When you spend your days climbing through deep snow and traversing alpine ridges, staying warm isn’t about piling on insulation — it’s about managing moisture, breathability, and smart transitions. At Battle Abbey, where weather shifts quickly, proper layering is essential for both comfort and safety.

Here’s how to build a layering system that works with your effort, not against it.

1. Base Layer – Thin, Breathable, Moisture-Wicking

Wear:

• Lightweight merino wool or merino blend long underwear
• Avoid heavy thermal layers

The base layer’s job is to move sweat away from your skin. Thin merino is ideal — it regulates temperature and dries quickly. Heavy baselayers trap moisture and can leave you chilled on the descent.

Rule #1: If it’s cotton, leave it at the lodge.

2. Mid Layer – Optional Core Warmth

Wear (only if cold):

• Medium-weight merino or breathable fleece top

This layer is for cooler mornings or during breaks. Avoid insulated puff or synthetic vests while climbing — they don't breathe, ice up quickly, and can become waterlogged inside your shell. Use it sparingly and be ready to remove it once you’re warm.

3. Touring Outer Layer – Breathability Over Waterproofing

Wear while skinning:

• Breathable soft shell jacket and pants
• Wind-resistant, lightly water-repellent fabrics

High-output touring demands airflow. Avoid Gore-Tex and heavy 3-layer shells during the climb — they trap heat and moisture. Reserve fully waterproof shells (top & bottom) for storm days or big descents.

Always pack a lightweight hardshell in your backpack for:

• Storms or rapid weather changes
• Deep powder descents
• Harsh wind on exposed ridges

4. Pack a Down Jacket – Your Lifeline at Lunch Stops

Even if you don’t tour in insulation, you should always pack a warm down jacket in your backpack.

Bring:

• Lightweight, compressible down jacket (800–1000 fill)
• With an insulated hood (highly recommended)

This is essential for:

• Lunch stops and summit breaks
• Emergency warmth if injured or delayed
• Throwing on over your shell when wind picks up

A large, compressible down puffy lives in your pack — not on your body while climbing — ready to trap heat the moment you stop moving.

5. Socks, Neckwear & Accessories

Socks:

• Ski-specific wool socks (thin to mid-weight)
• Avoid bulky expedition socks that cause foot sweat

Neck Tube:

• Lightweight merino or synthetic buff
• Wind, sun, and frost protection without overheating

Gloves:

• Lightweight warm gloves for climbing - windproof and modestly waterproof (touring specific)
• Thick mitts or gloves for descending (thinking big alpine skiing that you can also stand around in)

Final Wisdom: Stay Dry, Stay Mobile, Stay Warm

Ski touring at Battle Abbey is about rhythm — climb, sweat, pause, ski. Your layers should support that rhythm by breathing on the way up and insulating when you stop.

Be slightly cold when you start. If you're warm at the trailhead, you’re already overdressed.

Smart layering keeps you comfortable, safe, and focused on what matters most: deep turns, big mountains, and unforgettable days in the Selkirks.

Whenever embarking on a ski adventure, you're best to use systems (be it hard-goods such as skis, boots, skins or softgoods such as touring wear) that you are familiar with or have tested extensively prior to arrival. Knowing your gear means you have more fun! See you in the mountains!