The best affordable ski gear for beginners: Everything you need for under $200
Content is created by CNN Underscored’s team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. When you buy through links on our site, CNN and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Learn more
Simply put: skiing and snowboarding are expensive. Be it buying lift tickets, booking transportation, hiring instructors or stocking up on ski resort gear like goggles, helmets, base layers and gloves, beginners are normally expected to spend an absurd amount of cash before shredding the slopes. But buying the cheapest gear possible can also sacrifice warmth, comfort and safety, which will make the process of learning the sport even worse.
That’s why we set out to find some of the cheapest ski gear that’s actually worth your money. Think of a jacket that will keep you warm and dry, but doesn’t have a $500 price tag. Several brands, including some of my personal favorites like Columbia and REI, make budget-friendly gear catered to beginners that is perfectly suited for your first days on the slopes.
So we got our hands on all sorts of budget-friendly ski and snowboard jackets, pants, bibs, base layers, gloves and accessories to see what’s actually worth it. After wearing them in a variety of conditions — from warm sunny days to frigid wind and snowfall — we found a full kit that performs but still costs less than $200. For those picks and more, here’s our list of the best budget ski and snowboard gear.
Best budget ski and snowboard jackets
“A good resort ski jacket should be waterproof, windproof and insulated to keep your core warm on those harrowing lift rides,” says ski resort gear expert and CNN Underscored contributor Emily Pennington. Newer skiers and snowboarders will especially want to consider waterproofness and comfort, as the occasional tumble into the snow is only to be expected. Having a proper fit around your waist, shoulder and neckline will also play a key role in comfort while riding. All variables considered, here are our top picks for ski and snowboard jackets that outshine the competition based on comfort, durability and affordability.
Columbia Men's Bugaboo II Interchange Jacket
The 3-in-1 Columbia Bugaboo II Interchange Jacket will keep you warm, dry and comfortable even in extreme conditions. At Park City Mountain Resort, this jacket kept the brisk cold out as I snowboarded in 30-mile-per-hour winds. What really stood out to me about the Bugaboo II is its versatility. You can remove the fleece lining on particularly sunny days or as you heat up on the slopes. You can also layer a down jacket or mid-layer underneath the outer shell when temperatures drastically drop. The outer shell of this jacket is not as waterproof as more expensive shells I’ve worn, but it does the job well enough. After wearing it in hours of snowfall during a surprise winter storm, I arrived home with only a slight dampness on the fleece underneath. The outer shell also has a thermal-reflective lining to help reflect body heat, but I didn’t notice a big difference in added warmth, especially with the fleece layer zipped inside.
From $105 at Amazon
$105 at Columbia
$126 at Backcountry
Columbia Women's Bugaboo II Interchange Jacket
The Columbia Bugaboo jacket comes in more than 15 colors for both the men’s and women’s versions. The men’s version comes in sizes S to 6X, including tall sizing. The women’s version comes in XS to 3X.
From $105 at Amazon
$105 at Columbia
Moerdeng Men's Waterproof Ski Jacket
The most affordable jacket on our list, Mordeng’s waterproof ski jacket is also the most heavy-duty and durable. I wore this on a sunny, 40-degree Fahrenheit day on the mountain without anything but a thin layer underneath and felt almost too warm. That said, on days when it dips below 30 degrees, this would be a great pick. It’s much thicker than other ski jackets I’ve worn, and for that reason, you won’t need a mid-layer in the Moerdeng. Plus, adding an extra layer might turn you into a marshmallow. Keep in mind that without armpit zips, you won’t be able to dump any heat in this jacket either if you start to get hot on the mountain or if the sun comes out. Opt for the Moerdeng if you’re used to skiing and snowboarding in extremely cold temperatures. I really liked the outer chest pocket too, which makes it easy to store and scan your resort ski pass.
Moerdeng Women's Waterproof Ski Jacket
The Moerdeng waterproof jacket comes in 11 colors in men’s and 14 colors in women’s. Depending on availability, the men’s version comes in sizes S to XXL and the women’s version comes in XS to XXL.
