From Everest-worthy expeditioners to those who’ve just (barely) graduated from the bunny slope, you can’t really get out and enjoy winter’s snowy abundance if you’re too cold. There are lots of ways to keep warm, from down jackets to long johns, but one of the best ways we know to keep all that body heat…well…in your body, is to don a head-to-toe (or at least neck-to-ankle) snowsuit.
Before you start looking through your toddler pictures and home movies, don’t sweat it. Today’s snowsuits are designed by the coolest apparel brands from the ski world. They incorporate the very latest in fiber and fabric technology to ensure that every seam is sealed and every surface is waterproof. New insulation keeps the look sleek, with no Michelin Man silhouettes. And speaking of sweat, they also utilize the latest breathable membranes to keep you dry, even while you’re getting a backcountry workout. Great colors and patterns also ensure that you’ll be impressing the snow bunnies with your great personal style.
One note of consumer caution: Because ski season coincides with January sale season at many retailers, if you see a suit you like in your size and favorite color, grab it before it’s gone. If you wait until the day before you head off on that mountain vacation, it may already be packed in somebody else’s suitcase.
Best Snowsuits to Buy Now
The North Face Himalayan Snowsuit – $999
With the Himalayan’s Summit Gold and Black color story, you’ll have to forgive fellow skiers who think you’re Bumblebee the Autobot, but at least you’ll be nice and warm. Its ripstop nylon fabric is coated with a durable water-repellent finish, while the torso and arms are filled with 800-fill goose down, while 700-fill in the lower body helps provides compression resistance. There’s an adjustable hood that’s fully baffled to prevent cold spots and, best of all, the full-leg zippers finish in a horseshoe-shaped drop-seat for when it’s time for a speedy trip to the head between runs.
Picture Organic Clothing Explore Snowsuit – $600
Picture strives to offer the best possible environmentally friendly product design that stands out with fresh colors and good quality. They stay true to the mission with the Explore snowsuit featuring a waterproof yet breathable Dryplay membrane, integrated wrist and boot gaiters as, well as an adjustable hood and cuffs. Silicone reinforcements protect the pants from ski edges. The Coremax lining provides increased warmth and it’s GreenPlus certified. The brand’s “I-Fit System” allows you to roll up your cuffs after a great day on the slopes, so you can get right down to the serious business of “aprés-ski.”
Tipsy Elves Santa Fe Shredder Ski Suit – $225
This suit’s style is so 1970s retro, you’ll have “Rocky Mountain High” playing on repeat all winter. Though its “Evel Knievel hits the slopes” aesthetic will win you some serious points at the lodge, the Santa Fe also packs some serious technical features, including a “Tipsy Tech” 100 percent waterproof outer shell, articulated wrist and boot cuffs, an integrated waist adjustment system, secure double-breasted snap pockets, and a concealed waterproof storm hood.
Mountain Hardware Absolute Zero Down Suit – $1,300
Serious explorers will appreciate that the Absolute Zero Down Suit will keep them warm and comfortable even in extreme climates, but isn’t there a part of you that wants it just for those freezing, wind-chilled commutes? Okay, so maybe the oxygen-mask-compatible collar is a bit of overkill for us amateurs, but the welded, waterproof baffles will help prevent the 800-fill down from getting wet, the hood and hem adjustments are easy to handle—even when wearing gloves—and there’s a six-slider watertight rainbow rear zip for easy in and out.
Analog Pony Keg One Piece – $350
If you’re already happy with your lightweight down vest or jacket, but want something to keep you dry on the slopes, pull this outdoor onesie on for some serious workwear style. The dusty olive-colored polyester twill fabric features a two-layer Dryride Durashell membrane, that’s breathable and soft to the touch. It features a taffeta and mesh lining that wicks and also adds to breathability. On the outside, there’s a special goggle pocket and a secure audio sleeve. The adjustable Fulltime Contour hood is ergonomically designed for maximum visibility. The Pony Keg is also a Bluesign-approved product, guaranteed to use only safe chemicals and maintain the highest environmental standards in manufacturing.
Helly Hansen ULLR Powder Suit – $850
Backcountry describes this suit as “an impenetrable suit of armor against snow.” Its three-layer Helly Tech Pro fabric includes a FLOW membrane to keep snow out while allowing sweat to escape, keeping you both warm and dry. Its H2Flow venting system allows for a more mechanical approach to regulating interior temperature. The suit also features high-visibility details and the Life Pocket, an insulated safe space to prolong battery life of your phone or camera. There’s even a special “beacon pocket” for an avalanche transceiver if you’re going into serious backcountry.
Airblaster Freedom Suit – $360
Another great protective “onesie,” the Freedom offers waterproofing and fully-taped seams. We particularly love this blue color, but the Ox Goat offers a nice neutral with an oxblood kick of color on the hood. There’s a convenient 350° bathroom zip around the middle and upper body handwarmer pockets.
Obermeyer Foraker Shell Jacket, and Process Pant – $668
Finally, if you like a head-to-toe coordinated look, but are worried that a full suit may trigger some sort of powder-induced claustrophobia, consider a matching jacket and pant combo. There are lots of two-piece options out there, but we particularly like this on-trend cordovan combo from the experts at Obermeyer. The upper shell, besides being waterproof, features engineered anatomical articulation and construction design elements and a powder skirt to keep the snow out from under. It also features a Recco Rescue Reflector, an avalanche rescue system. The snow pants also feature that engineered, ergonomic fit, as well as four-way stretch, waterproof, and breathable fabric that’s fully seam-sealed. A foam mesh lumbar support adds to your comfort and performance. Best of all, they’re insulated with PrimaLoft Black ECO material.
To keep your feet as warm and dry as the rest of your body, try one of the best snow boots for men to pair with your new snowsuit.
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