Winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing aren’t cheap. Even reaching your destination can be costly, and don’t get me started on the equipment. Depending on how often you go on the slopes, you can either decide to rent all of the equipment or purchase it. Obviously, if you’re hitting the mountains once a year, renting might make more sense financially. But if you’re going a couple of times yearly, and for several days, then buying your own gear is probably the better long-term solution. If you’re buying your own equipment, you want to make sure you’re buying quality products from reputable brands that have a proven track record and are trusted for their durability and quality. Products from such brands, when properly cared for, will remain not only useful but also stylish for many seasons. Here are some of the best snow equipment brands to shop from today.
Arc’teryx
This high-end Canadian brand specialises in manufacturing high-tech snow gear that can withstand even the most extreme conditions. Their Theta or Gamma hardshell jackets will protect you in harsh weather, whereas the Squamish windbreaker and Gamma softshell are perfect for skiing or snowboarding in moderate conditions. Some of their other notable accessories and snow apparel include their waterproof snow pants, mid-layers and fleeces, numerous insulated coats and jackets, sweat-wicking base layers made of natural and synthetic fibres, and removable shells. Not only do they feature a large selection of equipment for snow sports, but they also stock a selection of high-tech apparel meant for warm-weather rock climbing.
Burton
Burton is a Vermont-based manufacturer whose products are described as “for riders, by riders”. They specialise in manufacturing a wide range of snowboard and ski equipment, including snowboards, boots, helmets, bindings and many accessories. The price of Burton ski gear varies greatly, depending on its features and quality, but if you frequent the slopes, the prices are decent, considering the equipment’s overall durability. Besides snowboarding and ski gear, Burton sells many other pieces of apparel that any snow sports enthusiast may need, including men’s and women’s jackets, underlayers, pants, fleeces and much more. While some pieces of Burton ski gear can be more expensive than others, you can oftentimes find them discounted at more affordable prices.
SmartWool
SmartWool is a Colorado-based brand that offers high-performance, high-quality gear, and is renowned for its wool socks that keep you comfortable and dry in snowy and wet conditions. However, they also feature a diverse lineup of other equipment and apparel, such as merino wool jackets, gloves, hats, beanies and form-fitting tees and crews. Their signature socks come in a wide range of configurations and patterns, and they work best with moisture-wicking base socks. Although not the most affordable snow socks, they are incredibly durable.
Ridge Merino
Ridge Merino specialises in manufacturing both men’s and women’s mid- and base-layer clothing made from merino wool. The wool shirts and hoodies offer sweat-wicking properties, making them ideal mid-layers for colder climates, but they can also be used as outer-layers in warmer climates. Their odour-free, moisture-resistant baselayer bottoms are ideal for long backcountry trips. Their Inversion Heavyweight line is great in bone-chattering climates. Some other quality pieces you can find made by Ridge Merino are neck tubes, beanie hats and balaclava.
High Sierra
High Sierra offers everything a snow sports enthusiast may need – year-round clothing, gear, apparel and accessories. Although snowboarding and skiing aren’t the main focus of this brand, they offer quality waterproof and insulated jackets that work great in cold and snowy conditions. Their products are budget-friendly, making them popular among beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of money on gear because they don’t know yet if they’re going to really like winter sports in the first place.
Helly Hansen
A Norwegian-based brand that makes a full range of snow sports apparel – from boots and hats to fleeces and heavy jackets that are ideal for intense riding where the balance of breathability and protection is key. Their Aurora Shell Jacket and Backbowl jackets are of top-shelf quality. While they aren’t the most affordable brand, you can frequently find their products at discount prices online. Some other notable pieces of winter gear and apparel that they offer include snow pants, knit beanies, merino wool base layers, neck warmers and gloves. Besides winter gear, they also offer equipment for water sports, such as salt- and water-proof jackets that are also high-performance.
Stio
A Wyoming-based high-end manufacturer that features not only snow gear, but also outdoor clothing that’s extremely functional, such as heavy and light jackets, insulation layers, base layers, fleeces, socks, beanies and much more. They aren’t as pricey as some other brands, and you’ll typically find pieces of similar quality as the aforementioned brands at about half the price. Stio also runs broad-based onsite sales that cover multiple types of merchandise, especially for post- and off-season products, oftentimes north of 50%. They also offer free shipping on bigger orders.
