We’ve been getting some questions about the cutest (and most functional) ski or snowboard gear, so here’s what I’ve been wearing for years, as well as some new (and very exciting) pieces that I recently tried (a few of these were recently tested on the slopes as well!).
I tried to include notes on the varying lengths of snowpants (I found a HUGE range of lengths – some are perfect for tall mamas), as well as which particular jacket will be the warmest in really cold weather conditions. The brands reviewed include my tried-and-true (Spyder, Sweaty Betty), classics (Burton, The North Face) and a really exciting, women-owned newcomer (Halfdays).
Watch the video to get my full thoughts on each of these pieces (and it’s always good to see them in motion), but here are few notes below.
My Go-To Set: Spyder Jacket + Sweaty Betty Bibs
pants | similar jacket or this jacket
This is the set I’ve been wearing for YEARS. While my bibs are still available (they tend to come back in stock every year), Spyder tends to update their ski jackets each season. I typically go for the warmest one available, in black.
Waterproofing: The bibs have a waterproof rating of 10K, which means that I stay warm & dry in all but complete downpours. The jacket’s waterproof rating is even higher.
Insulation: Spyder always makes at least one jacket with pretty epic insulation – that’s the one I go for, whenever I need an upgrade. And these bibs are the warmest I’ve found – while they’re not necessarily “insulated” per se, they are thicker than most bibs, and have some sort of lining, keeping my bum toastier than other snowpants.
Notes from the slopes: Most people are good with a 10K waterproof rating. Pax, however, is literally rolling around in the snow all day long, sliding on his butt, etc. I recently upped his kit to 20K…and it still wasn’t enough. I’m going to have to go fully waterproof with his stuff, and the only way to do that? GoreTEX….
Burton Avalon Bibs in Gore-TEX (So…Waterproof)
bib at Backcountry or Amazon | jacket
These bibs are AMAZING. However, they run VERY LONG. They actually don’t look that bad in the photo, but rest assured, these were ridiculously long on my 5’2″ self. That said, they are also impossibly light, and the most comfortable bibs I’ve ever put on my body.
NOTE: I just happened to talk to the guys at a local snowboard shop about these bibs – they actually have a ripcord in the pants so you can cinch them shorter.
Waterproof: The bibs are GoreTEX, and 100% completely waterproof. The jacket is the same.
Insulation: If you are a cold baby, Burton’s jacket is the warmest jacket I’ve ever found. The longer length will keep you toasty (and dry) in any weather, and the insulation on this one is seriously impressive. The pants, however, are chilly. I did give these guys are run on the slopes, and my bum was freezing. They are just one thin little layer. Totally and completely waterproof and super comfortable, but verrrry cold on the lifts.
The North Face Dragline Bib & Jacket
bib at Backcountry or The North Face | jacket at Backcountry or The North Face
Man…this set is cuuuute. I’m totally digging the stormtrooper vibes. That said, while this set is definitely rugged and waterproof, it is JUST a liner. So it’s not comfortable to wear by itself – you’d need not just baselayers, but a REALLY warm midlayer, too.
Waterproof: 100% completely waterproof, both pieces
Insulation: None, nada, zip.
Halfdays Bibs, Puffer, AND Lawrence Jacket
I’m a HUGE fan of Halfdays. I bought their olive set last year (my full Halfdays review here), and my biggest complaint was that they didn’t have bib overalls. So I was obviously thrilled to see that overalls were included in Halfday’s latest line!
They’ve also expanded their gorgeous color selection (two of my favs are below), as well as adding a new style – a puffer jacket.
Waterproof: 10K rating, which is just…OK. The olive set, when worn during a wet, Spring skiing day, showed dark patches where water soaked through. Not great.
Insulation: The bibs aren’t insulated, but they are thicker than the Burton or North Face bibs – similar to the Sweaty Betty (but not *quite* as warm). The Lawrence Jacket is decently warm (not my first choice for below zero skiing), but the Puffer jacket IS much warmer.
