When winter shows its face, the first outings in the mountains and the cold of everyday life become a challenge. To face the cold in the best conditions, it is not enough to have a good jacket and warm pants: the winter thermal accessories make all the difference. What material?  What accessory? How to choose well? We help you choose the gloves, hats, and thermal underwear that will keep you warm throughout the season. 

Why equipping well in winter is essential 

The cold, wind, and humidity put the body to the test. Poor management of body temperature can quickly turn a beautiful outing into a nightmare. And no one likes to be cold or soaked by sweat. The most exposed areas or extremities (head, hands, feet) are also the ones through which heat escapes the fastest. That’s why it is essential to rely on technical accessories adapted to your activity: they ensure comfort, performance, and safety. 

Gloves: the first barrier against the cold

Our hands are among the first areas of the body to suffer from the cold. Poorly vascularized and very exposed, they quickly lose their heat as soon as the temperature drops. And having numb or insensitive hands is not only uncomfortable: it can become dangerous. In the mountains, loss of dexterity can compromise safety, risk frostbite or other problems that no one wishes for. 

Different types of technical gloves 

1. Ski gloves 

Designed to withstand intense cold and snow, they often combine high waterproofing, good insulation against snow but are weaker in breathability. They often feature technical membranes (like Gore-Tex, DryZone or BD.dry) that prevent water from entering. 
 Ideal for: alpine skiing, snowboarding, sledding, winter mountaineering. 
Our recommendations: the Guide Gloves from Diamond / the Camp G from Camp

2. Mittens 

They group the fingers in one pocket, limiting heat loss due to contact with the air. They allow less freedom of movement than gloves with separated fingers but offer a real thermal comfort. 
Ideal for: cold conditions, low-intensity activities (mechanical lifts, bivouacs) or daily use. 
Our recommendations: the Prt sammy from Protest / the Missions from Black Diamond 

3. Softshell gloves 

Thinner and more breathable, they prioritize freedom of movement and breathability while retaining warmth. Their stretch fabric construction and windproof design make them perfect for dynamic activities where the hands are stressed. 
Ideal for: ski touring, winter trail, snowshoeing, Nordic walking. 
Our recommendations: the Graven 6 from Racer / the Lagalp Softshell from Vaude 

4. Liner gloves 

Thin and lightweight, they are worn under a main pair to enhance warmth. Some touchscreen models allow you to use a smartphone without exposing your hands. 
Ideal for: adding modular insulation or extending the lifespan of main gloves. 
Our recommendations: the Oasis from Ice breaker / the Power stretch contact from Rab  

Tip: manage heat and humidity 

Gloves must find the right balance between warmth and breathability. 
A glove that is too warm for an intense activity can quickly become humid inside, which then increases the feeling of cold. 
The ideal? Plan for two pairs: one thin for effort, one warmer for breaks or extreme conditions. 

Discover the entire range of technical gloves on Alpinstore.com 

 

Hats: an essential accessory to retain body heat 

When talking about winter equipment, the hat is often seen as a simple accessory. However, it plays a fundamental role in the body's thermal regulation. The head acts as a thermal regulator. In cold conditions, the body reduces blood circulation to the extremities to prioritize vital organs. Result: the scalp and ears become particularly sensitive to the cold to the point of causing headaches, a generalized feeling of cold, and even a drop in energy. 

Different types of technical hats 

1. Merino wool hats 

A true star of technical clothing, merino wool offers natural warmth, excellent moisture regulation, and odor resistance. 
 It retains heat and wicks away moisture, making it a top choice for mountain sports. 
Ideal for: hiking, cross-country skiing, winter trekking, or daily use. 
Our recommendations: the Beanie from Poc / the Merinos from Ortovox

2. Fleece hats 

Lightweight and comfortable, fleece hats are perfect for intense physical activities. They dry quickly and can be easily worn under a helmet. 
Ideal for: skiing, cycling, climbing, or activities where breathability is key 
Our recommendations: the Polar from Colombia / the Logo from Rab  

3. Headbands and ear warmers 

For very intense activities or milder days, a thermal headband can be a lightweight alternative, protecting the ears without overheating the head. 
Ideal for: trail running, jogging, cross-country skiing. 
Our recommendations: the Logo from Devold / the Headbands from Buff 

Discover the complete selection of hats on Alpinstore.com 

 

Technical underwear: protecting the body from the first layer 

During activity, the body produces heat but also sweat. If this moisture remains trapped against the skin, it cools quickly in case of a stop or wind, causing an effect of cold humid that is not particularly pleasant. This is where technical underwear comes in: they wick sweat to the upper layers while retaining body heat. 

Types of technical underwear according to activity 

1. Thermal underwear for skiing and snowboarding 

They prioritize warmth and thermal regulation. Often thicker in synthetic, they retain heat even during breaks at altitude. 
Ideal for: alpine skiing, snowboarding, mechanical lifts, static activities in the cold. 
Our recommendations: the BL TOP from Odlo / the Symbio merino from X-bionic  

2. Breathable underwear for intense activities 

Light and very airy, merino wool underwear for example, promote quick sweat wicking and dry in the blink of an eye.  
Ideal for: ski touring, winter trail, snowshoeing, mountaineering. 
Our recommendations: the Active from Craft / the Energy accumulator from X-bionic 

Technical details to know for choosing 

Flat seams → avoid friction under clothing.
4-way stretch elasticity → total freedom of movement.
Ventilated zones / mesh → promote breathability in key areas (back, armpits).
Anti-odor treatment → for long outings.
Fitted cut → for optimal thermal efficiency (the garment should hug the skin without being tight). 

Discover the complete selection of technical underwear for men and women on Alpinstore.com 

 

The rule of three layers 

In the mountains, we often talk about the 3-layer system:
First layer → technical underwear: keeps the body dry.
Second layer → fleece or down jacket: provides warmth.
Third layer → waterproof jacket: protects from wind and rain.
Without a high-performance first layer, the other two lose effectiveness. It is the one that ensures the thermal base and maintains a constant body regulation, regardless of the effort. 

 

In summary 

Gloves, hats, thermal underwear… these accessories may seem optional or negligible, but they are the foundation of effective equipment against the cold. 
They allow you to fully enjoy your activities, without fearing the cold and to extend your outings, whether in the mountains, on the slopes, or simply in daily life. 

 

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The best technical jackets to face the cold this winter on the ski slopes