Ski & Snowboard,
Gear Guides
Oct 30, 2026
Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets, Pants, Base Layers & More for 2026/27
By the Christy Sports Team | Last updated: October 2026
A jacket that feels right on a cold chairlift can be too warm halfway down the run. The layers that work on a dry day may not hold up to wet snow. Warmth is only part of it. Layers that work together for the conditions you ski or ride in matter more.
This guide covers women's, men's and kids' jackets, pants and bibs, base layers and midlayers, and a few après boots for 2026/27.
In this guide:
How do you choose ski and snowboard apparel?
Start with three layers: a base layer that moves sweat away, a midlayer for warmth, and a waterproof jacket and pants against wind and snow. Then match the outer layers to your day.
For a deeper walk through fit and layering, read How to Choose the Right Clothing for Skiing & Snowboarding. For a plan by region, see what to wear skiing in Colorado and Utah and what to wear skiing in Washington and Montana.
Shell, insulated or 3-in-1 jacket?
- Insulated jacket. Warmth is built in, so you carry fewer layers. It suits cold, steady days and riders who run cool.
- Shell jacket. A shell blocks wind and water but has no insulation. The layers underneath set your warmth, so you can adjust all day. It suits changing weather and riders who run hot.
- 3-in-1 jacket. A shell plus a removable liner. You can wear the shell, the shell with the liner, or the liner alone.
Look for a hood that fits over a helmet and vents you can open when you warm up.
Insulation is often listed in grams. More grams means more warmth when the insulation type is the same.
Best ski and snowboard jackets for 2026/27
The first question is warmth: do you want it built into the jacket, or do you prefer to add it with layers? Each pick below says which one it is.
Women's jackets
The Helly Hansen Emiko Short Shell Jacket is a 3-layer HELLY TECH Professional shell (Helly Hansen's waterproof, breathable fabric) with fully sealed seams, a relaxed boxy cut, articulated elbows (pre-shaped for easier arm movement) and a helmet-compatible hood. It has no insulation, so your base layer and midlayer set the warmth, which suits skiers who run warm or face changing conditions.
Choose the Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket if one jacket has to work on the mountain and in town. It is insulated, and the hood and faux fur trim both come off, so you can change the look.
Obermeyer rates the Obermeyer Bombshell Luxe Jacket 10k for waterproofing and 10k for breathability, which points to cold, dry days more than wet storms. It uses synthetic down insulation (a man-made fill that mimics down) and has a removable faux fur hood and elastic side-waist adjusters for fit.
The Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft Jacket is the pick for built-in warmth without a heavy feel. It pairs LIFA technology with PrimaLoft synthetic insulation in a lighter jacket, with fully sealed seams and a detachable hood that fits over a helmet.
The Halfdays Lawrence Jacket Cropped Womens has a shorter, slim cut with PrimaLoft insulation (80g in the body, 60g in the sleeves, hood and collar) and a 20,000mm waterproof rating. Underarm vents release heat, and a powder skirt and storm cuffs keep snow out.
The Seniq Slopestar Ski Jacket Womens has an internal cinch that defines the waist without adding bulk. It has body-mapped insulation, 2-way underarm vents to release heat, and an adjustable high collar with a helmet-compatible hood.
Men's jackets
The Helly Hansen Sogn Shell 2.0 Jacket is worth a look if you ski in changing conditions or tend to overheat in an insulated jacket. The 3-layer HELLY TECH Professional shell has fully sealed seams and a DWR finish (a water-repellent coating), and it adds a powder skirt (an inner skirt that seals out snow), a helmet-compatible hood and a RECCO reflector (a small tag that rescue crews can detect). With no insulation, you need a good midlayer for colder days.
For cold or wet days when you want one jacket to do the work, the 686 Glacier Hydra Thermagraph Jacket pairs a shell with a 20,000mm waterproof rating with body-mapped insulation. Underarm vents let you release heat, and the hood fits over a helmet.
The Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft Jacket is an insulated option for riders who want warmth without bulk. It uses lightweight LifaLoft (Helly Hansen's synthetic insulation) and a stretch shell, with ventilation openings and fully sealed seams.
The Spyder Leader Jacket Mens is an insulated jacket with 100g of PrimaLoft insulation, a 30K waterproof rating and 4-way stretch fabric. Seams are sealed, underarm vents release heat, and the powder skirt and helmet-compatible hood both come off.
If your days swing from cold mornings to warm afternoons, the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Jacket gives you three ways to dress. The removable puffer liner has 160g of insulation, and you can wear the shell alone, the shell with the liner, or the liner by itself. The shell has a 20,000mm waterproof rating.
Browse more in the full women's and men's snow jacket collections, or shop by brand: Obermeyer snow apparel, 686 snow apparel and Helly Hansen snow apparel.
Best ski and snowboard pants and bibs for 2026/27
Pants and bibs keep snow out when you sit on a chairlift or fall, so waterproofing, seam sealing and a good cuff matter as much as warmth. A bib is a pair of pants with a high chest panel and shoulder straps. It adds coverage at the waist and suits deep snow and cold days. High-waisted bibs also pair well with cropped jackets, which end above the waist. Pants are quicker to put on and take off.
Women's pants and bibs
The Obermeyer Curvy Bliss Pant is cut for a flattering fit, with 2-way stretch fabric. Obermeyer rates it 15k for waterproofing and 15k for breathability, and the waist, powder cuffs (inner cuffs that fit over your boots to keep snow out) and vents all adjust.
Choose the Obermeyer Cloud Nine Pants for insulated pants that move with you. They have 4-way stretch, a high-rise waistband and zipper hem gussets (hem zippers that open the cuff over a boot), and Obermeyer's Skier Critical seam sealing keeps water out at the seams.
The Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants are a straightforward insulated choice, with 60g of PrimaLoft Black insulation and fully sealed, waterproof, breathable fabric. Thigh vents let you release heat.
Pick the Boulder Gear Marvel II Bib when extra coverage at the waist helps, as in deeper snow. It has a shell rated 20K for waterproofing and 20K for breathability, 40g of insulation and adjustable shoulder straps.
The Halfdays Carson Bib Pants Womens have a 20,000mm waterproof rating and PrimaLoft Black ECO insulation. Adjustable shoulder straps and waist tabs help you dial in the fit, and thigh vents release heat.
The Seniq Slopestar Ski Bib Womens have a 20k waterproof rating in a 3-layer fabric, with 2-way thigh vents, boot guards and an open-back strap detail. Restroom-friendly zippers make bib days easier.
Men's pants and bibs
The 686 Hot Lap Insulated Bib adds coverage at the waist for deeper snow. It has 40g of insulation built in, and vented inner legs let you release heat.
The men's Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants use the same 60g of PrimaLoft Black insulation as the women's pair, cut on a separate men's pattern, with thigh vents, 2-way stretch and articulated knees (shaped to bend with you).
The Obermeyer Alpinist Pants add 40g of insulation to a 2-way stretch shell, with cargo pockets and zippered hem gussets.
The Spyder Dare Lengths Pants Mens have a 30K waterproof rating, 40g of PrimaLoft insulation and 4-way stretch. Removable suspenders let you choose how to wear them, thigh vents release heat, and three inseam lengths help with fit.
Shop every style in women's snow pants and men's snow pants.
Best base layers and midlayers for 2026/27
Base layers sit next to your skin, so finding the right fit and fabric is key. Merino wool naturally resists odors, while synthetic fabrics dry quickly. Both are great options, so choose whichever feels most comfortable.
Our regional layering guides favor merino for dry cold and synthetic blends on very wet days. Choose a lighter weight for warm or high-effort days and a midweight for cold days. The Smartwool bottoms and Kari Traa top below are lightweight, and the Hot Chillys and Krimson Klover tops are midweight.
