What to wear skiing in Tromsø
The cold rarely ruins a ski day. The wrong clothes do. With three layers, good mittens and something warm around your neck, you stay comfortable all day, also under the floodlights in the polar night.
Updated
How cold does it get?
In winter the average temperature in Tromsø is around minus four degrees Celsius. It varies a lot, and for outdoor activities you should be ready for anything from minus 25 to plus 5. On the slopes you add the wind, on the lift and on the way down. Check the weather at the resort the same morning.
Wool closest to the skin
Your base layer decides whether you get cold. Wool keeps you warm even when you sweat on a steep run or during a lesson, and it smells less after a long day. Cotton soaks up moisture and turns cold, so leave the T-shirt and jeans at the hotel.
A warm middle layer
Over the wool, wear a wool or fleece sweater. On the coldest days, or in the evening during the polar night, two thin layers work better than one thick one. Take one off at lunch and put it back on before the lift.
Wind and waterproof on the outside
Your outer layer should keep the wind out and handle sitting in the snow. If you do not have ski clothes, adults can rent a ski jacket and ski trousers at the rental shop while stock lasts. A city winter coat gets wet quickly when you fall, and on your first day you will.
Hands, neck and head
- Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves. Bring a spare pair, especially for children.
- A neck warmer you can pull up over your nose and mouth on the lift.
- A thin hat or helmet liner that fits under the helmet.
- Hand warmers in your mittens and boots on the coldest days.
Your feet
One pair of good wool ski socks beats two pairs in ski boots, because two pairs make the boot tight and cold. For the walk from the bus and around town, wear warm winter shoes with room for an extra wool sock, and ice grips make icy pavements much safer.
Helmet and goggles
Helmets and goggles can be rented at the rental shop, along with everything else you need. In the evening a clear or yellow lens shows you more than a dark one. Read more in our guide to skiing in the polar night.
Packing list
- Wool base layer, top and bottoms.
- A wool or fleece sweater.
- Wind and waterproof jacket and trousers, or rent them here.
- Mittens, ideally two pairs.
- A neck warmer and a thin hat for under the helmet.
- Good wool ski socks.
- Warm winter shoes and ice grips for the walk.
Children
Children get cold faster than adults and tell you later. Give them the same three layers, spare mittens in a pocket and a break indoors with something warm to drink. See our guide to skiing and sledding with kids.
If you are new to skiing, the right clothes are half the job. Your instructor takes care of the rest. Book a ski lesson and you are ready.
Ready for the slopes?
Book a private ski or snowboard lesson online and choose the time that suits you. One to eight people, one or two hours.
