Best Ski Suits For Women 2023

Jul 31, 2023

When ski season rolls around and snowflakes pile up in the mountains at least part of the thrill for many skiers and snowboarders is the ski fashion scene. The best women’s ski suits sit squarely at the intersection of function, style and glamour—but can be a bit of an investment, so it’s important to pick the right one for your needs. A lot of research and design goes into each piece of outerwear. Fabrics, seams and even zippers are highly engineered to keep out water while remaining breathable, flexible for athletic movement and exuding a bit of ski-town style.

The best women’s ski suits sit squarely at the intersection of function, style and glamour.

In order to find the best options, I considered the different types of uses, climates and styles that outerwear manufacturers offer, along with my personal knowledge of how different types of skiers need different levels of performance from their gear. If you’re planning to hit the slopes or are thinking about a new suit, here’s what I highly recommend.

Stio

Sizes: XS – XL | Colors: Saddle, Kingbird Blue, Straw | Materials: 100% PeakProof (three-layer recycled polyester) | Protection: Waterproof

Stio’s waterproof, seam-sealed bib has it all, if your goal is on-slope performance, durability and mountain style. The high-waisted suit has a flattering, curve-hugging silhouette, zip pockets and air-flow vents that allow freedom of movement for floating through deep powder or relaxing après-ski. The bib has comfortable elastic straps and is constructed from an element-proof, environmentally-friendly recycled material shell. Keep in mind: For full coverage, pair it with the matching Environ jacket.

Tipsy Elves

Sizes: XS – XL | Colors: BlueBird | Materials: 100% polyester | Protection: Insulated, waterproof, windproof

Tipsy Elves has made a name for itself offering waterproof, insulated ski suits that won’t break the bank yet perform on the hill. They also offer a flattering silhouette and no shortage of fun, irreverent designs and colors, which evoke the glory days of ‘60s and ‘80s ski culture. All the suits have a waterproof hood, zippered stash pockets, a pass pocket and an interior chest pocket for valuables. Keep in mind: The fabric is not quite as durable as some technical fabrics, so it’s best to keep ski edges away from your suit.

Perfect Moment

Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: White, Navy, Red, Black | Materials: Shell: 89% nylon, 11% polyurethane; Lining: 100% nylon | Protection: Insulated, waterproof

This suit channels the on-slope glamour of Slim Aarons’ heyday. It’s made from four-way stretch fabric, with an exterior waterproof treatment, and has a hood and soft insulation to keep you warm minus the bulk. Also great: The full zip front and zippered cuffs make it easy to get the pants over your ski boots. And if looking good is part of your performance metrics, you can’t go wrong with the vibrant colors and belted waist. Keep in mind: It’s a pricey pick.

Arc’teryx

Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: Orca, Retreat | Materials: Gore-Tex fabric | Protection: Waterproof, windproof

Vancouver, Canada-based Arc’teryx’s Sentinel one-piece will hold up and perform in the worst conditions. This waterproof, windproof and breathable 3L GoreTex shell is made for staying out all day with zippers for ventilation, a large hood that fits over helmets, and as a shell, the wearer can choose what types of layering best fit the day’s conditions and activity. Keep in mind: Like many one-pieces, it can get a bit warm on sunny spring days.

Flylow Gear

Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Ruby, Juniper | Materials: 100% nylon face, 100% poly backing | Protection: Waterproof, windproof

This shell jacket and pants from Tahoe-based Flylow is able to hold up to high-energy activities, from hiking up a ski hill in the backcountry to skiing slush on warmer ski resort days. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, it has vents you can open and plenty of California alpine style. Keep in mind: While this gear is made to last, frequent washing is required to keep the technical fabric in top shape.

Outdoor Research

Sizes: XS–4X | Colors: Black, Moth, Naval Blue, Nimbus Watercolor | Materials: 100% Nylon | Protection: Waterproof, windproof

Outdoor Research recently added plus and extended sizes to their popular collections, including up to 4X for the bestselling Carbide bib. The waterproof Pertex shell has exterior thigh vents for warm days or climbing uphill, a stash pocket and scuff guards to protect your boots from ski edges. Pair it with the Carbide jacket for the full kit. Keep in mind: This bib is just a protective shell, so you’ll need to layer properly for winter or spring weather.

Dakine

Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Black, Ultramarine Blue, Peat Green | Materials: Recycled polyester, Gore-Tex laminate | Protection: Waterproof, windproof

In ski suit materials, comfort can be a matter of preference. Stretchy soft-shell exteriors are popular, but if you aren’t into form-hugging ski gear, I like the loosely fitting and soft, smooth fabric of the Dakine Stoker bib and matching jacket, which has side zips, a breathable anti-goggle fog neck gaiter, just enough pockets, and style to make you look like a mountain town resident. Keep in mind: The fit is baggy, so if you don’t like that classic snowboard look, this bib might not be for you.

Helly Hansen

Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Navy | Materials: Shell: 89% recycled polyamide, 11% elastane; lining: 100% recycled polyamide, 100% polyester | Protection: Insulated, waterproof, windproof

If you run cold, or plan on staying on the slopes no matter what the thermometer says—but don’t want to look like a snowman—this top-of-the-line, Nordic suit from Helly Hansen has you covered. It’s insulated with a combination of down and recycled polyester, and has a removable belt and hood, along with fleece lined pockets for warmth. Keep in mind: This suit has limited temperature applications, so if you ski in spring, you’ll want a lighter option.

I’m a former competitive freeskier and have lived in various ski town in the Western US and British Columbia, Canada for the last 16 years. I’ve traveled to South America and all over Europe for skiing, and in the course of it, seen and tested plenty of ski suits and outerwear. First-hand experience has shown me how important the right fit, style and function is in your ski gear. I’m now a full-time freelance writer who covers outdoors sports, gear, and travel, mostly in the realm of my favorite sport and lifestyle, alpine, backcountry, and Nordic skiing.

First, I created a list of priorities for different kinds of skiers and looked to well-known options from high-profile brands that I have personally tested out. I also included offerings from some lower profile, but innovative, small companies worth consideration. I spoke to longtime gear reviewer Frederick Reimers from Outside Magazine, ski journalist and author Jennifer Walton and Deirdre O’Mara, a passionate skier and former outdoor industry product engineer.