Midlayers go on top when the day is colder. For gloves, socks and face coverage, see our accessories guide.
For a lightweight base, the Smartwool All Season Merino Base Layer Bottom for men is 88% merino wool and 12% nylon in a slim fit. The women's version has the same blend and fit.
The Kari Traa Smekker Long Sleeve Baselayer is a lightweight merino top with a front zip to open when you warm up, a chin guard and patterned panels.
Pick the Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois Crew for a warmer, midweight top. It is polyester and spandex with a soft brushed back, four-way stretch, thumbholes and UPF 30 sun protection.
The Krimson Klover 1984 Top is a mid-weight quarter-zip made from brushed recycled polyester and spandex, with UPF 50+ sun protection and a printed illustration. The quarter zip opens at the neck to vent.
Add the Helly Hansen Versalite Half Zip Fleece when the day turns colder. The grid pattern traps heat and lets moisture escape, so it layers well under a shell. It has a high collar and a chest zip pocket.
The Arc'teryx Delta Half-Zip Top Mens is a fitted fleece that weighs 205g. Its hollow-core fibers give it a high warmth-to-weight ratio, so it fits under a shell without bulk, and the half zip opens to release heat.
Browse the full range of women's base layers, men's base layers and kids' thermal layers.
Burton snowboard apparel for 2026/27
Burton is celebrating 50 years of snowboarding with five limited product drops, one for each era of the sport.
The Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Jacket Womens and Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Pants Womens work as a set. Both use 2-layer GORE-TEX, a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric, with fully taped seams and vents to release heat. Both come in pink.
For a roomier fit, the Burton Reserve 2L Baggy Pants Mens have the loosest cut of Burton's regular, relaxed and baggy fits. They have a 20,000mm waterproof rating, fully taped seams and a continuous inner thigh vent.
The Burton 2L One Piece Toddlers has 100g of ThermacoreEco insulation and a 15,000mm waterproof rating. Burton's Room-to-Grow system extends the sleeves and inseam by two inches.
Browse the full Burton collection at Christy Sports.
Match your apparel to the day
On cold, still days, insulation does most of the work. An insulated jacket such as the Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft, paired with insulated pants such as the Helly Hansen Legendary pair, builds in warmth and simplifies your layering.
When the weather keeps changing, choose a jacket you can adjust. A shell such as the Helly Hansen Sogn Shell 2.0 or Emiko, or a 3-in-1 like the 686 Smarty, lets you add a midlayer when it cools, such as the men's Helly Hansen Versalite fleece. Take it off when you warm up.
If you work hard on the hill, ventilation matters most. Pick a lightweight base layer like the Smartwool All Season bottoms, and open the underarm or thigh vents before you start to sweat.
In wet storms, waterproofing counts for more than extra insulation. Check the waterproof rating and seam sealing on each product page, because some jackets are described as water-resistant instead of waterproof. Our Washington and Montana layering guide covers wet, cold days in more detail.
A quick fit check
Try apparel on with the layers you plan to wear and, if you have one, your helmet. Raise your arms to see whether the sleeves ride up. Squat to check the waist and back of the pants. Pull the hood over your helmet, and confirm the jacket covers your waist and seat when you bend, especially with a cropped cut. In a bib, adjust the straps and check that you can bend comfortably.
Kids' ski and snowboard apparel for 2026/27
Kids outgrow gear quickly, so look for adjustable cuffs and waists, extendable sleeves or legs, and reinforcement where they wear out first.
The Obermeyer Mach 17 Jacket for juniors is insulated, so it carries its own warmth, and it has Skier Critical seam sealing. The hood is removable, and a snap-away powder skirt keeps snow out.
The Helly Hansen Alpha Ski Jacket for junior boys offers 133g of PrimaLoft Black insulation and fully sealed seams, with a detachable hood, an adjustable powder skirt and a RECCO Advanced Rescue transponder.
