Getting ready to hit the pistes? The right women’s ski clothing makes all the difference, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable whether you’re cruising in sunshine or pushing through a whiteout.
A good snow sports jacket and a reliable pair of salopettes or bibs form the foundation of any mountain wardrobe, making cold days in the mountains much more enjoyable.
There’s no escaping it: quality ski clothing is an investment. But well-made jackets and trousers should last you for years, and can double up as hiking kit during cold snaps at home. The most important thing to check is that your women’s ski clothing is properly waterproof. Look for a hydrostatic head of at least 1,500mm, ideally 3,000mm or more for casual on-piste use and 10,000mm to withstand falling snow on off-piste adventures.
Ski-specific features matter: for jackets, look for inner wrist gaiters with thumb holes, a lift-pass pocket, a snow skirt, inner stash pockets and a snug hood. For salopettes and bibs, seek out high waistbands to keep snow out, plus adjustable braces, stretchy fabric for comfort and built-in gaiters that seal over ski boots. If you’re heading off-piste, a RECCO reflector (a chip that helps rescuers to locate you in case of an accident) is a smart safety addition.
Former World Cup alpine ski racer Chemmy Alcott says “no ski clothing is truly 100 per cent waterproof — if it was, it would feel like skiing inside a plastic bag! I aim for a membrane with a solid hydrostatic head rating (between 10,000 and 20,000mm) paired with equal or higher breathability.” If you’re unsure what to invest in, Chemmy recommends rental platforms like EcoSki.
How to find stylish women’s ski clothing
Style matters, too, especially if you want to look the part at après — and you’ll be more likely to wear waterproofs you like the look of when you’re back home from the mountains. Bright colours and bold patterns make you easier to spot on busy slopes, and Chemmy says: “fit is important to me, I like to feel and look good when I ski. A longer jacket is brilliant for keeping the draft out, but shorter-fit jackets can look super stylish and are great when you want more freedom of movement, so I drift between the two.”
Round things off with gloves, thermal base layers (merino wool is always a winner), goggles and ski socks, and you’ll be ready for anything the mountain throws at you.
Best ski clothing for women at a glance
How we tested
We tested out all of these jackets, ski pants and accessories in the great outdoors and looked for reliable warmth, waterproofing and comfort. While we couldn’t take them to the Alps, we did wear them on walks over snow-covered mountains in the Lake District, and looked for a good female-specific fit, snow protection and all-day comfort at zero degrees.
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Best women's ski jackets
Arc’Teryx Rush Jacket
Best: ski jacket
Arc’teryx’s Rush is a dream for free riders, pairing the snow-proofing of Gore-Tex with lovely female-specific tailoring that moves effortlessly on technical terrain.
This good-looking jacket is fully stormproof yet breathable on long climbs, with a helmet-compatible hood and smartly placed pockets that stay accessible with a backpack on. Tough enough for deep winter, this is a premium women’s ski shell (with a premium price tag) built for big days out.
Buy now £750.00, Arc’Teryx
DC Technical Snow Anorak
Best: anorak
There is a lot to like about an anorak — pullover coats trap in body heat and are more weatherproof. DC’s technical anorak mixes streetwear cool with dependable mountain performance. Made from recycled polyester, it’s cosy and fully snow-ready. It’s easy to layer under it, the big kangaroo pocket is practical and the longline shape shuts wind and snow out.
A great pick if you want something stylish and functional in equal measure.
Buy now £295.00, DC
Roxy Snow Winter Rebel Snow Jacket
Best for: the pistes
Stand out in a sea of boring women’s ski clothing in Roxy’s Winter Rebel – we love its bold pattern and boxy cut. While it nods to fashion, this jacket is functional too, with a recycled polyester outer layer that’s waterproof to 10,000mm and a flattering, easy-to-wear shape.
Warm, windproof and nicely articulated for all-day comfort, this more casual jacket is ideal for relaxed resort days and après sessions. The adjustable hood and cuffs create a snug seal, and a choice of classic or printed colourways keeps things fun.
Buy now £195.00, Roxy
M&S Stormwear Padded Reflective Puffer Jacket
Best for: warmth
This padded puffer is all about toasty comfort, pairing M&S’s own-brand Stormwear waterproofing with generous insulation to keep cold snaps firmly at bay.
