If you’ve ever watched cross‑country skiing at the Olympics, you’d be forgiven for thinking the dress code is either the thinnest skin‑tight Lycra or full alpine‑skiing armour. On one end of the spectrum, you’ve got athletes racing in aerodynamic suits that look like they’ve been borrowed from a velodrome. On the other, many assume that anything involving snow requires thick, insulated salopettes and a jacket that could double as a duvet.
The truth? Neither extreme is ideal for most people. Especially beginners.
In this (hopefully useful) article, I want to look at what clothing works for cross‑country skiing when you’re not an elite racer, but you still want to stay warm, comfortable, and able to move. The good news is you probably already own a lot of what you need. I shopped my own hiking and outdoor wardrobe for almost everything except trousers, and it worked brilliantly.
Hopefully you’ll have already read my short adventure journal series (and watched the videos – do watch the videos…) all about my cross‑country ski trip in Norway, and between my own trial‑and‑error, some online research, advice from some experts, and a few very well‑chosen pieces, I’ve learnt a lot about what to wear (and what not to wear). Consider this your friendly guide to finding that perfect middle ground.
Layering Really Matters
Layering is the same principle that underpins most sports: you dress for how hot you’re going to get, not how cold you are at the start. Cross‑country skiing just takes this to the extreme, as it is a wonderfully deceptive sport. You start off cold – potentially very cold – and within five minutes you’re sweating like you’re in a spin class. It’s one of the most aerobic winter sports out there, which means the real challenge isn’t staying warm; it’s staying warm without overheating.
This is why thick, insulated outerwear is a no‑go. It feels comforting when you leave the warmth of the skistall, but the moment you start moving, you’ll trap too much heat, sweat heavily, and then cool down far too quickly when you stop. That’s not just uncomfortable, it drains energy you should really spend on actually skiing.
The solution is simple: multiple thin, adjustable layers. Think of your outfit as a thermostat you can tweak throughout the day, with zips you can open, layers you can peel off, and fabrics that wick moisture instead of holding onto it.
Your Quick Guide to Cross-Country Ski Clothing
Top
A good top half is all about managing heat and moisture. You want layers that work together, not against each other.
Sports bra
For those of us who need one, a good sports bra is very important. Choose something supportive but soft and breathable – you want a fit that keeps everything secure without feeling restrictive across your chest or shoulders, especially when you’re using your arms so much for poling. Whatever you wear for running or hiking will absolutely do the job.
A base layer
This is your moisture manager. It should sit close to the skin, wick sweat efficiently, and be chosen based on temperature (short sleeve for milder days, long sleeve for colder ones). Merino or synthetic both work well, but avoid cotton or you’ll get so damp you’ll chafe your skin raw – not to mention the smell! If you’ve been reading any of my gear articles over the years you won’t be surprised to know my base layer set was an Isobaa duo – but you probably have something at home already you can use.
A mid layer
This is your main temperature regulator. A quarter‑zip or full‑zip is essential because it lets you vent heat without stopping. Fleece, grid fleece, or a lightweight synthetic mid layer all work well. You can also remove it entirely if the day warms up, so choose something that packs down easily.
A lightweight insulated jacket (puffy)
This is your Goldilocks layer; warm but not bulky. Whether you choose down or synthetic fill, your puffy should feel like a hug without being restrictive. On dry, calm days, this might be your outer layer. On colder or windier days, it becomes the insulating layer under your shell. Choose something that’s lightweight to balance warmth and breathability. I actually took two and ended up mainly wearing the lovely mint-green Summit down jacket from Mac in a Sac’s Venture range – a gift from them but just spot on for my needs.
A waterproof and windproof shell
Some days you won’t wear this (so make sure you have room in your bag for it and your puffy), but you must have one. A softshell or hardshell works; the key is wind protection as well as waterproofing. If your shell has pit zips, even better, as they’re ideal for dumping heat without exposing yourself to the cold. Mine stayed in my backpack most of the time, but when the wind picked up, I was very glad to have it.
Bottom
Your legs generally cope better with temperature changes than your upper body, which means you can get away with fewer layers here. It’s also far more awkward to adjust trousers once you’re out on the snow, so the goal is to start with something that’s already doing most of the work for you.
Base layer leggings
Like your base layer top, choose something that’s thin, breathable, and non‑cotton. They should feel like a second skin, not like thermal armour. Think ‘running tights’ rather than thermal insulation.
