Technology has had a transformative impact on many aspects of modern life, and skiing is no exception. Traditionally, skiing has been a sport that relied primarily on the technique, skill and fitness of the skier. Whereas the incorporation of carving has been the biggest technological advancement in skiing, the integration of smart garments represents the next big leap in the evolution of the sport, taking the on-piste experience to a new level of personalisation, comfort and safety.

These smart garments not only offer comfort and protection from the elements, but are also equipped with sensors that allow real-time monitoring of skiers’ health and performance. From heart rate measurement to body temperature monitoring and an approximation of energy expenditure, these garments offer a detailed view of the wearer’s fitness, which is crucial in a demanding sport like skiing.

Health and performance monitoring is of paramount importance to skiers, both amateur and professional. In an environment as demanding as the snowy mountains, where conditions can change rapidly and physical exertion is considerable, having accurate, real-time information about the state of the body can make all the difference. Smart clothing allows skiers to fine-tune their performance, prevent burnout and even avoid serious injury by providing early warnings of potential health problems.

In addition, for professional skiers oriented towards the competitive environment, the use of this technology can offer a competitive advantage, helping them to optimise their performance through accurate data and personalised analysis thanks to the wealth of information it can provide to the technical team and their physical trainers. On the other hand, there are also technological advances with heatable thermal fibres that provide warmth, thanks to the resistance of their compounds, in sensitive areas such as the feet and hands.

This article aims to guide you through the latest innovations in ski clothing that integrate advanced technology and explore how these garments can enhance the skiing experience by monitoring health and performance. And to do so, we thought nothing better than to present you with concrete examples at the end of the article with a selection of five smart garments that stand out for their innovation and usefulness in the world of skiing.

The evolution of the textile sector in the snow industry

The evolution of sportswear has been a gradual process, marked by significant advances in materials and technologies. Initially, ski clothing was designed primarily to protect against the cold and damp, using natural materials such as wool and cotton, which, although warm, were bulky, heavy and ineffective at repelling moisture.

In the 1970s, the first technical materials emerged, such as Gore-Tex, a waterproof and breathable fabric that revolutionised the ski clothing industry and, years later, introduced a method of mountain clothing that has evolved to the present day: the layering system. This method and the materials used in the different layers created a demand in the textile industry that soon reacted and we began to see in the windows of specialized shops lighter, more comfortable and effective garments to keep warmth and improve the evacuation of moisture, without sacrificing mobility. Over the next few decades, innovation continued, with the development of synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, which further improved durability and the ability of garments to cope with extreme mountain conditions.

The latest major evolution in skiwear has been the incorporation of smart technology into garments, although its implementation is very progressive.

The first smart garments to enter the ski market began to appear in the 2010s, with examples such as the OMSignal BioMan jacket and the Ralph Lauren PoloTech Shirt. The BioMan jacket, developed by OMsignal, incorporated sensors into the fabric that could monitor heart rate, breathing and other biometric data. Ralph Lauren’s PoloTech Shirt, launched in 2015, included embedded sensors that captured metrics such as stress level and exercise intensity.

While innovative, these garments faced several challenges that limited their mass adoption or simply failed. First, high cost was a major obstacle; these products were significantly more expensive than traditional skiwear, making them inaccessible to many consumers. In addition, comfort was another constraint: the integration of sensors and other electronic components into the fabric often affected the flexibility and breathability of the garments, which could be uncomfortable during long days on the slopes.

Another important factor was durability. Many of these early smart garments had problems with resistance to washing and prolonged exposure to cold and wet weather, which limited their lifespan and reliability in extreme conditions. These limitations were probably the Achilles heel of innovation in the sector, as they slowed the adoption of these innovations in the industry, although they served as a basis for improving the technologies in later versions that we will present below.

Key technologies in smart ski clothing

The different layers we wear for skiing can integrate several advanced technologies that allow for a safer and more personalised experience on the slopes:

