ISO: Recommendations for Layering at Breck in Feb

Nobody can forecast the temps in February obviously, but we do have historical data for a good estimate. In mid-Feb, temps average between 18-30 F in Breck.

Layers are important, but good ones are also expensive. Might not be worth the investment for a first-timer like yourself. If money is no object, I'd go GoreTex shell, fleece/synth puffy midlayer depending on temps, and merino baselayer. Merino tights + socks and gore shell pants. That's easily $1k+ though

If I were you, invest in a quality waterproof insulated ski jacket and insulated ski pants. Wear a synthetic hoodie or long sleeve underneath the jacket and you'll be gucci. If you shop sales or sites like Sierra Trading post, you could get pants and jacket for $300 total. Get warm ski gloves from Wells-Lamont, Kinco, Flylow, Hestra, etc. Cold hands can ruin a day.

Don't worry about weights or technical waterproofing ratings. Colorado gets dry snow, so you won't wet through waterproof clothes in February. Also, location isn't that important when choosing clothing. Cold is cold and wind is wind no matter where you ski. Most of us started out on cheap gear and did just fine. Lemme know if you have any questions! Be patient when learning and have fun!

Buy 6 Tall Ts in decending size starting at team size then you'll be set

Where do you live? What kind of base layers, puffers, jackets do you own already?

breck is dry and rarely bitterly cold, usually 10-30F. the wind there can be crazy.

t shirt/longsleeve, thin/medium hoodie, and a windbreaker over the top does me fine every time i’ve been there (lots). can ditch the top layer and just ride the hoodie if it’s warm. could swap the windbreaker for an actual jacket if it’s cold and not sunny. and as far as on the legs, my whole life i just have worn gym shorts underneath my snow pants. i always get way too how with a puffy unless it’s the only thing i wear over a tshirt.

you shouldn’t have to buy anything to ski out here, colorado weather is generally very mild so if you’re coming from a place that has any sort of winter at all you’ll be fine

mystery3Where do you live? What kind of base layers, puffers, jackets do you own already?

I live in Key West, FL. So I'm starting from scratch. Been living here for 16 years. I don't have anything that's not T-shirts, shorts & flip flops besides some dress clothes and one GorTex Rain jacket lol. So I'm gonna be freezing my ass off LOL. But I've been wanting to do this kind of trip for years, so I plan on returning. So the stuff I do buy and not rent will hopefully be an investment for future trips.

BrandoComando, Returntomonkey and gravel thanks for the advice!

Do the mid layers need to be waterproof? You already mentioned Breck isn't that wet. But if I'm buying and gonna use it in the future elsewhere. I've noticed that there are waterproof and non waterproof puffy mid layers. Is the waterproofing from good jacket with a powder skirt enough, or is it a big mistake to go with a non waterproof down mid layer?

SpceWrnglris the waterproofing from good jacket with a powder skirt enough, or is it a big mistake to go with a non waterproof down mid layer?

If your jacket is waterproof and has a powder skirt you'll be fine with a non waterproof midlayer. The key to midlayers is that they should have some breathability or otherwise you'll sweat going down and then be freezing cold on the chairlift up. I have a down puffy that I like to wear when it's really cold or just a thick cotton hoodie that I have if it's like 25-35 degrees.

First layer or two should be a wicking material (i.e. not cotton) not necessarily because CO is wet but you'll probably be sweating a decent amount. Goretex for an outerlayer is really nice because it lets your skin breathe while keeping the outside moisture out, but it's not required. Inexpensive ski pants/jacket I think would be wouldn't be a bad idea. I skied in shitty walmart ski pants for a long ass time and they do just fine.

I would stash hand warmers and toe warmers in your pockets and get a good wool neck gaitor. Helmet / goggles obviously as well. Mittens are somewhat better as well for resort skiing (warmer) but gloves are fine too. Smart wool socks. I have no layering advice because I normally show up in a t shirt, fleece, and a cotton hoody like a doofus until April then just the t and hoody. Bumps make you sweaty.

Top:
Base layer synthetic long sleeve
Funny T shirt
Light soft shell jacket
Hard shell coat

Bottom:
Base layer synthetic long johns
Hard shell ski pants

Accessories:
Good wool socks
Ski gloves (I like the mittens the best)
Balaclava
Goggles


You might get a tad cold on the lift cause Breck is windy with long lifts, but you'll be warm again within a minute or two of skiing.

Honestly CO doesn't even get that cold. You could ride resorts in a hoodie and survive. Not ideal.

Something warm, something waterproof ish, that's enough for breck. Something legit water proof is always ideal but I don't think you need to buy a whole new kit for a little CO shredding.

Probably would recommend bringing some handwarmers. Always nice to have even if you don't use them, but holy fuck are they clutch if you only have one pair of gloves and they get wet.

I would go cheap and see if you like skiing before spending stupid amounts of money on outerwear. The house(eww snowboarding) always has good deals. I got my volcom jacket that's actually waterproof af for 160. See if you can borrow some stuff from friends. I wouldn't get too sucked into the hyope of gear if you're new unless you have money. Most of us have no money.

gravelbreck is dry and rarely bitterly cold, usually 10-30F. the wind there can be crazy.

^^ adding onto this since your a beginner there's a very low chance you'll be anywhere super exposed so the worst weather you'll have is on the lift, so dont go worrying about super high wind areas or bitter cold as those zones arnt gonna be what your skiing

Colorado does not get cold??? Man. I remember it being -29 in Leadville and watching my piss freeze.

hoodratz47Colorado does not get cold??? Man. I remember it being -29 in Leadville and watching my piss freeze.

Big difference between Leadville and breck, also he won’t be going that high so he dosent have to worry about high elevation temps

Tuck your jeans into your boots, and bring a spare pair in case they get wet.

What's wrong with 6 Tall Ts? Plus then he can wear them individually when he goes back to Florida. They're sick shirts

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SpceWrnglrI’ll be visiting Breckenridge, CO for the first time in February. This is also my first-time skiing. I’m looking for assistance in planning/picking the appropriate layers to pack. Looking for recommendations from locals or anyone with experience on Breck in February for recommendations on how many and what kinds of layers I should pack and what most people are wearing on the mountain that time of year?

The advice I’ve gotten so far is “layering, layering, layering” with “considerable layers” for February. As a first timer, any advice on exactly how many layers, and what types, would be appreciated. Being my first experience in these conditions and with the sport I’m at loss. Examples of weights, waterproof vs not, insulated outer jacket vs shell would be greatly appreciated (ex. (recommended weight) Base Layer>Fleece>(Waterproof) Down Insulator>Hard Shell). Any advice is helpful, lots of information on YouTube but all seems to very generic or very specific for the location and conditions where the video was shot.

if i can ski quebec conditions cold with a hoodie and a shell i think u can survive with 1 or 2 layers just fine