The best ski outerwear of 2023

Skiing is expression on the hill. What you wear, how you ride, the energy you bring to the place you’re in. Skiing is interaction with the elements. A constant back-and-forth dependent on perfect temperatures, ideal humidities and high-enough peaks. They converge at altitude—your skis and the mountains. But the wind bites. And melting snow seeps and soaks into your bones. Function, form and style is the triple threat. Reshaping the harshness of winter. Manipulating it. Making it all work in your favor. Your expression isn’t just the line. It’s the fabrics. The fits. The colors. It’s the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you see the world. It all converges.

Where has Orage been hiding for the last few years? We found out—the brand was cooking up new kits for you, as made evident by the badass Spurr jacket and Gibson bib, one of the best ski outerwear kits coming out this season. This pair is a full 20K/20K three-layer DERMIZAX combo meal deal. It’s littered with thoughtfully placed, backpack-compatible pockets, including one with a strap that prevents your phone from getting lost in an unforeseen yard-sale. As for the overall look, our expert testers summed it up best, “The vibrant orange accent on the black dominant base and the tag on the right thigh gave me a stealthy look. From the lettering and logo design to the orange straps on the bib, the kit was a really suave look.” Bravo Orage, bravo.

Nailing tasteful color blocking is an art form. And Picture has mastered it. The tri-color Haakon Jacket not only looks sick, but it has the perfect drop-tailed silhouette and the eco-technology to back it up. Match this jacket up with the Elwy bib and you’ll be turning heads as you fly past them. This whole kit is made from a 20K/20K bio-sourced hard shell 2L stretch fabric that moves with you, and a light insulation to keep you warm without the bulk. The pocket placement is dialed by giving you two stealth chest pockets and two color-blocked, bellowed hand pockets that add to the jacket’s flare. The Elwy bib lives up to the jacket’s coolness and gives you a streetwear fit to show off with or without a jacket. The straps are adjustable and there are more than enough waterproof pockets to keep your goods dry. Overall, Picture—you freakin’ nailed it.

Born in the French Alps in 1907, Rossignol has been an icon of our ski heritage. And since 1996 the brand has designed premium technical outerwear that pays homage to its French roots. The SKPR 3L jacket and bib, one of the best ski outerwear kits this year, is a three-layer combo stitched with four-way stretch fabric, taped and sealed and (technically) it boasts above a 45K waterproofing rating. The jacket also features a helmet compatible hood, longer sleeves to cover the tops of your mitts and slick zipper and pocket placement. The oversized silhouette of the jacket and bib will make people ask, “Whoa… is that actually Rossignol?” The SKPRs are made from one of the most insane fabric membranes on the market: Sympatex, which is 100-percent waterproof and windproof, and essentially breathes with you as you wear it for best-in-class temperature regulation on a day our riding.

The Aspen-based Strafe team knew the assignment when it came to designing the Hayden jacket and Summit pant, one of the best ski outerwear kits this year. This kit is made from Recon fabric with a four-way stretch to give you serious mobility when peak-bagging or lapping Ajax Mountain. The raglan-style sleeve not only provides a full range of motion, but also allows you to wear a pack with comfort. The whole kit is fully seam-sealed to lock out moisture; features strategic pockets; venting with YKK Aquaguard zippers; and Primaloft insulation to keep you warm without the complete heat wave. It’s available in multiple colorways, but the move here is choosing full camo. Go dune camo, go black camo: Either way, this kit is a sure fire way to lock-in the attention of your lift line crush.

Strafe’s Lucky jacket and Pika Pant, one of the best ski outerwear kits, will have you looking stylin’ from the top of the Highlands bowl hike to the ensuing champagne fiasco at Cloud 9. This ultra breathable, two-layer stretch, fully waterproofed kit is beautifully tailored with an asymmetric neckline, a subtle drop hem and a raglan sleeve dialed for pack-wear. To keep you feeling warm, Strafe opts for 100-percent recycled Primaloft Silver P.U.R.E—Product Using Reduced Emissions—insulation. The YKK Aquaguard Metalux zips throughout the kit are also all waterproof and posh. The pants follow the same sleek, tailored fit and have a Velcro adjustment at the waist for a custom fit. You will be finding us in the full stealth camo. K?

“Whatever we do, we have an impact on mother nature. Let’s make it positive.” That’s what Picture says. For FW 22-23, Picture is leading the charge by using 80 percent eco-friendly materials to build its outerwear quiver. The Stone jacket follows that Earth-first commitment by utilizing a 20K/20K, bio-sourced hardshell, Cormax insulation and a PFR-free DWR to bead that water right off. Warm, dry, better for Mother ‘Natch. The Stone jacket has a silhouette that leans more on the baggy side, allowing for easy movement. The slimmer cut of the pant highlights the jacket’s fit and is offered in enough colorways to always match seamlessly back to your jacket. The Object pant is dripping in eco-tech, too. It features a two-layer, bio-sourced hardshell fabric, 40 g of recycled insulation and 20K/20K Dryplay membrane for an ideal match.

