Handy tips for what to wear when its really cold in the mountains and beyond

What to Wear When It’s Really Cold - handy tips for the mountains and beyond 

When it’s really cold, your outfit can’t rely on hope, vibes and a “this’ll do” attitude. You need a smart layering system that keeps you warm, dry and comfortable without turning you into a walking duvet. At Winternational.co.uk, we specialise in stylish ladies’ ski and winter wear that’s made for crisp mountain mornings, icy winds and those “why did I leave the chalet?” moments. Let's take those moments and make them all more stylish and leaving you feeling warm and looking good. 

This friendly guide covers what to wear when it's really cold, how to layer properly, and the key winter garments worth investing in. Hope you love our handy tips for what to wear when its really cold in the mountains and beyond!  

Read more of the Winternational.co.uk Guide to Staying Warm (and Looking Wonderful)

Start with the Golden Rule: Layer, Don’t Pile

Warmth comes from trapping air between layers, while staying dry and wind-protected. Your best cold-weather outfit has three parts: base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. What to wear when it's really cold - handy tips for the mountains and beyond starts here!

1) Base Layers: Warmth Made Easy, no Brrrrr-regrets!

Your base layer sits next to your skin, so it needs to manage moisture. If you sweat and it stays damp, you’ll get cold fast!

Choose:

• Thermal tops and leggings (close-fitting, breathable)

• Merino wool blends for warmth without bulk

• Seamless or flat seams for comfort under ski wear

Winternational tip: A good base layer is like good skincare—you don’t notice it until you skip it.

Goldbergh Feline Ski Thermal in Jaguar Carnevale Purple

£99.00 £149.00

The Goldbergh Feline Ski Base Layer in Jaguar Carnevale combines bold design with exceptional performance. Made from high-stretch technical fabric, it offers a slim, sculpted fit that feels smooth, flexible, and soft against the skin. The material is moisture-regulating, quick-drying,… read more

XXS-XS / Purples - £99.00 S-M / Purples - £99.00 L-XL / Purples - £99.00

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2) Mid Layers: The Cosy Powerhouse

Mid layers are where insulation happens. Think heat-holding pieces that still let you move.

Look for:

• Fleece or technical knit mid layers

• Lightweight down or insulated jackets for extra-cold days

• Half-zips for easy temperature control (aka “I’m warm on the lift, chilly on the run” management)

Pun, but practical: mid layers are the heart of your outfit—literally, they keep yours warm. 

Linla Verbier Red Knitted Jumper

£170.00 £250.00

The Linla Verbier Knitted Jumper in Red brings bold colour and soft luxury together in one beautifully made piece. Inspired by alpine adventure and effortless chic, it’s the jumper that lifts both your mood and your outfit the moment you… read more

S / Reds - £170.00 M / Reds - £170.00 L / Reds - £170.00

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Want to know more about Linla Knitwear - you can read our interview with the founder here

3) Outer Layers: Wind-Proof, Snow-Proof, Style-Proof (in a good way)

Your outer layer protects you from wind, snow, and wet weather. This is where a high-quality ski jacket earns its keep.

Choose an outer layer with:

• Waterproof and breathable fabric

• Wind protection

• Insulation (or room to layer if it’s a shell)

• Snow skirt and secure pockets (because cold hands are drama)

At Winternational.co.uk, you’ll find ladies’ ski jackets designed to be flattering, technical, and seriously winter-ready—so you can look cool (!) while the temperature panics. We've got winter coats too if you want to keep your ski jacket for the slopes. 

These should be no brainers in our list of handy tips for what to wear when its really cold in the mountains and beyond and will take you from slopes to city, from touchlines to dog walks and more. But chic, yeah!

Don’t Forget the Cold-Weather Extras

In freezing conditions, accessories aren’t optional—they’re survival with style. No list of handy tips for what to wear when its really cold in the mountains and beyond" would be complete without layering on a few more essentials...geddit!!!

Opt for:

• Thermal ski socks (warm feet = happy everything)

• Insulated gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer—science and snuggles!)

• A fleece-lined hat or headband

• A neck warmer or balaclava for wind-chill defence - ours range from slimline and sleek to faux fur trimmed and extravagant!

• Ski goggles to protect eyes from cold wind and glare

Quick “Really Cold” Outfit Formula

For truly cold days, aim for:

• Thermal base layer + insulating mid layer + technical ski jacket

• Warm socks + insulated gloves + hat + neck warmer

Goldbergh x Falke Altitude Wool Ladies Ski Socks in Black

£66.00 £89.00

Meet the Goldbergh Altitude ski socks—premium women’s ski socks engineered for boot-ready comfort and all-day performance. We love the star detail which elevates these socks to the usual iconic Goldbergh standard. A precise, anatomical fit with targeted padding at key… read more

35-36 / Blacks - £66.00 37-38 / Blacks - £66.00 39-40 / Blacks - £66.00 41-42 / Blacks - £66.00

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Ready to Dress for the Cold?

When winter brings its icy A-game, the right gear makes all the difference. Explore Winternational.co.uk for stylish, performance-led ladies’ ski wear, including premium base layers, cosy mid layers, and standout ski jackets that make cold weather look hot.

Because the forecast can be freezing—your outfit doesn’t have to be. So there we have it....our suggestions on what to wear when it's really cold - handy tips for the mountains and beyond