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 Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts 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 2023 By TripSavvy Editors TripSavvy Editors We’re a team of experienced writers and editors who obsessively scour the world to find the best places, products, and businesses in the world. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/06/23 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Chloe Jeong / TripSavvy 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 mid-layers to outers. With performance as a baseline, we also valued innovation, sustainability, and style. Our list of this ski season’s best 15 ski clothing brands includes companies from all over the world. It includes companies that are nearly 160 years old to others that are less than a decade old. We recommend looking out for fit, cost, and ski-specific brands before you buy. Best Overall: Patagonia Patagonia Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI 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 outers, Patagonia continues to innovate in the space. The Capilene Midweight Crew Tops (price at the time of publication: $79 for large in black) 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 (price at the time of publication: $399) and many of its other outerwear. We’d also be remiss not to mention Patagonia’s doubling down on its environmental activism in 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 above the undercurrent of empowering environmental activists, giving itself a 1 percent “Earth tax,” and funding grassroots environmentalist groups. We’re down for it. Warranty: Ironclad Guarantee covers defects | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry TripSavvy / Ridley Schirm Runner-Up, Best Overall: Outdoor Research Amazon Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Ski Pant Review 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 (price at the time of publication: $329)—one of the best backcountry and touring-focused bottoms you can find. Bonus for pivoting to a focus on medical PPE during the pandemic and partnering with more than a dozen nonprofits like Indigenous Women Outdoors, The Conservation Alliance, and Women’s Wilderness, among others. Warranty: Infinite Guarantee covers defects for the lifetime of the product | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry Best Budget: Columbia Courtesy of Columbia Buy on Amazon Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI 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 (price at the time of publication: $210 for large in black) 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: 30 days after delivery date through Amazon Best Eco-Friendly: Picture Organic Courtesy of Evo Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI Gerzat, France-based apparel company Picture Organic has baked sustainability into its DNA from the get-go. Launched in 2008, Picture is one of the newer companies in the game. Besides making top-shelf ski clothing, Picture 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 company, Picture goes into excruciating detail on its site outlining its environmental footprint and practices. It mentions 92 percent of the cotton Picture uses 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. Take their Xena Insulated Snowsuit (price at the time of publication: $550); it has a 20K waterproof rating and is made with bio-sourced and recycled polyester. Warranty: 2-year warranty covers defects | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry The Best Men’s Ski Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Runner-Up, Best Eco-Friendly: Mammut Backcountry Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI 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, highlighted by its goal of being carbon neutral as a company 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 Sally Beanie (price at the time of publication: $45) for staying warm at après and the Aconcagua ML Long Tight (price at the time of publication: $139), which doubles as a hiking pant and a base layer for a day on the hill. Warranty: 2-year warranty against defects | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry Best Weatherproof: Arc’teryx Courtesy of Backcountry Buy on Arcteryx.com Buy on REI Arc'teryx Men’s Sabre Jacket Review Launched in 1989, Vancouver, British Columbia-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 Jacket (price at the time of publication: $700) and pants, which are some of the most bomber ski threads on the market. Besides Gore-Tex, the Sabre AR 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 to the original owner for the lifespan of product | Return Policy: Unlimited, in new condition with original packaging Best Ski-First: Flylow Gear Courtesy of Backcountry Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI Two skiers from Colorado created Flylow Gear for one purpose: Make the 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 (price at the time of publication: $500) may have you reconsidering. Their 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: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry Runner-Up, Best Ski-First: Strafe Outerwear Courtesy of Backcountry Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on Moosejaw.com Buy on REI 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 (price at the time of publication: $599), 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 original purchaser | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry Most Versatile: The North Face Courtesy of Nordstrom Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on The North Face Buy on REI 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 skiwear, like outers, mid- or 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. Your little ripper can go from winter days at school to shredding on the mountain with the Vortex Triclimate Jacket (price at the time of publication: $139). Warranty: Limited warranty covers defects to the original owner for the lifetime of the product | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry Best Splurge: Norrøna Courtesy of Backcountry Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI Norrøna outerwear isn't cheap, but if you're looking for high-end ski outerwear, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than Norrøna. 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, glued zips, and 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 (price at the time of publication: $189), complete with an adjustable waist and four zippered pockets. Warranty: 5-year warranty against defects | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry The 8 Best Luxury Ski Clothing Brands of 2023 Best Backcountry-Focused: Ortovox Courtesy of Backbone Media Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI 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 (price at the time of publication: $180). 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: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry Runner-Up, Backcountry-Focused: Trew Gear Courtesy of Evo Buy on Trewgear.com Launched in 2008 in a garage in Hood River, Oregon, Trew Gear immediately made waves with its Trewth Bibs. Trew took the bibs 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, employing technologies like its custom and proprietary fabrics and membranes. Trew has also now expanded into mid-and baselayers. The Nuyarn Chill Top (price at the time of publication: $125) is one of their popular baselayer pieces. Its innovative 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: TREW Warranty covers defects for three years | Return Policy: 30 days in original conditions with tags attached Best for Innovation: Polartec Courtesy of Backcountry Buy on Backcountry.com 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 a 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 (price at the time of publication: $100), the material is water and wind-resistant, and flatlock seams ensure easy layering. Warranty: Lifetime of the product against defects | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry Best Style: Aztech Mountain Courtesy of Mr. Porter Buy on Mrporter.com 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. Led by Casey Cadwallader, who is the head of design, Aztech Mountain products are just as much for the apres as the action on the mountain. But just because the products are fashion-focused doesn’t mean performance is forgotten. A team of top athletes, like Bode Miller, are also in on the design and performance process. An eye-catching and functional mid-layer, the Dale of Aspen Zip-Up Ski Jacket (price at the time of publication: $850) is made of a wool blend and duck-down filling. Warranty: 1 year against defects | Return Policy: 28 days, unused with tags attached Best Tech-Forward: Gore-Tex Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Backcountry.com If your ski kit doesn’t have Gore-Tex, it likely has some sort of Gore-Tex-like proprietary fabric. There might not be a more influential technological advance for outdoor apparel than Gore-Tex. First created in 1969, the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that started it all came to 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 of 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 (price at the time of publication: $549). Warranty: Lifetime of the product to the original owner against defects | Return Policy: Unlimited for unused gear with original packaging and tags through Backcountry 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—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 these ski clothes 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 and/or snowboarding. Clothes from brands like these are likely to have details that are specifically designed for skiers, like fits that work with the body as it moves. 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, and a neck gaiter or balaclava. For safety, plan on adding 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 drying instructions from the labels of 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 shoved 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 10 Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! 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