The Scott Vertic kit is built to be your ultimate big-mountain fit that blends style with performance and it’s one of the best ski outerwear kits this winter. This Dryosphere three-layer kit will crush through relentless winter storms while keeping you warm and dry with a 15K/10K face. Scott is spot-on with the cut of this bib fitting it neatly for a woman’s body. The jacket has a slightly longer silhouette, pack-friendly seamless shoulders and fully taped seams, and a powder skirt that interlocks to your pants to keep deep powder outta your undies. The Vertic bib is also fully detachable, giving you the option of choosing a bib day or a pant day. For the days you choose no bib, the pant maintains the proper fit with two Velcro waist adjustments. Overall, this kit was a win with our expert testers, offering great fit, great quality, great durability—and that lavender colorway? Cute as sh*t in the alpenglow.

Rab’s debut in the ski world in 2020 brought its 40 years of mountaineering and climbing expertise into fold—and we’re excited about it. The Khroma Kinetic is a buttery soft Proflex hardshell. The jacket has deep Napoleon pockets to hold your skins and a concealed, two-way adjustable hood you can adjust with one hand. The bib completes the look with optimal stretch for technical ascents, big cargo pockets, a drop seat and a cut that’s specifically designed for ski boots. From the backcountry, to the resort, Rab has you covered with this lock-up.

The Colt Down Jacket and Magnum pant are a part of Flylow’s Deeper Line, which embodies solid balance of function and style for long, cold winters. The Colt has all of the puffy comfort and warmth of a traditional down jacket, but also the durability and critically placed seams that allow you to ride all day without sacrificing any time going inside to warm up. The jacket offers extra comfort with a fleece lined chin, pit vents and intuitively placed pockets. The Magnum pant balances out the puffiness of the jacket by offering an ultra durable 20K/20K, three-layer hardshell face. Pulling inspiration from ski racers, hut-trippers and ski patrollers alike, the Magnum features a nearly full-legged outer zipper allowing you easy on/easy off, and a quick way to dump heat. Pairing the Colt Down jacket with the Magnum pant will be great for resort or backcountry skiers who tend to run a little chillier than the person next to them.

Elevenate hails from the mountains of Åre, Sweden, and pulls its inspiration from the playfulness that skiing brings along with the mountain guide’s mentality of hyper-technicality. The St. Moritz jacket and pant—one of the best ski outerwear combos out now—are made from seam-sealed, two-layer Gore-Tex Infinium fabric giving the kit a supple hand feel. It also boasts Premium Primaloft Black insulation made from 100-percent recycled fibers. This kit is smart. This kit is toasty. The St. Moritz jacket has all the necessary bells and whistles: adjustable storm hood, an extra high collar with a soft brushed lining, a snap-to-pant system and pockets in all the right places. The St. Moritz pant features an adjustable waist, big side vents, pre-shaped knees and Cordura reinforcements on the lower leg. Fit wise, the St. Moritz kit has a more traditional cut with a hip-hitting silhouette, making it an attractive, functional resort-wear kit.

In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in Armada’s design language—and we’re all about it. Last season, we saw it with the Furtherance jacket; for 2022-23 the new Salisbury Anorak and Sumpter Bib take that same retro nostalgia and bring it back in a new way. The relaxed-fit, two-layer anorak shell offers just enough bagginess and articulation to make it feel more like your favorite hoodie. The Salisbury is derived of a 10K/10K ripstop fabric coated in a DWR (PROA and PFOS free, duh) delivering you a perfect trifecta of breathability, waterproofing and durability. The Sumpter bib rounds this kit out perfectly by offering an ultra-durable, two-layer recycled nylon canvas that is designed to be used and abused. From the park to the streets or even the backcountry, you’ll be dripping in quality, style and intentional design.

Each collection created by Norrøna is inspired by the extreme geography of Norway. Every piece is designed to withstand the user’s most extreme needs while following a philosophy of “Loaded Minimalism.” The lofoten jacket and tamok bib are a match made in high-alpine heaven. The loften is Norrøna’s most durable jacket utilizing Gore-Tex Pro. This jacket is definitely on the stiffer side, but the tailoring is so spot-on that your mobility isn’t hindered. The look of this kit is hyper minimal with serious attention to detail. Leaning on ambassador feedback, Norrøna’s designers placed easy beacon and essentials access through the mesh lining of the chest pocket; it also has a Velcro “rescue entrance” that saves crucial time when reaching for an avalanche transceiver. The tamok bib is a freeride dream, taking you from slushy spring days to deep pillows. The 200D recycled Gore-Tex Pro face will stand up to all wear-and-tear while the mesh-lined vents will keep you dry and comfortable all day. The utilitarian style of this kit will make you look like you know what you are doing, while staying fresh at the same time.

