What to wear running in the snow

Updated: September 2026

Collage of the recommended running kit for these conditions, with specific clothing and accessory models

Short answer

In these conditions (about -2 °C air temperature), running will feel like about 1 °C. This is the recommended kit:

Rule of thumb: running makes you feel 5-8 °C warmer than the thermometer says. Dress for how you will feel once moving, not for the air temperature.

Running in the snow: grip, warmth and dry feet

In snow and sub-zero temperatures, clothing must warm without overheating: a thermal base layer, a thin mid layer and a windproof jacket with some water repellency. Wet snow melts on your clothes and chills you fast.

Feet suffer first: merino wool or thick technical socks, shoes with good grip and gaiters that stop snow getting in at the ankle. A dry foot is the difference between enjoying it and quitting.

Cover your head and hands: a hat or thin balaclava, a buff for the neck and thermal gloves. In snow, shorten your stride, slow down and expect the route to take longer than usual.

Recommended kit, item by item

Head and neck

In snow or hard frost, cover ears and head: a windproof balaclava in a blizzard, or a headband plus a buff pulled up to the face. A lot of heat escapes through the head and ears.

Torso

Thick merino or synthetic thermal base layer, and a light mid layer if you will be moving slowly.

Outer layer

Waterproof shell or jacket with sealed seams. In cold rain it is what keeps hypothermia away.

Legs

Fleece-lined thermal tights. Add wind protection over the legs if there is a blizzard.

Hands

Waterproof gloves: fabric ones soak through and cool you more than no gloves at all.

Feet

Gaiters to keep snow and mud out, merino socks and a shoe with good grip.

Adjust to your case: calculator with wind, rain, pace and duration →Change the temperature and conditions and the kit updates instantly.

Frequently asked questions

Which shoes should I wear to run in snow?

Ones with deep lugs, good grip and, if possible, a waterproof membrane. Gaiters help keep snow from getting in at the ankle.

How do I avoid cold hands in snow?

With close-fitting thermal gloves and, if needed, mittens over them. If your hands get wet the cold multiplies: prioritise water-repellent materials.

Is there avalanche or ice risk?

In the mountains on snowy slopes, yes. Check the avalanche bulletin and avoid steep sections without experience. Where snow is packed down, the ice risk goes up.