Reviews You Can Rely On

Best Ski Gear of 2024

Gear up for the ski season with these award-winning helmets, gloves, boots, and more
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Ski Gear Review (One of our new favorites, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 soars above the rest.)
One of our new favorites, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 soars above the rest.
Credit: Scott Rokis

A successful day on the mountain largely depends on staying warm, dry, and comfortable. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first setup of gear or an experienced skier seeking to upgrade, our experts put it all to the test to find you the best based on your goals and budget. Stay protected from the elements with high-quality goggles and a helmet-compatible jacket, all the way down to the Merino socks in your boots. When you're ready to pack up and head home, open up some seating space with a top-rated cargo box to hold all your skis and boards.

Editor's Note: We updated this article on May 8, 2024, to incorporate our latest picks for Ski Pants for Women.


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.

ski gear - carving! laying the enforcer on edge is a total blast.
Carving! Laying the Enforcer on edge is a total blast.
Credit: Scott Rokis

Best Skis


Whether you prefer carving corduroy, floating through powder, or catching air 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


Our men's skiing experts put the best all mountain skis, designed for men or unisex models, through the wringer, extensively testing and comparing each.
Best Overall Men's All-Mountain Ski

Volkl M6 Mantra

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Best Bang for Your Buck

Salomon QST 92

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Best for Carving Groomers

Nordica Enforcer 94

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Best Performance in Powder

Blizzard Rustler 9

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Skis for Women


Our team of expert women skiers carefully compared each of the best skis for women to rank and rate them. Here are our favorites:
Best Overall Women's All-Mountain Ski

Nordica Santa Ana 98

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Great Value for a Powder Ski

Elan Ripstick 94 W

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Best Buy for Intermediates

Salomon QST Lumen 98

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Most Playful All-Mountain Ski

Blizzard Sheeva 9 - Women's

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ski gear - the volkl m6 mantra consistently outperforms in various conditions...
The Volkl M6 Mantra consistently outperforms in various conditions, from groomers to deep powder and everything in between.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Best Backcountry Skis


Over the past decade, we have been researching and testing the best backcountry skis. In our review of the best 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 Overall Lightweight Backcountry Skis

Atomic Backland 100

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Best Overall Mid-Weight Backcountry Skis

Blizzard Zero G 105

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Best Bang for the Buck

K2 Wayback 106

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ski gear - testing out backcountry skis in the depths of the alaskan mountains.
Testing out backcountry skis in the depths of the Alaskan mountains.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

Ski Jackets for Men


Many of the best ski jackets for men we've tested have features like helmet-compatible hoods, powder skirts, and plenty of pockets. We rate and test insulated and non-insulated models to give you a broad range of recommendations.

Best Overall Ski Jacket

Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft

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Best Overall Women's Ski Jacket Shell

Arc'teryx Sentinel - Women's

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Ski Jackets for Women


Our selection of the best women's ski jackets features models designed for multiple temperatures, layering options, and style. We used these at several ski resorts in conditions ranging from cold powder days to warm spring slush.

Best Overall Women's Ski Jacket Shell

Arc'teryx Sentinel - Women's

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Best Overall Insulated Women's Ski Jacket

Patagonia Insulated Powder Town - Women's

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ski gear - the sentinel has what it takes to keep you dry and warm on powder...
The Sentinel has what it takes to keep you dry and warm on powder days.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Best Ski Pants


Whether you're an experienced 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.

Ski Pants for Men


Our favorite men's 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 essential to any skier's wardrobe, helping to ensure they stay warm, dry, and comfortable all day.

Best Overall Ski Pants

Arc'teryx Sabre Pant

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Best Overall Bib Pant

Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib

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Ski Pants for Women


We cover a wide variety of top ski pants for women from bibs to pants and insulated to uninsulated. Our ski testers spend 2-5 months determining the key features and performance in each model.

