Our gear experts picked the best women’s ski clothing, so you don’t have to do the digging.
If you’ve started shopping for your first kit or are trying to upgrade to more technical ski clothing, navigating all the tech specs can be tough. What’s with these 10k/15k ratings? What’s 4-way stretch? Is there anything that will actually keep me warm at the end of the day? We polled our staffers (a bunch who know how to put gear to the test) to find out what women’s ski clothing they’re using this year. We’ve also dropped in a few key pieces of advice to help you find out what really matters to you on the slopes.

While we’ll hold back from saying this list is definitively the best ski clothing around the market, it’s certainly gear that we trust to take into the mountains with us. If you want a curated selection of our warmest ski clothes, check out this roundup.
A Complete Guide to Women’s Ski Clothing: What to Look for When Shopping
When shopping for ski clothing, there are a few key features to keep an eye on to find the best match for you. There are tons of things you can consider when shopping for women’s ski clothing, but these are the factors we like to prioritize.
- Insulated vs. shell
- Waterproof / breathability ratings
- Special features
- Price
1) Choosing Between Insulated and Shell Jackets
An insulated versus a shell jacket is the biggest priority when purchasing a new ski jacket. Insulated jackets feature a built-in layer of insulation in the jacket to give you more warmth. Shell jackets are just an exterior shell of waterproofing to protect you from the elements. Shell jackets are usually more breathable, and allow you to customize your layering system more. Look for insulated jackets if you run cold or usually ski in cold temps. Shop for shells if you work up a sweat, or like to have more control over your layering system. Shells are usually the best bet for backcountry skiing.
2) Understanding Waterproof and Breathability Ratings
When shopping for women’s ski clothing, you’ll notice numbers like “15k/10k” in product descriptions. These ratings indicate how waterproof and breathable the fabric is.
Waterproof Ratings:
- 15k or higher: Ideal for wet conditions and heavy snow
- 10k-15k: Suitable for most resort skiing
- Below 10k: Best for occasional skiing in dry conditions
Breathability Ratings:
- 15k or higher: Perfect for high-intensity skiing and backcountry tours
- 10k-15k: Great for most resort skiing
- Below 10k: Suitable for casual skiing in cool conditions
3) Must-Have Features
All ski jackets come with different styles and features. Different styled pockets, internal pockets, storm hoods, ski pass pockets, ventilation zippers, the list goes on. If you know you like to pack heavy on snacks or other knick-knacks, look for jackets with lots of pockets. Some jackets will have special pockets on the inside for your phone to keep it warm in cold temperatures. Other jackets might have larger hoods that fit well over a helmet (a great feature if you run cold, or ski in snowy conditions often). Keep an eye on the features list to see if there’s anything that particularly fits your use case.
4) Price
As with anything in the ski world, price is a factor to consider. Some ski clothing can get over $600, while others can get closer to $200. Generally, the more expensive the gear, the higher end the features, fabrics, and waterproof membranes. That said, ski apparel and design have improved so much over the last few years, there are plenty of great options at lower price points. If you’re a casual skier who doesn’t spend much time out in gnarly conditions, you might not need the high-end face fabrics that some premium ski clothing offers. That said, on a wet, snowy day, you’ll feel most comfortable and most excited to stay outside skiing for longer if you’ve got the right equipment for the job.
Remember, the best ski clothing for you depends on your specific needs, skiing style, and local conditions. Focus on finding gear that matches your typical skiing environment and activity level rather than choosing the most expensive option.
Women’s Ski Jackets
Here’s our staffers’ selection of their favorite women’s ski jackets. We’ve split this up into insulated and shell jackets to keep it easy to find the right ski jacket for you. You’ll see Powder7 staff comments on a few products we especially love.

Best Insulated Ski Jackets
Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Insulated Ski Jacket

One of our best-sellers, the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Insulated ski jacket balances warmth and all-weather performance. It uses a two-layer Gore-Tex waterproofing that offers a whopping 20k rating (which is fairly high for an insulated ski jacket). It has clean lines with a relaxed fit, but isn’t as loose as some of the modern freeride fits you’ll see in the shell category. The jacket has a ski pass pocket, two hip pockets, and a chest pocket externally. You also get an internal chest pocket, so no shortage of stashable spaces here. Norrona manages to pack a ton of high-end features here, and this jacket is breathable, weatherproof, and the light insulation is perfectly targeted to give you warmth where you need it, without feeling bulky.
Alex: The targeted insulation is warm and cozy on cold days, and lets me minimize how many layers I have to wear under my ski jacket. And for an insulated jacket, this feels remarkably breathable. I can be caught wearing this with a light shirt underneath on a spring day, or mid-winter with a warm mid-layer under.
Helly Hansen PowderQueen 3.0 Ski Jacket

