10 Best ski clothing brands for UK skiers 2026/27

Choosing ski clothing as a UK buyer means navigating a mix of specialist ski brands, outdoor generalists, and high-street options - some of which are brilliant and some of which aren’t worth the baggage space. This list focuses on what matters in practice: warmth, waterproofing, breathability, and whether a brand’s sizing and availability actually works for UK shoppers. Each entry covers what the brand does best and where it sits in the market, so you can match it to your needs rather than just your budget. If you’re still working out what you actually need to wear on the mountain, our guide to what to wear skiing explains the layering system from scratch. And for a full packing list that covers clothing and everything else, see our how to pack for a ski holiday checklist.

1. Helly Hansen
2. Salomon
3. The North Face
4. Icebreaker
5. Dare2b
6. Protest
7. Picture Organic
8. Smartwool
9. Oakley
10. Montane

1. Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen has been making technical outerwear since 1877, and their ski range reflects that depth of experience. Their jackets consistently perform well in independent waterproof and breathability testing, and the brand’s Helly Tech Professional membrane competes directly with Gore-Tex at a slightly lower price point. The fit tends to run true to UK sizing, which isn’t always the case with Scandinavian brands.

Where Helly Hansen stands out is in the mid-range. Their resort-level jackets and salopettes hit the sweet spot between performance and cost - you get proper ski-specific features (powder skirts, pass pockets, RECCO reflectors) without paying the premium that brands like Arc’teryx command. Their base layer range, particularly the Lifa Merino line, is also worth a look if you want a single brand across multiple layers.

WeSki insider tip: Their Legendary Insulated salopettes are one of the most popular hire-level alternatives for first-timers who want to own rather than rent - warm enough for midwinter, with reinforced inner ankles that handle boot buckle wear.

2. Salomon

Salomon is better known for boots and bindings, but their clothing line has grown substantially and now sits comfortably alongside dedicated apparel brands. The ski-specific design shows - pocket placement, articulated cuts, and fabric choices all feel informed by how skiers actually move. Their outerwear uses AdvancedSkin Dry membranes that handle sustained snowfall well.

The range is particularly strong on mid-layers and lightweight shells. If you’re looking for a packable, breathable jacket that works as both a ski layer and an everyday mountain piece, Salomon’s options tend to be slimmer-fitting and less bulky than traditional ski brands. UK availability is good through outdoor retailers, and sizing is consistent with European standards (check the size guide if you’re between sizes).

WeSki insider tip: Salomon’s Brilliant jacket is a reliable all-rounder that regularly appears in mid-range roundups. It’s warm enough for January weeks and breathable enough for spring skiing, which makes it a solid one-jacket choice if you’re not ready to invest in a wardrobe.

3. The North Face

The North Face is one of the most recognised outdoor brands in the UK, and their ski line benefits from that scale - wide availability, consistent sizing, and a range that spans entry-level to high-performance. Their FUTURELIGHT membrane has pushed waterproof breathability forward, and you’ll find it across their upper-tier ski jackets. For most recreational skiers, their mid-range DryVent fabric does the job at a more accessible level.

What makes The North Face practical for UK buyers is the crossover potential. Their ThermoBall insulated jackets work as ski mid-layers and everyday winter coats, which justifies the investment more than a brand you’d only wear on holiday. The brand runs slightly larger than European ski brands, so try before you buy if you’re after a close fit.

WeSki insider tip: The ThermoBall Eco jacket packs down small enough to fit in a rucksack, making it a versatile mid-layer for variable days when you might want to strip down to two layers by afternoon.

4. Icebreaker

Icebreaker is a merino wool specialist, and if base layers are what you’re looking for, this is where to start. Their 200 Oasis range is the benchmark for ski base layers - warm enough for cold days, breathable enough to prevent overheating, and naturally odour-resistant so you can wear them multiple days running. The fabric is softer than people expect from wool, and it regulates temperature more effectively than most synthetics.

Beyond base layers, Icebreaker’s merino mid-layers and hybrid pieces (combining merino with synthetic panels) are worth considering if you prefer natural fibres throughout your setup. The brand is widely stocked online in the UK, though less common in physical stores than some larger competitors. Sizing is consistent and fits well under ski jackets without excess bulk.

WeSki insider tip: The 200 Oasis weight is the most versatile for skiing - warm enough for midwinter days and light enough for spring. The 260 weight is better saved for very cold conditions or people who tend to feel the cold easily.

5. Dare2b

Dare2b is a UK brand that competes on value without cutting the corners that matter. Their ski jackets and salopettes use Ared fabric with waterproof ratings up to 20,000mm - comparable to brands twice the cost. The range is broad, covering everything from entry-level starter sets to higher-spec technical pieces, and availability is strong across UK retailers and online.

For first-time skiers in the UK, Dare2b is often the most sensible starting point. You get proper ski-specific features - taped seams, snow gaiters, pass pockets - at a level that doesn’t sting if you decide skiing isn’t for you. Sizing is designed for UK bodies, which removes the guesswork of converting from European charts. The trade-off is longevity: the fabrics wear faster than premium brands over multiple seasons, but for occasional skiing, that’s a fair exchange.

WeSki insider tip: Their ski sets (jacket plus salopettes sold together) are among the most practical purchases for a first trip - you get matched waterproofing and styling without having to cross-reference two separate products.

6. Protest

Protest is a Dutch brand with a strong following among younger skiers and snowboarders, known for bold designs and competitive specs at mid-range positioning. Their outerwear uses in-house waterproof membranes rated up to 15,000mm, which handles typical resort conditions well. The cuts are slightly looser than race-oriented brands, giving more freedom of movement for all-mountain skiing and boarding.

