Hi! I'm looking to getting into skiing and have been researching jackets and pants for what feels like eternity and stumbled across this site. Holy cow the options for outwear are endlesssss. I live in the midwest, but see trips out west in my future since my husband (also wanting to learn to ski) and I have friends that live in Colorado and Utah. I think I'm leaning towards insulated vs a shell, but can see the pros and cons of both. I like a few flylow, marmot, patagonia, arcteryx (but whooo that price), and outdoor research jackets, but can't make a decision. I'm open to any and all suggestions on what would be a good starting point.
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Where do I start: jacket and pants
Since you are just getting into the sport, I'd suggest that you focus on comfort and warmth. At this point, there's no need to worry about technical jackets/pants that tend to be $$$. Reserve your hard-earned dollars for lessons and, if you are REALLY serious, boots. Boots are far and away THE MOST IMPORTANT element in your kit. You and hubby will not learn to love skiing unless you have good fitting boots (on-mountain rentals tend to suck if the place isn't connected to a good shop, and can ruin your experience. Look for a reputable ski shop and rent there if you can).
That said, there are several companies (e.g., Columbia, North Face, Patagonia and others) that make 3-in-1 jackets at reasonable prices. This might be a good place to start and gives you options given the ambient temps, wet/dry conditions, and your own personal heat regulator (I run hot and insulated jackets are often too warm for me - especially out west). These jackets are also great for running around town.
Re pants, you'll want to consider the time you'll spend sitting on the chairlift - which can be a very wet, windy experience. I layer up, but you might prefer insulation for the lower half. BE SURE that you choose a pant w/a good waterproof rating (you may spend some time on the ground in the beginning
). I find Gore-Tex to be the best, but that creeps into the $$$ range. There are other options out there. An inexpensive way to go is the "Hot Buns" butt warmer https://powdercordpouch.com/hotbuns.html. You can get away with less expensive, lighter weight pants if you have these insulating the nether regions. @marzNC turned me on to these and I am eternally grateful.
You also need to consider gloves/mittens. These, you can spend big bucks on now b/c they will serve you as you progress and can be used for other activities as well.
I could go on and on, but I'll close w/one last reiteration - LESSONS. This will be the best investment you can make starting out.
Have fun this season - hope to see you out there!!
That said, there are several companies (e.g., Columbia, North Face, Patagonia and others) that make 3-in-1 jackets at reasonable prices. This might be a good place to start and gives you options given the ambient temps, wet/dry conditions, and your own personal heat regulator (I run hot and insulated jackets are often too warm for me - especially out west). These jackets are also great for running around town.
Re pants, you'll want to consider the time you'll spend sitting on the chairlift - which can be a very wet, windy experience. I layer up, but you might prefer insulation for the lower half. BE SURE that you choose a pant w/a good waterproof rating (you may spend some time on the ground in the beginning
). I find Gore-Tex to be the best, but that creeps into the $$$ range. There are other options out there. An inexpensive way to go is the "Hot Buns" butt warmer https://powdercordpouch.com/hotbuns.html. You can get away with less expensive, lighter weight pants if you have these insulating the nether regions. @marzNC turned me on to these and I am eternally grateful.You also need to consider gloves/mittens. These, you can spend big bucks on now b/c they will serve you as you progress and can be used for other activities as well.
I could go on and on, but I'll close w/one last reiteration - LESSONS. This will be the best investment you can make starting out.
Have fun this season - hope to see you out there!!
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Welcome to the site, and welcome to skiing!
Truly, you can drive yourself crazy looking at all the variables. There are adherents to shells (you can always layer up!) and those who prefer insulated jackets and/or pants. It kind of depends how you run. I run cold -- plus I ski in Vermont where it can be brutal -- so I lean toward insulated choices. There are a lot of good brands out there, and yes, they can be pricey. But you could end up having your jacket for a number of years. Plus when you consider the warmth, waterproofness, pockets, and so on of a good jacket, well, it can be worth paying more.
That said, just think about what's important to you, and take it from there: Do you need something extra warm? Are pockets important? How about a hood? What about fit and style?. Pay attention to water and wind resistance; higher numbers are better (and usually more expensive).
