I'm a Lifelong Skier Who's Tried a Dozen Different Base Layers-These Are the Only Ones You Need

"Skiing here has given me ample opportunity to test the latest and greatest snow gear, including base layers. But after wearing dozens of thermals in all sorts of weather conditions on the mountain, I still reach for my Kari Traa Smekker top and bottoms over any other pair. Whether it's storm skiing on a powder day or cruising groomers under a bluebird sky, my Kari Traa base layers outperform the other brands by a landslide."

"The Smekker top and bottom are made from 100 percent merino wool, which I love for its thermoregulating properties. When you're out on the slopes all day, you want the layer closest to your skin to be as warm and cozy as possible to trap in body heat. The Smekkers are incredibly insulating without overdoing it-and without getting itchy, either. They're toasty enough that I typically wear them alone underneath my shell, maybe adding a midlayer vest or jacket on super chilly days."

"Since the fabric is naturally thermoregulating, I rarely overheat, even when I'm working hard. If I sweat, the fabric pulls moisture away from the skin so my clothes dry faster and I don't get chilly (which is vital for long days out in the wind and snow). Best of all, the material doesn't cling to stinky odors. I can easily wear my Smekkers for a week's worth of skiing before I wash"

Four seasons of skiing at Alta Ski Area around Salt Lake City provided extensive real-world testing of multiple thermal layers, with Kari Traa Smekker top and bottoms favored over other brands. The Smekkers are made from 100 percent merino wool, offering thermoregulation, insulation, and softness without itch. They trap body heat effectively while wicking moisture away to dry faster, reducing chill during long days in wind and snow. The fabric resists odors, allowing multi-day wear before washing. Typical use places them under a shell, sometimes paired with a midlayer vest or jacket on very cold days.

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