Planning a Ski Trip: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Women's Ski Jackets Women's Ski Pants Men's Ski Jackets Snowboard Pants Socks Ski Boots Snowboard Boots Skis Snowboards Ski Poles Helmets Balaclavas Goggles Gloves Boot Bags Top Ski Resorts in North America U.S. Resorts by Region Destinations in the Northwest Destinations in the Southeast Romantic Ski Getaways Save Money on Ski Wear Budget Tips for Families U.S. Resorts Where Kids Ski Free Best Ski Clothing Brands Planning a Ski Trip: The Complete Guide close Overview Outdoors Winter Sports The 15 Best Ski Clothing Brands of 2024 Trusted companies that keep you geared up on the slopes By Nathan Allen Nathan Allen Outdoor Gear Editor University of Missouri-Columbia Lindenwood University Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. Nathan loves many outdoor activities but makes it a priority to run or bike on singletrack every day. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/18/23 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong There’s zero shortage of good ski clothing brands, to be sure. But what makes a good ski clothing brand great? First and foremost is performance. A fun day on the mountain can quickly become miserable if you don’t have high-performing clothing from base layers to outer layers. While performance is our top priority, we also value innovation, sustainability, and style. Our list of this season’s best ski clothing brands includes companies from all over the world. It includes companies that are nearly 160 years old and others that are less than a decade old. We recommend looking out for fit, cost, and ski-specific brands before you buy. The Rundown Best Overall: Patagonia at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Runner-Up, Best Overall: Outdoor Research at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Columbia at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly: Picture at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Runner-Up, Best Eco-Friendly: Mammut at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Weatherproof: Arc'teryx at Arcteryx.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Ski-First: Flylow Gear at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Runner-Up, Best Ski-First: Strafe Outerware at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Most Versatile: The North Face at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Norrøna at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Patagonia Patagonia View On Backcountry.com View On Patagonia.com View On REI What We Like Reasonably priced, high-quality products Meaningful commitment to sustainability and activism Solid warranty and return policy What We Don't Like Nothing! It feels a bit funny picking a company headquartered next to a beach for a ski clothing superlative. But Ventura, California-based Patagonia is just that good. From base layers to outer layers, Patagonia continues to innovate in the space. The Capilene Midweight Crew Tops are classic. The Micro Puff Hoody was a game-changer. And we love the eco-focused, proprietary H2No waterproof membrane found on the Insulated Powder Town Jacket and many other outerwear items. We’d also be remiss not to mention how Patagonia has doubled down on its environmental activism since 2021. From ditching corporate logos on its products to shunning Jackson Hole Ski Resort after its owner hosted a soiree for the conservative-leaning House Freedom Caucus, Patagonia has left no question about where its priorities lie. And that’s in addition to empowering environmental activists, giving itself a 1 percent “Earth tax,” and funding grassroots environmentalist groups. We’re down for it. Warranty: Ironclad Guarantee allows you to return, replace, or repair any item that does not meet your satisfaction | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original tags TripSavvy / Ridley Schirm Runner-Up, Best Overall Outdoor Research Outdoor Research View On Backcountry.com View On Outdoorresearch.com View On REI What We Like Original mission to create life-saving gear Patented technology Charitable partnerships What We Don't Like Some items can be pricey Protection in mountain environments has been baked into Outdoor Research’s DNA from the get-go. Ron Gregg founded the company in 1981 after watching his climbing partner get airlifted off Denali with frostbitten feet. He was then hellbent on producing protective gear for outdoor adventurers. Fast-forward four decades, and Outdoor Research is still doing just that. We appreciate the protection and breathability of OR’s proprietary AscentShell three-layer fabric, which can be found on its Skyward II Pants—one of the best backcountry and touring-focused bottoms you can find. This company gets bonus points for pivoting to focus on medical PPE during the pandemic and partnering with more than a dozen nonprofits including Indigenous Women Outdoors, The Conservation Alliance, and Women’s Wilderness. Warranty: Infinite Guarantee covers defects for the lifetime of the product | Return Policy: Refunds accepted within 60 days of purchase; goods must be unused with original tags attached or included Best Budget Columbia Columbia View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Columbia.com What We Like Great performance for price Well renowned Variety of sizes What We Don't Like Most products prioritize function over fashion Columbia is one of the oldest and most established outdoor gear companies in the United States. And for good reason. Besides acquiring brands like Mountain Hardwear and Prana over the years, Columbia continues to offer quality outerwear at a much more accessible price than its ski clothing and adventure apparel competitors. But don’t let the relatively inexpensive price point fool you. Columbia constantly produces some of the most innovative and smart tech in the outdoor gear space. Its Omni-Heat technology has been revolutionary, and Columbia recently announced another push in thermal-reflective warmth with Omni-Heat Infinity. And the Bugaboo II Interchange is the best 3-in-1 ski jacket on the market for its price. Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty covers defects for original owner | Return Policy: Returns accepted within 60 days of purchase; goods must be unworn with tags attached or in the original box Best Eco-Friendly Picture Picture Organic View On Backcountry.com View On Picture-organic-clothing.com View On REI What We Like Young, dynamic brand Lifetime repair warranty Good reviews What We Don't Like Runs small Gerzat, France-based apparel company Picture takes sustainability seriously. Launched in 2008, it's one of the newer companies in the game. Besides making top-shelf ski clothing, the brand leaves no question where its priorities lie as its site looks more like a hub and rallying cry for environmental activists than an apparel company. A certified B Corp, Picture goes into excruciating detail on its site, outlining its environmental footprint and practices. It mentions that 92 percent of the cotton used by the brand is organic, and 69 percent of the polyester used in its technical gear comes from recycled bottles. In 2019, Picture started making plant-based fabrics from sugar cane and castor beans. Some 60 percent of technical apparel in its 2021-2022 line is made from sugar cane. We like their Exa Pant for its 100 percent circular polyester construction and mini bib cut. Warranty: Lifetime repair warranty for many products including technical jackets and pants, mid-layers, tech sweaters, and backpacks | Return Policy: Returns accepted within 21 days of receipt; goods must be unused and unwashed with the original tags included The North Face Arrowood Triclimate Ski Jacket Review Runner-Up, Best Eco-Friendly Mammut Mammut View On Backcountry.com View On Mammut.com View On REI What We Like Well established Adaptable Several approaches to sustainability What We Don't Like Relatively limited warranty Some rare companies transcend time and generations. Mammut—founded in 1862—has done just that, remaining relevant for nearly 160 years. It’s kind of mind-boggling to think about. Mammut has obviously had to change and innovate over the decades. One of its newest changes has been a renewed focus on climate care, highlighted by its goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. In a 47-page slide deck released earlier this year, Mammut highlights its climate action history, which began in earnest in 2009 when the company started using organic cotton in its clothing lines. It also outlines its path to carbon neutrality and the lofty steps and changes it will take, like moving to 100 percent renewable energy in its supply chain, using zero-emission vessels and reducing air freight by 50 percent by 2030, and investing in circular business models like repairability, re-commerce, and recycling. We like their Snow Beanie for après-ski warmth and the Aconcagua ML Long Tight, which doubles as a hiking pant or a base layer for a day on the hill. Warranty: 2-year warranty against defects | Return Policy: Returns accepted within 30 days for full-price items and 14 days for sale items; goods must be unused and unworn in their original packaging Best Weatherproof Arc'teryx Arc'teryx View On Arcteryx.com View On REI What We Like Innovative Cool, minimalist aesthetic Great layering pieces What We Don't Like Pricey Launched in 1989, Vancouver-based Arc’teryx made a weatherproofing leap in 1996 when it obtained a license with Gore-Tex to start creating proprietary technologies to beef up its product lines. What has resulted is a leader in weatherproofing. One of the most recent—and impressive—manifestations of this partnership is the Sabre SV Jacket and pants, which are some of the most bomber ski threads on the market. Besides Gore-Tex, the Sabre line and many other Arc’teryx ski jackets and pants employ weatherproofing advancements like “WaterTight” pit zips, a “StormHood,” and a slide and locking system connecting the jacket to the pants. Warranty: Limited warranty covers defects for the lifespan of the product | Return Policy: Refunds accepted within 30 days of delivery; goods must be in new condition with original tags attached or in the original box The 9 Best Ski Socks of 2023 Best Ski-First Flylow Gear Flylow Gear View On Backcountry.com View On Flylowgear.com View On REI What We Like Ski brand at its core Long-lasting pieces Solid warranty What We Don't Like Sizing can be tricky Two skiers from Colorado created Flylow Gear for one purpose: to make ski gear that would hold up in the conditions in which they skied. With that guiding light, the duo launched their first line in 2005 with two products—the Cactus Pants and Black Coat. Since then, Flylow has dramatically expanded its ski line and entered into mountain biking, wakesurfing, and camping apparel. But all the while, Flylow has remained committed to making a better product for the skier. Even if you aren't a bib fan—as one review mentioned—the Compound Bib Pant may have you reconsidering. This product's durable nylon shell stands up to branches, while the eVent layer provides breathability. Warranty: Covers defects for the practical lifespan of the item | Return Policy: Refunds accepted within 30 days of purchase; goods must be unworn, unwashed, in their original packaging Runner-Up, Best Ski-First Strafe Outerware Strafe Outerwear View On Backcountry.com