The Boulder Gear Andie Jacket Youth has 160g of insulation in the body and sleeves and 60g in the collar and hood, with a 10,000mm waterproof rating. Core vents let kids release heat, and a fleece collar and wrist cuffs with thumbholes add comfort.
For bottoms, the Obermeyer Snoverall Pant Kids Girls has quick-release adjustable shoulders, which make getting on and off easier. Reinforcement at the knees, seat, inseams and hems covers the spots kids wear out first.
The Boulder Gear Ravish Pants Youth have 80g of insulation and a 10,000mm waterproof rating. A grow feature extends the legs by 1.5 inches. Leg vents and inside snow cuffs round out the fit.
The 686 Shazam Insulated One-Piece Boys Juniors covers kids from shoulders to boots, with reinforced knees, boot gaiters and critically taped seams. Its Youth Evolution sizing system in the sleeves and legs gives growing kids room to adjust.
The Glacier 1/4 Zip Pullover from The North Face is a simple fleece layer made from 100% recycled polyester, easy to add under a jacket.
See more in kids' snow jackets and snow pants.
Après boots for 2026/27
After the last run, switch to warm, dry feet. Check each pair's waterproofing before you count on it for slushy parking lots.
The UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boots work for dry, cold conditions. They are sheepskin boots with a 3.5-inch shaft and a water-repellent treatment. Repellent is not waterproof, so skip them for slush.
The Sorel Buxton Lite Waterproof Boots suit slush and wet parking lots, with a fully waterproof upper and 200g of insulation.
The Sorel Snow Angel Boot pairs a waterproof suede upper and 200g of insulation with a faux fur cuff and a molded rubber outsole.
Browse all women's footwear, men's footwear and kids' footwear.
Complete your setup
Apparel is one part of a winter kit. These guides cover the rest:
- Best skis for 2026/27
- Best snowboards for 2026/27
- Best ski boots and bindings for 2026/27
- Best snowboard boots and bindings for 2026/27
- Ski goggles and helmets: how to choose and match them
- Ski and snowboard accessories: gloves, socks and more
- Heated gear for skiing and snowboarding
- The 2026/27 winter gear guide
Ski and snowboard apparel FAQ
What do you wear under a ski jacket shell?
A shell has no insulation, so wear a snug base layer and a warm midlayer such as a fleece or a light insulated jacket. Pick layers that do not bunch under the arms, so you can raise your arms freely inside the shell. Add or remove the midlayer through the day, and skip cotton.
Are ski bibs better than ski pants?
Neither is better for everyone. Bibs add coverage at the waist and help keep snow out if you fall, which suits deep snow and cold days. Pants are simpler to take on and off and often feel less restrictive. Try both on, and check how each fits with your jacket.
Is merino or synthetic better for a base layer?
Both move moisture away from your skin, so choose the one that feels comfortable. Merino wool resists odor and stays comfortable across a range of temperatures. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and often cost less.
What does a waterproof rating mean?
A waterproof rating, such as 10k or 20k, shows how tall a column of water a fabric can hold back before it leaks. It is measured in millimeters, so 10k means 10,000mm. Higher numbers mean more resistance. A second number, as in 15k/15k, rates breathability, or how well the fabric lets sweat vapor out. Our clothing buying guide treats 15k to 20k and up as very waterproof. Brands test differently, so compare ratings within the same brand and check that seams are sealed. Zippers and cuffs matter too.
How should kids' ski clothes fit?
Kids' ski clothes should fit with room for a base layer and a midlayer underneath, without bagging at the knees or wrists. Look for adjustable shoulders and cuffs and reinforced knees and seats. Sizing varies by brand, so check each product's size guide.
Can kids' ski clothes grow with them?
Some kids' ski clothes have extendable legs or sleeves that add length as children grow. Look for adjustable waists and cuffs too. These features can help gear last longer, but the clothes still need to fit through the shoulders, waist and hips.
Fit and layers first
Fit matters more than any single feature. If you want a second opinion before you buy, find your nearest Christy Sports store and try pieces together.
