How can you ski... if you hate the cold?
Published on 19/01/2026 - Written by Nadège
In the mountains, winter is the favourite time of year for snow and ski enthusiasts, but what can you do if you're not a fan of the cold? Les Menuires ski resort is located at an altitude of 1850 m. In these conditions, temperatures are often negative and can drop as low as -10°C on the coldest days. If that scares you, this article is for you. Clothes, spring skiing... Discover our best tips!
Dressing warmly: an essential step for skiers
First of all, it's important to be well equipped before heading to the mountains. To cope with the cold, we recommend that you start by covering the extremities of your body with a few essential items: a ski mask, a hat or balaclava, a neck warmer or scarf, gloves or mittens, and merino wool ski socks. From your head to your hands and feet, each of these extremities is more sensitive to the cold.
Secondly, we recommend that you adopt the three-layer system, well known to mountain enthusiasts. All you need to do is wear thermal underwear (undershirt and tights), then a fleece and finally your ski outfit: warm waterproof jacket and trousers.
Finally, don't hesitate to use heaters to warm your hands and heated insoles to protect your feet from the cold: it's up to you!
Secondly, we recommend that you adopt the three-layer system, well known to mountain enthusiasts. All you need to do is wear thermal underwear (undershirt and tights), then a fleece and finally your ski outfit: warm waterproof jacket and trousers.
Finally, don't hesitate to use heaters to warm your hands and heated insoles to protect your feet from the cold: it's up to you!
Make progress in a friendly environment!Group ski lessons for all levelsOpting for spring skiing: for sunnier weather
As well as warm clothing, why not opt for a spring skiing session? This year, Les Menuires ski resort will close on 17 April 2026, leaving you almost a whole month to enjoy the slopes away from the winter cold. At this time of year, temperatures are closer to 1°C, 6°C and even 15°C: ideal conditions for the coldest among you!
What's more, there's less bad weather in March and April. There's also more sunshine at this time of year. If you've always dreamed of skiing without having to pack a second or even third layer of clothing, spring skiing is for you. Think about it before you book your holiday accommodation.
What's more, there's less bad weather in March and April. There's also more sunshine at this time of year. If you've always dreamed of skiing without having to pack a second or even third layer of clothing, spring skiing is for you. Think about it before you book your holiday accommodation.
Take ski lessons to forget about the cold
Finally, it's important to distract yourself from the cold at altitude. Alone, it's not always easy to think about other things, as our brains are often used to focusing on what's not going well. On the other hand, skiing with other people is good for that.
By taking ski lessons (beginner, intermediate, expert), you can listen to the advice and stories of your ESF instructor during your skiing sessions. You'll also find it easier to concentrate on getting your skiing techniques right, as you'll be guided throughout your lesson in this direction.
So, which tip(s) will you be adopting this year? The three-layer system, spring skiing and/or ESF Les Menuires lessons?
By taking ski lessons (beginner, intermediate, expert), you can listen to the advice and stories of your ESF instructor during your skiing sessions. You'll also find it easier to concentrate on getting your skiing techniques right, as you'll be guided throughout your lesson in this direction.
So, which tip(s) will you be adopting this year? The three-layer system, spring skiing and/or ESF Les Menuires lessons?
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