Backcountry Men’s Last Chair Stretch Insulated Anorak Jacket
Ski and snowboard jackets don’t get much more comfortable than this. Backcountry’s Last Chair Stretch Insulated Anorak, which slips overhead like a hoodie, is buttery soft and spacious. I snowboarded in this all day and it felt more like I was wearing a waterproof sweatshirt than a stiff, scratchy jacket. Its relaxed fit caters to skiers and snowboarders who want more room for movement and extra room for layers. On extra-hot days, you don’t have to wear much other than a thin base layer to stay warm. This jacket kept me dry for a full day on the mountain — including a few tumbles in the trees — and through a torrential dump of snow walking back to the car. It really felt like a top-notch ski jacket that most people would be happy with, all for a fraction of the cost of big competitors like Patagonia and Arc’teryx.
Backcountry Women’s Last Chair Stretch Insulated Anorak Jacket
The Backcountry Last Chair insulated jacket comes in two colors in men’s and three colors in women’s. Men’s and women’s versions come in sizes S to XXL and feature a removable hood and plush inner lining.
Best budget ski and snowboard pants and bibs
Whether you’re a fan of bibs for their extra coverage and warmth or pants for their easy access when nature calls, choosing high-quality and waterproof pants or bibs will be vital to your overall ski and snowboard experience. Trust us, when you’re sitting on the side of the mountain reconsidering why you wanted to try skiing in the first place, you’ll appreciate the insulation and waterproofness of a good pair of bottoms. Insulated pants and bibs keep you warm on the way up the chairlift and dry when you take that inevitable tumble on the way off. From navigating the bunny slopes in your first season to graduating to green and blue groomers, a durable pair of snow pants can last you season after season. Opt for these budget bibs from the early days of your first lessons to your first descent down the mountain without wiping out — and beyond.
Columbia Men’s Bugaboo IV Snow Pants
Equal parts durable and comfortable, the Columbia Bugaboo snow pants are our favorite overall pick for new skiers and snowboarders. Columbia designed these insulated pants with a heat-reflective inner lining to trap in body heat on cold days. Even on sunny days, I felt these pants were breathable even with a thin base layer underneath. They feel roomy but not overly baggy around the thighs and seat (backside) of the pants, which meant I was able to move comfortably when getting on and off the chair lift and up from the ground.
Columbia Women’s Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow Pants
The Columbia Bugaboo series pants come in a whopping 40-plus colors in women’s and 18 colors in men’s. The women’s versions come in sizes XS to 3X, including short sizing. The men’s version comes in sizes XS to 6X, including short, long, big short and big regular sizing.
Arctix Men's Essential Insulated Bib
These heavily insulated bibs are bulky and warm, making them a great choice if you want extra warmth in chilly temperatures, but not so great if the sun is out and shining. They were so warm during my testing that I ended up sweating in them after I was snowboarding for a while. I also found they didn’t vent as well as the Columbia Bugaboo pants. However, I appreciated the dual elastic waist on both hips that allowed for extra movement when hinging forward to strap in my boots and when getting on and off the chairlift.
Arctix Women's Essential Insulated Bib
The Arctix bibs come in 27 colors in women’s and 16 colors in men’s. The women’s versions come in sizes XS to 4X, including short and tall sizing. The men’s version comes in sizes S to 6X, including short, tall, big short and big tall sizing, along with a variety of inseam lengths.
Backcountry Men’s Last Chair Stretch Insulated Pants
These fully-featured pants have the most pockets and accessories of any in our line-up. Made of the same outer material as the Last Chair Stretch Insulated Anorak, they’re comfortable and soft yet durable. They're also fully waterproof, you won’t have to worry about water making its way in. If you want to splurge on more adjustability and a bit more comfort, these pants would be your pick. They have a built-in Velcro waistband belt that can be fine-tuned around your hips and the same buttery-soft outer shell material as the Last Chair Stretch Anorak. With less insulation than the other picks in this lineup, they’re great for warmer days on the mountain or wearing base layers underneath on extra-cold days. I found these pants ran small, so consider going up one size if you like a baggier fit.
