What To Wear When Skydiving In The Cold

Are you thinking about skydiving in the cold? With proper preparation, skydiving in winter can be even more exhilarating than during the warmer months!

Just imagine jumping into clear, crisp skies with breathtaking views and the added thrill of brisk air – talk about taking your breath away! To help you make the most of this unique experience, we’ll cover the skydiving attire and gear you’ll need mental preparation tips, and everything else you should know for your cold-weather adventure.

Can You Skydive in Winter?

Absolutely! Skydiving in the winter is available depending on the location you choose. Some dropzones in typically colder climates will shut down for the winter season, while some – like Skydive Orange – stay open all year round. Other than shutting down from mid-December through mid-January for a holiday break, we operate through every season.

Is It Ever Too Cold to Skydive?

Dropzones generally have safety protocols when it comes to winter skydiving, especially considering that temperatures can be 30 to 40 degrees cooler up at altitude due to the lapse rate. Factor in the 120 mph winds and the cold can feel even more intense!

Extreme windchill or severe cold can lead to cancellations. And even if the dropzone deems it “good to go,” use your discretion to determine if jumping in the cold is too daunting. Don’t hesitate to reschedule; you should be as comfortable as possible while on your skydive.

Benefits of Skydiving in the Cold

Winter skydiving does have its perks, from less crowded dropzones to clearer skies free of summer haze. Skydiving in the winter gives your adventure a more intimate, calm, and laid-back feel. Did someone say VIP treatment? With a less busy dropzone, you’re more likely to have deeper conversations with your instructor and other professional skydivers and to pick their brains and go beyond the surface of what it means to jump out of an airplane.

Plus, the unique scenic views – snow-dusted mountain tops and frosted treetops – make for an unforgettable experience. There are even some seasoned skydivers who prefer cold-weather jumps for the added adrenaline rush and all-encompassing freezing temps – kind of like a cold plunge! Woo!

How to Mentally Prepare for Cold Weather Skydiving

Ask anyone who has jumped before and they will probably agree that skydiving is more mental than it is physical. For those new to winter skydiving, it’s natural to feel uncertain about the cold. Preparing for winter skydiving is about setting the right expectations, mindset, and coming prepared. Understanding how the conditions at altitude differ from the ground will help you stay confident and comfortable. 

Just like jumping into cold water takes your breath away, you may get the same sensation as you jump into the cold air. Just know that the skydiving freefall lasts about 45 seconds and you will be back to ground temperature before you know it. If you think you can hang for that long, we say go for it! And if you’re not into the idea, rest assured that warmer skies will come again in the spring. We will always be here for whenever you are ready to take on the skies!

What to Wear When Skydiving in the Cold

Proper clothes for skydiving in the winter can make all the difference in your comfort level and enjoyment while on your adventure. Follow these tips to stay warm while still keeping mobility in mind:

• Layer Strategically: Don’t grab your warmest, puffer coat just yet! Ideal skydiving apparel includes thin, thermal layers rather than bulky jackets, which can restrict movement. Long johns, base layers, and thermal gear work best. Materials like wool or Under Armor provide excellent insulation while wicking away sweat. Even better, you can sometimes find layers that have heat pads inside of them – ahhhh!
• Outerwear: Windproof materials on the outside will help keep the brisk wind from penetrating through the fibers and keep you nice and snuggly warm. You can even wear a skydiving jumpsuit overtop of your winter wear to add an extra layer of protection and comfort. We provide jumpsuits for tandem jumpers and students at Skydive Orange at no extra charge.
• Gloves: Choose insulated gloves with thin liners for dexterity. Thick ski gloves are unnecessary and may interfere with handling equipment. For experienced skydivers operating their gear, it’s important to practice your emergency procedures while wearing your gloves to ensure you have full mobility. 
• Neck Gaiters: Wearing a neck gaiter or buff can help keep your face and neck protected from the biting wind.
• Goggles: Goggles are another essential piece to wear on any skydive, especially a chilly one. To prevent any frozen eyeballs, at Skydive Orange we provide goggles for any tandem jumper or student skydiver. Experienced skydivers should consider wearing a full-face helmet to add extra protection from the wind and cold.
• Footwear: Warm, wool socks can prevent cold feet and piggies, ensuring a more comfortable jump. We recommend wearing high socks and closed-toe shoes that are made of windproof materials.
• Hand Warmers: Hand warmers are a skydiver’s best friend in the winter months! If possible, bring hand warmers to put inside of your socks and gloves to add even more toasty warmth to your attire.

Wearing the right winter gear not only keeps you safe, it also ensures you can fully embrace the thrill and unique experience of skydiving in the cold. There is something truly extraordinary about gliding through the pristine, crystal-clear skies of winter. While some may think winter isn’t exactly the best time to skydive, it does offer its own one-of-a-kind experience that we believe every skydiver should try at least once!

If you’re ready to skydive, don’t let the chill ruin your thrill! Bundle up and book your skydive with Skydive Orange! Blue skies!