I was going to call this post ‘Layering for the unexpected and other helpful tips for the 2021 ski season” because it’s mostly about layering and 2020 has been, well …unexpected, but ‘How to Level Up Your Lodge-less Resort Experience’ seems to be more fitting for the times.
Resort skiing is going to be different this year – it will be a lodge-less experience. Yes, you guessed it, it’s because of Covid. In this post, I am going to outline some of the changes you will see on the mountain this year and explain why the most important part of the 2021 ski season for all skiers is going to be their layering system. I’ll include some advice on a great layering system, tips for how to stay warm this season and a few reminders about patience and humility for good measure.
Heads Up! Some links in this post are affiliate links, which earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. No pressure to use our links, but we REALLY appreciate it when you do!
Covid has affected everything and yet, not all forced changes have been a bad thing. Take the climbing gym for example. Before Covid, at any popular climbing gym, it was packed. The place was loud, you couldn’t hear your belay partner, you were always either waiting to get on a climb or climbing next to someone. Since Covid forced a people capacity in the gym, it is now quiet and you can pretty much use any climb you want when you want it. I suspect the ski resorts will experience the same thing; some negative aspects as well as many positive aspects of the ski season ahead.
What to Expect from the 2021 Ski Season
Moving forward in this uncertain time requires us to manage our expectations and understand how things will be different. Next, we are going to review what these changes could look like for the 2021 ski season.
Perceived Positives
The best thing I have learned so far is most resorts are making online purchases available! Finally! You can now buy your lift tickets through their dedicated mobile app. NO MORE, 4am wake ups to get to the hill to beat the massive lines or wasting your first hour of the ski day because you did not show up early enough. Resorts like Sunshine Village now have a mobile app called Ski Banff Mobile app that will allow you to purchase your ticket in advance so you don’t have to wait at the ticket counter. This should have been done years ago, but at least it’s here now.
Another positive outcome that Covid will have on your 2021 ski season is reduced traffic in the lodges. Ski resorts are required to follow their provincial Covid guidelines which means reduced capacity in every indoor space – restaurants, bars and storage areas will only allow a few people at a time. This will make moving around the lodge delightful. You won’t have squeeze through groups of people to get to your stuff in a cubby or stand at a crowded bar to get a beer. Again to me, huge positives in the overall resort experience.
One last positive outcome of Covid on your 2021 ski season is, you won’t have to be concerned if other people around you are wearing a face mask or not. Face masks are mandatory at all the resorts we looked at and in all areas of the resort except when you are travelling down the hill, and because it’s cold out, everyone will have one on anyway.
Perceived Negatives
Now we also have to discuss the negative impacts that Covid will have on your 2021 resort ski season. Fortunately, lots of the negative effects that Covid will have can be fixed by coming prepared, especially as it relates to layering. In my opinion, your layering system will be the linchpin of your 2021 ski season and be the determining factor of whether or not you have a ‘GNARLY!’ lodge-less day or a ‘meh..’ lodge-less day.
Reduced Lodge Space
This post is called How to Level Up Your Lodge-less Resort Experience so you knew this one was coming. All resorts have to follow provincial covid guidelines which means reduced seating in bars, restaurants, and generally all indoor spaces. This reduced lodge space will mean you may not be able to get into the lodge when you want to eat lunch or warm-up. Now, if you have a proper layering system and come prepared to be lodge-less, having no access to the lodge will not matter. You will be warm and comfortable all day long AND you will still have hot lunch and your favourite hot beverage that helps you get through the ski day. More on this later!
No or Limited Access to Storage and Changing Areas
As already mentioned, reduced people capacities also means limited access to cubby space, lockers and places to put your boots on. Reviewing many ski hill websites, many are making it clear, like Lake Louise – there will be no access to public storage during the 2021 ski season. Most resorts are encouraging skiers to get ready at their cars, which is easy enough. You’re gonna get good at walking around in those ski boots! Again with proper preparation, you can show up ready to ski and have what you need with you to stay comfortable.
