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Jan 04, 2024

The Best Ski Gear of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

From Helly Hansen’s Alphelia LifaLoft Jacket to the Thule Roundtrip Roller Bag, this is the best ski apparel and gear we got our hands on this year. Jump to a Section We independently evaluate all

From Helly Hansen’s Alphelia LifaLoft Jacket to the Thule Roundtrip Roller Bag, this is the best ski apparel and gear we got our hands on this year.

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Travel + Leisure / Jay Nel-McIntosh

Travel + Leisure’s ski experts have been busy hitting slopes across the country to find the best ski gear of the year. We tried over 35 ski jackets, 20 ski pants, 28 bags, and much more in one of our most comprehensive tests to date. (Learn more about our testing process below.) We looked at products across the price, style, and usage spectrums to find the most suitable options for every skier.

Whether you’ve skied since you could walk or are embarking on your first adventure on the slopes, you’ll want to consider stocking up on our favorite ski gear. From the Thule Roundtrip Roller Bag that makes flying with skis a breeze to Outdoor Research’s near-flawless Carbide Jacket, these picks will make for your most comfortable, convenient, and epic days on the mountain ever.

REI

The versatile Carbide far exceeds expectations set by its competitive price point.

It’s on the roomier side.

The Outdoor Research Carbide Jacket’s versatile, three-layer shell perfectly withstood our waterproofing tests, and we love its masterful balance of warmth and breathability. It’s ready for the backcountry with a superb range of motion and well-placed vents when airflow is needed. In addition to protecting your skin from the elements, the jacket keeps belongings safe and secure in pockets armed with watertight zippers. There’s no shortage of storage space, and adjustability at the hem, cuffs, and powder skirt allows for a custom feel. We appreciate the roomy fit for leaving ample space for layering, but if you prefer a silhouette on the slimmer side, you may want to look elsewhere. Overall, the Carbide’s performance was particularly impressive given that it was on the lower end of the price spectrum among the jackets we tested. It also comes in women’s sizes.

Price at time of publish: $299

Travel + Leisure / Duangkaew Randall

Helly Hansen

This thoughtfully designed jacket has nearly all the features a skier could want, including a battery-saving pocket, arm vents, and impenetrable waterproofing.

It has a slim and somewhat short cut.

From a pocket that includes a goggle shammy to the slim-yet-warm insulation, the Alphelia LifaLoft, which goes by the Alpha LifaLoft for men, packs style and functionality. It keeps us warm on the chilliest days in the mountains but maintains a fitted, sporty look despite the highly effective insulation. We love the pocket that’s specially lined to preserve your phone’s battery, which lived up to the hype when our phone’s juice was still nearly full after a long day of skiing. Recco reflectors to assist rescuers also increase the LifaLoft’s safety score, while plenty of pockets, a detachable powder skirt, and buttrey soft cuffs with thumbholes add to the overall appeal. This lightweight Helly Hansen jacket is excellent for retaining heat, but we’re just as thankful for the moisture-wicking ability that keeps us dry and even more toasty.

Price at time of publish: $500

TRAVEL + LEISURE / Kaitlin Clark

Every inch of this jacket feels premium, and it keeps us warm in freezing temperatures despite a tailored look.

There are no chest pockets.

Our skiers who prefer insulated jackets with a bit of extra coverage, a roomier fit, and Stio’s vibrantly polished look swear by the Shot 7 Down. Smooth outer fabric covers a luxuriously soft interior, which includes an impressive 800-fill down that makes it lightweight and warm. We were perfectly comfortable in this jacket during frigid ski days in Vermont, Wyoming, Canada, and upstate New York while wearing minimal layers underneath. When we needed to cool off, dual zippers on the underarm vents and front of the jacket allowed for precise airflow. Spacious pockets abound, including one on the right arm for ski passes, two dump sleeves big enough for water bottles, hand pockets lined for warmth, and an internal zipper pocket we like for securing cards and phones.

Price at time of publish: $649

TRAVEL + LEISURE / Jay Nel-McIntosh

Amazon

Flying with skis is easy and organized with this spacious, protective, and weather-ready bag.

If you’re not planning on packing it with clothes or more than one pair of skis, the size may be overkill.

