Peak Performance: Tackle the Slopes in Style This Ski Season
Skiing is an expensive sport, with costs adding up from lift passes to equipment hire, transfers, travel, and accommodation. However, savvy choices in ski gear can help curb spending without sacrificing quality. This guide explores affordable brands that offer reliable performance for casual skiers, along with essential tips for those new to the slopes.
The Best Affordable Ski-Wear Brands
From high-street stores to independent labels, several brands provide quality ski-wear at a fraction of luxury prices. While they may lack advanced technology for extreme conditions, they are perfect for fairweather skiers or those on a budget.
Best High-Street Ski-Wear
Best Value Ski-Wear: M&S Goodmove
Marks & Spencer's activewear label, Goodmove, offers a range of ski essentials, including thermal layers, weatherproof jackets, and salopettes. Features like breathable, waterproof finishes and taped seams keep you dry in decent conditions, though they are not designed for extreme weather.
Best for a Wide Range of Affordable Ski Gear: Mountain Warehouse
Mountain Warehouse is a one-stop shop for budget-friendly ski-wear, with comprehensive ranges covering jackets, boots, goggles, and accessories. Their coordinating jacket-and-pant sets, often reduced to under £100, provide warmth and durability without high costs.
Best for Minimal Scandi Ski Gear: H&M Move
H&M's Move brand offers a small selection of snow gear with waterproof, windproof, and breathable outerwear in muted colours. Insulated thermal layers and socks add extra warmth, but stock can be limited, so act quickly if you find items you like.
Best for Trend-Led Ski Gear: Asos 4505
Asos 4505 features trendy ski gear with cropped bombers, faux fur collars, and retro puffer suits. While lacking advanced technical ratings, it includes practical extras like ski pass pockets and taped seams, ideal for stylish skiers on gentle slopes.
Independent Ski Brands
Best for Performance Gear That Looks Great: Montec
Montec, a Swedish label, offers high-performance gear with 20k waterproofing and breathability ratings at reasonable prices. Features include underarm vents and storm guard protection, making it a popular choice for both style and function.
Best for Snowboarders: Dope
Dope, owned by the same parent company as Montec, targets snowboarders with streetwear-inspired designs and roomy cuts. With 15k ratings, it is slightly cheaper and includes pull-over hoodie jackets for better protection during falls.
Best for Reliable, Budget-Friendly Ski Gear: Tog24
Tog24, a family-run brand from West Yorkshire, provides durable ski gear at great prices. Options range from 10k to higher-spec ratings, with understated aesthetics and functional designs like colour-blocked jackets and mirrored goggles.
Best for Hi-Tech Ski Gear on a Budget: Volcom
Volcom, originally for board sports, offers ski jackets with at least 15k waterproofing and breathability, plus features like chin guards and powder skirts. Their retro-inspired designs and Gore-Tex options provide quality without breaking the bank.
Advanced Ski-Wear
Best Ski Gear for a Mid-Range Price: The North Face
The North Face combines quality with cachet, using Gore-Tex and Futurelight technology for weatherproof gear. While prices are higher, end-of-season sales offer reductions on durable jackets and pants suited for harsh environments.
Best for Advanced Skiers: Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen, a Norwegian brand since 1877, designs professional-grade outerwear for extreme conditions. Features include detachable powder skirts and ventilation zippers, though prices reflect the high quality, such as the Alpha long ski shell at £480.
Best for Fashiony Ski-Wear: J Lindeberg
J Lindeberg focuses on stylish designs with 20k ratings and chic colour palettes. While jackets cost upwards of £350, they offer elevated prints and alpine-coded wear, blending fashion with functionality for discerning skiers.
Skiing Accessories
Best for Ski Goggles: Oakley
Oakley provides a range of goggles with UV protection, anti-fog technology, and interchangeable lenses. Options like the O-Frame 2.0 offer entry-level quality without compromising on essential features.
Best for Ski Gloves: Decathlon
Decathlon offers affordable gloves with waterproof membranes and touchscreen compatibility. The Logic 6 Polymax gloves are a reliable choice, providing dexterity and warmth for budget-conscious skiers.
Best for Ski Socks: Falke
Falke's ski socks, made from merino wool blends, offer cushioning levels from SK1 to SK6 for different skill levels. They are ergonomically designed for comfort, with moisture-wicking and odour-controlling properties.
What You Need to Know
For first-time skiers, essential gear includes a jacket, salopettes or ski pants, thermals, goggles, and ski socks. Helmets, boots, and skis can typically be hired at resorts.
Choosing the Right Gear:
- Opt for a waterproof, breathable hard-shell jacket with a hood for versatility.
- Look for functional details like ski-pass pockets, adjustable hoods, and ventilation zippers.
- Decide between gloves for dexterity or mittens for warmth, ensuring waterproof features.
- Invest in ski socks for padding and moisture control to enhance comfort.
- High-street gear is suitable for resort skiing in good conditions, but regular skiers should consider durable investments.
By selecting the right affordable brands and understanding key features, you can enjoy a stylish and cost-effective ski season without compromising on performance.
