Experts’ Top Recommended Winter and Snow Gear
ExpertVoice members — from retail associates to outdoor guides — log hours of first-hand, real-world experience with the products they’re recommending. They’re voices you can trust when it comes to all things skiing, and we want to share their top picks with you.
Check out the products and brands our experts most frequently recommend, including Outdoor Research jackets, Superfeet insoles, Point6 baselayers, Zeal Optics goggles and many more skiing essentials.
Resort Skiing
Claire Miller
Verified Product Owner
Women's Ascendant Hoody
I love this jacket. I wear it as my mid layer when skiing or mountaineering. I find it works well as an outer layer for cold days down south US and for snowshoeing in unexposed areas. Layer protects against light snow and rain well. Like that it’s not thick and can layer well under or over other thick layers if I need to. There is good stretch. I bought a medium because I like more room rather than less. I fall in the middle of the small and medium sizing normally as a 5’9”, 135 lbs woman with wiry athletic build and swimmer (wider, not bulky though) shoulders. I could have gotten away with a small and honestly would love to have both sizes.
Why experts love it: Multiple reviewers commented on this shell’s surprising warmth and its reliable weather proofing. It’s built with a slightly more athletic fit but features ample flex.
Why experts love it: Made by premium Japanese outerwear company Descente, these pants pair a tough, three-layer shell — which blocks out moisture — with flex fabric and ventilation so you don’t lose out on freedom of movement or breathability.
Why experts love it: A Descente bestseller, the Selene pairs a 4-way stretch fabric with lightweight PrimaLoft® insulation for resort-ready comfort.
Thomas Konrath
Verified Product Owner
Comfy and Warm insole, an upgrade from any retail footbed
These footbeds are both more comfortable and warmer than any retail footbed I've used before, and a great addition to any ski or snowboard boot, especially for those with always cold feet like mine. In addition to the added warmth, you also get more control and an overall better fit as seems to be with all Superfeet products. A great purchase and something ill continue to recommend.
Why experts love it: Our experts frequently recommend these goggles for days with changing light conditions, thanks to the easy-to-swap lenses and crisp, clear optics.
Why experts love it: Icebreaker’s merino has quite the reputation for warmth and breathability. Our experts say this sock lives up to the hype — and give it bonus points for the added cushioning in traditional hot spots.
Why experts love it: The men’s and women’s versions of this breathable midlayer receive high praise for their lightweight, stretchy warmth both on- and off-piste.
Backcountry Touring
Ethan Helferty
Verified Product Owner
M's Liquid Point Shell Update
Great waterproof jacket. I've taken this piece out ski touring mostly but have also put it through the paces with multiple rainstorms and windy conditions. When paired with a bib snow pant, this jacket is a winter backcountry machine. Especially for the price. Lightweight and breathable makes for vertical treks very comfortable even in a storm with the sinching hood that goes over a helmet or beanie. Get too hot, unzip under the arm and you're good to go. I was also impressed about staining, I had some ski lift grease drip on it and after soaking it with dawn and washing a couple times with Nikwax 95% of the grease stain was gone. Can't forget to mention the packability of course. I gave a 9 because I did have an issue with one of the arm zips getting stuck and fallen off, but got fixed quickly at an outdoor shop.
Après Ski
Emily Mellon
Verified Product Owner
W EMBER MOC
These shoes have been a lifesaver! I had been going back and forth on buying these since they came out, and impulse bought them on break the weekend before shredding my acl to pieces on a ski instructor job. My only other pair of slide on shoes were birks, and being from SLC sandals just don’t cut it for wintertime. These have been awesome. Super comfy, super easy to put on and nicely durable for my crutch-bound activities. The only reason I give them 9/10 instead of perfect marks is they could be a little warmer, especially for being puffy slippers and I had to size down. I normally wear a 6.5-7 and I was lucky enough to try a friends 6’s before ordering. I definitely recommend them and I’ll be adding the boots to my collection. Injured or not, these rock!
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