View On Strafeouterwear.com What We Like Founded by skiers Good for backcountry touring Relatively small company What We Don't Like On the pricier side Similar to Flylow Gear, Stafe Outerwear was created by skiers looking for better products to suit their needs. Founded in Aspen by twin brothers, Strafe launched its first products in 2010—a line of technical jackets, pants, and onesies. Since then, Strafe has branched out into mid-layers, insulation, and some general lifestyle lines and products. We like the Nomad Jacket, a technical shell with all the ski-forward features you need, including pit zips and a lined, helmet-compatible hood. Warranty: 2 years against defects for the original purchaser | Return Policy: Refunds accepted within 30 days of receipt (45 days during the holiday season); goods must be unworn and unwashed with original tags and packaging The 6 Best Ski & Snowboard Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Most Versatile The North Face The North Face View On Backcountry.com View On The North Face View On REI What We Like Wide variety Quality maintained across the catalog Accessible What We Don't Like Less focused on skiers It’s one of the most well-known outdoor apparel and gear brands on the planet. It’s also the most versatile, offering various activewear products for all seasons and types of weather. While many brands hone in on certain types of ski wear, like outer layers, mid-layers, base layers, or socks, The North Face does it all and does it all well. If you’re looking for versatile products that look and perform just as well on the slopes as off, The North Face has you covered. Great for kids, too, your little ripper can go from winter days at school to shredding on the mountain with the Vortex Triclimate Jacket. Warranty: Limited warranty covers defects for the lifetime of the product | Return Policy: Refunds accepted within 60 days of delivery; goods must be in their original state and packaging Best Splurge Norrøna Norrona View On Backcountry.com View On Norrona.com What We Like Flattering cuts with stretch Established Generous warranty What We Don't Like Expensive Norrøna outerwear isn't cheap, but if you're looking for high-end ski clothing, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option. Family-owned and run since its founding in 1929, the Oslo, Norway-based brand puts a premium on design, innovation, and quality. Norrøna was the first European brand to use Gore-Tex and glued zips, and they created the world's first tunnel tent. And, they've taken the hard part out of finding quality technical pants with the Falketind Flex1 Slim Pant, complete with an adjustable waist and four zippered pockets. Warranty: 5-year warranty against defects | Return Policy: Refunds accepted within 30 days; goods must be unworn and unwashed, with original tags attached The 8 Best Luxury Ski Clothing Brands of 2024 Best Backcountry-Focused Ortovox Ortovox View On Backcountry.com View On Ortovox.com View On REI What We Like More than just apparel Comfortable and breathable pieces Colorful options What We Don't Like Very slim cuts not especially inclusive Lots of brands make backcountry-focused products. But not many do it as thoroughly and thoughtfully as Ortovox. The European company boasts award-winning backcountry clothing options and offers backcountry safety gear like airbag backpacks, shovels, beacons, and probes. Ortovox takes it to the next level with avalanche safety courses and training, guidebooks, and an alpine touring app. We like the 22-liter Free Rider Backpack. It fits tight to the body, allows dynamic movement, and includes backcountry tech like ski loops and an integrated helmet net. Warranty: 2 years against defects | Return Policy: Returns accepted within 30 days of receipt Runner-Up, Backcountry-Focused Trew Gear Trew Gear View On Trewgear.com What We Like Innovative materials Members of the Conservation Alliance Excellent reviews What We Don't Like Nothing yet Launched in 2008 in a garage in Hood River, Oregon, Trew Gear immediately made waves with its Trewth Bibs. Trew took them to local ski mountains, letting skiers take laps to test-drive the bibs. Being based in the Pacific Northwest has undoubtedly influenced the technology and design of Trew’s ski products, including its custom-made proprietary fabrics and membranes. Trew has also now expanded into mid-layers and base layers. The Nuyarn Chill Top is one of their most popular base layer pieces. Its merino yarn fabric breathes well and is naturally odor resistant. Plus, it features a ninja hood to retain heat where you need it most. Warranty: Defects covered for three years | Return Policy: Returns accepted within 30 days; goods must be in their original condition with tags attached Best for Innovation Polartec Polartec View On Polartec.com What We Like Produces tech used by other companies Established in 1906 Flame-resistant collection What We Don't Like Sizing can run small Perhaps you haven't heard of Polartec. But you've almost certainly worn a Polartec product. The Massachusetts-based textile company has been changing the game for decades now. The company revved up in 1981, creating the world's first fleece anything when it released its Polarfleece jacket. Since then, it's played a role in many classic and innovative products for brands like Patagonia and The North Face. You can also find Polartec in Rab's heavyweight insulated Power Stretch Pro Pant. The material is water- and wind-resistant, while flatlock seams ensure easy layering. Warranty: Defects covered for the lifetime of the product | Return Policy: Retailer dependent Best Style Aztech Mountain Aztech Mountain View On Aztechmountain.com View On Mrporter.com