This shorter jacket is surprisingly lightweight for such instant warmth, with a soft, cosy feel that works just as well on winter walks as it does for casual, entry-level skiing.
The reflective detailing is a clever safety touch, and the simple, neutral colour options make this a winter staple you’ll be able to wear at home as well as on holiday.
Buy now £130.00, M&S
Fjällräven Bergtagen GTX Pro Jacket
Best for: professional outdoorswomen
Designed for serious mountain missions, Fjällräven’s Bergtagen GTX Pro is a no-nonsense workhorse built from ultra-durable, waterproof Gore-Tex Pro material.
This is a serious bit of kit — fully snowproof, highly breathable and engineered for technical movement, this bombproof women’s ski jacket is ideal for touring, mountaineering and for working outdoors. The cut is streamlined but practical, with generous pockets and a protective storm hood.
Dependable and built to last, this is a jacket for pros willing to invest in something tough.
Buy now £785.00, Fjällräven
My Sunday Ski Apricity Jacket
Best for: luxury
My Sunday Ski’s Apricity jacket is pure alpine glamour — quilted, glossy and beautifully cut, with a rich colour palette that looks as good at après as it does on the lift.
Warm, windproof, waterproof to 10,000mm and wonderfully plush, this chunky yet lightweight design brings a couture feel to the slopes without skimping on practicality.
And if you’re in the mood to play matchy-matchy, the brand’s quilted velvet ski overalls (£265) complete the luxe look perfectly.
Buy now £395.00, My Sunday Ski
H&M Down Jacket
Best for: beginners
Who says streetwear can’t go straight to the slopes? H&M’s new season down jacket is a fashion-forward take on ski style, delivering big, cosy warmth with a chic, minimalist silhouette.
Lightweight but impressively insulating, it’s ideal for easy resort days or wintry walks under blue skies, although it is water-repellent enough to shrug off light snow.
Want to dial up the style stakes? Back at your chalet, swap into the shiny silver puffer vest or cosy ‘Snow’ jumper from the Perfect Moment x H&M collection dropping December 2.
Was: £189.99
Buy now £152.00, H&M
Best women's salopettes and bibs for skiing
Dope Notorious B.I.B
Best for: comfort
We always rate bib pants on test — they’re comfy, provide more warmth than low-slung salopettes and keep any snow well away from your middle.
We’ve been able to test out Dope’s notorious B.I.B over a few winter seasons, and there’s lots to like — this dungaree style is easy to pull on and off, thanks to a side zip and comfortable, adjustable waistband, there’s room to layer underneath and it is fully waterproofed to 15,000mm, with taped seams.
With 11 colourways to choose from, you can opt for neutral shades or fun pastels.
Buy now £192.00, Dope
M&S Softshell Stormwear Flared Ski Trousers
Best for: style
Flares are in — and these softshell salopettes give classic ski trousers a fashion upgrade, pairing M&S’s own Stormwear waterproofing with a chic, retro silhouette. Warm, stretchy and surprisingly flattering, they move comfortably while creating that long-legged look skiers love.
The high waist fits snugly under jackets, and the fabric is thick enough to stand up to cold days without bulk.
Smart, functional and elegant — ideal if you want style without compromising performance from good old Marks and Sparks.
Buy now £80.00, M&S
Fjällräven Bergtagen Trousers
Best for: waterproofing
Fjällräven is based in Sweden, where the locals know a thing or two about waterproofing. Built from ultra-tough Gore-Tex Pro, the Bergtagen trousers are designed for serious weather and demanding terrain.
Fully snowproof, highly breathable and cut for technical movement, they’re ready for ski touring, mountaineering and deep-winter days when lesser trousers might give up the ghost. Reinforced panels add durability, while the adjustable waist gives a comfy fit.
A premium, bombproof option for women who need kit they can trust anywhere.
Buy now £650.00, Fjällräven
Arc’Teryx Sentinel Bib
Best for: freeriding
Arc’teryx’s Sentinel bib combines that holy snow grail of great freedom of movement and top-tier weatherproofing thanks to lightweight GORE-TEX ePE fabric.
The cut is athletic but flattering, with a soft, quiet feel that makes long days in the backcountry comfortable. Venting zips help regulate heat on climbs, while the high bib keeps powder exactly where it belongs – outside and away from your long johns.