One of Helly Hansen’s hallmark pieces, the PowderQueen is another insulated jacket our staff has come to love. Helly Hansen’s face fabric is a little stiffer and a little more rigid than most insulated jackets, which gives you a nice sense of durability on the face fabric. This jacket offers 60 grams of insulation in the body and 40 grams in the sleeves and hood. Insulation in the hood adds a pretty significant amount of warmth if you pull it over your helmet. Helly Hansen also features their LifePocket internal pocket, which is a specially insulated pocket to keep your phone warm and cozy even when it’s quite gnarly out. This is a great choice if you deal with truly cold temps, but need something that moves with you more.
Obermeyer Cosima Down Ski Jacket

We feature this jacket quite often around here, but only because we love it. The Cosima Down blends technical ski jacket fabrics and materials, with a more tailored fit. You get a 15k/15k waterproof and breathability rating on the face fabric, with a healthy 115 grams of insulation in the body of the jacket. Obermeyer did a great job managing the insulation to not feel too bulky or heavy, so this jacket packs a punch for the amount of warmth it provides.
If you’re looking for a less technical insulated jacket, check out the Obermeyer Tuscany II. It has a more tailored fit, softer face fabric, and faux fur hood trim.
Best Shell Ski Jackets

Patagonia Storm Shift Ski Jacket

A classic shell ski jacket, the Patagonia Storm Shift has a great set of features that gives you everything you need, without too many excessive pieces. Two hip pockets are slim and easy to access, and the two layer Gore-Tex fabric is easy to move around in. Often times shell ski jackets can feel stiff and rigid (a.k.a. noisy), but this is feels comfortable and moves with you. You still get great weatherproofing, with PFC-free Gore-Tex. To give you extra comfort, the jacket is lined with Patagonia’s zig-zag fleece. You wouldn’t call this insulation really, but it does add another layer of coziness and just a touch of warmth compared to being right against the shell.
Haglofs Vassi GTX Pro Ski Jacket

This jacket is pretty much everything you could ask for in a freeride ski jacket. It has a relaxed fit, premium waterproofing with Gore-Tex Pro, and plenty of pockets. The zippers are beefy with big pulls that are easy to use with gloves on. The oversized hood goes over a helmet easily, and the oversized pockets mean you can stash small water bottles and snacks easily. No breaks for water and snacks means longer days out in the mountains shredding with your pals.
Lydia: This jacket really wants for nothing- especially in the pocket department! I am so impressed with the Vassi GTX Pro’s breathability, waterproofing, and bonus features (especially the roomy interior and exterior pockets, built in goggle wipe, and venting around the face). I plan to ski in this jacket for as long as it’ll last, and with that high-tech Swedish technology, I have no doubt it’ll be my go-to for a long time.
Outdoor Research Skytour Ascentshell Ski Jacket

Move freely and comfortably in the Skytour AscentShell Jacket. Built with a remarkably stretchy AscentShell membrane, this jacket offers a lightweight, breathable, and fully waterproof solution for backcountry skiers. The flexible fabric adapts to your movements, ensuring unrestricted mobility on demanding ascents and descents. Stay dry and comfortable without feeling weighed down, thanks to its streamlined design and advanced membrane technology. Functional features like pit zips and a secure hood add to its performance-driven design
Women’s Ski Pants

Best Insulated Ski Pants
Obermeyer Malta Ski Pants

The Obermeyer Malta Pant is your passport to adventure, taking you from the snow-covered peaks of Arapahoe Basin straight to the sunny shores of Malta! With 40gm of Thermore insulation and 10K waterproofing, these pants keep you warm and dry, so you can conquer the slopes without having to retreat to the lodge. The full motion articulation and powder cuffs let you zip through bumps and trees with ease. Plus, the adjustable fleece-lined waistband ensures a perfect fit for your best skiing experience.
Patagonia Storm Shift Ski Pants

Get ready to conquer the slopes with the Storm Shift Pants, your ultimate storm-busting buddy! These pants are like a personal weather shield, keeping you warm and dry while you carve through any condition. With their sleek, flexible design, they move with you like a second skin. Plus, they’re Fair Trade Certified, so you can feel good about both your ride and your impact.
Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Insulated Pant

The Switch Cargo Insulated Pant delivers a blend of robust weather protection and exceptional mobility. Featuring a fully waterproof build and 2-way stretch fabric, these pants adapt to your movements and keep you dry in challenging conditions. Light insulation in key areas provides warmth without bulk, and inner thigh vents allow for customizable temperature control. The relaxed fit and articulated legs contribute to a comfortable, unrestricted experience, whether you’re carving turns or winding down in the
Best Shell Ski Pants and Bibs

