From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
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From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered. Monitor developments in Best for further updates.
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris HaslamGearApr 4, 2026 8:00 AMThe Best Ski Clothes for Your Late-Season Spring SessionFrom weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleThe Olympics HelmetOakley Mod1 Mips Aura HelmetRead more$145 OakleyOne Jacket for All WeatherRab Khroma Diffract Insulated JacketRead more$445 $200 (55% off) Amazon (Men's)Best MittensSwany Calore MittensRead more$160 Backcountry (Men's)Best-Value Ski JacketColumbia Coreshot JacketRead moreShop atColumbia (All)Whether you're a seasoned alpinist or a green trail aficionado, good ski clothes matter. The right outfit isn't just a matter of style—it's crucial for comfort, safety, and performance. From base layers and the ideal socks to warm puffer jackets, innovative fleece, and the latest in shell jackets and pants, we have the best options for your style, budget, and ability.Globally, snow pack is decreasing by two to 10 times more than it's increasing every year, but our dedication to the trails shows no sign of abating. The global ski gear industry expects to hit $2.45 billion by 2032. It's big business, with global players such as Arc’teryx and Patagonia slugging it out along with a refreshing number of smaller independent brands, not to mention major fashion houses like H&M also getting involved.While we're guilty of being swayed by technical fabrics and high-performance materials—this is WIRED, after all—there's plenty of great ski clothes for all budgets and ages too. Check out our other outdoor buying guides and reviews, like the Best Ski Gloves and Mittens, the Best Ski Helmets, and the Best Action Cameras.Jump ToAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronHonorable MentionsHow to LayerHow We TestedUpdated April 2026: We added the Trew Gear Stella Primo kit, the Wild Rye Butterfield and Bassett sets, the Peak Performance Gore-Tex shell, the Marmot Gore-Tex kit, and the Obermeyer Steibis bib. We also removed products that are no longer in stock and checked links and prices.The Olympics HelmetPhotograph: Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesCourtesy of OakleyChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistOakleyMod1 Mips Aura Helmet$145 OakleyYou watched enough of the Winter Olympics to know your Double Cork 1440 from a Cab Triple 1800 Indy, and you’re definitely going to be stomping them both next time you’re on the hill. But a much easier way to look like a medallist is to dress like one.The Mod1 Mips is a classic Oakley helmet, offering a reassuring mix of low-profile skate styling and serious skull protection. You probably spotted American athletes, including silver medalist freestyle skier Mac Forehand, sporting a shimmery version in Italy. This is part of the Aura collection from Oakley, which includes goggles and glasses, and while these limited-edition drops usually come with a steep markup, the Mod1 helmet remains a bargain, especially as it has a Boa 360 dial system, and anti-fog venting. Just remember, the cool kids wear their goggles underneath.One Jacket for All WeatherPhotograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistRabKhroma Diffract Insulated Jacket$445 $200 (55% off) Amazon (Men's)$445 $200 (55% off) Backcountry$445 $267 (40% off) Amazon (Women's)Personally, I don't like the bulk associated with insulated ski jackets, and would prefer good layering under a shell, even in the coldest conditions. But with the Diffract, Rab has created a super technical jacket stuffed with toasty warm 100 percent recycled Primaloft Silver insulation. It's lightweight (24.7 ounces or 702 grams, size medium), and far from bulky.Designed for backcountry adventures, but ideal for resort-bound fun too, the secret here is the use of Rab's own Proflex stretch nylon fabric. It's waterproof (20,000 HH) and impressively breathable (25,000g/m²). But it's also surprisingly soft, stretchy and quiet. The shell rustle is kept to an absolute minimum, and even if you do overheat after hiking up, there's large pit vents to dump any excess heat. I needed these during an unseasonably warm trip to the Alps, but I also enjoyed the freedom to just wear a base layer underneath.With excellent weather protection, great comfort, and a superb amount of insulation, this is essentially a two-in-one ski jacket that doesn't compromise, and will even save you from carrying extra layers. It also has all the usual extras, including mitten-friendly zipper pulls, four external pockets, a great inside pocket for stashing gloves, and a removable powder skirt.Best MittensPhotograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSwanyCalore Mittens$160 Backcountry (Men's)$120 Backcountry (Women's)$160 Swany (Men's)$165 Swany (Women's)Swany makes highly impressive mittens and gloves. This season, I’ve been obsessed by the comfort and premium quality of the Calore mitts. The shell is 100 perc