There is absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing, that ruins a ski day faster than being cold. You know the feeling: your toes turn into numb blocks of ice, your fingers start to ache, and suddenly, the breathtaking mountain views just look like a frozen, miserable landscape you want to escape.

I have been there. I used to be the person shivering on the lift, counting down the minutes until I could run inside for a hot chocolate, not because I was thirsty, but because I needed to defrost. But over the years, through trial and error (and a lot of shivering), I’ve dialed in a system that works.

I’m talking about gear that keeps me warm and happy even when the temps drop to a biting 5 degrees.

As someone who believes in an integrative approach to lifestyle and fitness, I know that if you are physically uncomfortable, you cannot perform your best. Skiing is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. If your body is stressed from the cold, your mind can’t focus on your turns, your form, or the sheer joy of movement.

So, let’s talk gear. I’m going to walk you through exactly what I wear, from the base layers touching my skin to the hard goods on my feet, to ensure I stay toasty on the coldest mountain days.

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The Strategy: It’s All About the Layers

Before we dive into the specific products, we need to talk about the philosophy of layering. You can’t just throw on a big coat and hope for the best. You need a system.

The goal is to trap heat close to your body while allowing moisture (sweat) to escape so you don't get damp and cold. My strategy involves high performance base layers, a heated mid-layer (game changer!), and a windproof, insulated outer shell.

Outer Layers: The Shield Against the Elements

Your outer layer is your first line of defense. On those frigid 5-degree days, I don’t mess around with uninsulated shells. I need down, and I need weather protection.

My Go-To Jacket: Stio Women's Shot Down Jacket

I absolutely swear by the Stio Women's Shot Down Jacket. This isn't just a jacket; it's a fortress. It is packed with responsibly sourced down, which provides that loft and warmth that synthetic insulation sometimes struggles to match in extreme cold.

What I love about it is that it has a GORE-TEX shell. Usually, down jackets are puffy but not waterproof. This one gives you the best of both worlds: the intense warmth of down and the waterproof, windproof protection of a technical shell.

Two other jackets to check out from Stio are: Doublecharge Insulated Jacket and the Environ Shell Jacket that I wear in the spring or warmer weather.

For days when I'm running to and from the mountain or just navigating town, I also love the Stio Pinion Jacket or my Aritzia Jacket that is actually better than my Canada Goose, I’m not kidding about this! It’s lightweight but incredibly warm, making it the perfect transition piece.

The Pants: Women's Doublecharge Ski Pant

For my bottom half, I pair the jacket with the Women's Doublecharge Ski Pant. When it is 5 degrees out, your legs can get surprisingly cold, especially when sitting on a chairlift. These pants offer insulation without making you look or feel like the Michelin Man. They have a great articulated fit that allows for full range of movement, which is essential when you're carving hard.

Base Layers: The Foundation of Warmth

If your base layers are cheap or cotton, the rest of your expensive gear won't matter. You need materials that pull moisture away from your skin while retaining heat.

Tops: Krimson Clover

For my base layer tops, I exclusively use Krimson Clover. If you haven't tried their gear yet, you are missing out. I love the performance, they wick sweat brilliantly, but honestly? It’s the feel. They are so incredibly soft against my skin.

Comfort is a huge part of my skiing philosophy. If I’m itchy or restricted, I’m not having fun. Krimson Clover nails that intersection of high performance tech and cozy comfort. Plus, their designs are super cute, which never hurts for the après ski transition!

On top of my Krimson base layer, I add my heated vest so it’s close to my body, then my fleece, which is this one, here, and then my jacket. On a warmer day, I’ll opt for just the vest instead of the nano jacket.

Bottoms: Stio Fernos Insulated Knicker

This might be a specific preference, but I am a huge fan of the knicker length for skiing. I use the Stio Fernos Insulated Knicker.

Why knickers? Because you don't want your long underwear bunching up inside your ski boot. That can cut off circulation and actually make your feet colder (and painful!). These knickers stop right above the boot line, keeping your thighs and glutes warm while leaving your lower leg tailored for the boot.

Socks: SmartWool Over The Calf

Speaking of boots, let’s talk socks. I wear SmartWool Ski Over The Calf Socks. Specifically, I go for the ones with no cushion.

I know, it sounds counterintuitive. Shouldn't thick socks be warmer? Actually, no. A thick sock takes up volume in your boot, which can restrict blood flow. Restricted blood flow leads to cold toes. A thin, high quality wool sock allows your foot to move slightly and maintains a warm layer of air without cutting off circulation.

