Skiing is an expensive pursuit, but choosing the right gear can help keep costs down. While luxury labels come with hefty price tags, a number of reasonably priced brands offer quality at a fraction of the price. These may not match the most advanced technical kit, but they are more than sufficient for fair-weather skiers tackling groomed slopes.
On the high street, Marks & Spencer's activewear label, Goodmove, offers a small but solid range covering thermal layers, weatherproof jackets, gloves and salopettes. The salopettes, available in a snowy camo print, feature a breathable, waterproof finish and taped seams. Similarly, H&M's Move line provides waterproof, windproof and breathable outerwear in muted colours, with wool-insulated thermal base layers and socks. Its dusty green jacket and salopettes are particularly popular.
For a wider selection, Mountain Warehouse is a one-stop shop for affordable ski-wear across jackets, boots, goggles, socks, trousers and thermals. Its coordinating two-piece jacket-and-pant sets are reduced to less than £100, offering well-made basics that keep you warm and dry. Meanwhile, Asos 4505 offers trendier pieces, including cropped bombers, faux fur collars, and retro puffer ski suits in lilac or fern green. These come with handy extras like sleeve ski pass pockets and boot gaiters, though they lack official waterproof ratings.
For higher performance at a lower price, Swedish brand Montec sells directly to customers, avoiding third-party markups. Its gear boasts 20,000mm waterproofing and 20,000g/m²/24h breathability, along with underarm vents, a phone pocket and storm guard protection. Dope, owned by the same parent company, offers a more streetwear-inspired, snowboard-focused alternative with roomy cuts. Both provide style and function without the boutique cost.
