Helly Hansen Alpine Sock Technical review: reliable warmth, comfort and protection for backcountry touring and front country fun

Helly Hansen Alpine Sock Technical: first impressions 

If there's one thing Norwegian brand Helly Hansen knows, it's how to keep people safe and comfortable in extreme environments – they outfit over 55,000 professionals globally including ski patrollers. And these technical ski socks are a great example of why the brand is so reliable when it comes to ski gear.

Built from a blend of merino wool and synthetic fabrics, these socks balance comfort and temperature regulation with durability. The snug, compressive design cradles your foot and lower leg without being too tight, and means there's no bunching or rubbing inside your boot, which is enhanced by the flat toe seam.

If you're wearing these for a day of alpine skiing, they'll reliably keep your feet warm during cold lift rides thanks to the merino wool, but that same material also helps to wick moisture and lets heat escape if you're working up a sweat on a ski touring adventure (this is also aided by breathable mesh panels on the top of the foot). It also means they don't get smelly the way pure synthetic socks do, so you can wear them again and again without washing them.

There's a little padding where you need it, meaning on your shins and around the sole of your foot, but they're also not bulky and easy to wear with alpine, touring and Nordic boots. In short, these are a trustworthy choice for all of your alpine adventures, and the only minor grumbles we have are the lack of recycled content and that they require wool detergent, making them just a little high maintenance.

Helly Hansen Alpine Sock Technical: in the field 

I've been wearing these socks for winter adventures for the past two years, including two trips to Verbier (one frigid), several cold Nordic ski tours in Scotland, alpine touring in Switzerland in glacier trekking in the Alps.

Here's how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I have small feet. As in, my nine-year-old is nearly ready to start sharing my shoes, much to her delight. And sometimes, I find that even the smallest socks in adult sizing are too big, which is a problem when it comes to ski socks. Not with these, however. I've been wearing the smallest size, which is a US 4.5 - 5.5, and I'm pleased to say they fit perfectly.

These socks perfectly contour to my feet and lower legs. They are compressive, but not uncomfortably tight, and there's no extra material around my toes or heels. All of that means that when I'm making turns or cross country skiing, there's no unwanted friction or rubbing to ruin my day.

Are they puppy-soft? No, but basically, I can wear these all day without really noticing them or thinking about my socks, which is the next best thing. They're 32% merino wool, which doesn't seem to be enough for any itching.

Temperature regulation and moisture management

Compared to my other ski socks, I'd describe these as medium weight, and the merino wool content has been enough to keep my toes from freezing even in -19C conditions during dawn sweeps with ski patrol. However, since my true love is backcountry touring, it's important that my socks also keep my feet from getting too warm and sweaty and these socks are excellent at temperature regulation and moisture management.

Just a week ago, I woke up to very mild temperatures in Verbier. I knew this without checking the forecast because it was raining down in the valley. I had rented an AT setup the day before so I jumped on the Medran gondola anyway and by the time I reached mid-mountain, a light snow was falling. I took off for 4.4k of uphill in relatively mild conditions and at no point did my feet overheat, nor did they ever feel damp.

Durability and odor control

As I mentioned, I've been wearing these socks exclusively for winter adventures for the last two years, and they've held up brilliantly without much pilling or losing any elasticity. I do have a backup pair waiting in the wings but I don't expect to have to use them any time soon.

As for odor control, these socks perform like anything else made with merino wool – they don't stink. I honestly couldn't tell you if I've ever washed them, but I just gave them a good sniff and while I wouldn't say they're totally fresh, I'm quite happy to take them with me to Chamonix next week as they are.

Helly Hansen Alpine Sock Technical: the bottom line

If you want one really sold pair of ski socks that you can wear for all types of alpine pursuits, from downhill skiing to mountaineering, these are the socks. With a perfect fit and great temperature regulation, you'll stay comfortable whether it's a mild spring day or in frigid sub-zero conditions. Seeking something without cushioning? Check out the Falke SK2 Ski Socks which have a similar composition and a softer feel.

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