My Ski Gear and Clothing for Winter 2024/2025
Here’s a list of all the ski gear and clothing I’ll be using this season (winter 2024/2025)! This list is just for informational purposes and not intended as a recommendation. Please choose gear that suits your skill level and capabilities. I suggest starting with gear rentals (which is what I did for a couple of years) before purchasing your own skis and boots!
Here is all the ski gear I go through if you want to jump ahead:
Skis and Bindings
Rossignol Black Ops 92 Skis + Xpress 11 GW Bindings - Women's 2024 | Get at evo
In the past, I’ve always rented skis, but I finally felt ready to buy my first pair for this upcoming season. I’ve had my eye on these skis for over a year, and when they went on sale recently, I couldn’t resist. They’re so beautiful, and I can’t wait to ski with them this season! These skis are rated Intermediate-Advanced and are not recommended for beginners. I got them in the color “Dawn” (shown in the picture below), but they’re also available in the more neutral “Day” graphic.
Ski Boots
Tecnica Mach1 MV 95 W Ski Boots - Women's 2024 | Get at Backcountry • REI
I got a professional boot fitting for my ski boots, which I highly recommend — I don’t suggest blindly buying ski boots without having them properly fitted. The boot fitter will ask about your skiing level, how often you ski, examine your foot shape, and more, to help you find the right boot and size. The boots I use are rated Advanced-Expert (not recommended for beginners). I have the 2024 version (last season’s), but the 2025 version is now also available.
Ski Poles
black crows Meta Ski Poles | Get at REI • Backcountry • evo
I used these ski poles all last season and loved them. The bright pink color is so fun and it makes you easy to spot from a distance!
Ski Helmet
Giro Strata MIPS Helmet - Women's | Get at evo • Backcountry
No major notes on this one. It’s a ski helmet with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for added safety. The Strata is an older model with limited availability, but the Giro Terra Mips Helmet is apparently its updated version. I like that it has a low profile, has vents, is comfortable, and features a very soft liner.
Ski Goggles
Giro Ella Goggles - Women’s | Get at Al’s (for the same color below) • Backcountry • evo
Typically, you’ll want to get the same brand of goggles as your ski helmet so that they fit together without a gap. I like that these goggles have interchangeable lenses. I have the Infrared and Haze lenses, so I can switch them out depending on the weather conditions.
gogglesoc Goggles Cover | Get at REI
I use a goggle cover to protect my lenses while traveling to and from the ski area. gogglesoc offers lots of fun patterns — I love the northern lights design!
Ski Jacket and Bibs/Pants
REI First Chair GTX Jacket and REI First Chair GTX Bibs | Get at REI
I skied with this REI jacket and bibs all last season in the rainy PNW. They kept me super dry, which was much needed during the rainy season. I’ll definitely be wearing this set again this ski season. I have the jacket and bibs in last year’s color, “Balsam Teal/Mineral Teal,” which is now heavily discounted but only available in limited sizes. This year’s colors of REI’s First Chair GTX Jacket and Bibs are super cute — I especially love the red!
Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket and Arc’teryx Sentinel Pants | Get at REI: Jacket, Pants • Arc’teryx: Jacket, Pants • evo: Jacket, Pants
I managed to find both this jacket and pants in last year’s purple-pink colors — “Storm Glow” (pants) and “Liberate” (jacket) — in basically new condition and in my exact size for over 50% off at REI Re/Supply, where REI sells used gear. I couldn’t believe it — this was my dream ski kit and practically brand new! These are very expensive at full price, so I was thrilled to get them used and deeply discounted. REI has very limited sizes left in the color I got, but evo has a few more sizes available for both the jacket and pants in the same color.
Insulated Jacket
Depending on the temperature, I’ll wear one of the following jackets as my insulation layer.
Arc’teryx Atom Jacket | Get at REI • Arc’teryx
When it’s not as cold, I like to grab my Atom Jacket as my insulation layer. It’s a synthetic jacket that, in my experience, isn’t quite as warm as my down jacket option. There’s also a version with a hood (the Atom Hoodie) that would make a great insulation jacket, too! For skiing, I personally prefer the no-hood version so I don’t end up with too many hoods layered under my ski shell.
Arc’teryx Cerium Insulated Hoodie | Get at REI • Arc’teryx
When it’s super cold, I wear this down jacket as my insulation layer. It’s also my go-to down jacket for hiking and backpacking, and I’ve found it also works great as an insulation layer for skiing on super cold days.
Fleece Mid Layer
Melanzana Micro Grid Hoodie
I almost always wear a Melanzana fleece when skiing. It’s perfect for skiing because it’s made of micro-grid fleece, which makes it lightweight and breathable. However, they can be a bit hard to get since you have to buy them in person in Leadville, Colorado. There are plenty of great alternative fleece options for a mid-layer while skiing. The Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Tunic Hoodie is a good alternative that looks very similar and is also made from grid fleece. I know the Patagonia R1 and the R1 Air are also popular mid-layers for skiing!
Base Layers
Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top and Rose High Waisted Bottoms | Get at Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa has my favorite wool base layers. These are my go-to for skiing! I might have a few different colors because they’re just so dang cute.
Use code ERIN25 for a 25% discount at KariTraa.com!
Ski Socks
These are my current go-to ski socks! For skiing, you want socks that go over the calf and I typically choose socks made from merino wool.
Smartwool Ski Socks | Get at REI • Backcountry
Darn Tough Ski Socks | Get at REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa Ski Socks | Get at Kari Traa
Use code ERIN25 for a 25% discount at KariTraa.com!
Ski Mittens
Black Black Diamond Mercury Mittens | Get at REI • Backcountry • EVO
I’m 100% a mitten person when it comes to skiing—otherwise, my fingers would be frozen. I absolutely love these Black Diamond mittens for skiing. My hands stay toasty warm and dry.
Balaclava or Neck Gaiter
I’ll be rotating between the following balaclavas depending on the weather and conditions.
Arc’teryx Rho Balaclava | Get at REI • Arc’teryx
Blackstrap Hood Balaclava | Get at BlackStrap • REI • EVO • Backcountry • Amazon (for the color “orchid” pictured here)
Kari Traa Rose Neck Gaiter | Get at Kari Traa • Backcountry
This neck gaiter is made out of 100% merino wool. When I don’t feel like wearing a balaclava, I’ll be wearing this neck gaiter! Use code ERIN25 for a 25% discount at KariTraa.com!
