One of the best ways to enjoy the cold and snow this winter is to hit the ski slopes—what’s a better thrill than sliding downhill?! Admittedly, skiing can be a gear intensive sport, so when it comes to shopping for the best ski gear, it’s important to do your research and invest in high-quality products that will last, even if you have to throw down a little more cash up front. After all, this is the gear that is going to protect you from the harsh elements. So you want to make sure it works well.
To make your job easier, we compiled a list of our favorite tried and tested ski gear that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable next time you head for the ski lift, ensuring you have the best time possible. Whether you are a backcountry skier or prefer to stick to the resorts so you can enjoy a hot chocolate in the lodge at midday, we have the gear for you.
- Best Skis: Volkl Kenja/Kendo 88
- Best Snow Bib: The North Face A-CAD Futurelight
- Best Ski Pants: Picture Object
- Best Ski Jacket: Patagonia PowSlayer
- Best Ski Gloves: Hestra Heli 3-Finger Insulated Glove
- Best Ski Goggles: Smith I/O MAG
- Best Ski Helmet: POC Obex MIPS Helmet
- Best Ski Socks: Smartwool Performance Ski Targeted Cushion Pattern OTC Socks
- Best Base Layer: Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip
- Best Neck Warmer for Skiing: Skida Alpine Neckwarmer
- Best Parking Lot Booties: Rossignol Apres Ski Bootie
Best Skis
These versatile Skis Can Tackle Any Mountain Terrain
The Volkl Kendo (for men) and Kenja (for women) skis top the bestseller list year after year for good reason—they can handle pretty much any type of terrain or snow conditions, whether you like the front side groomers, exploring off-piste terrain, tackling the bumps, or hunting for fresh powder in the trees.
Volkl’s 3D radius sidecut makes the Kendo 88 and Kenja 88 a great all mountain ski thanks to the longer radius in the the tail and the tip areas and a tighter radius underfoot. This means that when you are in bumps and tight trees, the ski turns very easily (a tight center radius makes it easy to initiate short turns) but on long groomers the open tip and tail radii enable high speed in big turns with smooth steering and maneuverability. The skis can easily switch from short to big turns to quickly adapt to any terrain on the mountain.
The skis feature carbon tips that add extra stability at a lower weight and a Titanal frame that soaks up any vibration for a smooth ride, even at high speeds.
Best Snow Bib
Slip Into Waterproof Yet Highly Breathable Snow Bibs
The A-Cad Futurelight snow bibs take advantage of The North Face’s proprietary waterproof membrane technology, in which nano-level holes enable air to flow freely while remaining water tight. The bottom line is that you’ll be fully protected from the elements but won’t overheat in milder weather or when you are working hard. Should you find yourself backcountry skiing or boot packing up to some off-piste terrain, inner thigh vents let you dump excess heat before a cold-inducing sweat sets in.
Six waterproof pockets offer plenty of secure storage options for your phone, wallet, snacks, and an extra pair of gloves, with a dedicated spot for your beacon on the thigh. Stretch gaiters slip over your ski boots to prevent any snow from getting inside.
Other features include stretchy, articulated knees that move with your body and kick panels on the inside of both legs so your skis don’t cut up the material. When nature calls, full drop-seat functionality means you don’t need to get completely undressed. The A-Cad Futurelight snow bibs are available in both a men’s and women’s version.
Best Ski Pants
These Ski Pants Are Made With Less Impact On The Environment
These insulated ski pants not only protect you from the elements, but they also create less of an environmental impact thanks to Picture’s use of eco-friendly materials and production methods. The Object ski pants are made from bio-sourced polyester – a fabric derived from sugarcane waste and blended with recycled PET. The shell fabric reduces carbon emissions by 25% while providing the same level of durability and performance as traditional polyester. The ski pants use Picture’s waterproof membrane made from recycled materials and a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment meaning they keep you warm and dry without doing harm to animals and humans.
Design details include a comfortable stretch gaiter around the waist to keep snow from getting down your ski pants and gaiters on the hems to keep snow out of your boots. Three attachment points at the waist secure your ski jacket in place so it doesn’t ride up, while zippered vents on the thighs help you dump excess heat for when the weather turns warmer.
Best Ski Jacket
A Lightweight, Packable Ski Jacket With Plenty Of Storage
Optimized for the backcountry but equally at home at the resort, the Patagonia PowSlayer will be your favorite ski jacket for years to come. This three-layer hardshell ski jacket is made from GORE-TEX Pro fabric with a 100% recycled nylon face fabric that is treated with an eco-friendly Durable Water Repellent (DWR).
The helmet-compatible hood has a stiff visor for better visibility and an integrated cord lock system for extra adjustability. Two large chest pockets feature watertight zips with a hidden media pocket and cable routing for your headphones. Further storage includes two zippered hand warmer pockets and a zippered arm pocket to hold your ski pass. Inside the ski jacket, a drop-in pocket offers a secure place to store goggles and gloves, while a zippered stash pocket safely holds your wallet and keys.
The low profile powder skirt is fully adjustable to ensure the cold and snow stay outside where they belong, while two large pit zips open quickly to dump excess heat when skinning in the backcountry. A concealed RECCO reflector at the back of the neck makes you searchable by professional rescuers should something go wrong (though keep in mind that’s not a substitute for an avalanche rescue beacon when backcountry skiing).