Notes from the slopes: I’ve now skied in both of their jackets – as expected, the puffer is much warmer than their classic (Lawrence) jacket, but I still like the Lawrence jacket better. I find it more comfortable to wear, and has all of the pockets I need while skiing. This entire set is so freaking cute, but because of the waterproofing issues, better saved for cold, dry conditions.
bib | puffer | non-puffer jacket
Cheers to winter adventures!!
xo,
S
I’d love to hear more about the conditions in which you ski. I learned to ski on the east coast, and staying warm was a challenge, but when I moved west it became more complicated bc it can be warm. So I want to have warm extremities (down mittens and helmets are so helpful for this – remember skiing as a kid in a headband! Gah!), and my body has to be warm as well as when I’m riding the lifts, but I need to be able to vent when I’m skiing down the mountain bc I’m so much warmer. Also, why don’t women’s ski clothes have better pockets?!?!? Snowboarding gear and mens clothes have great pockets, but mine (I’ve been in Helly Hansen the last few years) have so few. I’ve taken to wearing a belt bag, but I’d still like more pockets!
I’ve found that Burton’s gear is almost virtually the same between men & womens (and plenty of pockets, tons of venting options, etc). I actually just skied in the Burton bibs this weekend, and they are GREAT for venting. (They weren’t *quite* warm enough for me, so I’m going to play around with different baselayer options to see….). That said, I think the Halfdays kit might work – at least the Lawrence jacket. More pockets than most, and good underarm vents. It’s the one I wore most for Spring skiing last year (but has enough insulation to keep me warm).
I’m glad to see these reviews, thanks. I’d also love to see some advice about accessories such as socks!
I’m pretty picky about ski socks – they’ve gotta be REALLY thin (but still fit well, etc) or my feet freeze – there is SO little room in ski boots to begin with. I swear by Darn Tough’s ultra light ski socks: https://shopstyle.it/l/bCunc
I ski in New England but have virtually the opposite strategy of dressing for the slopes! I prefer light, waterproof shells for both pants (no bibs) & jacket, and then being able to layer appropriately for warmth.
Ugh the trend to non-insulated pants is so tough! I am freezing, a shell and a capilene or fleece base layer is just not enough for me. I really want bibs, but can’t seem to find any warm ones. The recent reviews of the sweaty betty bibs are pretty rough, alot of people saying that they aren’t durable, I wonder if the quality has gone down. Love the HalfDays brand concept, but not waterproof and not warm… I mean really?? Isn’t the idea behind their brand that ski clothes for women shouldn’t be all about looks?
If you ever do another ski clothing review, would love to know what you think of the Helly Hansen powder queens!
Shana, I need a ski shopping consult for my entire fam! We have plans to go skiing in the Poconos 2 wknds this winter (assuming Omicron doesn’t ruin everything) and my 2 kids are total newbies. They might love it, or they might hate it, but they will certainly outgrow everything by next winter. Seems like skiing requires lots of accessories. Last time I skied, helmets weren’t even a thing! Do hats fit under them? What do I need to invest in vs what can we get more affordably, maybe even used? Warm gloves, googles, neck warmer thingies…?? I am hoping they can get by on Heattech base layers, wool sweaters, and fleece leggings. (As my slim 9yo plays in the snow today, her snow pants keep falling down, so I guess I need to get her some bib-style.) Please help 🙂
Any recommendations for gloves? Or mittens? What’s the best way to go? I haven’t been skiing in several years and preparing for a trip. Thank you!
Any recommendation for snowpants that would work for just winter walks and occasional family sledding adventures? (So, less-technical, hopefully more budget-friendly?)
I love the North Face bibs! How tall are you and what sizes do you normally wear? I’m torn between the small and extra small
Can you please share your favorite gloves for snow play? Something that actually keeps fingers warm?!