How to layer for backcountry skiing

Alpenglow Sports has been outfitting our customers for backcountry travel for almost 50 years. We were one of the first to bring pioneering outdoor brands like The North Face, Sierra Designs, and Adventure 16 to mountain communities. In that time, we've learned a lot about fabrics, insulation, and waterproofing and how to layer them all together into an effective backcountry kit.

When I started skiing the backcountry, I showed up with a classic baselayer, midlayer, and hardshell. I was immediately exposed to a myriad of different layering systems and I spent the next two years trying a bunch of different combinations and seeing what works. 

The biggest transformation in my layering happened once I joined Alpenglow Sports. The buffet of different layering systems clarified into a novel, simple system used by almost every staff member at Alpenglow Sports. I was lucky enough to acquire the gear at the start of the 23/24 winter season and I haven't looked back since. 

We believe that there is a softshell for every occasion and a softshell for every style of moving in the mountains. We broadly classify softshells into two categories. Some softshells are best for the utmost versatility while others are aimed at maximum breathability. Listed to Jeff Dostie and I walk through two softshells and share which category each are in. 

We need our outer layer to pack neatly into our touring packs. Down is much more compressible than synthetic insulation which makes it a nice choice for your insulated outer layer. Today, most all down is "treated down," using Nikwax or anther treatment that combats its natural loss in loft(and thus insulation) when it gets wet. 

Even so, synthetic insulation performs better when wet. As such, choosing synthetic insulation would deliver the most peace-of-mind when a wet, Sierra storm looms. I chose a less-insulative synthetic jacket(only 60 grams) that I felt was packable enough and warm enough for 90% of California backcountry skiing.

The last feature of a insulated outer layer is it's waterproofing. GORE-TEX layers will have the most waterproofing but often incur a weight penalty. We find a nice balance is struck by the 490g Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight Down Parka which has GORE-TEX Infinium and weights just 1.3 lbs. 

The California hot take is using an insulated layer without any real waterproofing. Many of my partners are using a traditional down puffy as their over layer and getting great versatility out of something they already own. For most days, you can get a few laps out of a puffy before it gets soaked. 

For the uncompromising among us, GORE-TEX layers will create the most confidence. Alternative waterproofing, like DWR coatings from Patagonia and Noronna, and Black Diamond's BD Dry, are often used to create lightweight pieces that are plenty waterproof for the stormiest of days. 

I don't always tour with team Alpenglow and a few of my other partners have things pretty dialed. Here's a quick breakdown of a few other layering systems with their pros and cons. 

We are psyched to help you build a layering kit that works for your specific style of moving in the mountains. Please give us a call or stop by the shop so that we can discuss your goals and your budget. We have the widest selection of winter layering pieces between December and March each year.