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Whether you were plonked on skis as a toddler, or came to the sport as a nervous adult, what’s non-negotiable about hitting the slopes is good quality skiwear to keep you toasty and dry on the mountains.
But with such an enormous amount of jackets, salopettes and snow accessories available – at a huge array of price points – it can be difficult to know where to begin when kitting yourself out for a ski trip.
Starting off with the basics, a good set of thermals is a must and we’d also recommend a good pair of boots – we recently tested the Sorel Caribous snow boots. Then you can start thinking about outerwear and that’s where this roundup comes in.
To help you look your best, and stay protected from the cold out in the slow, members of our travel piece have tried and tested skiwear at three price points, from three popular brands (Decathlon, Columbia, Helly Hansen), for both men and women, to point you and your skis in the right direction.
We’ve also compiled a quick list of each product that takes you straight to the website or you can continue reading below for our reviews of each product.
Best ski gear: Quick list
Value: Decathlon
Mid range: Columbia
Premium: Helly Hansen
How we test
There are an overwhelming variety of ski shops to choose from, so to narrow it down, we selected three well-known, trusted outdoor wear brands for this review.
We have also reviewed gear at three different price points, so even if you have never skied before, and don’t want to commit yourself to a big purchase, there’s something to get your started.
Together with a group of expert reviewers at the Daily Mail, we collate and compare how well each product performs, so you can choose what’s best for your travels. You can read more about how we test travel products as well as the best sleep buys.
Our team of travel writers and editors has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of products. With a focus on travel equipment, such as suitcases, we provide expertise on what travellers need on their journeys.
Our reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing. We take into consideration all budgets and lifestyles when reviewing products to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
Read more about how we test travel products.
The best ski gear to buy
Best budget ski gear: Decathlon
By Tom Chesshyre
As I tested this jacket in Bansko, Bulgaria, I was initially sceptical. The padding felt thin: would it be too flimsy? Absolutely not and it’s minimal synthetic down padding allowed good manoeuvrability, plus the waterproofing was sound. The side pockets are slightly small and the inside pocket is – somewhat oddly – on the righthand side. However, there was a handy ski pass zip-up pocket on the left arm and, overall, the jacket more than did the job. Mine was in a fetching khaki colour, though other colours include black, red, blue-black and mixed khaki.
Men’s Warm, Waterproof Ski and Snowboard Jacket JKT 500 by Wedze
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What we love
PaddingWhile it felt thin, the jacket padding allowed manoeuvrability.WaterproofingThe jacket had good waterproofing.
What could be better
PocketsThe side pockets are a little small, and the inside pocket is oddly on the righthand side.
By Tom Chesshyre
Also tested in Bansko, these trousers stood up to minus 4c. They fitted well over ski boots and had an elasticated waterproof fitting beneath the insulated main surface of the trousers, which prevented water entering in the form of melting snow. The style is classic, in black only, with a slim but-not-too-tight fit – far from baggy. The waterproofing worked and there are loops if you need a belt (which I didn’t). The single pocket on the right side had a zip at the top, which made losing cash or cards unlikely, even if you forgot to do it up.
Men’s Warm and Comfortable Ski Trousers SNB 100 by Wedze
What we love
WarmthThese trousers withstood temperatures of up to -4C.WaterproofThe waterproofing worked well.
What could be better
VarietyThe trousers are only available in a classic black.
By Genie Harrison
Particularly for the price, I was impressed by the quality of this jacket. It kept me warm on the mountains, and the material felt robust. There are lots of pockets too, including the all-important arm pocket for keeping your lift pass safe. The colour is potentially slightly impractical – my moisturiser rubbed off a little bit on the white fur lining – but I felt stylish on the slopes.
Women’s warm and waterproof ski jacket, 500 glacier blue by Wedze
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What we love
WarmthThe jacket kept me warm on the mountain and felt decently waterproof, too.StyleThe jacket is stylish and can be paired well with either similarly light or dark bottoms.PriceThe jacket is a good low-price options
What could be better
PracticalityThe colour means the jacket may have to be washed frequently.StretchinessThe jacket does not have much give, meaning it’s difficult to layer more than two underlayers.
By Genie Harrison
I tested these trousers on the slopes in Les Arcs, in France. They’re warm and comfortable, but were loose enough that I could wear another thermal layer underneath – very much a necessity for me when battling subzero temperatures. I liked the double-zip on the front, too, which made them comfortable and easy to take on and off. The waterproofing was good too, particularly for the price point. Despite being referred to as ‘beige’, I enjoyed the sleek look of the white.
Women’s warm and adjustable ski trousers 500 – beige
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What we love
Value for moneyThese trousers are great quality for their price.WaterproofingParticularly for their price, the waterproofing of these trousers is excellent.