Yes, there are some companies that are not crazy expensive. Columbia, for example, is usually pretty reasonable. Obermeyer and Sunice come to mind, as well. And you can get some good deals during sales. (Black Friday is coming up!). Also, check out SteepandCheap.com. You can usually find good deals there. You might even want to check out TJ Maxx. You'd be surprised what you can find.
Dressing for skiing is an art. You'll learn by trial and error. Oh, and don't forget good base layers and socks. They're also important.
Good luck, and let us know what you end up with!
Truly, you can drive yourself crazy looking at all the variables. There are adherents to shells (you can always layer up!) and those who prefer insulated jackets and/or pants. It kind of depends how you run. I run cold -- plus I ski in Vermont where it can be brutal -- so I lean toward insulated choices. There are a lot of good brands out there, and yes, they can be pricey. But you could end up having your jacket for a number of years. Plus when you consider the warmth, waterproofness, pockets, and so on of a good jacket, well, it can be worth paying more.
That said, just think about what's important to you, and take it from there: Do you need something extra warm? Are pockets important? How about a hood? What about fit and style?. Pay attention to water and wind resistance; higher numbers are better (and usually more expensive).
Yes, there are some companies that are not crazy expensive. Columbia, for example, is usually pretty reasonable. Obermeyer and Sunice come to mind, as well. And you can get some good deals during sales. (Black Friday is coming up!). Also, check out SteepandCheap.com. You can usually find good deals there. You might even want to check out TJ Maxx. You'd be surprised what you can find.
Dressing for skiing is an art. You'll learn by trial and error. Oh, and don't forget good base layers and socks. They're also important.
Good luck, and let us know what you end up with!
Christy
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I agree with all the sentiments above. There are lots of good brands, and it will take trial and error. Some Divas wouldn't consider wearing insulated shells and pants; I wouldn't consider skiing without them, even in spring (I run cold). Some people love a million pockets, I only need a few.
There are so many discount sites--REI outlet, Backcountry Outlet, Campmor--plus sales, that there is no need to pay full price. Maybe even consider buying used until you know that you do/don't like insulated jackets, for example.
I started out wearing my hiking clothes--base layers and rain pants--until I figured out what I wanted. My husband (from the midwest) grew up skiing in jeans and sweatshirts (not recommended, but it worked for them). So don't sweat it too much, particularly if you plan to ski in UT/CO, where it's dry.
There are so many discount sites--REI outlet, Backcountry Outlet, Campmor--plus sales, that there is no need to pay full price. Maybe even consider buying used until you know that you do/don't like insulated jackets, for example.
I started out wearing my hiking clothes--base layers and rain pants--until I figured out what I wanted. My husband (from the midwest) grew up skiing in jeans and sweatshirts (not recommended, but it worked for them). So don't sweat it too much, particularly if you plan to ski in UT/CO, where it's dry.
Welcome! From what I've heard about skiing in the midwest, I think insulated pants and jackets are the way to go. I started that way for trips out west. Didn't shift to shell pants and/or shell jacket until I was essentially an advanced skier and skiing off the groomers more than half the time.
Sometimes Divas suggest looking at TJ Maxx.
What state are you in? There are Divas in the midwest who could make suggestions for local shops to check out. Although the pre-season sales are pretty much over. As you'll see next spring, the best times to buy when you know what you want is during late season, summer, and early fall.
Analisa
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Super excited for you! I work in apparel, and it's really overwhelming at first. (I have no formal apparel education. I got qualified just trying to learn enough to buy my own outdoor gear). It helps to understand why each brand has so many options at different price points.
Brands mix and match the following variables:
Insulation
- No insulation (shell jackets and pants)
- Light insulation (40g/sm - meaning grams of insulation per square meIter)
- Medium insulation (60g/sm)
- Heavy insulation (80g/sm)
- 3-in-1 insulation, where the jacket has an outer waterproof layer and inner fleece or puffy coat layer. They can be worn together or separately.
Waterproof Membrane
- Gore Tex Pro: an extremely waterproof and extremely waterproof and extremely breathable membrane that costs a lot for brands to license. Only in shell jackets. Geared towards backcountry skiers who have a lot of cardio in their day.
- Gore Tex Performance: "Regular" Goretex. Extremely waterproof. Good breathability. Great option if you ski wetter climates (like the PNW and BC). Great option for people who are skiing no matter what the weather, and ski from resort opening to close even on stormy days. Moderately expensive for brands to license.
