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Being cold and wet on the slopes will ruin your day faster than you can say, “I wish we went to the beach.” Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountains, and wearing the right clothing will not only ensure your comfort, but also the safety of your 10 fingers and toes. Putting some planning into the layers that you wear under your snow clothing will go a long way towards making sure you enjoy every moment of your next snowy adventure.   A layering system is typically made up of 3 elements:   Base Layer: This is the layer that’s in direct contact with your skin. The purpose of your baselayer is not only to keep you warm, but also to transport moisture away from your body. It might be freezing outside, but you still sweat when you are on the hill, and having wet clothing against your body will be a guaranteed day-ender. Polypro baselayers are a great budget choice and gone are the days of one wear wonders – you can get various weights with plain and printed options.  These all retain warmth when they are wet and wick moisture away from the skin. Merino wool is the king of baselayer fabrics, and though more expensive, is well worth the investment if you will be making several trips to the snow fields this winter. Merino does come in various weights and options but might not be suited for those who react to natural fibres against the skin.   Mid Layer: The mid layer is where you have the most flexibility to adjust to the weather conditions and your own personal thermostat. Too cold? Add another mid-layer. Too hot? Take it off and put it in your pack. The mid layer is there to provide warmth via insulation, and to continue the job of moving moisture away from your body to the outside of your clothing where it can evaporate. Synthetic fleeces are great mid-layers, as they are lightweight, retain warmth when wet, and are quick to dry. Soft shells and lightweight puffer jackets are also a great option if you tend to feel the cold. If you find you only need the extra warmth on your body core, then a sleeveless vest is also a fantastic option.   Outerwear: This is the barrier between you and the elements, and will ensure you remain warm and dry all day long. You will need a jacket and pants that are tough wearing and waterproof. There are 2 main options when it comes to outerwear styles: Shell or Insulated. A shell jacket is a thin, lightweight, waterproof outer layer, that is highly breathable, and designed for movement and flexibility. You control your warmth with the layers you wear under a shell jacket, so make sure to chose one that is roomy enough to accommodate your base layer and a mid layer. An insulated jacket will be a little bulkier, but that is because they have a heat-trapping loft built in between the outer shell and the lining. Insulated jackets and pants are a great option if you tend to feel the cold, or alternatively if you prefer to wear light base layers, and control all of your heat with your outerwear.    

So you’re all set to head away for snowy adventures in Australia, New Zealand, Japan or somewhere else on this white crystal plant! Whether you’re with the family, a group of friends, or solo day-tripping, there is nothing quite like the freedom of sliding down a mountain to forget your worries. But worries should be the only thing you forget on your next snow holiday. We’ve put together a quick checklist to help you out with the logistics of packing for your next trip to the snow:   Have you checked the weather?If you know there will cold or snowy weather it will be important to pack more options when it comes to layering up and keeping warm.  You should always think about additional items to take such as base layers, neckwarmers,goggles, gloves and glove liners  Tip: Always take a spare set of gloves and liners if the forecast calls for snow.   Have you pre-booked your tickets? It’s generally always cheaper to buy your lift tickets ahead of time, and it will save you the hassle of standing in line when all you want to do is hit the slopes!Tip: Each mountain website will have details of special deals. Packages are the way to go for best value plus snow lessons as well.    How are you getting there? Driving your own car or taking public transport? Both will require road-trip snacks and epic playlists. Plan ahead. Check that your car has antifreeze coolant, and make sure that you are carrying chainsTip: Audiobooks or podcasts are a great way to pass the time on long drives.   Is your equipment ready? If you are taking your own equipment rather than hiring it on the mountain, have a quick look over your skis, board, bindings and boots before you leave home to make sure that everything is in working order. Nothing is worse than a broken lace on your snowboard boots the first time you put them on for the season!Tip: It’s always worth putting your skis and boards in for a wax and tune after a long hot summer of storage.   What are you going to wear? This is where it pays to plan ahead. As a bare minimum you are going to need:- Base Layer (longjohns or leggings and a longsleeve top)- Mid Layer (fleece, jumper, or a thin insulated jacket) - Outerwear (waterproof jacket and pants)- Ski Socks, Gloves, Goggles, Hat, Helmet, Neckwarmer or Balaclava. You will also need clothes for travelling and to wear after skiing, and snow boots for walking around on the snow.Tip: It always pays to take more than you think, especially if you’re travelling with the kids. You’ll always need a spare set of dry gloves and socks.   Have you packed the sunscreen?  Just because you're going to a cold environment doesn't mean the sun is any less fierce. Always make sure you have sunscreen and lip balm in your jackert pocket even in the coldest of locations, as the UV radiation bounces off the reflective white snow in all directions. Also it pays to drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated, as your body struggles to maintain a toasty warm temperature when it is dehydrated.Tip: Don’t eat yellow snow!   Have you packed your smile? No matter what the conditions are like it’s always a good time in the mountains! With a bit of forward planning, any forgotten gear and broken equipment headaches can be easily avoided, and you can focus on the more important things, like when to stop for your first hot chocolate of the day!   This snow trip checklist has been written by all-round snow enthusiast Tori Beattie.  Tori is based in the beautiful Wanaka in New Zealand and has been skiing all around the world for the last 15 years.