  1. Biometric sensors: These sensors, which can be integrated into thermal vests, trousers or even gloves, monitor vital parameters such as heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen level, and hydration in real time. This data can be transmitted to a mobile app or wearable device, providing critical information for skier safety and performance.
  2. Bluetooth and IoT connectivity: Smart garments are designed to connect to other devices via Bluetooth and become part of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. This allows data collected by sensors to be synchronised with smartphones, smartwatches, or even other devices in the cloud, facilitating continuous and remote monitoring. In addition, this connectivity allows for real-time alerts and notifications, such as changes in weather conditions or safety warnings.
  3. Self-regulating thermal fabrics: These advanced fabrics can adapt to changing weather conditions and the skier’s activity level. Using materials with active thermal properties, these garments can automatically regulate body temperature, keeping the skier warm when the temperature drops and preventing overheating during intense activity. Some of these fabrics also incorporate controlled heating technology, which can be adjusted via a mobile app.
  4. Geolocation and tracking technology: Some smart garments are equipped with integrated GPS and tracking systems, allowing skiers to be located in real time. This is especially useful in emergency situations or in case of loss in the mountains if you are skiing. These features are designed not only for the safety of the wearer, but also to enable rescue teams to act quickly in critical situations although we are still waiting for an advanced and efficient location system for avalanche rescue.
  5. Self-cleaning materials: Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of fabrics that can resist the build-up of undesirable bacteria and odours generated by some thermals. These materials, by being self-cleaning or stain-resistant, reduce the need for frequent laundering, prolonging the life of the garment and improving its practicality in outdoor environments.
  6. Solar charging technology: Some smart garments are incorporating flexible solar panels that allow mobile devices and other electronic equipment to be charged while skiing. This technology is especially useful on extended adventures where access to power sources may be limited.
  7. Integrated Augmented Reality (AR): Some accessories, especially the better brands of ski helmets, are beginning to integrate augmented reality display systems, which project terrain information, maps, and weather conditions directly onto the skier’s visor. This provides crucial data in real time without the need to look at a separate device and although it is not part of the core of this article, as it is not a textile product, we could not ignore its existence.

These technologies are evolving rapidly and have the potential to change how skiers relate to their mountain environment, making it not only safer, but also more accessible and enjoyable. However, it is important to recognise that there are a number of skiers who are sceptical of these innovations. For many, the idea of using smart clothing may seem unnecessary or even “techie” in a sport traditionally associated with freedom and simplicity. Despite these misgivings, the reality is that these technologies can offer tangible benefits, especially in terms of safety and performance, proving that being a tech geek on the slopes can be more useful than it seems.

Innovative ski wear

To select the most innovative garments in the field of smart skiing, we took into account several key criteria that guide the choice of products that really make a difference in skiing and snowboarding. Firstly, technological innovation was prioritised. This means that products were chosen that integrate state-of-the-art technologies, such as advanced biometric sensors, connectivity with the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart materials that respond to environmental conditions or the skier’s own body. These features allow for detailed, real-time monitoring of a variety of variables, from health to performance.

In addition, the specific functionalities offered by these garments were considered. These are not just garments that fulfil their basic function, but those that go beyond that, providing critical data for optimising skier performance and safety. These garments stand out for their ability to provide immediate feedback, allowing on-the-fly adjustments that can improve the skiing experience and prevent health problems or accidents.

Finally, we have sought to prioritise products that not only improve comfort, but also contribute significantly to safety on the mountain. In such a demanding environment as the ski slopes in general and the mountains in particular, where conditions can be unpredictable and extreme, having garments that provide additional support in terms of protection and performance is crucial. These garments are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of skiing, while offering technological solutions that can provide value to the skier and not just another technological nuisance that must be recharged daily at the power strip and will be doomed in the short term to take up more space in the pandora’s box of obsolete and useless gadgets.

Stoko K1 Knee Brace Baselayer

The Stoko K1 Knee Brace Baselayer leggings represent a significant innovation in the field of medical support for skiers. Unlike traditional baselayers, these leggings incorporate a medical grade knee brace that is fully integrated into the fabric, providing stability and support without the need for an external exoskeleton. The technology behind the Stoko K1 is based on a complex system of high-strength cables, with 90 metres of material strategically hidden within the structure of the garment.

These cables are designed to mimic the function of human ligaments, providing dynamic and adjustable support. Skiers can control the level of compression and support in each leg through two dials located on the waist, allowing for precise, customised adjustments in real time. This level of customisation is crucial for those suffering from some of the most common ski injuries such as chronic knee problems, as it offers specific support that helps stabilise the joint during intense movements on the slopes.

In addition, the Stoko K1 is made with a breathable and lightweight technical fabric, ensuring comfort during long days of skiing, without compromising mobility.

Vollebak Solar Charged Ski Jacket

A recent and highly innovative example in the field of geolocation for ski wear is the Vollebak Solar Charged Ski Jacket. This jacket is not only a breakthrough in terms of protection and comfort, but also incorporates unique geolocation technology and a special glow-in-the-dark membrane, making it easier to visually locate the skier in low-light conditions or in case of emergency.

The Vollebak jacket is designed with a fabric that stores light during the day and emits it in dark conditions, making the skier visible even in the most adverse conditions. In addition, this garment incorporates geolocation technology that makes it possible to track the user’s location in real time, which is essential in critical situations, such as in the event of an avalanche or if the skier gets lost in an inhospitable environment.