- Proprietary Membranes: Brands use a common and non-patented membrane material and give it their own name (like Patagonia H2No or Marmot MemBrain). These membranes offer good waterproofing and good breathability and cover most recreational skiers' needs and is the most affordable.
Waterproof Construction - only applicable to uninsulated shells
- 3 layer construction has an outer layer of fabric, the membrane, and the inner lining all laminated together so they feel like 1 piece of fabric. These pieces are light and packable, but lamination is an expensive step in production, so these cost more
- 2 layer construction has the outer and membrane layers laminated together. The inner lining is sewn in. When there's insulation, you're sewing in a liner fabric regardless, so insulation gear is almost always 2-layer.
There's a lot of different "recipes" you can make with these 3 components. For a new skier, I'd mainly recommend getting something versatile, like a jacket with lighter insulation or a 3-in-1 jacket, especially if you expect to travel to lots of different climates. If it's sized to accommodate layers, you can always add an extra fleece for warmth, but you can't make a jacket get colder. Most brands price competitively once you look at the construction. (In other words, a pair of lightly insulation Gore Tex Performance pants, they tend to be within $50 of each other).
Brands mix and match the following variables:
Insulation
- No insulation (shell jackets and pants)
- Light insulation (40g/sm - meaning grams of insulation per square meIter)
- Medium insulation (60g/sm)
- Heavy insulation (80g/sm)
- 3-in-1 insulation, where the jacket has an outer waterproof layer and inner fleece or puffy coat layer. They can be worn together or separately.
Waterproof Membrane
- Gore Tex Pro: an extremely waterproof and extremely waterproof and extremely breathable membrane that costs a lot for brands to license. Only in shell jackets. Geared towards backcountry skiers who have a lot of cardio in their day.
- Gore Tex Performance: "Regular" Goretex. Extremely waterproof. Good breathability. Great option if you ski wetter climates (like the PNW and BC). Great option for people who are skiing no matter what the weather, and ski from resort opening to close even on stormy days. Moderately expensive for brands to license.
- Proprietary Membranes: Brands use a common and non-patented membrane material and give it their own name (like Patagonia H2No or Marmot MemBrain). These membranes offer good waterproofing and good breathability and cover most recreational skiers' needs and is the most affordable.
Waterproof Construction - only applicable to uninsulated shells
- 3 layer construction has an outer layer of fabric, the membrane, and the inner lining all laminated together so they feel like 1 piece of fabric. These pieces are light and packable, but lamination is an expensive step in production, so these cost more
- 2 layer construction has the outer and membrane layers laminated together. The inner lining is sewn in. When there's insulation, you're sewing in a liner fabric regardless, so insulation gear is almost always 2-layer.
There's a lot of different "recipes" you can make with these 3 components. For a new skier, I'd mainly recommend getting something versatile, like a jacket with lighter insulation or a 3-in-1 jacket, especially if you expect to travel to lots of different climates. If it's sized to accommodate layers, you can always add an extra fleece for warmth, but you can't make a jacket get colder. Most brands price competitively once you look at the construction. (In other words, a pair of lightly insulation Gore Tex Performance pants, they tend to be within $50 of each other).
AJM
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
As someone who skis my current jacket and pants are from snowboard brands so dont limit yourself to "ski" brands just to make it even more confusing !!! I've worn both insulated and shell jackets and they both have their own benefits although as @Analisa said the 3 -in-1 options may work for you, good luck in the search x
Iwannaski
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
@EmilyC …. Where are you in the Midwest? If you’re in a Canada-adjacent state, you may already have a lot of functional gear … I had the gear already for shoveling/snowblowing/sledding, and I repurposed it until I wanted to invest in more functional togs: pit vents, better pocketology, etc. If you’re in a warmer state, I’d start with waterproof outer layers and inner layers to keep you warm until you know what you need when you’re skiing.
What do I mean? Well, do you get hot and need to dump heat? Do you get cold? Do you get hot on top and cold on the bottom? The other way? You won’t know until you go. Then you’ll know better how to prioritize features and cost.
What do I mean? Well, do you get hot and need to dump heat? Do you get cold? Do you get hot on top and cold on the bottom? The other way? You won’t know until you go. Then you’ll know better how to prioritize features and cost.
newboots
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Excellent advice from everybody! @Iwannaski beat me to it, but I would definitely suggest shopping your own wardrobe first! And secondhand clothes can be wonderful - take a look at this page: Geartrade women's ski jackets - and there are many other online stores like it. This way you can save money for boots and lessons!
