Dressed from head to toe

Style and comfort—we've got you covered.

The Rule of 3: Simple and Basic

Too hot, too cold… In the mountains, extremes don’t cut any slack. No matter the activity, the rule is the three-layer system, or the “onion technique.” It has nothing to do with soup—though soup does warm you up, too…

Layer 1: the base layer

Thermal underwear like you’ll find at Odlo: short- or long-sleeved T-shirts and boxers. Forget cotton—it’s not so great; it traps sweat. To stay dry even in cool weather, go for synthetics, or better yet, wool, for its magical thermoregulatory properties.

Layer 2: Warmth

A zippered fleece to manage heat dissipation during exercise, or a micro-down jacket that keeps you warm without taking up much space, as recommended by Columbia & Sorel.

Layer 3: Protection

A windproof, breathable jacket and pants—more or less waterproof depending on the activity—as Helly Hansen explains.

Same principle for your hands. Layering is standard practice for mountaineers in the Valley. They usually set out with a pair of undergloves for precise tasks—they use them to tie a knotted figure-8; you, to wipe your youngest child’s nose for the eighth time. A thin pair that, as the name suggests, slips under another pair: “ascent gloves” or “summit gloves” for extremely cold days. So… gloves or mittens? Gloves, classic and practical… Mittens, warm and protective… And for those who can’t decide—neither one nor the other, or a bit of both—try “lobster mitts,” like the ones sold at Intersport ( Route du Bouchet).

Accessories, but not superfluous

A helmet to prevent injuries. It’s mandatory for kids taking lessons, and we’ve made it standard for everyone and every type of winter sport, including sledding. To be effective and comfortable, a good helmet must fit well and be well-ventilated.

And a stylish helmet? In the store windows, two camps: the purists in minimalist monochrome (seen at Salomon), or the daredevils in freestyle helmet covers (Bozon Sports).

Your eyes are precious. In the mountains, exposure to the sun’s rays increases by at least 10% for every 1,000 meters, and snow reflects nearly 90% of the sun’s rays. And no, an overcast sky doesn’t protect you from UV rays. Sunglasses or goggles—the choice is yours—as long as the lens tint is at least index 3, and even index 4 at altitudes above 3,000 meters (Mont Buet, for example). And for optimal protection and that iconic Chamonix mountaineer style, glacier goggles with side shields are a must.

Fun fact: It was at the request of the valley’s crystal miners that Jules Baud, from the Jura region, created the first models in the early 20th century. Alpine chic, even back then…

Finding the right fit…

Snowboard boots? They’re like slippers.

Nordic ski boots? Flexibility and freedom.

But can you really feel comfortable in your boots when downhill skiing? Yes, promises Arthur from Sanglard Sports. And this Chamonix institution has been offering great advice since 1924. The flex should match your skill level: soft for beginners, stiff for carving. So before trying them on, you need to pass the honesty test.

Want a pair as unique as you are? Snell Sports and Ravanel & Co. offer boot-fitting workshops: just for you, the insoles are molded, the liners are thermoformed or injection-molded, and the shell is heated to be shaped to your foot. A custom fit for the 28 bones, 16 joints, 107 ligaments, and 27 muscles in each of your feet—this little gem of nature.