The PlanetSKI 2026 Gear Tests: Direct From Canada – #2 Women’s Ski Clothing

Meet the testers:

• James
• Kisia
• Tashie
• Alex
• Marie

Between them they are a mixture of ski instructors, journalists, recreational skiers, ski tourers and of course we have a local Canadian in the team – Marie.

We have already looked at gear and equipment in Part One

• Heated gloves & socks
• Skis
• Goggles
• Helmets
• Ski touring poles

Now we turn out attentions to clothing.

Specifically women’s clothing.

It’s a women only review, and we’ll tell you why at the end of the post.

Step forward Marie, Kisia and Tashie…

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Helly Hansen W Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket – Tester: Marie

Price: £700  – HellyHansen.com 

This is a shell jacket and truly holds up in Canadian weather.

I know what the weather can do in Canada as I was born and raised here.

After a few years in Europe I am now living back in Calgary full-time and skiing whenever I can.

It feels that Helly Hansen thought of everything that a woman will need while out in the mountains in this jacket:

• Well-located pockets
• Vents to help cool you down
• Strong waterproofing
• Extra protection on the shoulders where a backpack will usually rub it off
• A very comfortable fit.

What stood out immediately to me was the fit of the jacket.

It’s relaxed enough to fit all my layers underneath, but it doesn’t feel too boxy.

The helmet-compatible hood is a bonus and is great to be able to pull it up on extra windy days.

The 3-layer HELLY TECH® Professional fabric features the eco-friendly LIFA INFINITY technology, that will keep you dry & protected in the worst of weather.

And lastly, having the RECCO® reflector is a non-negotiable for me and is a feature I value having when skiing throughout the Canadian resorts.

 

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The Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket isn’t flashy.

It’s practical and most of all, a trustworthy jacket that will keep you protected when the weather turns nasty.

Helly Hansen Women’s Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket >>

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And here is the bib pant to go with it.

Helly Hansen W Legendary Insulated Bib Pant – Tester: Marie

Price: £200 – HellyHansen.com 

These Helly Hansen bib pants are exactly what the name suggests—classic, warm, and reassuringly comfortable.

They are the ideal choice for all-day resort skiing when staying warm & comfortable is what matters.

The bib design is excellent for keeping snow out and heat in without feeling restrictive.

The HELLY TECH® Performance waterproof fabric and PrimaLoft® insulation provides warmth for the cold & windy days, while also offering leg vents to be breathable for when you’re working a bit harder.

Even thought the bib pants are relatively simple, they provide practical features like large pockets, adjustable suspender straps and boot gaiters.

Most importantly, they are easy and comfortable to ski in.

With a slight stretch to the pant, they move well no matter how hard you’re turning.

Overall, a great insulated ski pant which is comfortable and practical no matter the skiing effort you’re putting in.

Helly Hansen Women’s Women’s Legendary Insulated Bib Trousers >>

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Descente Fine Tech Puff Jacket – Tester: Kisia

Price: £499 – Ellis Brigham.com

There’s something reassuring about slipping into a piece of kit that feels like it’s been quietly perfected over decades – and that’s exactly the vibe I get from my black-on-black combo from Descente.

I am not a ski instructor or off piste skier, I wasn’t born on skis and I don’t leap into deep powder and jump of cliffs at the first opportunity.

The terrain park is not, er, my terrain.

I like to ski around the slopes at a slower pace and savour being in the mountains.

I like good quality high end ski wear, that comes in at reasonable price.

This is a brand that’s been honing its craft since 1935, and you sense that legacy the moment you zip up the Fine Tech Puff jacket and insulated ski pants.

Even the arrow logo has a certain understated swagger – purposeful, directional, very “let’s go skiing”.

First impressions…. clean lines and sleek silhouette.

Then there are all the essentials:
* Water-resistant zips
* Thumb loops
* Zipped hand pockets
* A roomy inner zipped pocket that swallows phone and goggles with ease
* A mesh goggle stash
* Snow skirt
* Underarm venting zips (mesh-backed, ready for action – though I’ve yet to overheat enough to unzip them)
* And a neat little zipped pocket on the left wrist – perfect for lift pass or card when you’re juggling gloves and poles in the queue

 

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A closer look and it’s all in the detail.

• That generous funnel hood is a thing of warmth and style
• Wear it down and it morphs into a snug high-neck warmer
• Pull it up on a stormy snowy day
• It is helmet-compatible, zipping right up snugly under your chin.

The outer fabric – Aqua Pro stretch – feels supple yet seriously technical: highly waterproof, highly breathable, highly windproof.

In other words, the sort of protection you want when the weather turns really cold like the -23℃ days we have experienced in Canada.

Inside, the HI_LOFT torso baffles pack in the warmth where you need it most, adding a subtle, angular design flourish at the same time.

The rest of the jacket is generously insulated too, yet it still gives a trim, silhouette.

It is warm without bulk.