Out of Scott’s freeride selection, the Vertic 3L jacket and Ultimate DRX pant remain FREESKIER favorites. The Vertic jacket is a three-layer shell with a of 15K/10K waterproofness/breathability rating, suitable for everyday winter use. The jacket has fully taped seams, pack friendly seamless shoulders, YKK AquaGuard zippers and an adjustable hem to give you an ideal fit while blocking out snow. The Ultimate DRX pant pairs well as an all-mountain option. The pant is derived from two-layer, 100-percent recycled polyester, called Dermizax, with a light 80 g of eco-insulation strategically placed to regulate your hot and cool zones. The burly Cordura cuff will keep your pant leg from shredding, the jacket-to-pant interlock system will keep ya linked, and the adjustable waist will help combat a day of pocket bevies.

Based in the Chamonix valley, Black Crows owns the game of technical elegance. The Ora Xpore Section jacket is no exception to Black Crow’s design principles. The jacket features Xpore fabric technology composed of recycled polyester that offers a solid 30K/20K rating. The jacket has a plethora of pockets secured with YKK waterproof zips to keep your phone dry, your chapstick handy and your pocket bacon toasty. The two-tone blue and gold exterior of the jacket is just the stylish icing on the cake. Lock up this kit with the Ora Xpore Section pant, and you’ll be ready for anything. This bib mirrors the fabric tech of the jacket and features an extra long center-front YKK water-repellent zip, adjustable straps and vents on the thigh. If you want to look and feel like the ski gods of Chamonix, this is one of the best ski outerwear kits to choose come winter.

Orage began in 1989 when Evelyn Tempe, a business student and total badass in Quebec began making waterproof ski jackets. The goal was not to dominate, but rather design outerwear for her friends on the university ski team. Thus creating one of skiing’s OG freeride brands. Over 30 years later, Orage is still here pumping out primo outerwear. The 20K/20K three-layer Alpina jacket is stocked with details, right down to cheeky spiraled zipper pulls that give an aesthetic edge but function like a dream. The hood’s brim is moldable and fits over your helmet with ease and the top of the sleeve is significantly longer to fit over the top of your mitts. The Aplina’s perfect match is the Cliff three-layer bib—making this combo one of the best ski outerwear kits coming out this year. This bib is made from breathable 20K/20K DERMIZAX fabric and its cut is unique, sitting lower at the ribcage for standalone comfort on warmer spring days. The straps are easily adjusted and fit well while wearing a pack, too. But… you wanna know the best part? Very easy #1 access.

In 2004, Norrøna launched the lofoten collection to cater to the extreme conditions that come with big-mountain freeride. Amongst the collection, the lofoten Jacket and pants take Norrøna’s “loaded minimalism” philosophy to a new level with a kit that is bold, innovative and uncompromising. This pairing—one of the best ski outerwear kits–utilizes recycled Gore-Tex Pro that is ultra-breathable and durable. The fit leans technical, with a shorter jacket silhouette up top while the pants run a touch on the smaller side. The jacket has one pack-compatible Napoleon (chest) pocket and a useful, mesh-lined ventilation system that runs all the way up the body. The mesh also has a Velcro rescue entrance for easy access to your beacon and other essentials. Down low, the pants offer lots of pocket options—cargos on the thigh and multiple secured zipper pockets. To avoid any gaps in your waist, Norrøna found a way to slightly overlap your fly zipper to the side to allow for a full seal from the snow.

Backcountry stokers, this kit is for you and it’s one of the best ski outerwear kits of the winter. Let’s dive into the Lab Coat and Baker Perm Bib brought to you by Flylow’s Z Line, a collection of lightweight and breathable gear made for the backcountry. Starting with the Lab Coat, this jacket is made from Intuitive Perm HD fabric. Why is this important? Well, for most fabrics, in order to transfer moisture, they have to first get wet before they can get wicking. Which, in a backcountry setting means sweating and getting cold. Hard pass. With Intuitive Perm, that heat and vapor are released with every movement of the fabric. Oh, and it’s recycled. Nice! The Lab Coat is designed to be worn with a pack, has five pockets for storing goods, 14-inch pit vents, YKK waterproof Vislon zips and is weighs only 602 g, so you know this thing is primed for big days. On the bottom, pair it with the Baker Perm Bib with 1000 denier cuff and knee reinforcements, multiple chest pockets, inner and outer thigh vents and a fit that promotes freedom of movement.