Ski & Snowboard,
Gear Guides
Oct 30, 2026
Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets, Pants, Base Layers & More for 2026/27
By the Christy Sports Team | Last updated: October 2026
A jacket that feels right on a cold chairlift can be too warm halfway down the run. The layers that work on a dry day may not hold up to wet snow. Warmth is only part of it. Layers that work together for the conditions you ski or ride in matter more.
This guide covers women's, men's and kids' jackets, pants and bibs, base layers and midlayers, and a few après boots for 2026/27.
In this guide:
How do you choose ski and snowboard apparel?
Start with three layers: a base layer that moves sweat away, a midlayer for warmth, and a waterproof jacket and pants against wind and snow. Then match the outer layers to your day.
For a deeper walk through fit and layering, read How to Choose the Right Clothing for Skiing & Snowboarding. For a plan by region, see what to wear skiing in Colorado and Utah and what to wear skiing in Washington and Montana.
Shell, insulated or 3-in-1 jacket?
- Insulated jacket. Warmth is built in, so you carry fewer layers. It suits cold, steady days and riders who run cool.
- Shell jacket. A shell blocks wind and water but has no insulation. The layers underneath set your warmth, so you can adjust all day. It suits changing weather and riders who run hot.
- 3-in-1 jacket. A shell plus a removable liner. You can wear the shell, the shell with the liner, or the liner alone.
Look for a hood that fits over a helmet and vents you can open when you warm up.
Insulation is often listed in grams. More grams means more warmth when the insulation type is the same.
Best ski and snowboard jackets for 2026/27
The first question is warmth: do you want it built into the jacket, or do you prefer to add it with layers? Each pick below says which one it is.
Women's jackets
The Helly Hansen Emiko Short Shell Jacket is a 3-layer HELLY TECH Professional shell (Helly Hansen's waterproof, breathable fabric) with fully sealed seams, a relaxed boxy cut, articulated elbows (pre-shaped for easier arm movement) and a helmet-compatible hood. It has no insulation, so your base layer and midlayer set the warmth, which suits skiers who run warm or face changing conditions.
Choose the Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket if one jacket has to work on the mountain and in town. It is insulated, and the hood and faux fur trim both come off, so you can change the look.
Obermeyer rates the Obermeyer Bombshell Luxe Jacket 10k for waterproofing and 10k for breathability, which points to cold, dry days more than wet storms. It uses synthetic down insulation (a man-made fill that mimics down) and has a removable faux fur hood and elastic side-waist adjusters for fit.
The Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft Jacket is the pick for built-in warmth without a heavy feel. It pairs LIFA technology with PrimaLoft synthetic insulation in a lighter jacket, with fully sealed seams and a detachable hood that fits over a helmet.
The Halfdays Lawrence Jacket Cropped Womens has a shorter, slim cut with PrimaLoft insulation (80g in the body, 60g in the sleeves, hood and collar) and a 20,000mm waterproof rating. Underarm vents release heat, and a powder skirt and storm cuffs keep snow out.
The Seniq Slopestar Ski Jacket Womens has an internal cinch that defines the waist without adding bulk. It has body-mapped insulation, 2-way underarm vents to release heat, and an adjustable high collar with a helmet-compatible hood.
Men's jackets
The Helly Hansen Sogn Shell 2.0 Jacket is worth a look if you ski in changing conditions or tend to overheat in an insulated jacket. The 3-layer HELLY TECH Professional shell has fully sealed seams and a DWR finish (a water-repellent coating), and it adds a powder skirt (an inner skirt that seals out snow), a helmet-compatible hood and a RECCO reflector (a small tag that rescue crews can detect). With no insulation, you need a good midlayer for colder days.
For cold or wet days when you want one jacket to do the work, the 686 Glacier Hydra Thermagraph Jacket pairs a shell with a 20,000mm waterproof rating with body-mapped insulation. Underarm vents let you release heat, and the hood fits over a helmet.
The Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft Jacket is an insulated option for riders who want warmth without bulk. It uses lightweight LifaLoft (Helly Hansen's synthetic insulation) and a stretch shell, with ventilation openings and fully sealed seams.
The Spyder Leader Jacket Mens is an insulated jacket with 100g of PrimaLoft insulation, a 30K waterproof rating and 4-way stretch fabric. Seams are sealed, underarm vents release heat, and the powder skirt and helmet-compatible hood both come off.
If your days swing from cold mornings to warm afternoons, the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Jacket gives you three ways to dress. The removable puffer liner has 160g of insulation, and you can wear the shell alone, the shell with the liner, or the liner by itself. The shell has a 20,000mm waterproof rating.
Browse more in the full women's and men's snow jacket collections, or shop by brand: Obermeyer snow apparel, 686 snow apparel and Helly Hansen snow apparel.
Best ski and snowboard pants and bibs for 2026/27
Pants and bibs keep snow out when you sit on a chairlift or fall, so waterproofing, seam sealing and a good cuff matter as much as warmth. A bib is a pair of pants with a high chest panel and shoulder straps. It adds coverage at the waist and suits deep snow and cold days. High-waisted bibs also pair well with cropped jackets, which end above the waist. Pants are quicker to put on and take off.
Women's pants and bibs
The Obermeyer Curvy Bliss Pant is cut for a flattering fit, with 2-way stretch fabric. Obermeyer rates it 15k for waterproofing and 15k for breathability, and the waist, powder cuffs (inner cuffs that fit over your boots to keep snow out) and vents all adjust.
Choose the Obermeyer Cloud Nine Pants for insulated pants that move with you. They have 4-way stretch, a high-rise waistband and zipper hem gussets (hem zippers that open the cuff over a boot), and Obermeyer's Skier Critical seam sealing keeps water out at the seams.
The Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants are a straightforward insulated choice, with 60g of PrimaLoft Black insulation and fully sealed, waterproof, breathable fabric. Thigh vents let you release heat.
Pick the Boulder Gear Marvel II Bib when extra coverage at the waist helps, as in deeper snow. It has a shell rated 20K for waterproofing and 20K for breathability, 40g of insulation and adjustable shoulder straps.
The Halfdays Carson Bib Pants Womens have a 20,000mm waterproof rating and PrimaLoft Black ECO insulation. Adjustable shoulder straps and waist tabs help you dial in the fit, and thigh vents release heat.
The Seniq Slopestar Ski Bib Womens have a 20k waterproof rating in a 3-layer fabric, with 2-way thigh vents, boot guards and an open-back strap detail. Restroom-friendly zippers make bib days easier.
Men's pants and bibs
The 686 Hot Lap Insulated Bib adds coverage at the waist for deeper snow. It has 40g of insulation built in, and vented inner legs let you release heat.
The men's Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants use the same 60g of PrimaLoft Black insulation as the women's pair, cut on a separate men's pattern, with thigh vents, 2-way stretch and articulated knees (shaped to bend with you).
The Obermeyer Alpinist Pants add 40g of insulation to a 2-way stretch shell, with cargo pockets and zippered hem gussets.
The Spyder Dare Lengths Pants Mens have a 30K waterproof rating, 40g of PrimaLoft insulation and 4-way stretch. Removable suspenders let you choose how to wear them, thigh vents release heat, and three inseam lengths help with fit.
Shop every style in women's snow pants and men's snow pants.
Best base layers and midlayers for 2026/27
Base layers sit next to your skin, so finding the right fit and fabric is key. Merino wool naturally resists odors, while synthetic fabrics dry quickly. Both are great options, so choose whichever feels most comfortable.
Our regional layering guides favor merino for dry cold and synthetic blends on very wet days. Choose a lighter weight for warm or high-effort days and a midweight for cold days. The Smartwool bottoms and Kari Traa top below are lightweight, and the Hot Chillys and Krimson Klover tops are midweight.