The Descente Fine Tech Puff Jacket is available from Ellis Brigham – Follow the link here

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Descente Fine Tech Ski Pants – Tester: Kisia

Price: £299  – EllisBrigham.com

I was also skiing in the Fine Tech ski pants from Descente – that carry similar technical features as the jacket.

Cut from the same waterproof, breathable fabric, the four-way stretch really comes into its own here, moving easily through turns and traverses.

The insulation is lighter through the legs – offering perfect warmth without bulk keeping the silhouette clean and flattering.

Their straight-leg is almost jean-like.

There’s a simple Velcro waist adjuster, handy belt loops, and its lower leg zips make boot adjustments straightforward.

 

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One small note: Japanese sizing can run petite, so if you’re hovering between sizes (especially round the waist), it’s worth sizing up.

The Upshot:  Both the jacket and ski pants are thoughtfully designed and, most importantly has kept me warm in the cold Canadian conditions.

The Descente combo is stylish without shouting about it, and functional without fuss.

The Descente Fine Tech Ski pants is available from Ellis Brigham – Follow the link here

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Tashie is a ski instructor and a ski tourer.

She ‘did a season’ in Verbier a few years back working for one of the local Swiss ski schools.

Last winter she extended her ski touring experience, based in Chamonix for a week with an overnight in a mountain hut.

• Powder, Peaks and Picnics: A week of ski touring around Chamonix

But she likes her creature comforts too.

And she likes to keep warm.

Peak Performance Women’s Helium Utility Down Hood Jacket – Tester: Tashie

Price: £275  – Peak Performance.com

There’s a particular kind of joy in pulling on a jacket that seems to know exactly what you’re about to put it through.

The Peak Performance Helium Utility Down jacket delivers that familiar reassurance the moment you shrug into it – it’s light & unfussy.

You know it’ll keep you warm when needed.

The first thing you notice is how light it is.

It’s stuffed with premium duck down, but it’s not bulky.

It’s the sort of layer you forget you’re wearing until the weather turns, and you suddenly realise you’re the only one not shivering on a windswept ridge.

What makes it a standout is its versatility.

It’s streamlined enough to slide comfortably under a shell on cold ski days, yet I found it tough enough to wear as an outer layer when the sun decided to grace the slopes.

The Utility version adds a few thoughtful upgrades: practical pocket placements, a slightly more structured silhouette, and durability that feels ready for proper ski‑touring graft.

 

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Oh, and I love that it packs up so small and easily fits it into a pocket.

It moves with you rather than around you, making it ideal for everything from early‑morning skin‑ups to après wanderings through snowy resort streets.

Is it the warmest down jacket on the market?

Not really, but that’s not its job.

It’s the jacket you take when you want warmth without weight, performance without faff, and style without sass.

It’s water repellent and windproof.

I love this jacket – it’s been my go-to jacket that I’ve been wearing most this winter.

More information on the Peak Performance Women’s Helium Utility Down Hood Jacket Here >>

Now, on the subject on jackets to keep you want in the cold Canadian conditions here’s one for once you have taken your ski gear off.

It’s actually James’s but he has lent it to me.

It’s from Montane:

 

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I don’t think I’ll be giving it back to James and might ‘accidently’ pack it in my suitcase when I leave Canada.

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Now here in Canada it’s all very well looking and feeling stylish with your main outer layers, but it all starts from the foundations – the base layers.

They need to be warm and they need to be comfortable.

Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layers – Tester: Marie

SmartWool.com

If you want base layers that actually feel good against your skin, Smartwool’s Classic Thermal Merino set is a lovely bit of kit to wear.

Either on the ski hill or to keep you warm while wandering around town.

Both the bottoms and the colorblock crew top are made from soft, medium-weight merino wool.

Thermal base layers from SmartWool.com on this link >>  

 

 

They are extremely cosy and feel very soft on your skin, unlike other thermals I’ve worn which sometimes can feel scratchy.

Because it’s merino, there’s a natural resistance to odours which I found to be a real bonus when going on multi-day ski trips.

(James take note – next time we do a road trip to Revy and Kicking Horse you NEED to take a second set of base layers, or perhaps get some of Smartwool’s merino gear.)

What I appreciate most is the temperature regulation.

The merino fibres keep me warm on the lifts, but help wick any moisture after a hard run.

The fit is snug enough to be comfortable under all my other layers, but not too tight that you feel squished.

And they offer their thermals in many other colours if you prefer something a bit more subtle as well.

Smartwool offers reliable, everyday base layers that provide a great foundation for winter activities – and I’ve actually gone and bought myself two more pairs after testing these out.

Follow this LINK to Smartwool base layer Top >>

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Kisia is back with more of her favourite outer layers.

Helly Hansen Women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT Ski Jacket – Tester: Kisia

Price: £480 – HellyHansen.com

I’ve also been testing the Women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT jacket from Helly Hansen.

A dependable piste partner that has been equally happy heading out for skinning up or a snowy stomp in snowshoes.

More of the snowshoeing later.