Best mid-range ski gear: Columbia
By Tom Chesshyre
This ‘shell’ jacket is both waterproof and ‘breathable’ – it is not designed with padded insulation and is best worn on top of layers. It comes with a ‘relaxed fit’ that is slightly larger than usual sizes, but is great for flexibility. There are plenty of big pockets including a handy netting pocket on the inside to the right. You also have a zip on the right for ventilation – useful if it’s hot on the gondola. It’s a highly practical jacket in the mid-price range that comes in ‘ever-blue, black and crushed blue’ (which I tried) and a more earthy-looking ‘tobacco and black’.
Men’s Coreshot™ Shell Waterproof Ski Jacket
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What we love
PracticalityThe jacket allows for a wide range of movement and breathability.Value for moneyThe jacket is great quality at a mid-range price point.
What could be better
WarmthThe jacket is not designed with padded insulation, so is best worn with layers.
By Tom Chesshyre
Good baggy ski trousers with simple zip pockets (a decent size) and a side zip for ventilation, plus further zips to allow the bottoms to slip over boots. The waterproofing is excellent, utilising an Omni-Tech system that allows moisture out, so you do not feel clammy. They’re at a good price point for this quality and will probably last many seasons. The baggy style may be most popular with snowboarders, with good flexibility at the knees.
Men’s Coreshot™ Waterproof Ski Trousers
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What we love
WaterproofingUsing an Omni-Tech system, the waterproofing on these trousers is excellent.Value for moneyComing in at a mid-tier price point, these trousers will likely last a good few seasons.
What could be better
BagginessThe trousers have a slightly baggy fit.
By Genie Harrison
While slightly oversized, this jacket was warm and comfortable and easy to move in – which is important on the slopes. It has lots of handy, easily accessible pockets – including a breast pocket, ideal for a ski pass. There’s also a helmet compatible hood, which was great for someone like me who runs cold, and needs that extra bit of warmth in particularly extreme weather conditions.
Women’s Highland Summit™ III Insulated Waterproof Ski Jacket
What we love
PracticalityThe jacket has lots of great pockets that are easily accessible.WarmthThe jacket kept me warm and dry, and has a helmet compatible hood for snowy days on the slopes.
What could be better
SizeThe jacket runs a little big.
Premium range ski gear: Helly Hansen
By Tom Chesshyre
Norwegian company Helly Hansen, founded in 1877, makes mountain clothing for those working at ski resorts and in harsh sub-zero conditions across the globe, so it knows what it’s doing. This jacket is a prime example. It’s extremely well insulated, yet you do not get sweaty as materials used are ‘breathable’. They are also lightweight and you have multiple handy pockets including a loose fit inside left pocket that’s perfect for tucking away wooly hats or gloves when stopping for a break. My jacket was in bright cyan-blue (useful for standing out during snowy weather), but they also come in red, black and navy-blue and khaki.
Men’s Alpha 4.0 Ski Jacket
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What we love
PracticalityThe jacket is extremely well-insulated, but uses top-of-the-range breathable materials too for sunnier days in the snow.WeightDespite being so well-insulated, the jacket is very lightweight.
By Tom Chesshyre
Absolutely first-rate ski trousers that are likely to last many seasons. They’re warm and lightweight yet with a durable outer material. There are side pockets and back pockets, with zips sealed so no liquid can get in. There are also side zips on the legs for ventilation when it’s warm and zips to make it easier to slip them over boots. There’s an adjustable ‘belt’ with a Velcro system to tighten/loosen. They come in black. I loved these.
Men’s Alpha LIFALOFT™ Insulated Ski Trousers
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What we love
PracticalityThese trousers are lightweight and breathable, but well-insulated and made with a durable material.FitThere is an adjustable belt and zips so you can tighten and loosen these as you please.
By Genie Harrison
It’s clear why Helly Hansen has the reputation it does. This jacket is incredibly warm and well-insulated, and is made from high-tech, breathable materials. It’s great and will definitely last a good few seasons in the slopes. The only drawback for me was the slightly ‘out there’ lining – which was not really to my taste.
Women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT™ Ski Jacket
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What we love
WarmthThe jacket is incredibly well-insulated and padded.SizeThe jacket fits like a glove, and is snug above ski trousers.
What could be better
StyleThe ‘seafoam’ colour has a reasonably garish lining that might not be to everyone’s tastes.
By Genie Harrison
I loved these trousers. They fit really well and are very flattering (even for ski wear), but are loose enough to allow for another layer underneath. They’re super comfy and well-insulated, and I’m sure will last a good few seasons on the slopes.
Women’s Alphelia 2.0 Insulated Ski Trousers
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What we love
WarmthThe trousers are well-insulated and keep your legs toasty.PracticalityThe trousers are made from a really durable material and have lots of pockets.
FAQs
Can this ski gear be used in other settings?
Yes. While designed to be used on the slopes, the thorough waterproofing and insulation of this kit means that the equipment can equally be used for hiking or other outdoor activity.
Is this ski gear machine washable?
Yes, everything on this list is machine washable, although you should ensure all of the zips are fastened before washing. Do not tumble dry.