Design is where Protest distinguishes itself. If you want ski clothing that doesn’t look like everyone else on the mountain, Protest’s colour palettes and prints are more adventurous than the big outdoor brands. The range is available through UK online retailers and selected high-street stores, with sizing that runs consistent with European standards.

WeSki insider tip: Protest’s salopettes with bib design are popular with snowboarders but work equally well for skiers who want extra core coverage and snow protection - especially useful for beginners who spend more time sitting in snow.

7. Picture Organic

Picture Organic is a French brand built around sustainability - their outerwear uses recycled polyester, bio-sourced membranes, and PFC-free durable water repellent treatments. If environmental impact is part of your purchasing decision, Picture is one of the most credible options in ski clothing. Importantly, the sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of performance: their Dryplay membrane rates up to 20,000mm waterproofing with strong breathability.

The styling sits between alpine and freeride, with clean lines and muted earth tones that look good without being flashy. Availability in the UK has improved significantly, with several online retailers and specialist snow shops carrying the range. Sizing is European, so UK buyers may want to size up, particularly in jackets.

WeSki insider tip: Their Expedition line is overkill for most resort skiing, but the resort-level Seen and Welcome jackets sit in the right performance bracket for weekly ski holidays in the Alps.

8. Smartwool

Smartwool is a merino specialist that excels in two categories ski clothing depends on: socks and base layers. Their PhD ski socks are widely considered among the best available, with targeted cushioning zones that match how pressure distributes inside a ski boot. The merino blend manages moisture without retaining odour, and the fit stays consistent through a week of daily use.

Their base layer range, built on Merino 250 and Merino 150 fabrics, competes directly with Icebreaker in quality and comfort. The 250 weight is ideal for midwinter skiing; the 150 is better for spring or high-output days. Smartwool’s UK distribution has expanded, with most major outdoor retailers carrying the core ski products. It’s a brand worth knowing for the pieces that sit closest to your skin, where fabric quality matters most.

WeSki insider tip: If you only upgrade one piece of kit from a generic brand, make it your socks. The difference between a cotton sports sock and a Smartwool PhD ski sock inside a hire boot is dramatic - your feet stay warmer, drier, and blister-free.

9. Oakley

Oakley is best known for goggles, and that’s where they remain strongest. Their Prizm lens technology is a real advantage in varying light conditions - it enhances contrast so you can read terrain features that flat light would otherwise hide. The Flight Deck and Line Miner goggles are two of the most popular models in resort, with wide field of vision and reliable anti-fog performance.

Their ski clothing range is technically competent but less established than the goggle line. Jackets and salopettes use their own waterproof membranes and tend to feature a sporty, performance-oriented cut. Where Oakley adds value is in the complete system approach - their jackets are designed to integrate with Oakley goggles (hood shape, ventilation alignment), which is a small but noticeable advantage if you’re already invested in the eyewear.

WeSki insider tip: For a first pair of goggles, the Flight Deck with a Prizm Hi Pink lens is a strong all-conditions choice. The pink tint works in both overcast and bright light, so you don’t need to swap lenses mid-day.

10. Montane

Montane is a UK-based brand with deep roots in mountaineering, and their ski-relevant pieces reflect that technical heritage. They don’t make dedicated ski jackets in the traditional sense, but their waterproof shells, insulation layers, and base layers all work exceptionally well as part of a ski layering system. The Pertex and GORE-TEX fabrics they use are among the most reliable in the outdoor industry.

The advantage of Montane for UK skiers is durability and versatility. A Montane shell that works for Scottish winter hillwalking will handle anything an Alpine resort throws at it, and you’ll get years of use across multiple activities. Their sizing is designed for UK bodies, and their customer service is based in the UK. For skiers who want technical performance without a ski-specific label, Montane is a smart choice.

WeSki insider tip: Montane’s Phase series base layers are a hidden gem for skiing - they’re designed for high-output mountain activities, which means the moisture management is excellent. Less well known than Icebreaker or Smartwool, but equally effective.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth spending more on ski clothing?

It depends on how often you’ll use it. For a first trip or occasional holidays, mid-range brands like Dare2b and Protest give you proper ski-specific features at a sensible level. If you’re skiing regularly - two or more trips a year - investing in higher-spec brands like Helly Hansen or Salomon pays back in durability, comfort, and performance over multiple seasons. The biggest returns come from base layers and socks, where fabric quality makes an immediate, noticeable difference to your day.

Can I use a hiking jacket for skiing?

If it’s rated 10,000mm or above and has a good hood, a hiking jacket will keep you dry on the slopes. You’ll miss some ski-specific features - powder skirt, pass pocket, wrist gaiters - but these are conveniences rather than essentials for a first trip. Montane and The North Face both make technical shells that work well for both activities. For the full breakdown of what each layer needs to do, see our guide to what to wear skiing.

What waterproof rating do I need for skiing?

A minimum of 10,000mm is the standard recommendation for recreational skiing. At this level, the fabric handles light to moderate snowfall and the odd sit-down in snow without soaking through. If you’re skiing in regions with heavier precipitation, or if you tend to spend time in deep snow, 15,000mm to 20,000mm gives more headroom. Anything above 20,000mm is typically designed for backcountry or extreme conditions and isn’t necessary for resort skiing.

Should I buy ski clothing online or in store?

Trying on in store is always better for jackets and salopettes, because fit matters more than in most clothing - you need to move your arms above your head, bend your knees, and check that the jacket doesn’t ride up. Socks and base layers are safer to buy online because sizing is more predictable. Brands like Helly Hansen, The North Face, and Dare2b have strong UK high-street presence. For specialist brands with limited physical stores, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit.

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