Snow Clothing: Jacket and Pants Rental

You do not need to buy snow clothing to ski for just a few days. With Caranva you rent the jacket and pants at the same resort where you pick up your skis, and you only bring the layers that go underneath. Whatever you call it (ski clothing, ski wear or snow gear), here you have the shops that offer it, how the layering system works and what you need to pack yourself.

Snow clothing: rent a jacket and pants at your resort

What you rent is the outer layer, the one that protects you from water, wind and snow: a jacket (or parka) and snow pants, both waterproof. Many shops offer them in different quality tiers, from a basic set for a first day to more technical garments for anyone who spends long hours on the slopes or skis in bad weather. Some also include gloves or a helmet, or offer them as an extra. Each product page details exactly what is included.

• You book the set online for your days and pick it up at the shop along with the rest of your equipment.
• You try it on there, ideally with your thermal layer already on, to adjust the size and the length of the pants.
• You return it when you finish and do not have to carry bulky clothing on the way home.

Snow clothing rental by destination

Chile: snow clothing rental in Santiago

If you are heading up to Valle Nevado, La Parva or El Colorado from Santiago, the practical option is to rent your snow clothing in the city and go up already kitted out. On the snow clothing rental in Santiago page you can book a parka and pants. You can add skis in Santiago and the transfer to Valle Nevado so you do not have to drive the road up to Farellones. Everything we have in the area is in Santiago de Chile.

Argentina: snow clothing rental in Bariloche and Cerro Catedral

In Bariloche you can rent snow clothing in the city, on the snow clothing rental in Bariloche page, or near the mountain with snow clothing rental in Cerro Catedral, depending on where you are staying. The rest of the equipment in the area is in Bariloche.

Spain and Andorra

In Spain and Andorra the usual thing is to rent your ski clothing at the same shop as your skis. Some examples: Sierra Nevada, Baqueira, La Molina and, in Andorra, El Tarter (Grandvalira) and Arinsal. There are more resorts in the collection.

What ski clothing to wear: the three-layer system

Clothing for the snow works in layers, not thickness. A single very thick garment keeps you warm at first, but as soon as you sweat it gets damp inside and chills you. With three thinner layers you can add or remove them depending on the day.

The most forgotten rule: no cotton next to your skin. Cotton absorbs sweat and is slow to dry, and a damp T-shirt under your jacket is the quickest way to get cold on the chairlift.

On mild spring days you may not need the mid layer; in the depths of winter in the Andes or on a windy day in the Pyrenees you might need two. That is why your rented jacket should not be a tight fit: the fleece has to fit underneath.

How to read the label: waterproofing and breathability

Technical snow clothing usually shows two figures:

• Waterproofing (mm): the height of the column of water the fabric can hold without letting it through in a laboratory test. Around 10,000 mm is enough for a normal day of on-piste skiing; 20,000 mm or more is designed for wet snow, rain or long hours exposed to the elements.
• Breathability (g/m²/24h): the grams of water vapour that pass through one square metre of fabric in 24 hours. The higher it is, the less moisture builds up inside when you are working hard.

Tests vary between manufacturers, so treat these figures as a guide. Also look for taped seams (where water usually gets in), an inner snow skirt or gaiter, ventilation zips and a hood that fits over your helmet. In rental, the higher quality tiers usually mean fabrics with better figures and more of these details.

What you need to bring yourself

Even if you rent your snow clothing, there are items that, for hygiene and comfort, should be your own:

• Thermal top and leggings (the first layer). If you do not have any, a long-sleeved synthetic sports top works better than a cotton one.
• Ski socks: a single tall pair that comes up above the boot. Two pairs squeeze your foot and make it colder, not warmer.
• A mid layer: a fleece or a thin padded jacket.
• Gloves, if the shop does not include them. Waterproof ones are best; mittens are warmer than fingered gloves.
• Hat and neck gaiter or fleece neck warmer for the wind on the lifts.
• Head and eyes: check out the options for a ski helmet and ski goggles. Always bring sunscreen and lip balm: the snow reflects the sun.

Snow clothing for women, men and children

Rental sets come in adult sizes and, depending on the shop, children's sizes too. In women's snow clothing the cut is usually more fitted at the waist and hips; if you are looking specifically for pants, there is a separate guide to women's ski pants. In men's snow clothing the difference is mainly in the length of the sleeves and legs.

Snow clothing for children

Children get cold sooner than adults because they stop more, sit in the snow and get wet playing. For them:

• Bib pants or pants with braces: snow does not get in at the waist when they fall.
• Mittens rather than gloves, and a spare pair in the backpack.
• A helmet always, including during lessons and in the beginner area.
• Here renting makes more sense than ever: by the following year their size no longer fits.

Why rent ski clothing instead of buying it

If you ski a few days a year, renting usually works out better than buying:

• Actual use: a technical jacket and pants spend almost their whole life in a wardrobe. When you rent, you only pay for the days you use them.
• Technical quality: cheap snow clothing is often only water-resistant and soaks through as soon as you sit in the snow. Rental gives you garments designed for the mountains.
• Luggage: if you fly to Santiago, Bariloche or the Pyrenees, two bulky garments per person take up half a suitcase.
• Children: they change size every season.
• Zero maintenance: when you get back, you do not have to wash or reproof anything.

If you ski many weeks per season, buying may pay off; for a week or a weekend, renting is the sensible choice.

And what about footwear for the snow if you are not going to ski? We cover it in which snow boots to bring.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best clothing for the snow?

Clothing that follows the three-layer system: a thermal first layer that is not cotton, a mid layer of fleece or light insulation, and a waterproof, breathable outer jacket and pants. For on-piste skiing, an outer layer with around 10,000 mm of waterproofing is enough on most days; in wet snow or bad weather, more is better.

What clothing do you wear in the snow?

Thermal top and leggings, ski socks, a fleece, a snow jacket and pants, gloves, a hat or helmet, a neck gaiter and goggles. The jacket and pants are the most expensive items and the ones you can rent at the resort; it is best to bring the rest from home.

What is snow clothing called?

It depends on the country. In Spain people mostly say "ropa de esquí" or "traje de esquí" (ski clothing or ski suit), and "mono" for a one-piece. In Chile and Argentina the usual term is "ropa de nieve" (snow clothing): "parka" (Chile) or "campera" (Argentina) and "pantalón de nieve", with "enterito" for a one-piece suit. Technically, the jacket and pants make up the outer layer or shell.

What should I wear in the snow if I do not have snow clothing?

Rent the jacket and pants, the two items you cannot improvise, and wear whatever sportswear you have underneath: long-sleeved synthetic leggings and top, a fleece or a wool jumper, and tall socks that are not cotton. Avoid jeans: they get wet, stop keeping you warm as soon as they are damp and take hours to dry.

Do I need snow clothing if I go to the snow without skiing?

If you are going to spend the day in the snow, sledging or walking, it is worth having at least waterproof pants: in ordinary trousers you will end up wet as soon as you sit down or fall. Add a waterproof jacket and footwear that keeps the water out.