Backcountry Women’s Last Chair Stretch Insulated Pants
The Backcountry Last Chair Stretch Insulated pants come in two colors in the men’s and four colors in women’s. Depending on availability, the men’s version comes in sizes S to XXL and the women’s version comes in XS to XL.
Best budget ski and snowboard gloves
Could you imagine skiing or snowboarding without quality, waterproof gloves? Neither can we. Waterproof ski and snowboard gloves prevent water from seeping in, especially when you’re falling again and again. While waterproofness is paramount, you’ll also want to choose gloves that are breathable so moisture can escape as your hands heat up throughout the day. Avoid wet and unbearably cold fingers with these tried-and-tested beginner gloves.
Carhartt Men's Waterproof Insulated Glove
I found these Carhartt gloves to provide the best comfort-to-waterproof ratio. They’re a great pick for early or spring season skiing when the weather is a bit warmer, as they’re lighter weight than our other picks. While slightly less durable than The North Face Montana Ski Glove, they provided much more space around the fingers and the base of the wrist. Even in 30-mile-per-hour winds and strong snow, I never felt any water seep through to my fingers.
The North Face Montana Ski Gloves
A top-of-the-line beginner pick, these gloves are great for repelling water on the mountain. During a particularly snowy day, I noticed water beading up on the surface of the glove on the chairlift. By the end of the day, my hands were perfectly dry (and warm). My hands also never got sweaty in these gloves due in part to their inner membrane that allows water vapor to escape but keeps heat in. You’ll stay warm in these gloves into the teens, if not colder. The flaw of the Montana gloves was how tight they were. If you have bigger hands, make sure you go up at least one size (or two if you prefer even more room).
Best budget ski and snowboard goggles
Goggles are a necessity for skiing and snowboarding. Without them, the intensity of elements like wind, sun, cold and glare at high altitudes can really do a number on your eyes. They’re especially helpful in blocking out UV rays that bounce off the snow and potentially cause permanent eye damage. Plus, if it’s snowing, you won’t be able to see without them. Pick from this list of goggles that were comfortable and stayed fog-free, even in changing temperatures.
Smith Frontier Snow Goggles
These have the Goldilocks of goggle tint — not too dark, not too clear, but just right. They’re a go-to for all-weather snowboarding and skiing including bluebird skies, cloud cover and when snow is falling. I didn't have any problems with fogging in these glasses, even on the sunniest of days in Park City.
Smith Cascade Snow Goggles
For an even more affordable ski and snowboard goggle alternative, opt for the Smith Cascade. They’re not as tinted as the Frontier, which makes them great on cloudy days. I wore these in overcast weather and found they worked great for seeing dips and bumps in the snow. But on my sunniest day of skiing, I opted for the Smith Frontiers instead. While their cheaper price means they are slightly less durable, they’re equally as comfortable as other goggles in this lineup. They weren’t too tight on my cheekbones, but I did need to extend the strap to the largest length to fit around my medium-sized helmet, which may cause problems for skiers with large helmets.
Goodr Snow G Goggles
“I really can’t say enough good things about the Snow G. Goodr’s latest product maintains the brand’s cult-favorite hype,” says CNN Underscored contributor Courtney Thompson. "Not only do the Snow G perform well in various conditions (sun, clouds, rain), they’re also super sturdy and totally adorable — and they look way more expensive than they are.” These goggles have features typically reserved for much more expensive options, like interchangeable, magnetic lenses, which made them a no-brainer for our pick as the best budget ski goggles.
Best budget ski and snowboard base layers
Staying warm and dry on the mountain is much easier with quality base layers. Typically made of synthetic material or natural fibers like Merino wool, base layers provide a source of insulation and moisture-wicking. Added dryness while you sweat helps prevent your body from feeling chilly under damp clothes, which can quickly rob you of body heat. Base layers also make wearing sometimes-scratchy snow pants more comfortable, with a soft layer between your skin and the inner lining of ski or snowboard pants or bibs. Check out our choice for the best (and most affordable) base layer combo on the market.
