10 Products Alpine Skier Mikaela Shiffrin Recommends For Beginners

HotHands Toe Warmers ($7 for 6-pack)

Ski garb can cost a pretty penny, but Shiffrin's "hottest" tip will run you less than ten bucks. "I love toe warmers," she shares with a laugh. "Most ski racers don't. I'm like, probably one of the few ski racers who wears toe warmers on the World Cup. Normally our boots are too tight, but I make it a point to make sure my boots are loose enough that I can fit toe warmers."

By Anthropologie The Elsie Waffle-Knit Beanie ($15, originally $38)

"I feel like I'm gonna kill the après scene after my career," declares Shiffrin, who notes that she's all for the recent rise in popularity of the après-ski aesthetic. "Honestly, there's a little bit of envy I have because I'm racing, and my sort of attire is very much decided based on what we need to be wearing for races." To transition from the slopes to the postgame, Shiffrin recommends having a few cute accessories on standby, like a knit beanie, faux-fur hat or chunky scarf.

Alo Summit Balaclava ($68)

You might already have some ski essentials in your cold-weather wardrobe, but if you don't have a gaiter or balaclava on standby, consider it a need. "Neck warmth is essential," insists Shiffrin — and she couldn't be more right. Skip the windburn and protect your neck from the get-go.

adidas by Stella McCartney Bum Bag ($80)

"When you're skiing, you don't want to carry too many things around. Something I hate is having too much stuff in my pockets," says Shiffrin, who warns against overstuffing your jacket or pants with too many items. Instead, she suggests a fanny pack for hands-free storage that won't weigh you down like a backpack or tote bag.

Halfdays Johnson Top ($85)

Selecting your base layers wisely is one of the most important choices for skiers of any level. "Skiing is sort of hard enough in and of itself. So if you're frustrated by your body temperature, that's just not the way to go," says Shiffrin. "So that's why I'm always like, bring the layer. Start with the merino wool." Pair this top with the Hallie Midweight Merino Leggings ($115) for a matching base-layer set.

Helly-Hansen Women's Hp Hybrid Insulator 2.0 ($175)

"When you're up on the mountain, it can go from pretty chilly to pretty sunny — and actually, kind of hot!" shares Shiffrin, who notes she's constantly shifting between piling on extra layers and stripping down to her base on any given day.

Rather than commit to one mega-puffy outerwear piece, she recommends choosing a lightweight but effective insulated midlayer or shell to pair underneath one's ski jacket: "This is a perfect way to layer up and stay warm."

Ray-Ban RB4430 Zena Bio-Based Sunglasses ($186)

Even though Shiffrin skis in her goggles, she shares that sunnies are an on-slope essential for her and her fellow skiers. "It's always good to have a pair of sunglasses around if you can have them on your person or somewhere nearby," she says. Just make sure they're polarized.

Adidas Terrex Multi 2L Rain.Rdy Insulated Jacket ($250)

I've always relied on one marshmallow-puffy, can't-move-my-arms outer layer to keep me warm while skiing, so Shiffrin's insistence upon layering up multiple thinner pieces really stood out to me as valuable information for beginners. Apparently, there's no need to sacrifice comfort for warmth.

"That's kind of like the worst feeling that I ever had in my life — including when I was like three years old, learning how to ski — being stuffed into something that you're too hot in," says Shiffrin. "And at the same time, nobody wants to be cold, right? But the best way to combat the too-hot, too-cold experience is with layers."

One of her top picks is the adidas Terrex Multi 2L Rain.Rdy Insulated Jacket, which boasts super-thin Rain.Rdy technology material that keeps you dry and allows you to layer at your leisure. "Instead of like, 'I need a big, big poofy thing,' I'm always about layers and being able to cater your needs to the environment," says Shiffrin.

FP Movement Powder Vixen Softshell Bib ($298)

When I ask Shiffrin her preference on full snowsuits versus jackets paired with bibs or pants, she is decidedly pro-separates. "The bibs are really great to help keep your center warm," says Shiffrin.

Ever a girl's girl, she also touches on another key element of comfort for a long day on the slopes that makes snowsuits less appealing: "I always feel like you need to be able to have quick access to the bathroom. So depending upon what kind of one-piece you're wearing, they're just not that functional." A bib-and-jacket combo it is.

adidas by Stella McCartney x TERREX Free Hiker Gore-Tex Shoes ($300)

If you've ever tried on a pair of ski boots, you know they aren't the most comfortable. To give your feet a break in between runs, Shiffrin recommends a shoe you can slip on or off in seconds for maximum convenience. Of course, she's partial to this super-cute style by adidas TERREX featuring a custom Stella McCartney leopard print.

"It's a fine line between having a really, really cute shoe and a very functional shoe, but something that's easy to get on," says Shiffrin. Whether you're a racer changing post-run out on the slopes, or a beginner gearing up at your car in the parking lot, the same needs apply: "Something that's easy and warm and you can go anywhere in, but it's gonna be easy to get out of your boots and slip it right on."

Bella Gerard is a freelance writer, editor, and content creator. Her areas of expertise include shopping, petite and midsize fashion, and personal style.