January 29, 2001


What type of socks is best for skiing?

What type of socks is best for skiing? Should you wear one pair, two, more? I've skied about six times over the past 25 years and am about to go again with six families. I would like to advise all, especially the novices, as to the best way to stay warm and comfortable. Any specific recommendations on gloves as well? I know that mittens are the warmest, but with all the kids going I know they'll object to mittens. What do you look for in a decent glove? Thanks,

— Brent Parker Cedar Park, Texas

My first choice is a light wool-blend sock, something like SmartWool's Ski Light Socks ($17). These are warm, comfortable and durable, and typically are all I wear under ski boots. For a bit more warmth, add a pair of Wigwam Outlast Liner Socks ($8). Alternatively, if anyone in your group is prone to cold feet, you can get socks that are more purely designed for insulation. An example: Stormkloth Socks ($20), which are made of a three-layer laminate that is very warm, although not as waterproof as billed (that shouldn't be an issue here). Or, a neoprene sock such as the Seirus neoprene sock ($20). These are made out of the same stuff as scuba divers' wetsuits, and do a good job of keeping extremities warm.

Actually, I don't think mittens are that great for skiing —- you lose too much dexterity. Check with your ski shop for something like a Columbia Shredder ($34), a winter sports glove designed specifically for kids. They're fleece-lined, with a tough nylon shell and waterproof bladder. Silk liners (available from Lands' End, among other places; usually about $8) add five to ten degrees to the comfort range. More expensive, but very toasty, are bi-component gloves such as the Marmot Randonee ($99) or the Black Diamond Glissade ($67), which combine Primaloft insulation with a waterproof-breathable bladder made of Gore-Tex or Sympatex.