What We Like Chic aesthetic Warmest ratings negative 10 degrees Small, hyper-focused collection What We Don't Like Closer to luxury prices Who says ski garb has to be just about performance? Not us. For those fashion-forward skiers among us, Aspen-based Aztech Mountain has you covered. With Casey Cadwallader of fashion house Mugler as Head of Design, Aztech Mountain products are just as much for après-ski as they are for action on the mountain. But just because the products are fashion-focused doesn’t mean performance is forgotten. A team of top athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Bode Miller, are also in on the design and production process. For a technical ski jacket made with GRS nylon that is emblematic of Aztech Mountain, we like the Nuke Suit. Warranty: 1 year against defects | Return Policy: Returns accepted within 14 days of shipment; goods must be unworn and unwashed with original tags attached Best Tech-Forward Gore-Tex Gore-Tex View On Backcountry.com View On Gore-tex.com What We Like Partners with many other brands Game-changing technology Established and well known What We Don't Like Nothing yet There might not be a more influential technological advance for outdoor apparel than Gore-Tex; so much so that if your ski kit doesn’t include it, it likely uses some sort of Gore-Tex-like proprietary fabric instead. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that kick-started the brand's reputation came to the clothing market in 1976 with Gore-Tex jackets aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. Since then, Gore-Tex has developed its own line and helped innovate ski clothing lines for dozens of other brands, including many on this list. If you are in the market for a technical shell, go no further than the Cardiac Gore-Tex Pro Jacket. Warranty: Covered against defects for the lifetime of the product | Return Policy: Retailer dependent Final Verdict Patagonia earns our first pick of ski clothing brands thanks to its innovative spirit, high-performance pieces, and commitment to environmental protection. Coming in at a close second is Outdoor Research with decades of experience making protective performance gear for outdoor adventurers. What to Look For in a Ski Clothing Brand Fit When it comes to ski clothing, plenty favor a closer-to-the-body fit—there’s less material for things to snag on, and it’s more comfortable skiing in the wind if your clothes fit a little tighter. However, that isn’t everyone’s preference, so just make sure to pick clothing that fits in a way that works for you because, ultimately, comfort is the greatest priority. Cost If you go skiing frequently—or if you live somewhere with cold, wet weather—you’re going to be wearing your ski clothing pretty often. If your perfect item of clothing is a little expensive, chances are you will be using it often enough to justify the splurge (and if not, there are plenty of quality budget brands out there). Ski-Specific Brand If you’re shopping for clothing to wear primarily on the slopes—versus more general outerwear that will work fine on the slopes—then go for a brand dedicated to designing clothing for skiing or snowboarding. Clothes from brands like these are likely to have details that are specifically designed for skiers such as a fit that works with your body as it moves, venting panels, and a hood that fits over your helmet. Frequently Asked Questions What articles of clothing do you need to go skiing? Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, you’re likely to need similar gear on the slopes. Layering is king. Start with long underwear or base layers to shore up warmth. Then add a light fleece or wool top. Pile on a ski jacket and pants for waterproofing. You’ll also need ski socks, gloves or mittens, a neck gaiter or balaclava, and a helmet and ski goggles. How should you clean your skiing clothes? You should wash your base layers according to the tags when you feel they need it; however, your waterproof layers need special care and attention. Ski jackets and pants are made from technical fabrics, which can break down if you use ordinary detergent or add-ons, such as fabric softener. These chemicals can also strip the fabric of its waterproof coating. Instead, opt for cleaners specially designed for technical outerwear. Before washing, we also advise closing all zippers and Velcro closures and turning your clothes inside out. If you have any ski clothing made of down, plan on adding tennis balls to the wash cycle (to keep the down from compacting) and running it through a second rinse cycle to remove all the soap from the down. Air dry all your waterproof garments and follow label instructions for your other gear. How should you store your skiing clothes in the off season? At the end of the season, clean your clothing and gear according to the instructions on the labels or the advice above. We recommend opaque bins for storage, which will keep dust, UV light, and moisture from damaging your clothing in the off-season. Your garments shouldn’t be compacted or flattened—particularly any down-based layers. Store your clothing uncompressed. Why Trust TripSavvy Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. He’s skied nearly his entire life. While he’s now based near California’s coast, Nathan spent multiple seasons in Steamboat Springs, where he logged more than 100 days of resort and backcountry skiing. Nathan spent hours extensively researching dozens of ski brands, tested new products from the brands on this list, and consulted with other TripSavvy writers like Justin Park and Berne Broudy. The 7 Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? 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