This product stands out not only for its innovative integration of tracking and safety technology, but also for its focus on functionality and design, making the Vollebak Solar Charged Ski Jacket an ideal choice for skiers looking to maximise their safety without compromising performance or comfort on the mountain, as well as for skiing on low visibility days.

OMSignal BioMan Jacket

The OMSignal BioMan Jacket is an innovative garment equipped with high-precision biometric sensors that constantly monitor heart rate, breathing and other vital parameters directly from the garment’s fabric. If you are not familiar with OMSignal, it will be useful to know that it is a Canadian company founded in 2011, specialising in the development of wearable technology and smart clothing that monitors health parameters in real time. Their main focus is to integrate biometric sensors into wearables, enabling the collection of vital data such as heart rate, respiration, and other physiological signs. These sensors are designed to pick up even the most subtle variations in the wearer’s physiological signals, sending the data in real time to a linked mobile app. This connectivity allows skiers to receive immediate alerts about their fitness, such as an abnormal increase in heart rate or breathing difficulties, allowing them to make informed decisions on the spot and make adjustments to their physical activity to prevent risks.

This type of monitoring is especially relevant for older skiers, a group at increased risk of heart problems. According to public health data, the prevalence of heart disease increases significantly with age, affecting more than 70% of people over the age of 65. As skiing is an activity that can be physically demanding at altitude and can put the cardiovascular system to the test, the BioMan jacket can play a crucial role in the safety of these skiers. By providing accurate data and real-time alerts, this garment helps prevent extreme exhaustion and medical emergencies, allowing for a safer and more controlled skiing experience for those with higher health risks.

AIO Sleeve 2.0

The AIO Sleeve 2.0 from Komodo Technologies is an advanced compression sleeve that incorporates electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to monitor cardiac activity. This product excels in its ability to accurately measure heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), giving skiers a deep insight into their stress level and their body’s response during intense physical activity.

The sleeve includes an optical sensor and an external electrode, allowing ECG measurements to be taken by simply placing the thumb or index finger on the electrode. Through a companion app, skiers can receive detailed reports on their health status and adjust their performance in real time to avoid burnout or possible cardiac complications. This type of technology is especially useful for skiers who are concerned about cardiovascular health and want accurate monitoring without the need for bulky equipment.

When skiing, one of the main discomforts we face is extremely cold feet, a sensation that can become a serious problem if not managed properly. Cold feet are not only uncomfortable, but can reduce skiing dexterity and control, as well as increase the risk of frostbite in extreme conditions. Skiers have used a variety of methods to combat this problem, from thick thermal socks to heated insoles. However, one of the most recent and effective innovations in this area is smart heated socks.

Lenz Heat Sock 6.0 heated socks

One of the most advanced products in this category is the Lenz Heat Sock 6.0, designed specifically to keep feet warm in extreme cold conditions. These socks are equipped with integrated heating elements that cover the entire sole of the foot and toes, areas that are particularly vulnerable to the cold. Unlike previous versions, the Lenz Heat Sock 6.0 uses an intelligent heating technology that allows the temperature to be precisely adjusted via a mobile app.

The main technical features of these Lenz branded heatable socks is that they have ultra-thin integrated heating elements that extend along the sole of the foot and toes, providing even heat in the most critical areas. Through the Lenz Heat app (available for iOS and Android), users can adjust the temperature in real time, select between different heat levels and monitor battery status. Importantly, they come with rechargeable batteries that attach discreetly to the outside of the socks and can be worn seamlessly with some of the best brands of ski boots. These batteries last up to 14 hours, depending on the heat level selected, more than enough time to ski for a couple of days without needing to recharge in the room. In addition, they are made with one of the fibres we recommend the most: a blend of merino wool and synthetic fibres. These socks offer not only warmth, but also comfort, breathability and durability and are increasingly used by ski instructors and advanced skiers.

Hexoskin Smart Shirt

Finally, we highlight a smart shirt developed by a Canadian startup, designed to provide detailed health and performance monitoring during skiing and other high-intensity sports. This product is equipped with integrated sensors that monitor heart rate, breathing, and body movements in real time. The collected data is transmitted to a mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android, allowing skiers to analyse metrics such as exercise intensity, recovery, caloric expenditure and cumulative fatigue.

What makes the Hexoskin Smart Shirt stand out is its long battery life, which offers up to 36 hours of continuous tracking, and its ability to store up to 100 days of data offline. It is also fully machine washable, making it a practical and durable option for skiers looking for continuous, detailed fitness monitoring without compromising on comfort.