Is merino really worth the higher price compared to synthetic base layers?

It depends on how you ski. For multi-day trips, merino's odor resistance means packing one base layer instead of three, which saves luggage weight and bulk that often exceeds the cost difference. For day trips with laundry access, the value proposition is purely about comfort—merino feels better against skin and manages temperature more smoothly, but you can achieve adequate performance with synthetics at half the price. If you ski 20+ days per year or take multi-day trips, merino is worth the investment. For occasional day trips, synthetics are the pragmatic choice.