The 23 Best Women’s Ski Suits to Stay Warm (and Chic) on the Mountain
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If your winter gear can’t handle the challenge, then neither can you. Adept and accomplished skiers know that the best women’s ski suits can mean the difference between a smooth run and a faceplant into the nearest mogul. So when you’re not lounging in après-ski athleisure wear, you’ll want to suss out the best ski jackets, pants, and one-pieces on the market. This is why we’ve enlisted former Olympic skiers Lindsey Vonn and Kiley McKinnon to help us master the subtle art of finding the right gear—a process of fashion, form, and function.
McKinnon, a 2018 Team USA Olympian and the co-founder of women’s skiwear brand Halfdays, says there are three main questions to ask yourself when you’re shopping for a ski suit:
Is it waterproof? If snow or moisture seeps into your clothes through your suit, that’s game over.
How insulated do you want it to be? If you “run cold,” you might need a puffier coat with more padding. If you run hot, you’d likely prefer a shell jacket, under which you can layer as many undergarments as you’d like and take them off if you get warm.
Is the suit functional for skiing? “Meaning, does the hood fit over the helmet?” McKinnon explains. “Is there a ski pass pocket? Is there a powder skirt, which is the thing that goes around your waist to keep out the snow? I think it’s really important to make sure that you are distinguishing between an actual ski set and just a regular puffer jacket and pants.”
Ahead, shop a few of our favorite options (and recs from Olympic champs) for your best day on the slopes.
Aston Jacket
McKinnon co-founded Halfdays with her partner, Ariana Ferwerda, in pursuit of ski gear that was designed specifically for women, in the proportions and colors women like to wear. Even as an Olympian, McKinnon never felt comfortable in her ski uniform, a feeling that led her to pursue better—and more stylish—options. “Really having something that fits your body well is just something that I’d always been looking for,” she says. “And then on top of that, of course our product is really technical as well.”
The Aston Jacket, in particular, is a personal favorite because of the way it cinches the waist without limiting mobility. It’s insulated without being too outrageously puffy but light enough to wear with additional layers underneath. Plus, numerous inside and outside pockets make it ideal for toting around the ski day necessities: your phone, ski pass, chapstick, snacks, and Kleenex.
Sizes: XS-2X
Colors: 14 options
Customer review: “I love the fit of this jacket. It’s unlike any ski jacket I’ve had before, as it’s a lot more flattering. I’m a big fan of the cellphone leash on the upper pocket too. I was worried the coat wouldn’t be warm enough, but it’s kept me warm on single-digit days in the Midwest and for skiing 3 days in Utah this January. I would recommend dozing down. I’m 5’1”, 145 lbs and ordered a medium.”
Alessandra Pant
The matching Halfdays Alessandra Pants are well-tailored, fitted at the waist and hips but roomy enough for undergarments and easy mobility. Plus, they come in an array of gorgeous colors.
“A lot of things that we’ve seen with ski wear in the past was that they did what was called ‘shrink and pink,’” McKinnon says. “So they took men’s ski wear and just made it in smaller sizes and then put it in colors that they assumed that women wanted to wear, which a lot of the time was not the case.”
Sizes: XS-2X
Colors: 15 options
Customer review: “I love the Alessandra pant. They look awesome and move really well out on the slopes. On a really cold day, I need a solid mid-layer to stay warm—my previous pants were a bit warmer--but for me, the upgrade to snow pants that look great and move well was totally worth it.”
Riding Bibs
For the coolest kids on the mountain, there’s the recently launched apparel and gear from Shaun White’s namesake brand, Whitespace. If you’re a bib lover, you’ll find you can wade these bad boys through deep powder without a smidge of seepage. Slip them on over any of the brand’s base layers, or don them underneath this coveted Sky Blue Tie-Dye Cropped Puffer Jacket.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Black, Ice Blue
Kira Hooded Ski Suit
A color-blocked design lends a throwback style to the traditional one-piece ski suit, while a water-repellent weave and stretch softshell help maximize movement.
Sizes: 2-10
Colors: Marin/Racing, Vision/Noir
Clio ECO Recycled-Shell Ski Suit
It’s a merry moment when fashion and ethics coincide. This stylish suit is made from recycled materials and ECO Sporty® fabric, which is water-resistant and windproof. The endless array of features—including climate control and insulating material, underarm stretch panels, zippered pockets, and internal knit cuffs—make this enduring suit well worth the investment.
Sizes: 0-10
Colors: Black
Sentinel Insulated Jacket
“Something that is important to look for is if the garment is fully seam sealed,” McKinnon says, and this Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket fits the bill. A beloved brand in ski gear, Arc’teryx is known for top-tier designs, and the Sentinel Jacket is a great pick for those who prefer a flannel-lined, weatherproof shell instead of a bulky down-insulated coat.
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Colors: Black, Boxcar
Customer review: “Jacket is everything it’s supposed to be. Very happy with it. Would be nice to have chest pockets for radios.”
Sentinel Pants
Attachments on the Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket link perfectly to these Sentinel Pants, converting the set into a one-piece that prevents any snow from seeping in.
Sizes: 2-16
Colors: Arctic Silk, Black, Boxcar, Storm Glow
Customer review: “These Gortex pants have nice features like the fasteners at the waist and pockets that aren’t bulky but have plenty of room for a phone, etc. The bum area has a good amount of room, and the legs have a streamlined effect.”
Stretch Ski Jacket
A sizable attached hood on this jacket can easily fit a ski helmet, and the cut of the torso is flattering without sacrificing room for undergarments. The tough material made from 100-percent recycled fabric will withstand the bone-chilling breeze, so this an excellent all-around fit for skiers who, as McKinnon puts it, “run cold” on the mountain.