Incredibly spacious, waterproof, and tough enough for the roughest terrain out there, the Thule Roundtrip Ski Roller Bag is our favorite way to transport gear. The wheeled bag has room enough for two skis and much, much more, with dedicated spots for clothing and a host of handy extras. There’s a pole slot, a padded divider that can separate pairs of skis or be used for extra protection on your bindings, a zippered mesh pocket to help organize, and two tip pads that double as waterproof stuff sacks for wet or dirty clothes. The zig-zagging zippers are another genius touch, preventing skiers from having to frantically dig around the bag to find something in a pinch. We love that the hardy wheels take on icy bumps with ease, and sturdy handles in all the right places make it easy to carry the packed bag up and down stairs. A reinforced section at the bottom also helps prevent sagging and makes for smooth rolling. When it came to standing up against the elements, the Roundtrip Ski Roller kept all of our sweaters, thermals, and pajamas dry whether it was sitting in the snow or stuck on the tarmac in the rain.

Price at time of publish: $300

TRAVEL + LEISURE / Bill Price

Backcountry

The well-organized bag is compact enough to be used as a carry-on despite its spacious interior.

It’s listed as a 38-liter bag but seems much larger.

As for carrying boots, we were immediately blown away by the premium feel of Backcountry’s backpack. Although it’s more than roomy enough to fit all of our gear for a weekend ski trip, the bag has heavy padding and a sternum strap for weight distribution that makes it comfortable to carry. It’s loaded with vents to help dry out wet gear, a flap that we love using as a waterproof changing mat, and a heap of pockets for everything from goggles to water bottles. Despite the generous size, we had no problem fitting it in an overhead bin on a plane.

Price at time of publish: $160

TRAVEL + LEISURE / Anna Popp

Amazon

These comfy pants come in tall and petite sizes and are breathable enough for intense runs despite heavy waterproofing.

They’re not the warmest ski pants out there.

With 20K/20K waterproofing, the Flylow Foxy Bib will keep you dry through snow guns, blizzards, wipeouts, and everything in between. A bib design prevents your pants from sliding as you carve out the slopes, and we found the stretchy material moves with skiers and snowboarders seamlessly for top-notch mobility. Pockets at the chest are convenient for storing anything you want quick access to, and there are plenty more storage spots on the thighs and back of the legs. This bib has long vents and is completely uninsulated, which is great for breathability during backcountry ventures, but you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure you have enough underlayers to keep you cozy.

Price at time of publish: $430

Helly Hansen

These pants allow for an extensive range of motion while providing ample warmth.

The insulation is so warm it may be too hot for strenuous days.

The Legendary Insulated Ski Pants performed flawlessly during our snowshoeing excursion in the Pacific Northwest. We were impressed by how well they retained heat without feeling overly stuffy or inhibiting movement. The seam-sealed fabric proved to be entirely waterproof, and an adjustable waist and belt loops help athletes achieve their perfect fit. Helly Hansen’s variety and size range are also admirable here: The Legendary Insulated Pants are available in eight colors and sizes small to 4XL.

Price at time of publish: $200

Smith

We can’t get enough of the way the ChromaPop lenses make the world look more vivid.

Although the Bird’sEye View feature makes it easier to see below you, warping at the bottom of the lens takes some getting used to.

After trying nearly a dozen goggles this season, Smith’s 4D MAG still reigns supreme in our books. “ChromaPop technology” may sound like marketing gibberish, but the brand’s signature color-enhancing lenses really do allow skiers to see the mountain with a stunningly vibrant clarity. The low-light lens performed beautifully on overcast days, and the goggles come with a lens for sunny days as well. To switch them out, you push two levers on either side of the goggles and separate the lens from magnets that attach it to the frame. Also of note is the unique curve at the bottom of the lens, which helps skiers see better in their periphery and expands their lower field of view. It took us a second to get used to the slight warping on the bottom of the lens, but before long we were fully appreciative of the increased view it provides. While pricey, the 4D MAG goggles come with a pile of accessories to help keep them in pristine condition season after season: a hardsided case with a ventilation window, a lens sock, and a microfiber goggle bag with a sleeve for your spare lens. Smith also offers the 4D MAG S for smaller faces, the 4D MAG Low Bridge Fit for skiers who have either high or wide cheekbones or a lower nose, and the 4D MAG S Low Bridge Fit for those who have a combination of both.