No or Limited Access to Hot Food and Microwaves
As microwaves are a high contact, food-related surface area, I predict most resorts will not have their microwaves open to the public. I don’t know about you but I love bringing last night’s leftovers for today’s hot lunch at the ski hill. But this year, my go-to meal will likely be unavailable in the traditional fashion. With some preparation and basic camping equipment, you won’t need to rely on the resort’s microwave anyway.
Longer Waits in Lift Lines
This one should definitely be expected on peak days (a.k.a. Saturdays and holidays) since physical distancing must be maintained in all line ups and it’s unlikely all chairs will be packed. Cohorts can ride together but singles will be the folks slowing down the lines this season. Again, come prepared, with your patience and your humility (and your fav hot bevy) so we can all enjoy a little fun this winter.
How to Show Up Resort Ready – 2021 Edition!
Now that you know more about what to expect, I am going to give you all the details on how you can stay warm, comfortable, and dry during your lodge-less ski day. Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to avoid the need to go into the lodge at all. Well, except to pee maybe.
What to Wear
The key to a perfect day at the ski resort starts with your base layers. Base layers are everything you put on before your snow suit. What you wear and how you wear it is thee most crucial component of having a comfortable day at the resort.
In order to know how to start layering for the day, you will have to know what the conditions are going to be like and what the temperature will be for that day. Both of these factors are extremely important because the conditions have to be multiplied by how hard you work and how much you may sweat. For example, the more fresh snow that has fallen the harder you are going to work, meaning you don’t need to wear as many or as thick layers as you would if it was the same temperature but no new snow.
Even though you may have an idea of the layers you will need for the day be sure to bring all the layers to the hill. Just in case the weather was wrong or you just feel colder that day bring extras. My layering system for the resort is composed of a 2-3 layer system. The reason why I prefer wearing 2-3 layers is because it allows for better temperature control – you can take off a layer when you’re too hot and re-add it when you get chilly.
Below we are going to review the combination of base layers you should have on or with you as well as share a few of our personal favourites. Remeber, you don’t have to wear expensive brands to stay warm. You just need to right the material!
Core/ Upper Body
Your torso is the most important part of your base layering system and if you are going to bring any extra layers to the hill, you will want to consider another torso layer. This is because your core keeps the rest of your body warm (for the most part). If your extremities are cold, more than likely it is your core that is actually cold. The layering systems outlined below are all items you would wear under your ski jacket. It should also be noted that our ski jackets are either not insulated (shells) or only very lightly insulated.
With my torso layer, I like to start with a wool/synthetic mix. The reason I like to start with a wool blend is because of its wicking properties. Wicking is a material’s ability to draw moisture off of a surface, and when you are sweating that surface is you. The faster you can wick away sweat the warmer you will stay. The synthetic material blended in with the wool allows moisture to wick quicker than just a wool layer. I am also not a fan of pure synthetic for my first layer becuase I dont find them very warm and they generally get smelly – fast.
Here are two options for a wool blend base layer that will work perfectly for your resort day;
If you wanna go all in and insure you are never wet from sweat and always warm, we recommend these;
Next I add a insulation layer. This can be a full merino wool, fleece, down or other synthetic layer because they provide superior insulation. Depending on how cold it is out, I will wear 2 of these layers to keep my torso warm. This can look like a thick wool sweater over top of my base layers as a mid layer or a puffy down jacket.
For a sweater I would recommend something like this;
When it’s really cold out, you may need to add another 1-2 layers. We recommend the following;
Searching for the right mid-layer jacket? I was too, for years! I have a great little down jacket but sometimes it’s too hot or it’s very wet and I want a synthetic option. Enter – the Helly Hansen Lifaloft Insulator Jacket! In this gear review we explore: the specs, the fit, and the performance of this jacket. Plus, I’ll share my thoughts on why the lifaloft insulator jacket is a great mid-layer option for any winter sport.
