There are so many ski brands producing awesome gear that it’s hard to know where to look first. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for ultra-lightweight performance clothing, a convenient ski bag for your trips to the hill or perhaps replacing your favorite goggles, the options are nearly unlimited. That being said, there are some tried and trusted brands that have risen above the rest.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ski clothing and gear brands – what they are known for and why they might be the right choice for your next buy!
What about all the other brands out there?
Don’t get us wrong – there are many smaller brands many of which have great products and we encourage you to check them out for yourselves. There are however some companies that have become known for their excellence and we want to take a closer look at these ski industry giants. They are brands you will almost certainly encounter.
Arc’teryx
Who are they?
This Canadian winter apparel company was founded in 1980’s on British Columbia’s West Coast.
Best known for?
The best quality that money can buy. High-end apparel that lives up to extreme conditions.
Specialties?
Backcountry gear! If you need something that is going to excel in all weather conditions, fit comfortably and has all the details then Arc’teryx is your brand.
What’s missing?
Budget-friendly options: Arc’teryx has an outstanding line of clothing designed for extreme conditions; however, their product lines are all in higher price brackets with no options for lower budgets.
Other products?
Yes – Arc’teryx makes packs, footwear, climbing gear and winter apparel accessories like gloves and hats.
Helly Hanson
Who are they?
This Norwegian company goes way back – all the way back to 1877 when Captain Hansen started to produce waterproof oilskin clothing for his ship crews. Today Helly Hanson continues to provide sailing apparel and is a leader in waterproofing innovation, as well as the worldwide #1 ski clothing brand for ski professionals.
Best known for?
High-quality resort wear that is a common choice for beginners, experts and professionals alike. Helly Hansen was the official sponsor of the USA Ski Team’s baselayer in 2012 and currently outfits the Canadian Alpine and Para-Alpine National Teams.
Specialties?
Resort-friendly jackets and excellent waterproof gear.
What’s missing?
HH has a few freeride, touring and backcountry offerings, but their main strength is the resort.
Other products?
They produce a wide range of apparel including gloves and base layers, footwear and packs for outdoor adventure, skiing and sailing.
Patagonia
Who are they?
Founded in California by rock climber and environmental activist Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia has been making a name for itself with high-quality ski outerwear for nearly 50 years.
Best known for?
Patagonia is best known for their environmental advocacy, charity and sustainable products. The products are not cheap – but they have excellent quality and you can breathe easier knowing that 1% of Patagonia’s profits is donated to environmental non-profit groups. They are dedicated to fighting climate change and often sponsor and campaign for specific causes so it is worth checking out their page: Environmental Activism – Patagonia.
Specialties?
Patagonia is all about jackets: whether you are looking for a lightweight backcountry jacket or a warm, fully insulated resort jacket – they have you covered.
Other products?
Ski and surf apparel for adults and children is their main gig along with backpacks and bags.
Black Diamond
Who are they?
This American ski company’s roots go back to climbing in the 1950s but the company wasn’t officially founded in its current form until 1989 which makes it one of the youngest companies on our list. Still up-and-coming, Black Diamond has some stellar jackets that stand out even against the best.
Specialties?
These guys specialize in everything to do with mountains. Whatever apparel or gear you need for your adventures on rock, ice or snow! Their apparel is top-notch for touring and big mountain fun.
Missing?
These guys have a smaller range of apparel than some of their competitors; however, the options they do have are proving to be both technically advanced and comfortable.
Other products?
Black Diamond offers a wide array of backcountry climbing and adventure gear from apparel to poles, ice climbing equipment, avalanche packs and more.
North Face
Who are they?
Born in California in the 1960’s this American company started focusing on ski apparel in the 1980’s. Today they are well known for their performance outerwear as well as sporty casual wear.
Best known for?
Having a wide selection of great value ski apparel that still delivers great protection and style on the hill.
Specialties?
Some of their 3-in-1 jackets are among their most loved apparel and their mid-layer fleece jackets are beloved on and off the snow.
Other products?
The North Face has too many products to list! They offer an impressive range of outdoors clothing for all seasons as well as outdoor shoes, runners and hiking boots. They also have various accessories from gloves to tents to luggage and packs.
Spyder
Who are they?
This Colorado company has been a long-standing sponsor of the US Ski Team. Spyder started out in retired alpine racer and founder David Jacobs’ kitchen – today it is one of the ski apparel giants of the world.
Best known for?
Amazing versatility. Spyder is known for great feeling, high-end products designed for every niche of the ski market whether you are racing, ripping up the backcountry or just want to be stylish and warm for the occasional ski weekend.
Specialties?
Alpine racing. They have been outfitting America’s best as the US Ski Team official sponsor for over 3 decades!
Other products?
Accessories and high-quality base layers.
Burton
Who are they?
Burton was founded in Vermont by Jake Burton, a snowboarder with a passion for his sport and for innovation and product development. It started out as a hobby for a back hill sport and grew alongside the sport itself into one of the biggest snowboarding brands and one of the most popular winter apparel brands out there.
Best known for?
Being about more than just winter apparel and snowboards: Burton is recognized for their sustainability policies but also for their work with human rights, gender equality, fair trade and having a company culture of putting people first.
Specialties?
Great functional pieces with lots of color and style options that will have you feeling your best on the hill or après ski.
Missing?
Lightweight, packable gear for the backcountry: while Burton has several pieces designed for touring, their real strength is in the resort.
Other products?
Other than apparel, Burton is mainly known for having some of the best snowboards. They have great snowboard boots, bags and casual wear as well as their Anon goggles and helmets.
Columbia
Who are they?
This Oregon ski company has been making functional affordable winter apparel for years!
Best known for?
Low-budget winter wear. Columbia offers decent technical performance at truly affordable prices. You can’t expect the same quality and technology as some of the big premium brands, but if you want to stay warm and dry without breaking the bank then Columbia is the brand for you.
Other products?
Columbia has a wide range of outerwear for skiing, hiking and casual outdoor.
This list is by no means exhaustive with runners-up including companies like Outdoor Research, Marmot, Flylow Gear and Haglofs.
We know there is a lot to choose from, but relax – these companies are simply the best and we are sure they’ve got you covered!