Best Ski Gloves
Grab These Warm, Waterproof Gloves You Won’t Lose
There is nothing worse than cold hands when skiing—a good pair of gloves can make or break your day. The Heli 3-Finger Insulated Gloves from Hestra combine the warmth of a ski mitten with the dexterity of a ski glove.
Made from a windproof and waterproof material, the ski gloves feature a removable, insulated liner for easy drying at the end of the day or washing at the end of a trip. Goatskin on the palms adds an extra level of durability and provides better grip on snowy or icy ski poles. A Velcro strap at the wrist and bungee at the cuffs cinch down to keep heat in and snow out.
Since ski gloves are easy to lose, Hestra added a small carabiner at the cuff to clip the pair together when not in use and elastic straps to slip around your wrists when wearing so you never have to worry about dropping a glove from the chairlift.
Best Ski Goggles
Don These Ski Goggles With Easily Interchangeable Lenses
A leader in all things optics, Smith’s I/O series of ski goggles has been a fan favorite for years. What makes them so special? First is Smith’s Chromapop lens technology that delivers greater definition, contrast, and clarity along with more natural color so you can see even the smallest variations in the snow surface and terrain. Anti-fog treatment on the lens coupled with plenty of ventilation ports means you remain fog-free in all conditions.
The Smith I/O MAG ski goggles come with two sets of lenses: one for sunny days and one for low light days. You can quickly swap between lenses thanks to two strong, weatherproof magnets that instantly guide the lens into position. A simple push of a lever on the side of the lens releases and then secures it back into place.
A triple layer of foam on the inside of the ski goggles adds comfort while wicking away any moisture from your face. The strap uses a secure clip for easy on and off over a helmet, while silicone beads lining the inside of the strap ensure the goggles stay in place all day. The ski goggles are also available in S and XL models for those with smaller or larger heads.
Best Ski Helmet
A Well-Ventilated Helmet With Advanced Head Protection
POC makes some of the most protective helmets on the market and the new Obex MIPS is no different. The lightweight ski helmet balances comfort with durability and protection thanks to a three-layer construction consisting of a foam liner, polycarbonate shell, and an ABS plastic top shell. Additional rotational impact protection comes from integrated MIPS technology which greatly reduces the chance of brain injury in the event of a crash.
Sliding vent covers make it easy to adjust air flow over your head and integrated vents at the front of the helmet allow steam to escape so your goggles don’t fog up.
The ear pads are removable for warmer weather conditions and a clip at the back of the ski helmet ensures your goggles remain securely in place throughout the day. The Obex MIPS comes in three adjustable sizes and a variety of colors to match your ensemble.
Best Ski Socks
Stay Toasty in Warm, Supportive Ski Socks With Extra Cushioning
With all the gear required for skiing, it can be easy to forget about socks. A good pair of ski socks should not only keep your feet warm all day, but they should wick moisture away from your feet and provide cushioning and support for your legs when wedged inside your ski boots all day.
Smartwool’s Performance Ski Targeted Cushion Pattern OTC socks are made from a combination of merino wool for warmth, nylon to wick away sweat, and elastane to help the socks hold their shape and stay in place all day. Extra cushioning in the shin, toe, and heel add a level of comfort and durability in high contact zones, while strategically placed mesh panels add breathability to heat-prone areas. A seamless toe construction cuts down on the chance of blisters as a result of rubbing and bunching.
Best Base Layer
A Merino Wool Base Layer In Fun Nordic Designs
Layers are the key to staying warm during winter and an insulating, moisture-wicking base layer is a good place to start. The Rose Half-Zip base layer from Kari Traa is made from 100% merino wool that keeps you warm even if it should get wet and its natural odor-resistance means you can wear it more than once before washing. The high, half-zip collar lets you ventilate when needed and stretch panels at the sides enable freedom of movement. And there will be no rush to change clothes when you are done skiing for the day, as Kari Traa’s fun, Nordic-inspired designs look just as good on the slopes as they do back at the chalet.
Best Neck Warmer for Skiing
A Cozy, Fleece-Lined Neck Warmer In Colorful Prints
Neck warmers are the key to staying warm in cold weather and protect your face from windburn. Skida makes the coziest ones we’ve seen, and come in a variety of fun, colorful prints. Vermont-based cross-country skier Corinne Prevot started the company back in 2008 while she was still in high school. To this day, all the brand’s products are still handmade in Vermont. The Alpine Neckwarmer is made from a moisture wicking material with a super soft and cozy fleece lining that keeps your face and neck nice and toasty in even the harshest of conditions.
Best Parking Lot Booties
Waterproof, Insulated Booties That Keep Your Feet Warm And Dry
There is nothing better than taking your ski boots off at the end of a full day and slipping into a pair of comfortable parking lot booties. Whether you are driving to and from the mountain or celebrating the end of a good day of skiing with a couple of beverages back at the chalet, the Apres Ski Bootie from Rossignol will keep your feet warm and happy.
The boots are not only waterproof to protect your feet from snow, slush, or rain, but insulated to keep your feet warm against even the coldest of weather. A bit of cushioning underfoot makes for comfortable walking on tired feet, while the rubber outsole maintains a confident grip across icy parking lots and snowy walkways.
