The Best Baselayers For Snowboarding and Skiing in 2025

The sooner you understand the idea of thermoregulation, the more likely you are to appreciate a good baselayer. As someone who spent many years just getting the cheap 2-pack just to have something, it wasn’t until into adulthood that I saw the light. But having a good baselayer can be the difference between enjoying the harsh conditions or being beaten by them. 

Here’s a list of my favorite baselayers over the years, tested from sea level to a high-elevation expedition where it stayed attached to my body for 26 days.  There are a few different types of my favorite baselayers, so here’s a rundown of the ones that stood out over the years.

The Best Baselayers For Skiing And Snowboarding

Best Heavy Baselayer: Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Max
Best Active Baselayer: Icebreaker 200 Oasis
Best Natural Baselayer: Arms of Andes Half Zip
Best One-Piece Baselayer: Airblaster Ninja Suit
Best Synthetic Baselayer: Patagonia Capilene

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Best Heavy Baselayer: Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Max

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Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate base layers in a sea of merino and other fibers claiming to be the best. But Smartwool has raised the bar with their Intraknit collection by creating a 3d pattern without tons of seams looking like patchwork to reinforce the high-use areas such as elbows, knees, and hips.

Despite feeling a bit bulkier than your average under layer, the stretch in the fabric is remarkably responsive, allowing for high-performance movement for all the spins, stomps, and spills that come with a day of shredding hard.

And while it performed well even in -10º C temperatures, I never felt overheated, even on long tours. They really seem to have cracked some type of code here for the perfect balance of warmth, stretch, and protection. Innovations in base layers don’t come every day but Smartwool’s Intraknit fabric is one to write home (or in a blog post) about.

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Best Active Baselayer: Icebreaker 200 Oasis

Those who have been to the Selkirk range probably don’t tell you about it, it’s that good. I’m not one to a. dish out secrets online to strangers (maybe periodically to fellow members) or b. take any weight in a product name, but this time it’s different. The Selkirk range does hit a soft spot in this backcountry lover’s heart. That was enough for me to take notice and try the Selkirk Glacier Glasses, but once I tested them for a bit, I found them to be enjoyable both in the vision it provides and the comfort on my face.

The plant-based Z-Resin frames really are something unique. The smooth matte finish feels good against the skin and in no way feels cheap. They have just enough flex to roll with the punches. Lens-wise, they did an amazing job. I tried the Horizon Blue version, and it provided excellent clarity in both full sun and cloudy conditions. With such a wide field of view, I find myself digging out the goggles less and less each session I wear these.

The only downside is the removable pieces are a big small and since they don’t have a dedicated pocket or case, have the potential to get easily lost. But they will come in handy when you need it. Since that won’t be all the time, it’s nice to have it easily removable for looking stylish around town and the rest of the year, giving these glasses much more utility than when on snow.

You also don’t really want to be topping out high speeds on the downhill for these. If you like to turn and burn you’ll want to swap goggles out, but that’s probably the case anyway. But they don’t have a snug fit, so chances are if you take a tumble, they will go flying.

Best Natural Baselayer: Arms of Andes Half Zip

Alpaca wool has been around forever, but only recently has it hit the mass-market consumer circuit in the west. But what hilltop villages in South America have known for centuries is now becoming more mainstream due to Alpaca wool’s outstanding properties. Merino has been the leader for quite some time, but companies pushing Alpaca are trying to give it a run for its money.

Arms of Andes is one of the leaders for manufacturing alpaca wool baselayers. I really enjoy wearing their half zip top and pants. They are warm, soft, and comfortable, with the smallest amount of stretch to allow for good movement without letting any air in. The softness is definitely a step above Merino, which can tend to get itchy, especially on the chest (at least for this reviewer).

There isn’t much in the negative side for Alpaca wool, only that perhaps it’s a bit bulky than Merino, and in some cases, a little too warm when really pushing yourself hard. But for cold weather, or lower activity that isn’t high-endurance mountaineering, the softness and warmth of Alpaca wool is cause for taking notice.

Best One-Piece Baselayer: Airblaster Ninja Suit

Of all the different products tested for winter gear, Airblaster’s Ninja Suit ranks high in terms of utility, warmth, and sheer cool factor. OF course, it’s not exactly cool in the fashion sense, being that very few people will actually see you wearing it (at least in its full entirety). It’s also not exactly cool in the warmth sense, being that it’s meant to keep you warm. Dad jokes aside, the Merino version actually does a great job in the temperature regulation department.

It’s all the little things that make the Ninja Suit stand out as a must-have. The full-width butt zipper for easy evacuation is a welcome feature, as is the drawstring in front to keep everything tidy. Thumb holes help the sleeves from bunching up, and the hood keeps your head warm even if that’s all you’re wearing.

Now that it’s been out a few years and is popular as ever, the Ninja Suit offers a few different options in both materials and styles. They even have a kids version for the little rippers to stay warm as well. But there will be something that speaks to you, no doubt. And you might want to get a few pairs because you will want to have one while the other is in the wash… I made the mistake of only having one and prolonging the wash interval because i didn’t want to not have it available. Pee-you!

Best Synthetic Baselayer: Patagonia Capilene

Synthetic is a broad term, but for the most part, we’re talking polyester here. And polyester is just a fancy word for plastic fibers woven together to make all kinds of textile materials. Especially when talking the outdoor industry, it’s pretty much out there ubiquitous these days.

Patagonia’s brand has become synonymous with environmental responsibility. They have led the industry for decades with innovations in textile manufacturing, and continue to do so. With their Capilene series, the brand expands on their environmental responsibility to offer baselayers that are fair trade certified, and whose polyester is 100% recycled, both good things for our planet.