Windproof, water-resistant trousers with stretch
Cross‑country ski or ski touring trousers are designed to be thin but durable, offering protection without bulk. Unlike alpine ski gear, they’re not insulated like duvets, because you simply don’t need that level of warmth when you’re constantly moving. Instead, they focus on:
- Windproofing to stop icy gusts cutting through.
- Water resistance to handle snow spray and the occasional tumble.
- Stretch and articulation so you can glide, stride, and climb without restriction.
A good pair should feel almost like a hybrid between a pair of running tracksuit bottoms and softshell hiking trousers: light, flexible, and built for motion. They should block the wind on the front (where you need it most) and often have more breathable panels or zips on the back to help manage heat and moisture.
This is where I spent money before I went to Norway. I bought the adidas Terrex Xperior Cross‑Country Ski Softshell Joggers (not part of my collaboration) – they came recommended by a friend and fit me just right once I went up a size. They are stretchy, protective, and designed exactly for this kind of skiing. I never once felt restricted, and they handled both cold mornings and warmer, sunnier stretches without me overheating. I should say, they’ve also become my go-to winter hiking trousers, too, which you’ll see in my upcoming Estonia adventure journal series.
Accessories
These small items can make or break your comfort, and they’re often the easiest things to get wrong. A little thought here goes a long way.
Gloves
Layers apply for your hands just as they do for the rest of your outfit. A thin thermal liner for dexterity and moisture management, plus a windproof/waterproof shell for protection. The old ski gloves I took to Norway were not up to the job (too worn out), and I came home knowing I needed options, so I’ve already upgraded mine since returning home. I now have two pairs that each offer different specifications: a thin and stretchy windproof pair which are great for milder days and perfect for when I’m hiking too. And a thicker waterproof and insulated pair I can wear with or without merino liners for very cold days.
Wool socks
No need for bulky knee‑high ski socks for cross‑country skiing; mid‑calf or ankle height is perfect. Prioritise merino or merino‑blend options that wick moisture and stay warm even when damp. I took a selection of merino hiking socks by Bridgedale and Darn Tough – I think I prefer the Bridgedales (Midweight Merino Performance Boot) for the shape of my feet, but the Darn Toughs (Hiker Boot Midweight) are also very good. Wear a merino liner sock if you like (I use these Bridgedale ones, I’ve had them for years); some people swear by this technique for warmth and blister protection, others hate it – you do you.
Beanie or cap
Some days you will want a cap with a peak, and other days you will want a warm beanie. In both cases, choose something warm but low‑profile so it fits comfortably under a hood if needed (so maybe avoid bobbles, sorry!). Look for a snug fit that won’t slip as you move, and avoid anything too thick or heavy as you’ll heat up quickly. And remember that the quickest way to cool down if you break a sweat is to take off your hat for a few minutes.
Sunglasses
Another must. The glare off snow is intense even on cloudy days, so go for lenses with good UV protection and a shape that won’t fog easily when you’re working hard. Wraparound styles help keep wind out of your eyes, but I found my wayfarer style Goodr sunglasses worked perfectly (and looked really cool, if I do say so myself!).
Buff (or similar) neck gaiter
A lightweight, breathable buff is more versatile than a scarf and far easier to adjust on the move. You want something you can pull up over your face on cold descents but push down when you’re climbing and generating heat. Oh, and carry a spare – they’re good for everything.
For your phone and hydration…
Honourable mentions must go to other accessories that you may find useful. A cross-body strap such as this Peak Design one to keep your phone both easily accessible and safe (more words in my August Currently Loving post), this simple but very effective insulated phone sleeping bag to help keep your phone battery warm (featured in my February Currently Loving post), and – probably most importantly – an insulated water bottle such as a Hydroflask (which I highly recommend) for warm drinks when out exploring the backcountry (recommended in my December Currently Loving). Not the only ‘extras’ you might want, but a good starting point.
For the Joy of Cross-Country Skiing
Cross‑country skiing is one of the most joyful, surprising, quietly powerful winter sports you can try. There’s something magical about gliding through snowy forests, finding a pace that gets you out into the wilderness, and feeling your body warm itself from the inside out. It’s peaceful and energising all at once.
Getting your clothing right makes the whole experience smoother, safer, and infinitely more enjoyable. I hope this guide helps you feel confident about what to wear, whether you’re borrowing from your hiking wardrobe, investing in a few key pieces, or building up your kit slowly over time.
And if you’re planning your first trip at the moment, I’m genuinely excited for you. It’s an incredible sport, and once you find your flow, you’ll understand why so many people fall in love with it. Including me.
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