Best Overall Women's Ski Pants

Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants - Women's

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Best Overall Ski Bib

Flylow Foxy Bib

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ski gear - given its gore-tex material, waterproof zips, and durable build, the...
Given its Gore-Tex material, waterproof zips, and durable build, the Norrona Lofoten was one of our favorite pairs of ski pants.
Credit: Sam Willits

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, regardless of your skill level.

Ski Boots for Men


Our ski experts tested the best men's ski boots out there to uncover which ones offered the best balance of comfort and performance.
Best Overall Men's Ski Boot

Tecnica Mach1 MV 130

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Best Bang for the Buck

Dalbello Panterra 130 ID GW

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Ski Boots for Women


Our expert women's skiers put the best women's ski boots in run-to-run tests to ensure you get the right performance and comfort when you buy a pair of boots.

Best Overall Women's Ski Boot

Nordica Promachine 115 - Women's

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Great Value for All-Day Comfort

Rossignol Pure Pro Heat - Women's

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ski gear - we tested every pair of boots on various types of terrain to see...
We tested every pair of boots on various types of terrain to see which ones performed best.
Credit: Scott Rokis

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.

Ski Gloves for Men


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.

Best Overall Ski Gloves

Arc'teryx Fission SV

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Best Overall Ski Mittens

Black Diamond Mercury Mitt

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Ski Gloves for Women


How do you balance warmth and dexterity to find the best women's ski gloves? Our team of testers took to the slopes to find out and share the findings with you.

Best Overall Women's Ski Glove

Arc'teryx Fission SV Glove

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Best Overall Women's Ski Mittens

Black Diamond Mercury Mitt - Women's

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ski gear - you're going to want to keep those hands toasty with a good pair of...
You're going to want to keep those hands toasty with a good pair of ski gloves! Having cold fingers on the mountain is less than fun.
Credit: Sam Willits

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 Overall Ski and Snowboard Helmet

Smith Vantage MIPS

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Best Bang for Your Buck

Giro Ratio MIPS

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ski gear - regardless of your style of sliding down the slopes, keeping your...
Regardless of your style of sliding down the slopes, keeping your head covered with a helmet is essential.
Credit: laredo

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 Overall Ski Goggles

Smith 4D Mag

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Best Bang for Your Buck

Glade Adapt 2

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ski gear - the smith 4d mag avoids fogging up, even on chilly low visibility...
The Smith 4D Mag avoids fogging up, even on chilly low visibility days.
Credit: Isaac Laredo

Best Ski Socks


A good pair of socks will go a long way toward the comfort of your feet on the ski hill, regardless of whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. 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, the best ski socks provide moisture-wicking properties and added insulation. They're offered 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 Overall Ski Socks

Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion

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Best Bang for the Buck

Fox River Chatter Ultra Lightweight

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ski gear - ski socks mix breathability, cushion, warmth, and fit to help you...
Ski socks mix breathability, cushion, warmth, and fit to help you enjoy your day out.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Best Cargo Boxes


Free up some space and make your trip more comfortable by adding a top-ranked 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.

ski gear - cargo boxes are great for year-round activities. throw in your skis...
Cargo boxes are great for year-round activities. Throw in your skis during winter or pack up your camping gear in summer.
Credit: David Wise

Why Trust GearLab


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 potential products to test. From there, we purchase the most promising for hands-on testing 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. We've 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 snowboards, 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. Our women's ski apparel expert is Jacqueline Kearney, who grew up ice skiing in Vermont and quickly started skiing her way across North America, touring in the Eastern Sierra, Canadian Rockies, Alaska Range, Tetons, and Montana, working in avalanche mitigation and snow science at various resorts along the way. 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.

In our testing phase, we skied and then skied some more, all to find...
In our testing phase, we skied and then skied some more, all to find you the very best gear on the market.
Many buckles twist around to allow for micro-adjustments to help get...
Many buckles twist around to allow for micro-adjustments to help get that perfect fit.
Armpit zips improve breathability and are a feature more and more...
Armpit zips improve breathability and are a feature more and more jackets are starting to incorporate.

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.

Jediah Porter, Jacqueline Kearney, Isaac Laredo, Bobby Garrett