The shortest day of the year is officially behind us, which means… let the countdown to summer begin!
But don’t pack away those cozy layers just yet—it’s still pretty chilly out there, especially when you’re soaring at altitude! To make sure you stay toasty while jumping, here are a few tips to keep the cold at bay when skydiving during the winter.
The audience for this post is primarily student skydivers and experienced jumpers.
Jumping as a tandem skydiver? You’re welcome to layer up and we also have specially designed warm-wear jumpsuits for you to wear and warm hats and gloves to keep you comfortable during your experience.
Wear layers, but not bulky
At the DZ this time of year, everyone is wrapped up in their coziest coats, snug scarves, and those iconic Skydive Langar bobble hats. But when it’s time to get jumping, all of those bulky layers can be restrictive.
So, what’s the secret to staying toasty up there? Layers, layers, and more layers!
Start with a thin, thermal base layer on both your top and bottom halves—it’s the perfect foundation. Then, pile on a couple of extra layers to trap warm air around your core. These thermal layers are available online and in many sports stores, and trust us, investing in good-quality thermals will keep you jumping joyfully through many winters to come!
But a quick word of caution: don’t go overboard with the layers—too many can restrict your movement and make skydiving feel, well, a little too snug (a few good quality ones is usually enough). Big bulky hoodies, for example, can get in the way during freefall, so save those for when you’re back on solid ground.
Coming to jump as a tandem skydiver? The same advice applies, though the bulkiness of something like a coat or our specially designed tandem warm-wear suits is less of an issue and in fact, we recommend wearing our warm-wear suits to be the most comfortable during your experience.
Invest in good gloves and socks
When it comes to staying warm, keeping your hands and feet cozy is a must—not just for comfort, but for safety too.
We all feel the cold a little differently, so your ideal setup might vary. Some jumpers are perfectly happy with their trusty skydiving gloves, while others might add glove liners or even splurge on rechargeable heated gloves. The key is to make sure whatever you’re wearing keeps your hands warm while still allowing enough flexibility and feel to grab handles, toggles, and all the important stuff.
Now, nothing can ruin your day like cold, soggy feet—and let’s be honest, the ground can get pretty soggy this time of year. A good pair of shoes with some waterproofing can save you from the dreaded squelchy feeling, and if you really want to level up, try some waterproof socks too. They’ll keep the wind off your toes and the water out.
We know those puddles on the landing area seem to appear out of nowhere, so having a spare pair of socks and shoes on hand for between jumps and the ride home is a game changer.
This last part is also true for tandem skydivers; while we do everything we can to avoid landing in puddles, sometimes it’s unavoidable so having a spare pair of socks in the car can be handy this time of year.
Buffs and helmets
If you’re a student you will still be jumping with an open face helmet. Feeling the wind on your face in summer is great, but when winter rolls in, that breeze can be a little more distracting than delightful. A simple fix? Throw on a buff! It’ll give you some extra protection from the cold and help keep you feeling comfy while you’re up in the sky.
You can purchase a snazzy Skydive Langar branded buff from reception.
For the licensed skydivers rocking a full-face helmet, be aware—cold air + warm breath = fogging. It’s a real thing! You might even spot some of our instructors switching to an open face helmet for this very reason. Speak to an instructor if you need any advice on full face helmets and staying safe in the cold.
Jumpsuits as an extra layer
Over the summer months, we wrote about people opting to jump without jumpsuits – a much less popular choice in the winter!
Jumpsuits serve a variety of purposes, including protecting your clothes and benefitting your flight. They also provide a useful extra layer when skydiving when it’s chilly, meaning no part of you is exposed to the cold.
If you’re not sure about what jumpsuit to buy, check out this blog post on that very topic.
Should I skydive in the winter?
Yes! Absolutely! There’s no reason not to skydive during the winter, especially if you’ve got the right clothing and techniques to keep you warm.
The cold doesn’t have to keep you grounded. In fact, some of the clearest, most stunning blue skies roll in over winter, making it the perfect time to chip away at your progression and get ready to crush it when summer hits! Staying warm in the sky is crucial—not just for your safety, but to keep the whole experience fun and enjoyable!
So, gear up for your jump, but don’t forget to bundle up on the ground too. Bring your cozy coat, some spare socks, and stay toasty between jumps. And when you’re taking a break, why not grab a hot drink from the café and cozy up by the fire in reception? It’s the best way to stay warm and make the most of your day.
What to wear on a tandem skydive during the winter
Are you coming to make a tandem skydive over the autumn/winter months? If so, great! We can’t wait to welcome you.
We suggest you follow all the advice given above for your skydive – lots of layers and thick socks of your own, and we can provide you with nice thick gloves and a jumpsuit to wear. We even have special tandem warm-wear suits and skydiving hats, complete with added bobble hat for style, that you’re welcome to borrow to keep your ears snuggly and warm too!
If you’re unsure about what to wear for your jump, go with something that you’d wear to do light sports, and choose multiple thin layers – or, if you prefer, one big layer is fine, since you won’t be operating the skydiving equipment for yourself.