Glad to have you here!
Glad to have you here!
MaineSkiLady
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
As mentioned above by @ski diva, look into Columbia. They’ve upped their game, especially with the development of the Omni-Heat (TM) lining - which works. Jackets are quite nicely featured, and all products have a very reasonable price point, often discounted when searched. The lined pants are also very good, some models with “area-specific” Omni-Heat as well.
The big question would be fit. If there is any place where you might be able to try on, to get a feel for sizing, that would be helpful. If you can get a good fit with this brand, it is, in my opinion, a slam-dunk for value.
I ski in Maine (obviously, per my name), and I know cold. Columbia does a great job.
The big question would be fit. If there is any place where you might be able to try on, to get a feel for sizing, that would be helpful. If you can get a good fit with this brand, it is, in my opinion, a slam-dunk for value.
I ski in Maine (obviously, per my name), and I know cold. Columbia does a great job.
MaineSkiLady
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Ha. While it can be good stuff (or---not), its price point is considerably higher. I personally have perennially been between sizes in LLB (among many other brands, alas).For shame @MaineSkiLady !!!!! You aren't promoting LL Bean???
I have that same issue with Mountain Hardware, Outdoor Research, and Strafe. You have to shop to know.
MaineSkiLady
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
And for me, Arcteryx, Patagonia, Marmot, also OR.I have that same issue with Mountain Hardware, Outdoor Research, and Strafe. You have to shop to know.
newbieM
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Welcome to the sport! I just started skiing last year so I feel your pain. I started by borrowing clothes and buying used pieces. I found that I preferred shell pants and jacket so I could layer up. I wear thermals, sweatpants and then my shell pants because I run really cold.
I also preferred investing in boots and lessons. I ended up buying boots used. I rented boots from a store at the base of the mountain in Utah. They let me try a bunch and let me rent some higher end boots from last season. I got to ski with them every time I went back in town. At the end of the season they let me buy them so I got them at a great price and they fit like a glove. It took 2-3 boots and a few uncomfortable sessions before I figured how my feet were supposed to fit in them.
good luck! This group is super great.
I also preferred investing in boots and lessons. I ended up buying boots used. I rented boots from a store at the base of the mountain in Utah. They let me try a bunch and let me rent some higher end boots from last season. I got to ski with them every time I went back in town. At the end of the season they let me buy them so I got them at a great price and they fit like a glove. It took 2-3 boots and a few uncomfortable sessions before I figured how my feet were supposed to fit in them.
good luck! This group is super great.
Amie H
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Where in the Midwest are you?
Is there a Sierra store nearby? If so, they have affordable, quality options this time of year for outerwear and helmets, goggles, and gloves, for men and women.
The Fashion Outlets of Chicago (near O'Hare airport) have a Colombia outlet and a Mountain Warehouse outlet. Mountain Warehouse is a UK brand that has very well-priced entry-level ski wear for men and women. There is also a high-line Bogner store there.
I highly recommend TRYING ON IN PERSON because sizing can be all over the place especially for ski pants, IMO.
And FOR SURE put the bulk of your budget into boots that fit. Go get fitted IN PERSON at a reputable ski shop.
You likely already know this but avoid cotton fabrics for your layers. Will stay damp and make you feel cold and wet.
Is there a Sierra store nearby? If so, they have affordable, quality options this time of year for outerwear and helmets, goggles, and gloves, for men and women.
The Fashion Outlets of Chicago (near O'Hare airport) have a Colombia outlet and a Mountain Warehouse outlet. Mountain Warehouse is a UK brand that has very well-priced entry-level ski wear for men and women. There is also a high-line Bogner store there.
I highly recommend TRYING ON IN PERSON because sizing can be all over the place especially for ski pants, IMO.
And FOR SURE put the bulk of your budget into boots that fit. Go get fitted IN PERSON at a reputable ski shop.
You likely already know this but avoid cotton fabrics for your layers. Will stay damp and make you feel cold and wet.
Saves a lot of money that way with some brands, lol.And for me, Arcteryx, Patagonia, Marmot, also OR.