Midlayers go on top when the day is colder. For gloves, socks and face coverage, see our accessories guide.
For a lightweight base, the Smartwool All Season Merino Base Layer Bottom for men is 88% merino wool and 12% nylon in a slim fit. The women's version has the same blend and fit.
The Kari Traa Smekker Long Sleeve Baselayer is a lightweight merino top with a front zip to open when you warm up, a chin guard and patterned panels.
Pick the Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois Crew for a warmer, midweight top. It is polyester and spandex with a soft brushed back, four-way stretch, thumbholes and UPF 30 sun protection.
The Krimson Klover 1984 Top is a mid-weight quarter-zip made from brushed recycled polyester and spandex, with UPF 50+ sun protection and a printed illustration. The quarter zip opens at the neck to vent.
Add the Helly Hansen Versalite Half Zip Fleece when the day turns colder. The grid pattern traps heat and lets moisture escape, so it layers well under a shell. It has a high collar and a chest zip pocket.
The Arc'teryx Delta Half-Zip Top Mens is a fitted fleece that weighs 205g. Its hollow-core fibers give it a high warmth-to-weight ratio, so it fits under a shell without bulk, and the half zip opens to release heat.
Browse the full range of women's base layers, men's base layers and kids' thermal layers.
Burton snowboard apparel for 2026/27
Burton is celebrating 50 years of snowboarding with five limited product drops, one for each era of the sport.
The Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Jacket Womens and Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Pants Womens work as a set. Both use 2-layer GORE-TEX, a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric, with fully taped seams and vents to release heat. Both come in pink.
For a roomier fit, the Burton Reserve 2L Baggy Pants Mens have the loosest cut of Burton's regular, relaxed and baggy fits. They have a 20,000mm waterproof rating, fully taped seams and a continuous inner thigh vent.
The Burton 2L One Piece Toddlers has 100g of ThermacoreEco insulation and a 15,000mm waterproof rating. Burton's Room-to-Grow system extends the sleeves and inseam by two inches.
Browse the full Burton collection at Christy Sports.
Match your apparel to the day
On cold, still days, insulation does most of the work. An insulated jacket such as the Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft, paired with insulated pants such as the Helly Hansen Legendary pair, builds in warmth and simplifies your layering.
When the weather keeps changing, choose a jacket you can adjust. A shell such as the Helly Hansen Sogn Shell 2.0 or Emiko, or a 3-in-1 like the 686 Smarty, lets you add a midlayer when it cools, such as the men's Helly Hansen Versalite fleece. Take it off when you warm up.
If you work hard on the hill, ventilation matters most. Pick a lightweight base layer like the Smartwool All Season bottoms, and open the underarm or thigh vents before you start to sweat.
In wet storms, waterproofing counts for more than extra insulation. Check the waterproof rating and seam sealing on each product page, because some jackets are described as water-resistant instead of waterproof. Our Washington and Montana layering guide covers wet, cold days in more detail.
A quick fit check
Try apparel on with the layers you plan to wear and, if you have one, your helmet. Raise your arms to see whether the sleeves ride up. Squat to check the waist and back of the pants. Pull the hood over your helmet, and confirm the jacket covers your waist and seat when you bend, especially with a cropped cut. In a bib, adjust the straps and check that you can bend comfortably.
Kids' ski and snowboard apparel for 2026/27
Kids outgrow gear quickly, so look for adjustable cuffs and waists, extendable sleeves or legs, and reinforcement where they wear out first.
The Obermeyer Mach 17 Jacket for juniors is insulated, so it carries its own warmth, and it has Skier Critical seam sealing. The hood is removable, and a snap-away powder skirt keeps snow out.
The Helly Hansen Alpha Ski Jacket for junior boys offers 133g of PrimaLoft Black insulation and fully sealed seams, with a detachable hood, an adjustable powder skirt and a RECCO Advanced Rescue transponder.
