Unearth The Voyage
Staying warm during winter sports is not just about comfort. It is about keeping your body at the right temperature so you can perform your best on the slopes or trails.
The right thermal base layer works like a second skin, trapping heat close to your body while moving sweat away so you stay dry and cozy all day long.
1. Smartwool Intraknit™ Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew
When the temperature drops but your effort level stays high, this crew delivers exactly what serious skiers and snowboarders need. Smartwool engineered this top with mapped ventilation zones that let heat escape where you sweat most, keeping you from overheating during intense runs.
Merino wool naturally fights odor and regulates temperature better than most synthetics. The Intraknit construction means different knit patterns are placed strategically across the garment for targeted warmth and breathability.
Cold days with high output become much more manageable when your base layer works this intelligently.
2. Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms
Legs need just as much attention as your torso when you are carving down slopes all day. These bottoms flex and follow your every move, thanks to a design that prioritizes mobility without sacrificing warmth.
Mesh ventilation panels are built into high-sweat zones like behind the knees. This helps moisture escape before it turns into that clammy, uncomfortable feeling.
Merino wool handles temperature swings beautifully, so whether you are riding a chairlift or charging through powder, these bottoms keep you in the comfort zone without feeling bulky or restrictive.
3. Icebreaker 260 Tech Long-Sleeve Crewe Base Layer Top
Some base layers are built for speed, but this one is built for endurance in serious cold. Made from 100% merino wool jersey, the 260-weight fabric offers heavyweight warmth that still breathes when you are moving at a moderate pace.
Merino naturally resists odor, which makes this top perfect for multi-day ski trips where laundry is not an option. The fit is snug but not tight, creating an insulating layer of warmth close to your skin.
Resort days in deep winter or backcountry touring in frigid temps both call for this proven staple.
4. Patagonia Capilene® Midweight Crew
Synthetic fabrics get a bad reputation for holding onto smells, but Patagonia solved that problem with this midweight classic. Built from recycled polyester, this crew dries faster than wool and handles sweat like a champ during all-around winter activities.
The fabric is soft against your skin but tough enough to last season after season. Breathability stays strong even when you are working hard, and the odor control keeps things fresh on long days.
Whether you are skiing, snowboarding, or winter hiking, this versatile layer adapts to whatever adventure you throw at it without fuss or drama.
5. Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Midweight Bottoms
A dependable base layer should disappear under your bibs and pants, and these bottoms do exactly that. Patagonia designed them with 100% recycled polyester that moves moisture away from your skin while staying lightweight and low-profile.
The fit is streamlined but not restricting, so you get full range of motion whether you are crouching into a tuck or kicking steps up a steep slope. These are the kind of bottoms you forget you are wearing, which is the highest compliment for any base layer.
They handle sweat, stay warm, and work well in almost any winter sport scenario you can imagine.
6. Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Thermal Weight Zip-Neck Pullover
Cold mornings demand extra warmth, but high-effort climbs or runs can turn that warmth into overheating fast. The zip-neck design on this pullover gives you instant ventilation control when your body starts dumping heat.
Patagonia uses Polartec® Power Grid® fabric, which has a lofted interior that traps warmth while maintaining excellent breathability. The grid pattern also speeds up drying time if you do work up a sweat.
This is the thermal weight option for serious cold conditions where you still plan to push your limits and need a base layer that can keep up with shifting temperatures.
7. Arc’teryx Rho SV Zip Neck
Arc’teryx does not mess around when they label something as their warmest, most technical base layer. The Rho SV delivers maximum insulation without the bulk, making it ideal for the coldest days when you refuse to add another heavy layer.
High output activities still get plenty of breathability thanks to advanced fabric engineering. The zip neck lets you vent heat quickly when your effort spikes.
If you are the type who refuses to cut a powder day short because of freezing temps, this base layer gives you the thermal protection to stay out longer and ride harder without feeling weighed down.
8. Helly Hansen Men’s LIFA® Merino Midweight Crew Base Layer
Two layers are better than one when they are engineered to work together perfectly. Helly Hansen combines their technical LIFA fabric with merino wool to create a base layer that delivers both comfort and durability.
The LIFA layer sits closest to your skin, wicking moisture away instantly, while the merino outer layer regulates temperature and fights odor. This two-layer construction makes it a smart choice for mixed-output activities where you might be sitting on a chairlift one minute and charging down a steep run the next.
Everyday winter sports use becomes more comfortable when your base layer thinks ahead.
9. Ortovox 185 ROCK’N’WOOL Long Sleeve
Freeriders know that the first layer you put on sets the tone for the entire day. Ortovox designed this long sleeve specifically for skiers and snowboarders who want merino wool comfort right against their skin.
Made from 100% merino wool, it regulates temperature naturally and manages moisture without feeling heavy or clingy. The 185-weight fabric hits a sweet spot between warmth and breathability, making it versatile enough for variable conditions.
Whether you are hiking to earn your turns or lapping groomers at the resort, this base layer keeps your core temperature steady and your focus on the ride ahead.
10. Odlo Performance Warm Base Layer Top
Cross-country skiers and touring enthusiasts generate serious heat, and this top was built specifically for sweat-heavy winter sports. Odlo integrated ventilation zones in all the right places to keep air flowing where you need it most.
The close-to-body fit eliminates excess fabric that can bunch up or create friction. Moisture management is the star here, pulling sweat away from your skin before it has a chance to cool down and make you uncomfortable.
Fast laps and high-intensity efforts demand a base layer that can handle the workload, and this alpine-focused top delivers exactly that without any extra bulk slowing you down.
11. Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top
Who says performance gear cannot look good? This merino base layer brings Nordic-inspired style to the slopes without sacrificing function.
The half-zip design gives you quick ventilation control when you need to cool down between runs.
Merino wool provides natural warmth and odor resistance, making this top perfect for long resort days. The fit is flattering without being overly tight, and the unique patterns add personality to your layering system.
Cold days call for cozy warmth, and this base layer delivers that along with a touch of style that sets it apart from the plain, boring options.
12. Mons Royale Olympus Merino Base Layer 1/2 Zip Long Sleeve
Deep winter demands deep warmth, and Mons Royale answers with their warmest base layer option. Built with midweight 250 merino wool, this top provides serious insulation for resort days and backcountry starts when temperatures plummet.
Elastane is blended into the fabric for shape retention, so it fits well wash after wash and season after season. The half-zip gives you the flexibility to vent heat when your effort increases.
Cold mornings at the trailhead or on the first chair become much more bearable when you have this level of warmth locked in right from the start.
13. The North Face Men’s Summit Series Pro 120 Crew
Adventure-ready means different things to different brands, but The North Face designed this lightweight base layer for high-output efforts where every drop of sweat matters. Their DOTKNIT™ technology manages moisture buildup better than standard knits.
The body fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester, so you get performance with a lighter environmental footprint. Lightweight does not mean lacking warmth here.
It means smart fabric engineering that keeps you warm without overheating. When your winter activities involve pushing hard and moving fast, this crew keeps moisture management front and center so you can stay comfortable mile after mile.
14. Craft Men’s Core Dry Baselayer Set
Getting both a top and bottoms in one package makes gearing up for winter sports simpler and more affordable. Craft designed this set with recycled polyester fabric that focuses on moisture transport, keeping sweat moving away from your skin.
The set works for all kinds of winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and winter running. Value does not mean sacrificing quality here.
The fabric is durable, the fit is comfortable, and the moisture-wicking performance holds up season after season. For anyone looking to build a solid base layer system without breaking the bank, this full set checks all the boxes.
