LoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleThe Olympics HelmetOakley Mod1 Mips Aura HelmetRead more$145 Oakley
One Jacket for All WeatherRab Khroma Diffract Insulated JacketRead more$445 $267 (40% off) Amazon (Mens)
Best MittensSwany Calore MittensRead more$160 Backcountry (Mens)
Best Value Ski JacketColumbia Coreshot JacketRead more$250 $150 (40% off) Amazon (Mens)
Whether you're a seasoned alpinist or a green trail aficionado, good ski clothes matter. The right outfit isn't just a matter of style—it's crucial for comfort, safety, and performance. From base layers and the ideal socks, to warm puffer jackets, innovative fleece, and the latest in shell jackets and pants, we have the best options for your style, budget, and ability.
The snow coverage across the US is falling by a staggering 2,083 square miles per year, but our dedication to the trails shows no sign of abating. The global ski gear industry expects to hit $2.45 billion by 2032. It's big business, with global players such as Arc'teryx and Patagonia slugging it out along with a refreshing number of smaller independent brands, not to mention major fashion houses like H&M also getting involved.
While we're guilty of being swayed by technical fabrics and high-performance materials—this is WIRED, after all—there's plenty of great ski clothes for all budgets and ages too. Check out our other outdoor buying guides and reviews, like the Best Ski Gloves and Mittens, the Best Ski Helmets, and the Best Action Cameras.
Honorable MentionsHow to LayerHow We TestedUpdated February 2026: We added the The North Face Freedom Bibs, Columbia Coreshot Jacket, Fjallraven Bergtagen GTX Touring Jacket, Swany Calore Mitts, Stox Compression Socks, Oakley MOD1 Mips Aura, the Montec Doom, the Helly Hansen Emiko, and Mons Royale Yotei Merino Classic Long Sleeve base layer. We also checked links and prices.
- The Olympics HelmetPhotograph: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
- Courtesy of Oakley
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistOakley
You watched enough of the Winter Olympics to know your Double Cork 1440 from a Cab Triple 1800 Indy, and you’re definitely going to be stomping them both next time you’re on the hill. But a much easier way to look like a medallist is to dress like one.
The Mod1 Mips is a classic Oakley helmet, offering a reassuring mix of low-profile skate styling and serious skull protection. You probably spotted American athletes, including silver medalist freestyle skier Mac Forehand, sporting a shimmery version in Italy. This is part of the Aura collection from Oakley, which includes goggles and glasses, and while these limited-edition drops usually come with a steep markup, the Mod1 helmet remains a bargain, especially as it has a Boa 360 dial system, and anti-fog venting. Just remember, the cool kids wear their goggles underneath.
Photograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistRab
Khroma Diffract Insulated Jacket
Personally, I don't like the bulk associated with insulated ski jackets, and would prefer good layering under a shell, even in the coldest conditions. But with the Diffract, Rab has created a super technical jacket stuffed with toasty warm 100 percent recycled Primaloft Silver insulation. It's lightweight (24.7 ounces or 702 grams, size medium), and far from bulky.
Designed for backcountry adventures, but ideal for resort-bound fun too, the secret here is the use of Rab's own Proflex stretch nylon fabric. It's waterproof (20,000 HH) and impressively breathable (25,000g/m²). But it's also surprisingly soft, stretchy and quiet. The shell rustle is kept to an absolute minimum, and even if you do overheat after hiking up, there's large pit vents to dump any excess heat. I needed these during an unseasonably warm trip to the Alps, but I also enjoyed the freedom to just wear a base layer underneath.
With excellent weather protection, great comfort, and a superb amount of insulation, this is essentially a two-in-one ski jacket that doesn't compromise, and will even save you from carrying extra layers. It also has all the usual extras, including mitten-friendly zipper pulls, four external pockets, a great inside pocket for stashing gloves, and a removable powder skirt.
