The 24 Best skiwear brands: Guide to the leading brands

As winter approaches and the snow starts to fall, it's time to think about the best skiwear to keep us warm and dry on the slopes. There are many skiwear brands on the market and it can be hard to know which ones are the best. In this article, we'll dive into some of the leading skiwear brands and help you make the right choice for your next ski holidays.

Skiwear can be purchased at: BNA Boardshop

Choosing the right skiwear

When choosing the best skiwear for your needs, it's important to consider the following factors:

  1. Comfort : Comfort: Your skiwear should be comfortable to wear and allow you to move freely on the slopes.
  2. Heat regulation: It's important to choose skiwear that can keep you warm while allowing your body to breathe and regulate temperature correctly.
  3. Waterproofing and breathability: Skiwear should protect you from snow and rain while allowing moisture to escape so you don't get wet and cold.
  4. Durability : : Choose skiwear made from durable materials that can withstand the challenges of skiing.: Choose skiwear made from durable materials that can withstand the challenges of skiing and snowboarding.
  5. Functional features: Consider skiwear with practical features such as pockets, ventilation systems and adjustable cuffs that can enhance your experience on the slopes.
  6. Price : PriceIt's important to choose skiwear that fits your budget, but remember that quality and performance are often more important than price alone.

1. arc'teryx

Location : CanadaCanada : Canada

Popular models/seriesAlpha SV, Beta AR, Theta AR

Price level: High

Arc'teryx is a Canadian brand known for their innovative and technologically advanced skiwear. With a strong focus on quality and functionality, Arc'teryx's products are designed to keep you warm and dry in even the most extreme weather conditions. Their skiwear isn't cheap, but it's worth the investment if you're serious about skiing and want the best equipment.

Read more about Arc'teryx.

2. Patagonia

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesPowder Bowl, Nano-Air, Snowdrifter

Price level: Medium to high

Patagonia is an American brand known for its eco-friendly and sustainable products. They have a wide range of skiwear - including ski jackets, ski underwear, ski pants and much more that is both functional and stylish. Patagonia skiwear is made from recycled materials and has a long lifespan, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious skiers.

Read more about Patagonia.

3. The North Face

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesSummit L5, ThermoBall Eco, Freedom Insulated

Price level: Medium

The North Face is an American brand known for its versatile and reliable skiwear. They offer a wide range of products to suit different budgets and needs, and their skiwear is both practical and stylish. The North Face is a great choice for skiers who want quality gear without breaking the budget.

Read more about The North Face.

4. Helly Hansen

Location : NorwayNorway : Norway

Popular models/seriesAlpha 3.0, Odin Mountain, Aurora Shell

Price level: Medium to high

Helly Hansen is a Norwegian manufacturer known for their durable and functional skiwear. With a long history in the industry and a strong connection to skiing, Helly Hansen products are designed to keep you dry and warm in the coldest winter conditions. Their skiwear is both technically advanced and stylish, making it a popular choice among serious skiers.

Read more about Helly Hansen.

5. Solomon Islands

Location : France: France

Popular models/seriesQST Guard, Icefrost, S-Lab

Price level: Medium

Salomon is a French brand known for its high-performance skiwear and ski boots. They offer a wide range of snowboarding and skiing gear designed to keep you comfortable and protected on the slopes. Salomon outdoor clothing is both functional and fashionable, and their products are known for their durability and quality.

Read more about Salomon.

6. Columbia

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesBugaboo, Titan Ridge, Last Tracks

Price level: Low to medium

Columbia is an American brand known for its affordable and functional skiwear. They offer a wide range of products to suit different budgets and preferences. Columbia skiwear isn't as technically advanced as some of the more expensive brands, but it's a great choice for skiers who want reliable equipment at an affordable price.

Read more about Columbia.

7. Spyder

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesLeader, Titan, Syncere

Price level: Medium to high

Spyder is an American brand known for its technically advanced and high-performance outdoor clothing. They offer a wide range of products designed to keep you warm, dry and comfortable on the slopes. Spyder ski jackets and ski pants are both stylish and functional, and their products are known for their durability and quality.

Read more about Spyder.

8. Kjus

Location : SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Popular models/seriesFormula, Freelite, 7Sphere

Price level: High

Kjus is a Swiss brand known for its luxurious and high-performance outdoor clothing. They offer a range of products designed to provide the ultimate comfort and protection on the slopes. Kjus skiwear is made from premium materials and has an elegant design, making it a popular choice among discerning skiers.