It blends HELLY TECH® Professional protection with LIFALOFT insulation by Primaloft®, resulting in a jacket that is light, properly warm and pleasingly breathable.

It is also waterproof, windproof and seam-sealed, shrugging off cold weather without feeling bulky – and packs down neatly for packing.

As you’d expect, the detailing is spot on:

• Adjustable (and detachable) helmet-compatible hood
• Powder skirt
• A soft fleece chin guard that is a welcome luxury on cold chairlift rides

There are plenty of pockets – including a LIFE POCKET+ efficiently maintaining my phone’s battery power on cold days, ski pass pocket and cosy thumb loops – plus RECCO® for added peace of mind.

 

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See more here: Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft Ski Jacket >>

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Helly Hansen Women’s Avanti Stretch Pants – Tester: Kisia

Price: £260 – HellyHansen.com

Paired with it, the Women’s Avanti Stretch Pants keep things sleek and functional.

Mid-to-high rise with Velcro waist adjusters and belt loops.

They’re cut from a softshell stretch fabric that moves beautifully while offering water resistance.

A brushed fleece lining adds leg warmth without weight or bulk, and practical touches:

• Snow gaiters
• Reinforced hems
• Zipped hand pockets
• RECCO® reflector

It’s a polished, piste-ready ski pant.

Results: Clean, capable and quietly technical – just how good ski kit should be.

Ideal for snowshoeing round Lake Pyramid near Jasper

See more here: Helly Hansen Avanti Ski Pants >>

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Sorel Torino V WP Snow Boot – Tester: Kisia 

£150 – Sorel.com also available from EllisBrigham.com

Never has a pair of snow boots been so welcome as the arrival of the Torino V WP Snow Boot from Sorel.

It is a snow boot built for proper winter conditions — the kind with slush, snow and very icy pavements and icy carparks that we’ve experienced in Canada.

 

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The waterproof protection comes via an OutDry membrane, teamed with a stylish suede upper and it has a coated leather mudguard that kept my feet dry in everyday conditions.

Inside, 200g synthetic insulation and a microfleece lining deliver dependable warmth, while the faux-fur cuff seals in warmth around my ankle for extra comfort – and they certainly kept my feet comfortably warm without needing extra pairs of socks.

There’s plenty of other stylish and practical add ons – sturdy metal D-rings for lacing and a heel pull tab make them easy to get on and adjust.

The durable leather overlay and its chunky moulded rubber midsole and outsole griped perfectly on snowy and icy ground.

Underfoot cushioning from the EVA insole improved comfort for all-day wear.

Upshot: The Torino V WP Snow Boot is one of my top favourite items of kit I’ve worn and tested this winter.

100% Stylish and Functional 
100% Cosy warm 
100% Waterproof
100% Grippy on ice
100% Hardwearing

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The Torino v WP Snow Boot is available from Ellis Brigham on this link 

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Now, it may seem odd not to be testing Canada’s most famous brand while in the county – Arc’teryx.

Or to hear from James and Alex about clothing – “Where’s the review on men’s clothing?”, we hear you ask.

We were going to have a full review of some the Arc’teryx kit for men.

Alex knows its products well and was looking forward to putting some Arc’teryx gear through its paces.

It’s his brand of choice.

James was going to help out too, though it has to be said he is more interest in gear and equipment, than clothing.

Sadly the delivery of items was delayed and we didn’t receive them in time before our departure from the UK back in December.

We tried to get some from the company while in Canada, but to no avail.

Next time.

In the third and final Planet ski gear reviews from Canada we look at a few Odds ‘n’ Ends that have enhanced our time in Canada.

Do check back…

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The tests were carried out in several resorts across Alberta and British Columbia: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Mt Norquay, Nakaska, Revelstoke, Kicking Horse and Marmot Basin.

We have not been comparing similar pieces of kit, but rather we’ve skied with dozens & dozens of items, then selected the ones that we think are worth reviewing and telling you more about them.

Some have not made the grade, others have.

They are all items we have used on a day-to-day basis around the mountains here in Canada in our 2-month stay.

We’re telling you why we like them, and what downsides they may have.

We enthuse full on when we feel the gear is brilliant.

Resort Reviews/Experiences:

• PlanetSKI resort review: Marmot Basin
• PlanetSKI resort review: Revelstoke
• PlanetSKI resort review: Kicking Horse
• Skiing the steeps of Sunshine Village
• Jasper rises from the ashes

Rolling Blog:

• PlanetSKI’s Canadian Adventures: Part One
• PlanetSKI’s Canadian Adventures: Part Two

Last season’s gear review came from Japan:

• The PlanetSKI 2025 Gear Tests – Direct from Japan

We are pondering where PlanetSKI will be based for an extended period next winter – for gear tests, reports and all the rest.

We like to select ski areas that have so much more to offer than people think.

Not just the skiing, but the whole winter experience.

We’re provisionally thinking Norway.

A country we love.

Watch this space…

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PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news

Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.

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