Price at time of publish: $320

TRAVEL + LEISURE / Lydia Price

Amazon

Cold temperatures are no match for these toasty gloves with exemplary waterproofing.

Many skiers prefer mittens for their added warmth.

Your hands and fingers will be the first things to suffer from the chill on a frigid day, so a reliable pair of gloves can mean the difference between enjoying run after run uninterrupted and needing to warm up in the lodge every hour or so. The Swany X-cell gloves are made of tough-yet-supple leather on the outside and a moisture-wicking interior to keep you comfortable when sweating. Not even a drop of water made it to our hands when we held them under a faucet with these gloves on, and they feature a zipper pocket on the top to carry hand warmers or other necessities. Women’s sizes are also available.

Price at time of publish: $175

Amazon

They have a durable leather outer coupled with a plush and toasty inner lining.

They’re extremely warm and might leave you sweaty when the temperature rises.

If you prefer mittens over gloves, Gordini won’t let you down. Apart from being incredibly warm and perfectly waterproof, these mittens won us over with convenient touches like a clip that ensures they won’t get separated in your bag. A handy leash on the wrist makes it easy to whip them off for adjustments on the chair lift without the risk of them plummeting to the ground. We also think they have the perfect snug fit that allows for some dexterity and fitting a hand warmer in on extremely cold days. They come in women’s sizes as well.

Price at time of publish: $120

REI

The Vantage MIPS is incredibly light and loaded with vents in addition to offering premium protection.

We had some trouble getting our goggles to stay put on our foreheads when we weren’t using them.

Also available for men, Smith’s Vantage helmet is our favorite when it comes to comfort and safety specs. MIPS is one of the most popular technologies in the helmet world — it works by sliding upon impact to mimic the brain’s natural shields and reduce the rotational forces that make it to your head. The Vantage also benefits from Koroyod coverage, which leads the industry in energy absorption that doesn’t add weight or inhibit airflow. In the Koroyd zones of the helmet, tiny tubes crumple upon impact to disperse and absorb energy. In terms of comfort, the helmet is so light that we frequently forget we’re even wearing it. A host of vents keep sweat at bay during tough runs, and they’re easy to close even with thick gloves on. We also love the range of soft matte colors, although we wish there were as many choices in the women’s version as the men’s.

Price at time of publish: $270

Amazon

With a flattering fit and toasty build, these alpine-chic thermals look as good as they feel.

Particularly sweaty skiers may prefer a fabric blend containing polyester or elastane.

Every great ski outfit starts with a form-fitting, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating base layer, and we’ve been hitting the mountain time and time again in Kari Traa’s signature wool top and matching bottoms. Don’t be fooled by the extensive color options or intricate snowflake patterns: These base layers put performance first. Made of 100 percent merino wool, they have all the warmth and sweat-management ability that makes the material a winter-sport staple but in a flattering, breathable cut that perfectly moves with the body. The high-neck top comes with a zipper so you can cool things down when necessary, and we love the svelte look so much we’ve rocked it on its own in the lodge more than a time or two.

Price at time of publish: $120 (top); $110 (bottoms)

Odlo

The wool, polyester, polyamide, and elastane blend fits like a second skin.

A 100 percent merino wool option is probably warmer.

Odlo’s deliciously soft matching top and bottom won us over with an athletic fit that’s neither too tight nor too loose. A blend of super-star athletic fabrics — merino wool, polyester, polyamide, and elastane — provides the moisture-wicking that’s crucial for a base layer while keeping us warm through the coldest days of winter. A subtle pattern and flattering cut also helped the Odlo thermals win style points.

Price at time of publish: $100 (top); $100 (bottom)

T+L tested well over 100 pieces of ski gear and apparel to determine which were truly the must-haves of the season. Products were evaluated on attributes such as warmth, weatherproofing, comfort, design, and durability. Testers were asked to refrain from looking at each product’s price until they had assessed these factors. When costs were revealed, they rated value based on whether more affordable products far exceeded expectations set by their lower cost and whether the pricier products could be thoroughly defended.

We carefully examined all products when they arrived brand new, noting the quality of the materials and whether hardware such as zippers and straps functioned properly. Initial reactions and insights gathered from post-use observations were considered to rate durability.