Mid Layers: The Secret Weapon

This is where the magic happens. If you take one thing away from this post, let it be this section.

The Game Changer: Lenz Heated Vest

I cannot stress this enough: The Lenz Heated Vest changed my life on the mountain.

On the coldest days, this vest is my lifeline. Here is my specific protocol for using it: I wear it directly over my base layer. You want the heating elements as close to your body as possible to warm your core blood flow.

I typically crank it up to level 4 or 5. At this intensity, I can get about 2.5 to 3 hours of solid heat from the batteries. That is usually enough to get me through the coldest part of the morning. Once the sun comes out or I’ve worked up a sweat, I can turn it down.

The Fleece Layer

Over the heated vest, I layer a fleece. This traps the heat generated by the vest against my body. I love the Patagonia Nano Jacket in black or the Patagonia Nano Vest.

By putting the fleece over the heated vest, you create an oven effect. The vest generates heat, the fleece traps it, and the Stio down jacket seals it all in. It is an invincible combination.

Hard Goods: Skis and Boots

Staying warm is crucial, but you also need gear that performs when the conditions are tough.

My Favorite Skis: Blizzard Black Pearl

I have skied on a lot of different setups, but the Blizzard Black Pearl Skis are my absolute favorite skis to date.

When it’s 5 degrees out, the snow isn't slushy; it’s usually hard packed and icy. These skis are incredible at handling those conditions. When there is ice on the mountain, the Black Pearls carve right into it easily. They give me so much confidence because I know an edge isn't going to slip out from under me.

If you are looking for another great all-mountain option, I also highly recommend the Nordica Belle. They are versatile and fun, but for those icy, cold days, the Black Pearls have my heart.

Boots: Technica

Boots are notoriously difficult to fit, especially if you have athletic calves like I do. I have found that Technica Boots are the best fit for my leg shape.

I want to be real with you, though, good ski boots are a relationship you have to build. Even though these fit my calves great, they needed about 3 months of break-in time. Don't get discouraged if your boots feel tight at first; high performance liners pack out over time. Now, they fit like a glove and keep my feet responsive and warm.

Accessories: Hands, Head, and Vision

We lose so much heat through our extremities. Do not skimp on these items!

Heated Gloves

Just like the vest, heated gloves are a luxury that has become a necessity for me. I use Seirus Innovation Heat Touch Gloves. Having warm hands means I have the dexterity to unzip pockets, adjust my goggles, and hold my poles without grimacing in pain.

The Budget-Friendly Alternative

I get it, heated gear is an investment. If you aren't ready to drop the money on heated gloves or socks yet, you can absolutely survive with high quality warmers.

I use these Toe Warmers (stick them on top of your toes, not underneath, for better comfort!) and these Hand Warmers every single time I go out if I'm not using my heated gear. They are lifesavers. P.S. don’t use them on any new socks, wash them first or they don’t stick!

I don’t use heated socks (yet) but if I did I do really like this brand, here.

Helmet and Goggles

Safety first, but style is a close second. I rock a Ski Helmet that integrates perfectly with my Anon Goggles. The specific lens I use is great for flat light, which often accompanies those super cold, cloudy days. I also layer under my helmet with a Skida Alpine Hat for extra warmth, it fits perfectly without feeling bulky. Seriously, the Anon Goggles are the best because they are the magnetic closer to your goggles (see video below!)

Underneath my Anon Magnetic Neck Gator, I add the Skida Alpine Fleece Neck Warmer for even more insulation and comfort, they have even more styles to choose from, here. Staying warm is key, but when I want to look extra bundled and cute, I love finishing the look with a cozy helmet hood or this one here, to complete the ensemble.

M4 Toric Goggles + MFI Mask

Don't Let the Cold Stop You

Skiing in 5-degree weather doesn't have to be an exercise in endurance. With the right layering system, starting with soft Krimson Clover bases, adding that powerhouse Lenz heated vest, and topping it off with a Stio down fortress, you can actually enjoy the crisp air and the empty slopes.

Remember, investing in your gear is investing in your experience. When you aren't focused on how cold you are, you can focus on the beauty of the mountain and the thrill of the ride.

Stay warm out there, and I’ll see you on the slopes!

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Freezing on the Slopes? My Ultimate Guide to Skiing in 5 Degree Weather

The Strategy: It’s All About the Layers

Outer Layers: The Shield Against the Elements