Why are compression ski socks so hard to put on?

The same tight construction that provides compression benefits makes the socks resist stretching. The trick is to gather the sock down to the toe, slide your foot in, then gradually work the sock up your leg in small increments rather than trying to pull it on like a regular sock. Some people find it easier to put them on first thing in the morning before their legs swell. Compression donning gloves can also help. The difficulty decreases with practice.