Think mountain goat, not catwalk. You need a three-layer system: a moisture-wicking base layer next to skin (merino wool or technical synthetic — never cotton), a mid-layer fleece or light insulated jacket for temperature regulation, and a waterproof outer shell. Minimum 10,000mm waterproof rating, 20,000mm if you want to stay dry on a powder day. This is not where to cut corners. Get the system right and you’ll barely think about it all season.