Lower Body
You’re lower body is doing most of the work when skiing or snowboarding. Personally, I don’t wear as many layers on my legs as I do my torso. For the most part you will only need 1-2 base layers on your legs. Sticking with the same approach as above, it’s best to wear a tight, next to skin base layer then a less fitted insulation layer under your snow pants. Again, you have to take into consideration if your snow pants are insulated or just a shell. It is nice to have an extra bit of insulation for your butt when you are waiting on the chair lift.
- Men’s Helly Hansen Merino Leggings
- Women’s Helly Hansen Merino Leggings
- Men’s Fleece Pants
- Women’s Fleece Leggings
If you are looking for something a little less expensive for base layer leggings try these;
Like I said earlier, depending on the conditions and the temperature outside will determine what combination of all of these base layers you will wear. Here’s a quick overview based on temps;
- 5°C to 0°C -> I will wear one thin base layer over my entire body with just my jacket and ski pants on top
- 0°C to -5°C -> I would wear a second base layer over my torso, with a third base layer brought to the hill just in case
- -5°C to -10°C -> I will wear a single base layer and a sweater, along with just my fluffy pants
- -10°C to -15°C -> I would wear torso 2 base layers and a sweater, legs base layer and fluffy pants
- -15°C to -25°C and colder -> 2 base layers and an insulated mid-layer on top plus legs base layer and fluffy pants and insulated ski pants
Pro Tip: Our friend Bree, she’s a ski patroller. She swears by her padded bike shorts on those really cold days. Says they keep her bum a lot warmer on the lift than just warm pants.
Snowsuit/Outer Shell
The next crucial part of having a great day at the ski hill is having a good snow/waterproof, windproof outer layer. I personally always go with an insulated jacket and pants at the resort because there is a lot of sitting or standing around between runs. Having a quality jacket and pants is very important in staying warm on the hill no matter what conditions you face. We recommend the following brands;
- Helly Hansen Men’s Ski Jacket
- Helly Hansen Men’s Ski Pants
- Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Jacket
- Helly Hansen Women’s Ski Pants
- Patagonia Men’s Ski Jacket
- Patagonia Men’s Ski Pants
- Patagonia Women’s Ski Jacket
- Patagonia Women’s Ski Pants
Hands, Feet and Head
Keeping your Hands Cozy
Having a quality pair of gloves or mitts will make your hands so much warmer than just a generic glove from Walmart. I personally like gloves more than mitts, but Katie is an ‘only mitts’ wearer because mitts will keep your hands warmer. Here are some great gloves and mitts that will keep your hand warm at the resort
If its really cold out, I will add a pair of thin gloves underneath my ski gloves. Adding a thin layer on your hands makes a huge difference in their warmth. This also protects your hands when you need to remove your big mitts to zip something or use your phone. We recommend something like this;
If it’s freezing out, I will also carry some of these hot pads in my pockets; they are a lifesaver. The trick is to make these hot in the morning and keep them in your pockets. This way as your hands need a warm-up, pop your hands inside your pockets.
Are you someone who always has cold hands? If yes, I would suggest a pair of heated gloves for this season. My mother is one of these people and having battery-powered gloves make her hands so happy!
Happy Feet
Warm feet can make or break a ski day. Katie’s feet are always cold so she wears a mid-weight sock inside her ski boots (which fit comfortably) and adds her neoprene boot gloves on top. I like a thinner sock inside my very fitted performance ski boots because I run hot. Make sure to wear a knee-high sock, otherwise, it will feel very uncomfortable inside your ski or snowboard boot. We both personally love Helly Hansen Alpine socks which are Merino Wool based and designed for all-day skiing use.
You have your socks on and your ski boots on, you’ve ripped half a dozen laps but your feet are still cold? That’s where boot gloves come in. Boot gloves cover the front part of your ski boot adding that little extra bit of insulation. This neoprene layer is worn outside of your boot and keeps the plastic of your ski boot warm, dramatically increasing the temperature of your foot. Everybody that I have told about boot gloves that actually uses them, absolutely loves them.
