Midlayers

The Midlayer for Your Ski Trip
The midlayer is known as the insulating layer beneath your ski jacket, serving as an extra barrier against the cold. The midlayer is essential for skiing because it provides reliable, consistent warmth that doesn’t fluctuate during activity. Its core function is to regulate and adjust your temperature under the ski jacket, ensuring a comfortable ride down the slopes.

Midlayers, or the insulating layer, are where you can most easily adjust your body temperature. Just like baselayers, there are different types of midlayers, each with unique functions and insulation properties. Fleece/synthetic, Merino wool, and down are among the most commonly used materials in midlayers.

Why is the midlayer so important?
The midlayer, or middle layer, is crucial when you want to stay warm all day outdoors. Some consider the midlayer an overlooked part of the ski outfit, often forgotten when packing for the season’s destination. However, the midlayer adds significant comfort during prolonged activity, making it an important part of your ski gear. With the right midlayer, you can always ensure you stay warm. On warmer days, you can opt for a thinner midlayer, while on colder days, a thick down layer is ideal.

Materials in the midlayer
Midlayer materials are designed to enhance your performance in active environments without becoming wet, cold, or overly warm. Synthetic fibers or wool are most commonly used, and for good reason. Cotton is a no-go, as it retains moisture and sweat, preventing it from escaping and reducing comfort. Below are the most common midlayer materials and what makes them especially comfortable for skiing.

Wool and Merino Wool
Wool is nature’s most effective and advanced insulating layer, making it popular among sports enthusiasts. Wool in a midlayer naturally wicks sweat and condensation away from the body. While wool feels warm, its temperature-regulating and breathable properties provide a significant advantage. Another benefit is that wool is not only moisture-wicking but also odor-resistant.

Down
Down is a highly versatile and lightweight yet incredibly warm material. It provides compact warmth and, in recent years, has become a staple in performance midlayers. Inspired by jackets, down midlayers deliver an effective thermal layer—providing warmth when needed and cooling the body as activity increases.

Polyester Fleece
Polyester fleece is another popular midlayer material. Developed in the 198s, it has paved the way for many performance midlayers used in skiing. Polyester midlayers offer various levels of insulation but, most importantly, plenty of warmth. Another advantage is that polyester fleece absorbs very little moisture and dries extremely quickly if it does get wet.

Cotton
Some people still use cotton as a layer—whether it’s a T-shirt, hoodie, or something else—but it’s a no-go! Cotton absorbs sweat and doesn’t wick it away, which can ruin even the best ski outfit and ski day.

The midlayer in the layering principle
The midlayer is a solid element in the layering principle, which is especially important at the start of your ski trip. Its main function is to insulate where your ski jacket cannot—retaining your body’s inner warmth. With the increasing popularity of shell ski jackets, the midlayer has become even more essential. Shell jackets are designed with little or no lining, placing extra demands on the insulation and warmth the midlayer provides. It’s a good idea to have different midlayer thicknesses and insulation options to adapt to changing weather on your ski trip.

There are many different brands offering quality midlayers for skiing on the Danish market. Here are some examples:

Helly Hansen: Known for high-quality ski clothing, including midlayers made from soft, warm, and breathable materials designed for optimal performance on the slopes.

Peak Performance: A popular ski apparel brand offering both outer and midlayers. Their midlayers provide warmth and breathability and come in a variety of colors and styles.

Burton: An American brand producing high-quality ski clothing and gear. Their midlayers are designed for warmth and breathability and are available in many colors and styles. Popular options include their Bonded Full-Zip hoodies, made from soft, lightweight fleece—perfect for chilly days on the mountain.

Mons Royale: A New Zealand brand specializing in midlayers and base layers for skiing and snowboarding. Their midlayers are made from high-quality Merino wool, known for its softness and insulating properties. Popular items include their Temple Tech hoodies, designed for optimal performance and comfort on the slopes.

Both Burton and Mons Royale are known for high quality and innovative design. Their midlayers are designed to provide both warmth and breathability, keeping you warm and dry on the slopes.

Kjus: Renowned for technical and innovative design, Kjus midlayers are made from high-quality materials for warmth and breathability on the slopes. Their popular Formula Halfzip, made from soft, warm fleece, is designed for optimal performance and comfort and can be used as a midlayer on chilly days.

Find the best midlayers at One Open Sky
At One Open Sky, you’ll find some of the best midlayers for skiing. We’ve gathered top brands on this page, giving you the chance to choose from leading names like Kjus, Burton, Kari Traa, Helly Hansen, Mons Royale, and many more. We’ve selected the best performance midlayers so you can be sure to find one that matches your ski outfit’s needs. We’re always ready to offer professional advice, so if you have any questions about our midlayers, don’t hesitate to contact us.