Uniqlo Men’s HeatTech Ultra-Warm Crew-Neck Long-Sleeve
A top pick for CNN Underscored contributor Emily Pennington, the Uniqlo HeatTech Crew Neck Long-Sleeve base layer is one of the warmest base layers you’ll find at this low price. They’re made of an acrylic, polyester and spandex blend, which makes them highly stretchy with a buttery-soft feel against your skin. What they excel at in warmth they lack in fabric quality, fit and breathability. More expensive competitors, like the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer, are a clear winner if you’re willing to invest for long-term comfort. If you’re an overly warm skier or snowboarder, you can opt for the slightly less warm regular Uniqlo HeatTech Crew ($6).
Uniqlo Women's HeatTech Ultra-Warm Long-Sleeve
The Uniqlo HeatTech Ultra-Warm Long-Sleeve base layer long-sleeves come in five colors in men’s and two colors in women’s. The men’s version comes in sizes XXS to XXXL and the women’s version comes in sizes XXS to XXL.
Uniqlo Men’s HeatTech Ultra-Warm Tights
Pair these with the Uniqlo HeatTech Ultra-Warm Crew-Neck Long-Sleeve and you can’t beat this budget base layer combo for the price. While we’d recommend opting for the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms for super-cold days or long-term investment, the Uniqlo base layers are a solid pick for enjoying winter on the slopes. If you’re an overly warm skier or snowboarder, you can opt for the slightly less warm regular Uniqlo HeatTech Tights ($20). Pennington adds, “Not only are these simple thermal leggings ideal for layering under dresses and sweaters this winter, but they are just as at home curled up with a good book by the fire.”
Uniqlo Women's HeatTech Ultra-Warm Leggings
The Uniqlo HeatTech Ultra-Warm Legging base layers come in two colors in men’s and three colors in women’s. The men’s version comes in sizes XXS to XXXL and the women’s version comes in sizes XXS to XXL.
Best budget ski and snowboard accessories
Ski and snowboard gear goes well beyond the basics. While you don’t need every accessory under the sun, these items — from beanies and Buffs to socks and sunscreen — make skiing and snowboarding that much more enjoyable.
Buff Polar Neckwarmer
I find fleece to be the softest, warmest and most comfortable Buff choice for beginners because it feels like a blanket wrapped around your neck. I wore this fleece neck gaiter on a cold 35-degree day with 30-mile-per-hour winds whipping across the slopes. It kept the cold out and snow from falling into the collar of my jacket. I did opt to take it off during a sunny 45-degree day as I quickly overheated once the sun came out. It’s also super helpful to pull the Buff up and over your nose (you can even tuck it under your goggles) when visibility is low during snowfall. It also won’t fall off as you gain speed downhill.
Smartwool Over-The-Calf Socks Targeted Cushion Ski Sock
Ski socks can be pricey, but in our opinion, you shouldn’t skimp out on them. You won’t regret it, as your feet are a key piece of mechanics for getting down the mountain. Merino socks make all the difference in your sweaty ski or snowboard boot. Naturally wicking and odor-resistant, Merino is a top choice for skiers — new and old — on the mountain. Smartwool makes the best socks out there, in my opinion. Opt for these classic socks if you want a thin but highly supportive covering around your foot.
Zooron Slouchy Beanie
For aprés vibes, you’ll want a hat to cover up all that helmet hair. This super-affordable and comfortable knit beanie comes in every color of the rainbow (and more). Take your pick and keep your noggin warm and fashionable off the slopes.
Oars + Alps Everyday Sunscreen
UV rays can be dangerous not only for your eyes but also for your skin. And just like at the beach, you can get sunburned on the mountain even when it’s cloudy out. This is especially true at high altitudes in the Mountain West. I swear by this all-natural sunscreen. It’s a little pricier than your average Banana Boat, but it’s more natural and gentle on your skin, and dermatologist-tested.
Oars + Alps SPF 18 Lip Balm, 3-Pack
You can also get sunburn on your lips while skiing and snowboarding ,as they’re one of the few spots of bare skin exposed all day on the mountain. Of course, you can use a Buff to cover your mouth, but in the times it’s warm outside, use this all-natural balm to keep your lips from blistering and burning.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