Read more about Kjus.

9. Mammoth

Location : SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Popular models/seriesNordwand Pro, Alvier Armor, Stoney

Price level: Medium to high

Mammut is a Swiss brand known for its durable and functional skiwear and mountaineering equipment. They make a wide range of outdoor clothing designed to keep you protected and comfortable in even the most demanding conditions. Mammut skiwear is both technically advanced and stylish, making it a popular choice among experienced skiers and mountain enthusiasts.

Read more about Mammut.

10. Burton

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesAK Gore-Tex, Covert, [ak] Swash

Price level: Medium

Burton is an American brand best known for their snowboards and snowboarding equipment, but they also offer a wide range of snowboard clothing. Designed to keep you warm and dry on the slopes, Burton snowboarding gear has a modern and sporty design. Burton is a great choice for skiers who want functional and fashionable gear at a reasonable price.

Read more about Burton.

11. GORE-TEX

Location: USA

Popular models/series: GORE-TEX PRO, GORE-TEX INFINIUM, GORE-TEX PACLITE

Price level: High

GORE-TEX is an American brand known for their revolutionary waterproof, windproof and breathable membranes used in skiwear and other outdoor garments. Although GORE-TEX doesn't produce its own skiwear, you'll find its technology in many of the top skiwear brands' products. When you see the GORE-TEX label on a piece of outdoor clothing, you can rest assured that it will keep you protected and comfortable in even the most challenging conditions.

12. nightingale

Location : France: France

Popular models/series: Controle, Rapide, Course

Price level: Medium

Rossignol is a French brand that has a long history in skiing and is known for its skiwear, ski boots and ski equipment. Designed to deliver high performance on the slopes, Rossignol skiwear combines functionality, comfort and style. Their products are known for their durability and quality, making them a great choice for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Read more about Rossignol.

13. Mountain Hardwear

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesBoundary Ridge, Cloud Bank, Firefall

Price level: Medium to high

Mountain Hardwear is an American brand known for its technically advanced and high-performance skiwear and mountain gear. They offer a wide range of outdoor clothing designed to keep you warm and dry in the most demanding conditions. Mountain Hardwear skiwear is both practical and stylish, making it a popular choice among adventurous skiers and mountaineers.

Read more about Mountain Hardwear.

14. Dynafit

Location : AustriaAustria : Austria

Popular models/seriesBeast, Radical, TLT

Price level: Medium to high

Dynafit is an Austrian brand known for their clothing and ski equipment specifically designed for randonee and ski touring. Dynafit skiwear is lightweight, breathable and functional, making it ideal for long trips and demanding ascents. Their products are known for their high performance and durability, making them a favorite choice among summit touring and randonee enthusiasts.

Read more about Dynafit.

15. Outdoor Research

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesSkyward, Hemispheres, Carbide

Price level: Medium

Outdoor Research is an American brand offering a wide range of skiwear and outdoor clothing. Their skiwear is designed to be functional, durable and comfortable, making it a great choice for skiers who want reliable equipment without paying a fortune. Outdoor Research products are known for their versatility and quality, making them a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.

Read more about Outdoor Research.

16. Norrรธna

Location : NorwayNorway : Norway

Popular models/seriesLofoten, Tamok, Lyngen

Price level: High

Norrรธna is a Norwegian brand known for its innovative and high-performance skiwear and outdoor clothing. Their outdoor clothing is designed to provide optimal comfort and protection in the most demanding conditions and is made from premium materials. Norrรธna's skiwear is both stylish and functional, and their products are known for their durability and quality, making them a popular choice among discerning skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Read more about Norrรธna.

17. peak performance

Location : Sweden: Sweden

Popular models/series: Heli, Vertical, Maroon

Price level: Medium to high

Peak Performance is a Swedish brand known for their stylish and functional skiwear. They offer a wide range of skiwear designed to cater to different levels of skiers, from beginners to professionals. Peak Performance focuses on combining high quality, comfort and design, making their products a popular choice among skiers and snowboarders worldwide.

Read more about Peak Performance.

18. Montec

Location : Sweden: Sweden

Popular models/seriesFawk, Dune, Scope

Price level: Medium

Montec is a Swedish brand that offers ski and snowboard clothing at an affordable price without compromising on quality and functionality. Their skiwear is designed to be both stylish and practical, making it a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who want to look and feel good on the mountain. Montec has a wide range of products to suit different preferences and budgets.

Read more about Montec.

19. Dope Snow

Location : Sweden: Sweden

Popular models/seriesBlizzard, Annok, Yeti

Price level: Medium

Dope Snow is a Swedish brand known for its modern and youthful ski and snowboard clothing. They offer a wide range of garments designed to be both functional and fashionable. Known for their durability and comfort, Dope Snow's products are a popular choice among young skiers and snowboarders who want to express their personal style on the mountain.

Read more about Dope Snow.

20. Haglรถfs

Location : Sweden: Sweden

Popular models/seriesNengal, L.I.M, Vassi

Price level: Medium to high

Haglรถfs is a Swedish brand with over 100 years of experience in producing outdoor clothing and equipment. They make a wide range of outdoor clothing designed to meet the needs of both amateur and professional skiers. Known for their high quality, durability and technical features, Haglรถfs skiwear is a favorite choice among those who want reliable skiwear that can withstand even the most demanding conditions.

Read more about Haglรถfs.

21. Black Yak

Location : South Korea: South Korea

Popular models/seriesCalvana, Sibu, Maiwa

Price level: High

Black Yak is a South Korean brand known for their technically advanced and high-performance clothing and mountaineering gear. Designed to provide optimal protection and comfort in the most demanding conditions, their garments are made from premium materials. Black Yak focuses on combining technology, innovation and design in their products, making them a popular choice among discerning skiers and mountaineers.

Read more about Black Yak.

22. Picture Organic

Location : France: France

Popular models/seriesWelcome, Object, Exa

Price level: Medium

Picture Organic is a French brand known for their sustainable and eco-friendly skiwear. They offer a wide range of garments made from recycled and organic materials without compromising on quality, functionality and comfort. Picture Organics products are a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who want to make a positive impact on the environment without sacrificing their performance on the slopes.

Read more about Picture Organic.

23. L1

Location: USA

Popular models/seriesAmericana, Aftershock, Legacy

Price level: Medium

L1 is an American brand known for its stylish and functional ski and snowboard clothing. Their products are designed with a focus on comfort, fit and performance, combining modern design with technical features. L1 is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who want to express their personal style and make the most of their time on the mountain.

Read more about L1.

24. Scott Sports

Location : SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Popular models/seriesVertic, Explorair, Ultimate

Price level: Medium to high

Read more about Scott Sports.

Scott Sports is a Swiss brand with a long history in skiing and is known for its skiwear, ski boots, ski equipment and cycling gear. Scott Sports skiwear is designed to deliver high performance on the slopes, combining functionality, comfort and style. Their products are known for their durability and quality, making them a great choice for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Investing in quality clothing is an important part of getting the best experience on the slopes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, the right skiwear will help keep you warm, dry and comfortable in all conditions. Remember to consider factors such as comfort, heat regulation, waterproofing, breathability, durability and price when making your decision and you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect skiwear for you.

Comparing different skiwear brands and their products will give you a better understanding of what's available on the market and what best suits your needs. With so many quality brands to choose from, there's something for every taste and budget. Do your research, try different styles and materials and choose the clothes that will give you the best experience on the mountain.

Frequently asked questions about skiwear

What should I look for when buying skiwear?

When buying skiwear, look for items that are warm, waterproof and breathable. The quality of seams and zippers is also important, as is good fit and comfort. You may also want to look for extra features like detachable hoods, adjustable cuffs and multiple pockets.

Is more expensive skiwear necessarily better?

Price is not always an indicator of quality, but often the price of skiwear reflects the quality of the material, durability and technological features. More expensive brands may offer better waterproofing, insulation and breathability. But it's also important to consider your specific needs and budget.

How do I maintain my skiwear?

Always follow the manufacturer's washing instructions to ensure your clothes last as long as possible. In general, ski clothes should be washed in cold water and hung to dry. Avoid using fabric softener as it can damage the waterproof layer.

Can I use regular winter clothes instead of special ski clothes?

While regular winter clothing can keep you warm, skiwear is designed to be both warm and breathable, which is important when you're active. Skiwear is also typically waterproof and designed to move with you, making it more comfortable for skiing.

What is the difference between ski and snowboard clothing?

While both types of clothing need to be warm, waterproof and breathable, snowboard clothing is often designed to be slightly looser to allow more freedom of movement. Skiwear is often tighter and more streamlined.