Skiing in Chile – what clothes to pack

Skiing in Chile – What to Wear

The clothes you need for skiing in Chile are really the same as what you need in other ski centres around the world. Mountains are mountains and tend to have the same weather conditions, although the altitude can vary, and with it the temperatures. Most of the ski centres in Chile are below 3000m above sea level (9,842 feet).

If this is your first time skiing, you may be asking if you have to spend money in order to be comfortable on the ski field. The answer is yes. However there are ways to reduce the expenditure. My first venture skiing was done with rental skis and boots, my usual clothes I wore when trekking with some nylon overpants and a rainjacket which worked as a wind break. I borrowed some snow gloves and had some woolen gloves to wear inside the outer pair. I also wore sunglasses rather than ski goggles (not recommended). I may not have won any fashion prizes but I was comfortable and didn´t get into debt.

Prior to deciding what to wear, look at the weather forecast and be prepared for changes. Dressing in layers is the key, as you can easily add or remove one or two layers to keep comfortable. Dressing inapropriately for the weather is a sure way to ruin your day in the snow. It may be sunny ad warm where you are staying but the ski field may be dramatically different and mountains are notorious for changing weather suddenly. Some ski centres have lockers where you can store your things, otherwise you need to plan where to be able to leave your things if you need to.

First layer

This is your inner layer. This is the only place where cotton fabric may be worn, especially for those with skin allergies. The downside of wearing cotton is that once wet it will stay wet and you may get very cold. If you don´t have skin allergies, woollen or synthetic thermal undergarments could be a good investment. Some synthetic fibres can be very smelly when you sweat so choose carefully.

Second & third layers

Clothes made of synthetic fibres designed to wick away the moisture and keep you warm are a good choice for the second layer. Wool is also very good at keeping you warm even when it´s wet. You may need a third layer such as a fleece with a zipper that you can undo if you get hot.

Outer layer

This will be your snow parka or rain jacket. Ideally it will keep you warm and be waterproof or at least water resistant. There are different levels of resistence to water so it´s a good idea to test the fabric prior to using it and get good advice when purchasing. Ski lifts in Chile are fairly slow so you can be sitting on a chairlift for at least 5 minutes which can seem more like half an hour in cold wet conditions. The outer layer needs to be a generous size to accommodate the first and second layers.

Goggles

Sunglasses really aren´t sufficient to protect you from the refective UV glare of the snow or from driving wind and snow. Invest in ski goggles or rent them. Ski rental in Chile, particularly in the smaller centres such as Corralco in the central-south, may not have all the gear in one place to rent.

Helmet

A helmet is a must for beginners and advisable for all skiers and snowboarders/kiteskiers as it can prevent a fall from becoming pain

Gloves

Gloves are an item that you cannot do without on the ski field. An inner pair of thermal or woollen gloves is a good idea followed by ski gloves.

Left something at home or on a tight budget?

If you´ve left something at home or if you are on a tight budget, you may find some ski clothes in second hand clothes shops in towns or cities near the ski centres, they are usually advertised as “Ropa Americana”.