base, mid, & top layers for staying warm during your winter outdoor activities?
For a base layer, it is hard to decipher between warmth, breathability, wicking material, and versatility when it comes to materials used (merino wool v. synthetic material). You want something warm yet cooling and comfortable for all day. And finding the company that creates long-lasting and comfortable products, fits well, and has the right price can take a lot of research. We at Chalets USA have experience and tested many products to give expert advice on great companies creating great clothing.

Here are some steps that we take when deciding what to buy...

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I sweat a lot when being active? 
• Am I warm naturally? 
• Do I want a lightweight layer or mid-weight layer?  
• Does wool feel good on my skin? 

Wool v. Synthetic:

• Wool products: 
• Merino wool is the product to look for because it is soft, breathable, moisture wicking, & odor resistant. 
• It is ideal for the cold winter months of outdoor activity because of the versatility. 
• Synthetic products: 
• Generally, similar qualities as merino wool - except the moisture wicking while keeping you warm is downgraded because of the material. 
• If you run hot or sweat a lot - this product is recommended for you! 
• Synthetic materials dry quickly

A base layer is usually next to skin and fairly thin (depending on the next layer you add and personal preference). We recommend merino wool clothing verses synthetic because it is a better for wicking away sweat while keeping you warm, having soft material against your skin, and allowing multiple uses. Synthetic materials are better for sweaty activities because it drys quicker than wool, otherwise, it's personal preference.

Here are some quality companies:

• Smartwool - Merino wool
• Kari Traa - Merino wool 
• Voormi - Merino wool
• Patagonia - Synthetic
• Arc'teryx - Synthetic 

Smartwool Merino Wool Midweight Top - Women's & Men's

Kari Traa Merino Wool Top - Women's

Patagonia Synthetic Bottom - Women's & Men's

 These top companies create a fantastic product with quality materials and prices. These tops and bottoms will last you several seasons (as long as you take care of them properly too). With many other companies out there, these are our favorites. For your ski holiday, it is important to have quality layers to keep you going all day enjoying the snow.
Happy Skiing!