Arc’teryx Sentinel One Piece Women’s
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.
Best Breathable Women’s Ski Suit
Ultimate Air Permeability
Flylow Siren Bib
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.
Best Plus-Size Women’s Ski Suit
Stretchy And Eco-Friendly
Outdoor Research Women’s Carbide Bibs-Plus
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.
Most Comfortable Women’s Ski Suit
Loose Fit For Most Mobility
Dakine Stoker Gore-Tex 3L Bib Pants
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.
Warmest Women’s Ski Suit For Extreme Cold
Layered For Ultimate Coverage
Helly Hansen Women’s Courchevel Insulated Ski Suit
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.
My Expertise
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.
How I Chose The Best Ski Suits For Women
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.