- Best MittensPhotograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSwanyCalore Mittens$160 Backcountry (Mens)$160 Backcountry (Womens)$160 Swany (Mens)$165 Swany (Womens)Swany makes highly impressive mittens and gloves. This season, I’ve been obsessed by the comfort and premium quality of the Calore mitts. The shell is 100 percent super supple full-grain leather that looks luxurious, feels even better, and smells great. Inside, a fleece liner with finger channels—like you’re wearing a glove, with mitten warmth—is stuffed with three different layers of Thermolite insulation. It’s thicker on the back, more flexible on the fingers, and thinner on the palm.The Calore also benefits from a Gore-Tex membrane, making them completely waterproof, and they are also the warmest gloves I’ve tried this season. They're arguably too warm for spring skiing conditions. On that note, please be aware that if you are hot, the liners can’t be removed. If you’re sweaty, they take a long time to dry out.
- Best Value Ski JacketPhotograph: Chris Haslam
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistColumbia
I am a bit of a jacket snob, and I love my technical shells. They are brilliant for changeable conditions and ski touring, but overkill for resort riding when the weather is fine. However, I've been impressed by the Coreshot, which performed brilliantly, has loads of features, and costs less than my gloves did. Seams are fully taped, and the waterproof-breathable membrane didn’t let me down on a deep powder day. It has a generous amount of insulation, providing warmth without bulk. I run hot, but I didn’t need a puffer midlayer even in the low 20s Fahrenheit.
It has everything else most skiers will need, including a good helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, and adjustable cuffs. Two-way front- and under-arm zips provide ventilation. It has a relaxed, fashion-focused fit that I wouldn’t naturally choose, and you won't catch me in the camo-print version, but if your budget is tight, this is a sensible choice.
- Best Value Ski BibsCourtesy of North FaceSave to wishlistSave to wishlistThe North FaceFreedom Bibs$220 $154 (30% off) REI (Mens)$220 $154 (30% off) REI (Womens)$220 $154 (30% off) Backcountry (Mens)$220 $154 (30% off) Backcountry (Womens)Aside from a few more logistics during bathroom breaks, I’m a huge fan of bib pants. The Freedom Bib from the North Face offers most resort riders everything they will need, without costing more than your Epic Pass. Made from seam-sealed DryVent two-layer recycled nylon and finished with a non-PFC DWR treatment, they’re waterproof, windproof, and fairly breathable. It’s more than most resort-only skiers and riders will need, but don’t confuse them with the long-term protection and durability you’d find from Gore-Tex Pro backcountry-ready gear.Unlike most of those performance shells, there’s 60 grams of insulation here for added warmth—but don’t worry, they don’t give you a Michelin Man silhouette. I did still need base layers on very cold January days, but they’re ideal as is for spring laps. Comfort is the real winner here, as the suspenders are easily adjusted, the gaiters really nice and stretchy, and there’s so many pockets for gloves, layers, and snacks. The bib front also adds extra warmth and snow protection, and the fit is generous enough to look fashionably relaxed without making me feel like a teenager.
- A Multifunctional BackpackPhotograph: Chris Haslam
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistOsprey x Houdini
Named after the Swedish word for “everything”, this gorgeous collaboration between Osprey and Houdini has been designed for year-round use, which should help to take the sting out the searingly high price. It is also made from 100 percent polyester to make end-of-life recycling—both brands will take it back—easier, and also improve its repairability.
The adjustable back panel fits snugly and I really appreciated the comfort of the shoulder and hip straps. It's a welcome change from the minimalist mesh designs on many performance bags. 20 liters isn’t huge for a backcountry pack, and 3.12 pounds is quite heavy, but the clever storage arrangement and weight distribution made it easy to forget about, even when loaded with layers, water and snacks. Despite having all the bells and whistles of a backcountry pack, I actually think this is better for resort use in winter, especially as it lacks quick-access to the avalanche tool storage. With great rope clips, comfort, durability, and style, I can see myself using it regularly away from the mountains.