A premium pick for off-piste skiers who want reliability, breathability and sleek style.
Buy now £650.00, Arc’Teryx
Peak Performance Whitelight Insulated Pant
Best for: advanced skiers
The Whitelight pant blends clever technology with a clean, minimalist fit. This was definitely the most futuristic pant we tested — it combines a hydrophobic membrane that means snow and water just slide right off the surface with foam insulation (inspired by NASA, no less) that adds warmth without padding, so you’re cosy without feeling bulky. Warm, technical and beautifully made, these are ideal for confident skiers seeking premium performance.
Peak Performance say they’re “ designed for winter days at ski resorts” and we think they do their job perfectly.
Buy now £430.00, Peak Performance
Best skiing base layers, gloves and socks
Roxy Chloe Kim Leather Mittens
Best: mittens
These buttery-soft leather mittens from Roxy’s Chloe Kim collection deliver serious warmth to chilly fingers.
Yes, these gloves are bulky, but the insulation is excellent, keeping fingers cosy even on icy chairlifts, while the soft lining feels luxurious against the skin. Durable leather palms give great grip on poles, and the long cuffs seal neatly under or over sleeves.
A chic, high-performing option for skiers who feel the cold in their hands.
Buy now £90.00, Roxy
Sealskinz Langley Mittens
Best for: waterproofness
Sealskinz’s Langley mitts are a dream on wet, wintry days, pairing full waterproofing with impressive breathability and reliable insulation.
Lightweight but robust, they fend off wind, slush and proper snowstorms while keeping hands warm — and all without overheating. The streamlined shape makes them great for skiing, trekking or just surviving frozen commutes.
A dependable, go-anywhere mitten you’ll use at home for walking the dog or working in the garden, as well as on the slopes.
Was: £70
Buy now £63.00, Sealskinz
Falke Baselayers
Best: baselayers
Falke’s base layers are a popular pick for good reason — they’re lightweight, they wick moisture, and they regulate body temperature brilliantly on the mountain.
The recycled polyamide fabric has a second-skin feel that’s supportive and slim-fitting without impeding movement, so it’s perfect for layering, and is opaque enough that you won’t flash your underwear.
Available in classic colours, these tops and leggings are a premium option for skiers who run actively and want reliable, all-day comfort. Falke’s ski socks are also brilliant.
Buy now £67.00, Falke
Smartwool Full Cushion Snowcopalypse Socks
Best for: cosy feet
Warm your cockles in Smartwool’s Snowpocalypse socks, which offer plush, full cushioning that keeps feet toasty without feeling too thick in tight ski boots. Made from soft, breathable merino wool, these beauties handle sweat, cold and long days on the mountain effortlessly. The fit is supportive through the arch and ankle, preventing slippage, and the fun, colourful designs add a bit of flair to your base layers. A brilliant pick for cold-prone toes.
Was: £30
Buy now £21.00, Smartwool
BAM Sudbrook baselayer top and leggings
Best for: comfort
If comfort is top of your shopping list, go for bamboo. BAM’s bamboo base layers are wonderfully soft — the fabric feels velvety against the skin and offers natural breathability, making them ideal for long ski days and cosy winter layering. The fit is snug but forgiving, with great stretch that moves easily whether you’re carving or lounging.
Warm without being heavy, they’re a gorgeous choice if you prioritise natural fibres in your winter wardrobe and will work for running and yoga when you’re home from the pistes.
Buy now £39.00, BAM
Polarn y Pyret Wool Thermal Merino Layers
Best: merino
Merino wool is a bit of a wonder material for winter — it feels soft, not scratchy, and regulates temperature beautifully, keeping you warm on lifts but comfortable when working hard. Polarn O. Pyret’s merino layers deliver impressive warmth in a lightweight, breathable package, making them perfect for skiing, hiking or everyday winter wear.
The simple, Scandi-inspired colours and slim fit make them easy to pair with any ski kit. Good value, too, and we like the nature-inspired shades they come in.
Was: £45
Buy now £33.75, Polarn y Pyret
Verdict
Keep totally snowproof even in a blizzard in Arc’Teryx’s Rush jacket, which is worth the spend if you love exploring the mountains on skis and on foot all winter.
Wear it over Dope’s Notorious B.I.B dungaree style pants — they’re warm, waterproof and flattering.