If you are someone who ALWAYS has cold feet, like the burning, painful kind of cold, I would suggest getting battery-powered heated insoles. Again for someone who is just naturally cold, these boot heaters are life-changing.
pssst….the heated insoles or boot gloves would make a stellar holiday gift for that cold footed skier on your list!
Mandatory Masks
This year, make sure you have a very comfortable mask because you will be wearing it all day. You will need your mask on in all line ups, on the lifts and gondolas, inside lodges – otherwise known as ‘at all times’ unless you’re charging moguls.
We plan on skiing with a buff over our nose and mouth as well as carrying 2-3 extra buffs and masks to swap them out as they get wet. Here’s an example of a super warm balaclava or if you need a thinner one to fit under your helmet, we would recommend something like this.
Now we didn’t talk about goggles yet, but it’s worth mentioning that goggles are great at keeping the top of your face warm. Don’t try to use sunglasses (your eyeballs will freeze) just use any pair of goggles you can find. We each have a pair of Zeal Optics with polarized lenses – gamechanger!
Other Tips for Staying Warm
- As soon as you stop moving, add a layer! Capturing body heat is critical for staying warm when you don’t have an external source of heat.
- Drink water and eat snacks regularly. Keep the fire burning!
- Go pee! Keeping all that water warm takes a lot of body heat away from places that need it more.
- If it’s wet, change it. This is why you brought all those extra layers after all. Especially for the kiddos, consider bringing a full change of clothes and multiple pairs of mitts for the little ones. I love a quick change out of all my wet gear before the long drive home.
- Where possible, get out of the wind when you stop.
With all of these layers in place you should stay nice and toasty all day long. Whether you are sitting on the chair life, skiing down the mountain, or cooking yourself up a delicious hot lunch on the tailgate, you will be warm.
How to Level Up Your Lodge-less Resort Experience
We aren’t finished yet, there’s still more to talk about! You still need to be fed and have a comfortable place to hang out on breaks. This is where all the other accessories come into play that will totally level up your lodge-less resort experience.
For starters, I don’t know about you but I love having a hot beverage at the ski hill that I can sip on throughout the day. This is where a quality thermos is AMAZING! If you use a Stanley thermos and you make your favourite hot beverage at home, you can enjoy a hot beverage all day long! The trick with a thermos is to heat the thermos before adding your drink. You won’t be able to drink it for the first 3 hours but it will be hot all day long.
The next item, that I think is absolutely crucial is a small camp stove. This will be used to reheat or cook your lunch. A hot lunch is a great way to make sure you stay warm throughout the entire day. It takes the chill out of your body especially if you can’t go into the lodge for the whole day. A little camp stove like this one will be perfect for lodge-less lunches.
- If you want a more reliable camp stove that you can take anywhere, then this MSR camp stove is the one!
- You will need a small camping pot set, to cook with and maybe some utensils. So heres a link for that as well.
Last couple of items that just make a lodge-less day at the resort that much better are;
- Down booties – These are amazing for driving to and from the hill or anytime you are just standing around and don’t want to be in your ski boots. Ski to your truck, whip off the ski boots, pop into your down booties, drop the tailgate and enjoy a hot lunch al fresco.
- Goggle cloth – For those days when the ice is caking your goggles. Keep this in your pocket or pack.
- Touring pack – This is great if you wanna take your lunch, layers, water etc onto the hill. For all of this stuff, you would probably want a 20L pack. Do know, you have to take your pack off to ride the lift.
- Bum Pad – This is great if you’re going to sit down anywhere on the mountain and you don’t want a cold butt.
- And last but not least, Trail Mix! Granola bars tend to freeze, so stick with easy snacks that won’t freeze solid.
That’s it, all the things you should bring to the ski resort to enjoy a lodge-less day and still be perfectly comfortable, no matter the conditions. Planning a weekend or longer trip, check out Kaylin’s Guide to Ski Trip Packing (for 2021)!
Thanks for reading!
If I missed anything or you have your own great ideas for how to stay more comfortable at the ski resort leave a comment down below.
Happy skiing!!
This post is part of an AvantLink and Helly Hansen sponsored program. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors.