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Skiing is expensive. From your lift pass to your equipment hire, transfers, travel and accommodation, it’s not a particularly accessible sport. Luckily, there are ways to curb your spending if you’re heading to the slopes – one of which is your choice of ski gear.
There are several reasonably priced brands that provide quality for a fraction of the price of luxury labels. Sure, you won’t be buying the most technologically advanced gear – if you’re a seasoned skier tackling extreme weather off piste, a high-street jacket probably won’t cut it – but if you’re a touch more fairweather, like me, these products will do the job just fine. And some brands offer a high spec for a relatively reasonable price, too – the North Face and Tog24 always put performance first, for example.
I’ve found the best brands for affordable ski gear, from high-street stores to independent labels. And I’ve included a few tips and tricks for those new to the pistes, too.
The best affordable ski-wear brands
Best high-street ski-wear
Best value ski-wear:
M&S Goodmove
Men’s salopettes
Women’s base layer leggings
Socks
You may not think of Marks & Spencer as a place for technical wear, but the British high-street store’s activewear label, Goodmove, offers many things, from running gear to gym kit and, of course, ski-wear. The selection isn’t huge, but it covers the essentials – thermal layers, weatherproof jackets, gloves … and salopettes in a snowy camo print. They’re made with a breathable, waterproof finish and taped seams, and though they won’t withstand anything too extreme, they’ll keep you dry when you’re cruising down the slopes in decent conditions.
Best for a wide range of affordable ski gear:
Mountain Warehouse
Men’s ski jacket and pant set
Women’s ski jacket
Unisex ski helmet
Mountain Warehouse is a one-stop shop for affordable ski-wear (and gear for other outdoorsy activities, such as climbing, hiking or camping), and it’s the store’s own-brand products that offer the best value. Its ski-wear has grown to become a comprehensive range: there are jackets, boots, goggles, socks, trousers, snoods, hats, thermals and more.
My top pick is the coordinating two-piece jacket-and-pant sets, which are reduced to less than £100. They’re fairly basic, aesthetically, but if you simply want well-made pieces that will keep you warm and dry for a fair RRP, consider yourself sorted.
Best for minimal Scandi ski gear:
H&M Move
Men’s ski jacket
Women’s ski trousers
Ski socks
H&M’s in-house activewear brand, Move, has a small range of snow gear, and it’s one of the best on the high street in terms of quality. The outerwear is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and it all comes in a selection of muted colours; I’m a big fan of the dusty green jacket and salopettes. Elsewhere, the thermal base layer and socks are insulated with wool for extra warmth. A few of the pieces are a little low in stock, so if you see anything you like, snap it up.
Best for trend-led ski gear:
Asos 4505
Men’s ski suit
Women’s belted ski suit
Ski gloves
The ski gear at Asos 4505 – the retailer’s activewear line – feels trendy. Cropped bombers, faux fur collars, poppy colours such as lilac and fern green and retro puffer ski suits. If you prefer it low key, there are also a few classic black pieces in the selection, but be warned: they may make it harder for your friends to spot you on a crowded piste.
From a technical perspective, the gear isn’t particularly advanced: there’s no officially tested waterproof or breathability ratings or high-end membranes such as Gore-Tex or Polartec, for instance. On the other hand, there are plenty of useful extras, including jacket sleeve ski pass pockets, ski boot gaiters on the trousers and taped seams. Best suited to those who want to look good while skiing a few blues before heading to apres around 3pm.
Independent ski brands
Best for performance gear that looks great:
Montec
Men’s snowboard jacket
Women’s ski jacket
Ski goggles
When I went skiing in January, the brand I saw most on the slopes was Montec – and it makes sense. The Swedish label provides high performance for a price that’s more reasonable than some of its competitors – mainly because it foregoes the traditional markup that comes with selling through a third party. And it looks cool, too.
Expect 20,000mm of waterproofing (a fabric that can withstand a 20-metre column of water pressing against it before leaking; often known as 20k) and 20,000g/m²/24h breathability (meaning 20kg of water vapour can pass through over 24 hours; also often known as 20k) ratings, as well as hi-tech details such as underarm vents, an easy-access phone pocket and storm guard protection. I love the jacket-and-trouser sets, with thermals to match.
Best for snowboarders:
Dope
Men’s anorak jacket
Women’s base layer
Face mask
Dope is owned by the same parent company as Montec but is more streetwear inspired, aimed at the snowboarding crowd, with a roomy cut and statement logos. The spec is a touch lower, too, with 15k waterproof and breathability ratings – but it’s also a little cheaper, so you get what you pay for.
You can choose from printed outerwear or bold block colours as well as pull-over hoodie jackets, logo base layers and goggles that are the same as Montec’s but with a different head strap. The pullover silhouette of the anorak jacket offers better protection because there’s no full-length front zip (particularly good for boarders who tend to fall more).
Best for reliable, budget-friendly ski gear:
Tog24
Men’s quarter-zip base layer
Women’s ski jacket
Men’s ski socks
If you’re after reliable, functional ski gear you can trust, you can’t go wrong with Tog24. The West Yorkshire-based, family-run brand makes durable gear for a great price, from outerwear to helmets, base layers, accessories, gloves, socks and goggles.
Both the jackets and the salopettes (all of which cost under £200) are waterproof and breathable: the cheaper options have a 10k rating for both, while those that are higher-spec tend to cost a little more. And although the aesthetics are fairly simple – low-key colours and minimal logos – the understated look is actually pretty chic. The colour-blocked jackets, which come in blue or green for men and purple and grey for women, caught my eye, as well as these silver mirrored goggles.
Best for hi-tech ski gear on a budget:
Volcom
DLM ski jacket
Gore-Tex trousers
Gore-Tex gloves
Volcom started as a brand for board sports – surfing, skating and, of course, snowboarding. Based in Orange County, California, the collections have a very SoCal feel. The ski jackets, for example, have offbeat touches, such as applique logos, fun colour combos and baggy silhouettes – and they all come with coordinating oversized trousers. I love the retro-inspired DLM jacket, and there’s a great range of gloves, too, but this Gore-Tex-treated pair would be my top choice.
The entry-level jackets, which sit around the £200 to £300 mark, have at least 15k waterproofing and breathability and well-considered details, from a chin guard to a cinched hood (so you can make it fit with or without your helmet on), built-in hand warmers, a pocket for your ski pass and powder skirts for snow protection.
Advanced ski-wear
Best ski gear for a mid-range price:
the North Face
Men’s Chakal trousers
Women’s Refina top
Whimzy hood
Although the North Face’s RRP is a little higher, the quality speaks for itself. Expect weatherproof Gore-Tex treatment, patented Futurelight technology that balances waterproofing with breathability, and durable textiles designed to deal with harsh environments. And, since it’s a brand with cachet, you’ll be respected on the slopes, too.
Entry-level soft-shell jackets cost about £300 at RRP, while those with more insulation can set you back upwards of £400 at full price. The snow pants are about £200. But towards the end of the season, there’s always a good selection reduced.
Best for advanced skiers:
Helly Hansen
Men’s merino base layer
Women’s ski jacket
Backpack
The Norwegian brand Helly Hansen has been around since 1877, designing professional-grade outdoor-wear that’s built to withstand extreme environments, such as sailing, hiking and skiing. So, if you’re a confident skier and likely to be going off piste, HH is a good option.
The outerwear comes in either insulated or soft shell, and is windproof, waterproof and breathable. The base layers are lightweight yet warm. Every piece is kitted out with hi-tech details, including detachable powder skirts, ventilation zippers, goggle wipes and hand pockets. It’s on the expensive side – but the quality is worth it.
The Alpha long ski shell, for example, costs £480, but it ticks a lot of boxes. It has almost every add-on you could ask for – pockets in all the right places, a three-layer membrane, a powder skirt and adjustable hem and hood, as well as a phone leash to keep your device secure on the lift and even a Life Pocket, which helps it maintain battery in the cold.
Best for fashiony ski-wear:
J Lindeberg
Men’s Ace jacket
Women’s knitted sweater
Mittens
Where the North Face and Helly Hansen put practicality first, J Lindeberg is more fashion-centric. The outerwear is waterproof and breathable (mostly with a 20k rating), and the silhouettes feel sophisticated. The prints are elevated. The colour palette is chic, and there’s a good selection of cool, alpine-coded wear, too – think base layers, T-shirts, knitwear and scarves. My favourite pieces are the cream Swarts jacket and the printed Ace jacket. Check out the knits, too, from a chunky ribbed jumper to a statement graphic print.
As you might expect, you’re paying for more stylish design – jackets, for example, cost upwards of £350 at RRP. If you’re happy with a jacket that is more about performance, go with one of the OG experts, such as the North Face or Helly Hansen, instead.
Skiing accessories
Best for ski goggles:
Oakley
O-Frame snow goggles
Oakley’s comprehensive collection of goggles spans everything from advanced designs, such as the Flight Deck Pro, to entry-level options like the O-Frame 2.0. They all come with UV protection, a head strap that allows for a helmet and anti-fog technology – and some have two easily interchangeable lenses that you can alternate depending on the conditions.
Best for ski gloves:
Decathlon
Logic 6 ski gloves
Ideally, you want gloves with a waterproof membrane, long gauntlets to keep out the snow, touchscreen compatibility and leashes that attach to your wrist so you can easily put them on and take them off. Gloves will give you more dexterity than mittens, but mittens are generally easier to pull on and off. You can count on Decathlon for affordable essentials: brands such as Surfanic and Tog24 are often on offer, or shop the retailer’s in-house ski brands, including Wedze and Racer. The Logic 6 Polymax gloves are a good, all-round, affordable pair.
Best for ski socks:
Falke
Men’s SK1 socks
Women’s SK2 socks
Ski socks need to stay warm, dry and comfortable while contending with sweat, cold temperatures and rigid boots, so it pays to choose a pair designed specifically for the job. Enter Falke, the German hosiery brand. Its ski socks are categorised by cushioning levels – from the thicker SK1 to SK6, which offer extra control for advanced skiers. Each comes in a few colours, and they’re all ergonomically designed for a comfy fit using a merino wool blend that’s insulating, moisture-wicking and odour-controlling.
What you need to know
What to pack for your first ski trip
If you’re skiing for the first time, there are a few key pieces of kit you’ll need. A jacket, salopettes or ski pants, thermals (top and bottom), a pair of goggles and ski socks. You can easily hire a helmet, boots and skis in the resort.
What type of ski jacket is best for beginners?
For versatility, it’s best to go with a fully waterproof and breathable hard-shell jacket with a hood. Go for one that’s not overly insulated because you can easily layer up with thermals and knitwear beneath (just make sure you go with a relaxed fit).
If you buy a jacket that’s designed for warmth, it’ll likely be too hot if your trip lands at the end of the season (towards the end of February and March). If you’re someone who really feels the cold, though, one with down or synthetic fill would be better suited.
What functional details should I look for?
There are many add-ons that can make your life easier when you’re hitting the slopes, but some are more essential than others.
First, the jacket. You’ll want a ski-pass pocket on the left-hand sleeve to access the ski lifts (you pass through gates that require you to scan your pass on the left). Then, you’ll want an adjustable hood that fits a helmet, ventilation zippers and a chest pocket for your phone. Thumbhole cuffs and a snow skirt are a nice bonus for added snow protection.
For ski pants, your wishlist should include snow gaiters, which prevent snow from reaching your boots, watertight taped pockets and an adjustable waist to allow for extra layers.
How do I choose the right ski gloves or mittens?
It depends on your preference. I prefer ski gloves: they give you more dexterity, which is useful when you’re using your poles or trying to access your zip pockets, and some of them work with touchscreens, too. Mittens will keep your hands warmer, though, so they’re good if you’re sensitive to the cold, and they’re usually easier to pull on and off. Whichever you prefer, look out for a waterproof membrane and a strap that attaches to your wrist.
Do ski socks really make a difference?
You should always use ski socks. Though it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s an investment that can change your skiing experience. Unlike standard socks, ski socks are designed with extra padding – important when your feet are strapped into stiff boots all day – and use fabrics that are moisture-wicking, breathable and warm.
What is the difference between salopettes and ski trousers?
The terms are largely interchangeable, but if we’re being specific, salopettes come with braces that go over your shoulders, while ski pants simply button at the waist like normal trousers.
Is high-street ski-wear good enough?
It depends on what type of skiing you’ll be doing. Ski-wear from high-street stores isn’t always very high-spec, so it may not be ideal if you’re contending with anything extreme – super-cold temperatures, snow, off-piste or high speed, for instance. If you’ll just be resort skiing in fairly good conditions, it should meet your needs – minus a couple of functional features that come with the superior designs. It may not stay in good nick for as long, though, so if you’re planning to ski regularly, it’s better to invest in kit that’s built to last.
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Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear, beauty and lifestyle. He has a particular interest in sports and fitness, including running, tennis and skiing, and has just returned from skiing in Tignes-Val d’Isère, where he cruised 120km across 56 groomers (according to tracking app Slopes) – and he only fell over once
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