The Boulder Gear Andie Jacket Youth has 160g of insulation in the body and sleeves and 60g in the collar and hood, with a 10,000mm waterproof rating. Core vents let kids release heat, and a fleece collar and wrist cuffs with thumbholes add comfort.
For bottoms, the Obermeyer Snoverall Pant Kids Girls has quick-release adjustable shoulders, which make getting on and off easier. Reinforcement at the knees, seat, inseams and hems covers the spots kids wear out first.
The Boulder Gear Ravish Pants Youth have 80g of insulation and a 10,000mm waterproof rating. A grow feature extends the legs by 1.5 inches. Leg vents and inside snow cuffs round out the fit.
The 686 Shazam Insulated One-Piece Boys Juniors covers kids from shoulders to boots, with reinforced knees, boot gaiters and critically taped seams. Its Youth Evolution sizing system in the sleeves and legs gives growing kids room to adjust.
The Glacier 1/4 Zip Pullover from The North Face is a simple fleece layer made from 100% recycled polyester, easy to add under a jacket.
See more in kids' snow jackets and snow pants.
Après boots for 2026/27
After the last run, switch to warm, dry feet. Check each pair's waterproofing before you count on it for slushy parking lots.
The UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boots work for dry, cold conditions. They are sheepskin boots with a 3.5-inch shaft and a water-repellent treatment. Repellent is not waterproof, so skip them for slush.
The Sorel Buxton Lite Waterproof Boots suit slush and wet parking lots, with a fully waterproof upper and 200g of insulation.
The Sorel Snow Angel Boot pairs a waterproof suede upper and 200g of insulation with a faux fur cuff and a molded rubber outsole.
Browse all women's footwear, men's footwear and kids' footwear.
Complete your setup
Apparel is one part of a winter kit. These guides cover the rest:
- Best skis for 2026/27
- Best snowboards for 2026/27
- Best ski boots and bindings for 2026/27
- Best snowboard boots and bindings for 2026/27
- Ski goggles and helmets: how to choose and match them
- Ski and snowboard accessories: gloves, socks and more
- Heated gear for skiing and snowboarding
- The 2026/27 winter gear guide
Ski and snowboard apparel FAQ
What do you wear under a ski jacket shell?
A shell has no insulation, so wear a snug base layer and a warm midlayer such as a fleece or a light insulated jacket. Pick layers that do not bunch under the arms, so you can raise your arms freely inside the shell. Add or remove the midlayer through the day, and skip cotton.
Are ski bibs better than ski pants?
Neither is better for everyone. Bibs add coverage at the waist and help keep snow out if you fall, which suits deep snow and cold days. Pants are simpler to take on and off and often feel less restrictive. Try both on, and check how each fits with your jacket.
Is merino or synthetic better for a base layer?
Both move moisture away from your skin, so choose the one that feels comfortable. Merino wool resists odor and stays comfortable across a range of temperatures. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and often cost less.
What does a waterproof rating mean?
A waterproof rating, such as 10k or 20k, shows how tall a column of water a fabric can hold back before it leaks. It is measured in millimeters, so 10k means 10,000mm. Higher numbers mean more resistance. A second number, as in 15k/15k, rates breathability, or how well the fabric lets sweat vapor out. Our clothing buying guide treats 15k to 20k and up as very waterproof. Brands test differently, so compare ratings within the same brand and check that seams are sealed. Zippers and cuffs matter too.
How should kids' ski clothes fit?
Kids' ski clothes should fit with room for a base layer and a midlayer underneath, without bagging at the knees or wrists. Look for adjustable shoulders and cuffs and reinforced knees and seats. Sizing varies by brand, so check each product's size guide.
Can kids' ski clothes grow with them?
Some kids' ski clothes have extendable legs or sleeves that add length as children grow. Look for adjustable waists and cuffs too. These features can help gear last longer, but the clothes still need to fit through the shoulders, waist and hips.
Fit and layers first
Fit matters more than any single feature. If you want a second opinion before you buy, find your nearest Christy Sports store and try pieces together.