I’m not a huge fan of synthetic base layers due to the breathability factor. But Patagonia did in fact use some innovations to make it a bit better. Polyester has a reputation for trapping in sweat, and while the capilene series is no different, it does have the Heiq antimicrobial treatment to keep the smell at bay.

The upside to polyester is how lightweight it is. Indeed, it barely feels like there’s anything there, coming in at only 6 oz. So for ultralight purists, this is a good option. Still, polyester is polyester, but if you choose to go the synthetic route, you might as well do as little environmental impact as possible.

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How We Tested The Best Baselayers

Testing out a good baselayer isn’t exactly rocket science, but there is still some rudimentary science. I set out to replicate the same conditions for each garment, trying to ensure that there is little variation other than the different baselayers underneath.

This happened by getting into the mountains after a fresh dump of snow, both in the resort at Whistler Blackcomb and in the surrounding backcountry. The conditions for the week varied between -5º and -10ºC, which is probably the ideal range for comfort as well as good snow.

Both are important, because in a resort, you are sitting in a chair for 10-15 minutes at a time, waiting for the next run. This can be chilly without the right gear. The backcountry is a different story, as skinning up can be quite the workout. As such, you need something that can regulate the heat well and not trap it in.

Each day I tried to replicate the same runs – top to bottom laps in Whistler which involves over a mile of vert, and a trip up Sky Pilot mountain off the Sea to Sky Gondola. Doing it all in the same week allowed for notes to be fairly similar on conditions, which made the results fairly straightforward.

Testing Criteria

The main components for testing entailed:

• Comfort/Fit: How the base layer felt on the body
• Warmth: Did it keep the body warm? Was it too warm? How smooth was the fabric?
• Breathability: How did the base layer feel when the body was working in high gear?
• Mobility: How easy was it to move? This includes both skinning up and riding (hard) down.
• Craftsmanship: Did any seams feel out of place? Were there any loose threads?

What to Look for When Choosing a Base Layer for Snowboarding or Skiing

Picking the right base layer isn’t just about grabbing the first Merino wool shirt you see (though that’s a solid start). There are a few key factors to consider to ensure you’re warm, comfortable, and dry—whether you’re lapping the resort or earning your turns in the backcountry. Here’s what to look for:

Material

The fabric you choose will determine how well your base layer performs in different conditions. Here are the main contenders:

• Merino Wool – Naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. It’s great for both high-output activities and cold chairlift rides. If you want a premium Merino option, Icebreaker 200 Oasis is a classic, and Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Max takes it up a notch with strategic reinforcements.
• Alpaca Wool – Less common but ultra-soft, warm, and sustainable. It has better warmth-to-weight than Merino, but it’s a bit bulkier. Arms of Andes Half Zip is a great example if you want something unique.
• Synthetic (Polyester/Blends) – Quick-drying, lightweight, and durable. These often have added tech for moisture control, like Patagonia Capilene Midweight, which uses HEIQ odor protection to combat stink. The tradeoff? Less breathability than wool, and it tends to hold onto sweat longer.
• Blends (Wool + Synthetic) – Some brands mix Merino with a touch of elastane or nylon for extra stretch and durability. If you want something with reinforced movement, Smartwool Intraknit is a great pick.

Weight & Warmth

Base layers come in different weights depending on how much insulation you need:

• Lightweight (150-200gsm) – Best for high-output activities like ski touring. These wick sweat fast but don’t add much warmth. The Icebreaker 200 Oasis is a solid example.
• Midweight (200-300gsm) – The most versatile choice for all-around resort and backcountry use. If you want warmth without bulk, Smartwool Intraknit hits a sweet spot.
• Heavyweight (300gsm and above) – For the coldest days when staying warm is the top priority. The Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip is an excellent choice if you want max warmth.

Fit & Mobility

A good base layer should fit snugly but not restrict movement. Here are some examples of a good fit:

• Stretch Panels & Articulation – Some base layers, like Smartwool Intraknit, have targeted reinforcements in high-movement areas.
• Seam Placement – Flatlock seams reduce chafing, which is crucial when layering under a jacket.
• One-Piece Options – If you want the ultimate in warmth and convenience (plus ninja vibes), the Airblaster Ninja Suit offers full-body coverage with a well-placed zipper for easy bathroom breaks.

Durability & Stitching

Since base layers take a beating, good construction makes a difference. You want to see:

• Flatlock Stitching – Prevents irritation and is essential for comfort.
• Reinforced Zones – Areas like elbows, knees, and shoulders tend to wear out first. The Smartwool Intraknit has extra durability in these spots.
• Odor Resistance – If you’re wearing the same layer for multiple days (hello, backcountry trips), wool naturally resists smells, while synthetics like Patagonia Capilene use antimicrobial treatments.

Moisture Management & Breathability

Sweating is inevitable, but staying wet is a no-go. Your base layer should wick sweat away from your skin and dry quickly.

• Merino & Alpaca Wool – Naturally regulates temperature and keeps you dry even when damp.
• Synthetic Blends – Polyester dries the fastest but can feel clammy if it doesn’t breathe well. Patagonia’s Capilene has improved breathability over older synthetic layers.

Extra Features

• Thumb Loops – Keeps sleeves from bunching up when layering. Found in some Icebreaker and Smartwool models, as well as the Ninja Suit.
• Zippered Necks – Great for ventilation. The Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Max and Arms of Andes Half Zip offer this feature.
• Hoods – Provide extra warmth and can replace a balaclava. The Airblaster Ninja Suit has one built-in.

A good base layer is the foundation of your layering system, and picking the right one can make or break your day on the mountain. Whether you go for a premium Merino layer like Icebreaker, an eco-friendly Alpaca option, or an ultralight synthetic like Patagonia Capilene, make sure it fits well, wicks sweat, and keeps you comfortable in all conditions.