TRAVEL + LEISURE / Grace Kelly

We tested the waterproofness of apparel like ski jackets, pants, and gloves by putting them under faucets or wearing them in the shower to closely examine how the fabric reacted to water. Garments that earned perfect scores in weatherproofing repelled water and completely protected testers from the wind when worn out on the slopes.

Ski and boot bags were judged on durability and weight distribution after testers packed their equipment for road trips and flights to resorts. They reported on portability factors like the comfort of the handles and how well wheels rolled across various surfaces.

To rate warmth, testers reported the number and types of layers they wore with pants, jackets, and base layers and the temperatures they encountered in them. Whether they were shells or insulated options, apparel with the best scores for warmth had an ideal balance between heat retention and breathability. When determining comfort levels, we considered things like fabric texture, weight, adjustability, and any unique features.

While any helmet is better than no helmet, we’ve never regretted splurging on the best possible safety technologies for equipment like head protection and goggles. Generally speaking, the more expensive a helmet is, the better protection it’ll provide at a lighter, more comfortable weight. Look for helmets that call out tried-and-true safety systems like MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system), WaveCel, Kyroyod, and/or EPS (expanded polystyrene). You should also be prepared to replace your helmet after every crash that involves head impact and at least every five years regardless of your wipeout status.

Goggles are another key factor in mountain safety. Not being able to see while skiing can quickly go from an inconvenience to a flat-out catastrophe, so look for features like anti-fogging and lenses that were designed to handle the specific light conditions you’re skiing in.

Crashes aren’t the only threat you face on the mountain. On below-freezing summits, not having the proper temperature protection can become a danger in itself. When it comes to insulated ski jackets, pay attention to the listed fill power. Jackets listed in the 800- to 900-fill range are made with a premium down that’s excellent at providing warmth without bulk or weight. If you’re wearing a shell, be extra cognizant of layering up in materials like merino wool, fleeces, or even an insulated puffer.

It’s also crucial that your outerwear is waterproof. Look for pants and jackets listed as 20K/20K, which means the fabric can withstand 20,000 millimeters of water before you’ll feel any moisture. How pants, jackets, helmets, and your underlayers handle internal moisture should also be a consideration. Sweat-wicking material will be an MVP when you’re enjoying that celebratory drink after a heart-pounding run.

Other than your apparel (we’ll get to that in a minute), you should arrive at the mountain with waterproof gloves, a helmet, goggles, a neck gaiter, ski socks, snow pants, and a waterproof jacket. If you aren’t renting equipment, your skis, boots, and poles will also be on your checklist. Helmets are available for rental at the majority of resorts.

Your ski outfit will consist of an outer layer, mid layers, and base layers. Your outer layers (your jacket and pants) should be completely waterproof. Some skiers prefer jackets and pants with some level of insulation as well, while others opt for shells and adjust the level of warmth with underlayers as needed. A middle layer can be any number of things from a fleece to a sweater or puffy jacket. On your bottom half, you may choose to wear leggings or another additional layer in between your base layer and ski pants. Whatever it is, it should provide insulation to trap warm air close to your body. Your base layer is all about keeping you dry and warm, so moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool, elastane, and polyester are your best bets. These will ideally hug your body but have enough stretch that you still feel nimble on the mountain.

The cost of renting ski gear varies greatly from resort to resort. To avoid sticker shock, always check what rentals will set you back before showing up at the mountain.You can reasonably expect rentals to be about $30-$100 per day, with cost per day decreasing if you reserve them for multiple days or an entire week.

If you plan on skiing multiple times a year or even just once a year for season after season, it’s worth considering buying your own equipment. Although they’re expensive, a personal set of skis and boots can be chosen to fit your exact skill level and body shape, and the advantages of that can simply not be overstated. Remember to purchase a ski bag to haul the equipment in.

Writer and editor Lydia Price manages T+L’s outdoor gear beat. A lifelong skier herself, she personally tested jackets, gloves, bags, base layers, snow pants, and more to help find the best ski essentials of the season. She also thoroughly reviewed testing insights from T+L’s other ski fanatics, conferred with the editorial team of gear experts, and worked with our product researchers to name the best ski gear of the year.

Related: What to Pack for a Ski Trip

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