Best Ski Gear of 2023

Ski Gear for Everyone

Our team at OutdoorGearLab has spent years researching and testing the best ski gear to find you the top options for the ski season or your vacation. Regardless of your skill level and goals, building a ski setup that keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable is a must. We understand how frustrating it can be to find the right gear, especially with the many options on the market, so we hope we can make it easier by sharing our favorite award-winning products.

Best Skis

Whether you prefer carving on groomers, shredding through powder, or testing your limits in the terrain park, you'll want a pair of versatile skis that can handle the job. Our team took these skis out to test their stability, carving ability, performance in powder and crud, and terrain playfulness. There's no need to be an expert to own a set that does it all, so peek at our favorite skis to find your dream pair.

Skis for Men

Skis for Women

Best Backcountry Skis

Over the past decade, we have been researching and testing the best backcountry skis. In our review of backcountry skis, we dialed in on weight, performance across different snow conditions, and stability at high speed. Whether you're into ski mountaineering or chasing powder laps, our team has been there and tested the best, with the following being the top performers.

Best Ski Jacket

Designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, a good ski jacket can make all the difference in your day. With various options available, including those aimed toward the resort or backcountry, choosing the right jacket depends on your specific needs and budget. Many of the best ski jackets have features like helmet-compatible hoods, powder skirts, and plenty of pockets.

Ski Jackets for Men

Ski Jackets for Women

Best Ski Pants

Whether you are a tried and true backcountry skier or planning to hit the slopes for the first time, a good pair of ski pants is necessary. Ski pants keep you dry and warm with waterproof and breathable materials such as Gore-Tex or similar fabrics. The best ski pants feature a range of functional features such as zippered pockets, powder cuffs, adjustable waistbands, and vents. With a wide range of styles, colors, and designs available, ski pants are an essential component of any skier's wardrobe, helping to ensure they stay warm, dry, and comfortable all day.

Ski Pants for Men

Ski Pants for Women

Best Ski Boots

When choosing ski boots, you must consider your skill level and the type of skiing you plan to do. Beginner skiers typically benefit from a more forgiving boot with a softer flex, while advanced skiers prefer stiffer boots that provide more control and precision. Ultimately, the right pair of ski boots can make all the difference in your skiing experience, no matter your skill level. Our ski experts tested the best ski boots out there to find which ones had balanced comfort and performance.

Ski Boots for Men

Ski Boots for Women

Best Ski Gloves

Regardless of your winter sport, having ice-cold fingers is a sure way to have a bad day on the mountain. Ski gloves use weatherproof materials, such as leather, wool, cotton, down, nylon, and polyester to prevent this. Choosing the right pair of ski gloves can balance warmth, durability, and comfort, and it is important to find a pair that fits well and allows for dexterity. With the right pair of ski gloves, you can ensure that your hands stay warm and dry while also allowing you to focus on what brought you outside in the first place.

Ski Gloves for Men

Ski Gloves for Women

Best Ski Helmets

Whatever your level of expertise or preferred method of getting down the mountain, ski helmets are an indispensable piece of safety equipment. When choosing a helmet, it is important to consider factors such as fit, ventilation, and protection. Some of our favorite ski helmets use MIPS or similar technology. MIPS, a multi-directional impact protection system, was designed to decrease the rotational impact during a crash, so shelling out the extra cash for this technology is worth it. Many helmets come with adjustable vents, headphone compatibility, and removable earpads.

Best Ski Goggles

Ski goggles protect your eyes against the elements, glare, and potentially harmful UV rays. They typically feature anti-fog coatings, preventing condensation from forming on the lens and obstructing vision. Ski goggles come in various tints, ranging from clear for low-light conditions to darker shades for bright, sunny days. Some of the best ski goggles also have interchangeable lenses, allowing you to switch out lenses to match the weather conditions easily.

Best Ski Socks

Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, a good pair of socks on your side can make or break the day. Ski socks are designed to keep your feet warm and dry while providing the necessary support and comfort for a day on the mountain. Made from merino wool, nylon, and spandex, they provide moisture-wicking properties and added insulation. Ski socks typically come in a range of thicknesses and are designed to fit snugly around the foot and calf to prevent slipping and bunching inside your boots. With their ski boot-specific design, these socks can help prevent blisters, improve circulation, and enhance your overall skiing experience.

Best Cargo Boxes

Free up some space and make your trip more comfortable by adding a top-notch cargo box. The rooftop storage units are designed to hold gear of all types, from skis to camping equipment. With the evergrowing traffic to ski resorts, carpooling is becoming more and more essential. So, throw your gear up top and make space for a friend.

Why You Should Trust Us

This review represents over 10 years spent meticulously researching and testing the best ski-related gear on the market. We understand how difficult it can be to choose the right gear, especially when the market is saturated with options. That is why we develop objective tests that help us find the best of the best. To start, our team researches a large selection of candidates. From there, we purchase the most promising to be tested hands-on in the field. We develop appropriate metrics to determine which gear is superior, along with the not-so-great. Weeks of testing go into our research and testing process, eventually leading to our reviews of the best options on the market. Our ski gear went through this rigorous process, from socks to skis. We tested every piece of equipment, spending hours on the slopes and backcountry. You can rest assured; our team has done the work, and the products that earned rewards did so because of their excellent performance.

Throughout various winter conditions, our team spent day after day at the ski resorts and in the backcountry, trying hundreds of products. Leading our team testing skis is Bobby Garrett. Bobby is a fully certified ski instructor and understands how different body types and performance styles lead to different skis being more optimal. Joining Bobby in the backcountry is Jediah Porter. Jed is our go-to guy when it comes to backcountry setups. He is a full-time, year-round mountain guide, taking clients on wild ski adventures. Testing goggles, helmets, and ski socks are Isaac Laredo. Isaac's love for snow and acute attention to detail make him an excellent gear tester. Isaac has spent the last few years in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, earning an Environmental Science and Outdoor Adventure Leadership degree and working as a mountain guide. Together, this team of avid adventurers compiled this list of the best ski gear available so that you can build your setup with the utmost confidence.

Conclusion

From beginners on the bunny hill to expert skiers tackling double black diamond runs, endless opportunities exist to explore the mountains and experience the rush of sliding down the slopes. Regardless of your goals and ability level, having the right gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable is important. We've made finding the right gear for your next day on the mountain easier.