The biggest challenge with skiing is the cost. Gear can be really expensive, and thats before you even think about lift tickets. But heres the good news: despite all the buzz around the latest high-end gear, you can still have a great day on the slopes without spending a fortune. Sure, a $700 jacket is nice, but it wont necessarily make you ski any better.
That said, you also dont want to buy gear that wont last, so we kept that in mind when picking our recommendations. Below, you’ll find our list of “Good Ski Gear on a Budget” for the 2024 season, covering everything from jackets and pants to gloves, goggles, helmets, baselayers, and even socks. The total cost at the time of publication? A pretty affordable $381 to get you fully outfitted (sale prices for men’s size medium).
Ski Jacket
Your ski jacket is key to keeping you dry, warm, and protected from the wind. Instead of buying a separate shell jacket and midlayer (which can get pricey), we recommend a 3-in-1 system, where the midlayer zips right into the jacket. This way, you get more value, and each piece can be worn on its own when the weather is milder or for other activities.
Our top pick for a budget-friendly 3-in-1 jacket is the Columbia Bugaboo Interchange II, which costs $210, though we found it as low as $76 on Amazon when we checked. The Bugaboo has a solid reputation, with a waterproof shell to keep moisture out, durable construction, and a good range of colors and sizes.
The downsides? The fit is a bit bulky, it doesnt have pit zips for cooling down, and the fleece jacket is pretty basic. But with a good baselayer, it should keep you warm and comfortable on most days. And on warmer spring days, you can leave the fleece behind. If you prefer a one-piece jacket, REI offers the Powderbound Insulated Jacket, which comes with 80-gram synthetic insulation for $199. For more options, check out our full list of the best ski jackets.