A total classic, you’ll find many Powder7 staffers rocking these bibs around the hill. Flylow has managed to blend an ultra comfortable face fabric with solid weatherproofing, and a killer fit. It’s flattering without being too tailored, and fits in plenty of pockets. Bibs offer you full coverage for powder days, and squeak in a little extra warmth. They’ve been some of our best sellers for some time, with good reason.
The Foxy bib is so good, Flylow has made a few alternatives. The Moxie Bib offers a slightly more straight leg cut, with more room around the upper thighs. There’s also an insulated version that’ll give you a little extra warmth on those cool days.
Amy: The Flylow Foxy Bibs were my go-to ski pants seven seasons ago, and I fell in love. Hard. I found them to be easier to move in than other ski pants I’ve worn, and the bib style kept my torso and lower back warm without the risk of overheating on hikes and climbs. I’m 5’8″ 125 and wear a medium.
Ortovox 3L Ortler Ski Pants

The Ortovox Ortler 3L Pants offer a perfect balance of lightweight design and robust durability. These pants provide reliable wind and waterproof protection while maintaining excellent breathability. Integrated gaiters and Cordura reinforcements ensure resilience against sharp edges and rough terrain. At a light 376 grams, they minimize weight without sacrificing performance. The 3D thigh pocket with transceiver clip, adjustable fit, and full-length side zips enhance functionality for demanding mountain adventures. This is a great set if you’re hoping to do some backcountry touring, too.
Women’s Baselayers + Midlayers

Baselayers
Ortovox 185 RockNWool Short Pants

Ortovox knows wool, so you know their wool baselayers are going to deliver the right stuff. We love their 185 RockNWool short pants for a couple of reasons. The number 185 refers to the weight of the fabric. 185 grams per square meter is just shy of midweight, with 160 being considered light, and 200 in the midweight category. This makes for great breathability when working up a sweat, while the merino wicks the moisture away. We love shortcuts because they don’t interfere with your boot, giving you a better fit and no hot spots over your shin.
Mia: I love my Ortovox RockNWool baselayer. The 3/4 length just makes sense for skiing and snowboarding because you don’t get any bunching at the ankle which can cause serious boot discomfort. The RockNWool is so soft and provides the perfect amount of warmth and moisture control I need for a high output day. I think they fit true to size; I’m 5’2″ 120lbs and the small fits perfect.
Ortovox Merino Thermovent Hoody Baselayer

This is a super interesting piece of ski apparel. It’s a knit merino baselayer that has a few…holes. The idea is that it allows for nice ventilation for high output activities while still retaining the warmth of a thicker merino layer. This is perfect for quite cold days that require some extra warmth, but when you’re still working up a sweat. The built-in hoody is perfect for sneaking under a helmet or for extra warmth in the parking lot or on the skin track.
The North Face Summit Pro 120 Crew

If wool makes you itchy, TNF has a great alternative. The Summit Pro 120 Crew is a polyester blend that will keep you feeling comfortable and itch-less if your skin is sensitive to wool. It offers all the same great moisture wicking and warmth that would offer with a cool double knit design. The seams are low profile, keeping them comfortable against the skin.
Midlayers
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody

This mid-layer is iconic. Ideal as a mid-layer for cold temperatures where you need to bundle up but still need something breathable or as a standalone layer for sunny days. The Coreloft insulation keeps you warm on winter days, and retains warmth even with wet. The jacket fits smoothly and comfortably under shell jackets as a mid-layer or standalone for sunnier days. Light, soft Tyono fabric provides breathability that’s necessary for skiing, while a DWR finish keeps moisture from seeping in. For higher exertion or warmer weather, the smooth-faced, air-permeable fleece stretch side panels allow heat to escape quickly.
Patagonia R1 Air Zip Neck Sweater

One of our staff’s favorite midlayers, the R1 Air Zip is a cozy midlayer that works just as well under a shell as it does as a fleece to wear around town. The unique zig-zag pattern helps wick moisture and retain warmth at the same time. It’s perfect for high output activities in cold weather since it will keep you warm when temps are cold, but keep you dry and wick the sweat away as you work up some heat.
Norrona Trollveggen Thermal Pro Jacket

The classic trollveggen Thermal Pro Jacket is Norrona’s most durable mid-layer with the best warmth-to-weight ratio in our mountaineering range. With a retro design and great durability, this warm and comfy fleece jacket will stand the ravages of time and grow to be a favorite. Thanks to Polartec Thermal Pro fabric, the pill-resistant fleece has a superb warmth-to-weight ratio and ensures high insulation. It also keeps the weight to a minimum and is strong and flexible to maximize mobility in steep and difficult terrain. Other practical features include two hand-warming pockets, a neat chest pocket, integrated hand gaiters, and a warm and weather-protective collar. It’s the perfect choice for cold alpine adventures and performs perfectly on other outdoor endeavors when the temperature lowers.