Sizes: 2-14
Colors: Black, Angelic Blue, Framboise, White
Editor review: “I took this jacket for a spin recently and was impressed by how cozy it kept me, even with nothing but a turtleneck underneath.” —Lauren Puckett-Pope
Padded Ski Pants
The Colmar ski set is complete with these padded ski pants, which feature a stylish buckled belt. Partially heat-sealed with waterproof and snowproof gaiters, these pants make it easy to move without allowing any cold air to bite.
Sizes: 2-16
Colors: Black, Framboise, Airforce, Thai Green
Starsuit One-Piece Ski Jumpsuit
Whether you’re more interested in black-diamond runs or snowy backdrop photo shoots, this adorable star printed ski suit will ensure you look like an expert either way.
Sizes: S-L
Colors: Logo Star Print, Houndstooth
Stretch Softshell Ski Suit
For fans of the tailored one-piece look, this Colmar jumpsuit is as stylish as it is technical. The diagonal patterned torso and buckled pants make for a classic, feminine silhouette, while the materials retain heat and lock out moisture.
Sizes: 2-14
Colors: White, Black
Basecamp Heated Base Layer Shirt
This battery-operated pullover will keep your torso toasty warm without adding too much additional weight or heft.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: Black
Customer review: “Just made a 9,028 mile trip from Alaska to Maine. Always leaving after 3am each morning, and the Gobi inner layer was gold. I absolutely love mine.”
All Prepped Ski Suit
This waterproof ski suit from Free People’s Movement line allows you to cozily customize precise features, like straps, hoods, and suspenders.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 10 options
Customer review: “Great quality (better than my Bogner) and quite warm! Love it and looks amazing on. I’m petite (5’2”) and the XS length will be just perfect with snow/ski boots....def recommend!”
Huracan Ski Suit
The cut of these Cordova trousers evokes a ’70s feel, as the material hugs the knees before widening to fit even a bulky pair of ski boots. Best of all, the whole thing is machine washable.
Sizes: XXS-L
Colors: White
Bananas Ski Jumpsuit
There are those who like to blend in with the elements as we zip down the trail. And then there are those who’d prefer to be easily spotted in lift lines. If you fall into the latter category, look no further than Brazilian label Farm Rio’s line of gorgeous ski jumpsuits in a variety of bright colors and patterns. Fashion fun meets function with a removable buckle belt and easily accessible side-zip pockets.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Bananas, Pink Cashew, Mixed Scarves, Banana Bunch
Skytour AscentShell Jacket
Another affordable shell option is this Outdoor Research pick, made of lightweight, stretchy, seam-sealed fabric. “People do really like [shells] because you can choose your own layering system underneath them to really make it your own,” McKinnon says.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Jelly, Ultramarine
Customer review: “Absolutely loving everything about this jacket! Generous fit, so it’s super easy to layer underneath it. Pit zips are critical, and this jacket delivers!”
Plus Freedom Jacket
Plenty of ski gear is made in plus sizes, but a favorite remains The North Face’s line, which features a flattering shape, well-insulated fabric, and plenty of pockets without an eye-popping price tag.
Sizes: XS-3X
Colors: Boysenberry, Black, Black/Almond, Pink Moss, Sage/Mandarin, Fawn Grey
Customer review: “Great product...just what I expected. Ordered 3X plus size, and it’s true to size with a little added room. great for skiing, work or play...the fabric is a soft material that is very durable. Would highly recommend. Love it!”
Plus Freedom Insulated Bibs
Pair the Freedom jacket with these plus-sized insulated bibs, featuring adjustable suspenders for the perfect fit.
Sizes: XS-3X
Colors: 7 options
Customer review: “I just spent a few days skiing at Mont Tremblant. I can’t say enough good things about these ski bibs. They are comfortable and warm. I also love the pockets!”
Katze Suit
Another well-regarded name in the world of snowsports is Obermeyer, and if you’re looking for a true onesie ski suit, the Katze suit is a stylish, flattering piece that hugs the body without limiting your shredding.
Sizes: 0-14
Colors: Black, Navy, White, Red
Customer review: “This ski outfit is perfect! Material is awesome, it is thin so I would not expect to wear this on freezing cold days, but when I ski every weekend, there will be plenty of great days to wear.”
Recon Stretch Ski Pant
The stretchy fit on these Black Diamond pants gives you range of motion, while vents and leg zippers give you the option to dump heat if the temperature rises.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Azurite, Blackberry, Black
Customer review: “I love these pants. I use a base layer, and I am ready to go. They fit great, stretch and move well. I love the insulated front right pocket for my phone, and the buckle for the belt is easy to use even with gloves on. Super dry even in PNW rainy conditions or heavy snow.”
Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants
Pair your favorite jacket with these snow pants, which feature belt loops and elastic to create the perfect fit at your waist.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Black
Customer review: “The pants fit well, and they are comfortable. They are warm and pretty good-looking. Just what I was looking for!”
Pyne 2L Jacket
An excellent everyday pick for beginners, this Burton shell can work for warm bluebird days alone or with multiple under-layers on blustery mornings. Neither form-fitting nor baggy, it’s also a great choice for those who favor comfort above all else.
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Colors: Violet Halo, Tomato
Customer review: “Great riding jacket! Pockets located in all the needed spots.”
Storm Shift Jacket
Fair Trade Certified and made with majority-recycled materials, this Patagonia piece is great for skiing, but also other alpine activities, including hiking, biking, and sloughing it home from the neighborhood apres-ski bar.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Green, Plum, Gold, Blue
Customer review: “Waterproofing is great...I like the fact that it is a bit flared in the hips—some of us do have hips that need a little extra room! And I like that it is longer, so it will keep me dry when sitting on a snowy chair lift this year.”
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