You’re all set to ski again, aren’t you?! You’ve got your skis, you’ve got your poles, you’ve got some fancy boots. Pants looking great, outerwear is all taken care of and – uh oh. You forgot your mid layer. But, hey, it’s a good thing you’re still at home reading this article instead of getting dressed for a day on the mountain without a mid layer. That means you can still get actually prepared with our list for the Best Mid Layer for Skiing instead of going out there and freezing your tail off. Let’s get all cozied up and see what’s in store.

The Best Mid Layers for Skiing
	The Best of the Best Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket Mid-thickness for a mid-layer Thick yet flexible Lightweight but plenty warm
	The Budget Winner Columbia Big Steens Mountain 2.0 All fleece so you stay super warm Lightweight with a stand up collar Durable design with flexibility
	The Thickness Winner The North Face Thermoball Hoodie The warmest mid-layer possible Thermoball technology is lightweight Hood to keep your melon warm, too

What to Consider

When it comes to your mid layer, there can end up being a lot to consider. The best mid layer for skiing – for you – should follow more than one guideline so here’s a few that we think are most important:

• Materials: Of course, it’s all important to get a mid layer made out of what you want it to be made out of. You’ll be seeing a lot of polyester, nylon, and whatever it is that the company is putting in between the surfaces of the jacket to thicken it up for warmth. You may also see some spandex and cotton if you’re looking at jackets that are a little different than most. At any rate, getting the right material for you is what’s best because everyone prefers different feels out of their clothes. Stay comfy, San Diego!
• Thickness: Next on the list is what kind of thickness you want out of your mid layer. The best mid layer for skiing doesn’t necessarily have a required thickness. Rather, it needs to cater to what your needs are. You are going to see mid layers that are really thick and some that are not so much. That kind of range is great because some like a thick mid layer while others just don’t. When you’re skiing and snowboarding, you’ll be working up your own body heat so adjusting for that fact is key.
• Hooded: The last big characteristic that you can take care of is deciding on whether you like a hood on your mid layer. Fact is that some do and some don’t. Most of the time, your outer layer is going to have a hood on it. But if you want two hoods for some added heat capturing for your dome piece, nobody should be arguing against that. So, check to see if your mid layer choice has a hood or not.

Best Mid Layer for Skiing

Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket

We’re going to start you off right on top of our list for the best mid layer for skiing options with our favorite. Arc’teryx makes a ton of great snow gear and their Atom LT Jacket is right in line with that stellar reputation.

This jacket has Polartec Power Stretch with Hardface Technology so it feels stiff and sturdy to the touch but moves with you while you’re being athletic down the mountain. That’s a nice combination that will get you feeling sleek. The jacket is made of 88% polyester and 12% spandex with a shell that is 100% nylon. So, yes, it’s super comfy.

As far as thickness goes, this jacket is somewhere right in the middle of your mid layer choices. It’s thick enough that it will do its job in keeping you warm but also thin enough that you can move freely and feel agile. And it’s hoodless so that takes some weight off of things, too. The length is also great with its drop-tail hem and the fit is meant to be trim. So, if you’re looking for a tight-ish fit that still lets you move around freely – and stay warm – the Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket is our favorite for the best mid layer for skiing – and we think it will be yours, too.

Columbia Big Steens Mountain 2.0

Next, we love this jacket from Columbia. Its strength is that, frankly, it’s crazy affordable. Your wallet will appreciate getting to own this jacket and so will you.

This bad boy is 100% polyester. It’s comfy, it’s warm, and it’s a classic zip-front fleece jacket. It has a modern fit that stays tight around the wrists to hold in that lovely body heat but can zip to whatever length you need in case you want to cool down after a nice run.

As far as thickness goes, this is going to be a lighter option for you. Those who are looking for a mid layer that is thin enough to let their base layer and outer layer do the heavy lifting are going to fall in love with this jacket considering how warm it is despite its physical thinness. It even kicks the hood to the curb to cut down on bulk, opting for a stand up collar that protects the neck all the same.

If you’re looking for a slimmer choice for the best mid layer for skiing in the game, the Columbia Big Steens 2.0 is a great choice. Thin and fluffy, slim and warm, and extremely easy on the old wallet.

The North Face Thermoball Hoodie

The biggest, thickest option has arrived. If you’re pretty demanding about the warmth that your mid layer provides, then you have come to the right place on our best mid layer for skiing page because the Thermoball Hoodie is large and in charge

This 100% Nylon jacket is packed full of warmth harnessing goodness. The Thermoball technology is awesome for insulation all the while being lightweight. What’s even more interesting is the durable water-repellent finish that The North Face has put on this jacket. So you’re not only keeping out the cold, you’re also keeping out the wet. Now that’s nice.

So, when it comes to thickness, you’re looking at the thickest jacket we have on here. And it’s probably on the thicker side of things in any regard. The Thermoball technology is lightweight but definitely fluffy so it takes up a good volume. To speak even further to a big warmth capacity, the hood on this jacket is made off the same stuff as the body. That way, you can keep your head warm just as nicely.

Altogether, this is the biggest, thickest, warmest jacket that we are willing to call the best mid layer for skiing. If you don’t mind a thick mid layer, this is the jacket for you.

Wrap Up

Mid layers are essential to bringing your whole outfit together – almost literally, in a sense. Making the right choice is essentially essential to getting you to just the right amount of warmth with the right amount of flexibility. All told, we love the three options we’re presenting you with on this page. They’re the top contenders in their specific types of mid layers and you’re sure to appreciate them if you pick the right one for you. Remember, folks, it’s all about the right combination of materials, thickness, and hood-ness. Pay attention and your snowgoing gear will be the most comfortable that you wear in every part of the year.