Calgary, Alberta – March 11, 2026 – As the crisp air of the Canadian Rockies continues to embrace the winter season, PlanetSKI’s dedicated team of five specialist testers has been meticulously evaluating a comprehensive range of ski gear, apparel, and accessories. Their rigorous testing, conducted in the heart of some of Canada’s most iconic ski destinations, aims to provide honest and in-depth reviews for recreational skiers and seasoned professionals alike. This installment focuses on women’s ski clothing, building upon previous equipment reviews and offering insights into essential winter wear.
The PlanetSKI testing panel comprises a diverse group of individuals, each bringing a unique perspective to the evaluation process. This includes certified ski instructors, experienced journalists, dedicated recreational skiers, and intrepid ski tourers. Notably, the team features Marie, a local Canadian with intimate knowledge of the region’s challenging weather conditions, having been born and raised in Calgary. Her firsthand experience, honed by years spent in Europe before returning to her home province, adds invaluable context to the gear assessments.
This comprehensive review series, spanning multiple parts, is designed to offer readers unparalleled insights into the performance and practicality of winter sports equipment. Following an initial exploration of hard goods and equipment in "Part One," this segment delves into the critical domain of ski apparel, with a specific emphasis on women’s offerings. The decision to focus on women’s clothing for this particular review is explained later in the article, underscoring a commitment to addressing specific market needs and user experiences.
Helly Hansen W Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket: A Tester’s Perspective
Tester: Marie
Price: £700
Available at: HellyHansen.com
Marie’s assessment of the Helly Hansen W Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket highlights its robust performance in the demanding Canadian climate. "I know what the weather can do in Canada as I was born and raised here," she states, reinforcing her authority on the subject. Having recently returned to Calgary after several years abroad, Marie’s reacquaintance with local conditions allows for a particularly pertinent evaluation.
The jacket’s design, according to Marie, demonstrates Helly Hansen’s meticulous attention to detail for female skiers. "It feels that Helly Hansen thought of everything that a woman will need while out in the mountains in this jacket," she remarks. A key feature that immediately impressed Marie was the jacket’s fit. She describes it as "relaxed enough to fit all my layers underneath, but it doesn’t feel too boxy." This balance between freedom of movement and a flattering silhouette is a critical consideration for ski apparel.
The helmet-compatible hood is cited as a significant advantage, particularly on days when "extra windy conditions" prevail. This functional detail enhances both comfort and safety on the slopes.
Technically, the jacket is constructed with a 3-layer HELLY TECH® Professional fabric, incorporating the environmentally conscious LIFA INFINITY™ technology. This combination is designed to provide exceptional dryness and protection, even in adverse weather. The inclusion of a RECCO® reflector is also a non-negotiable feature for Marie, offering a crucial layer of safety for backcountry or off-piste excursions, a common pursuit in Canadian resorts.
Marie concludes her review by characterizing the Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket as "practical and most of all, a trustworthy jacket that will keep you protected when the weather turns nasty." Its understated design, devoid of unnecessary flashiness, speaks to its functional superiority.
Helly Hansen W Legendary Insulated Bib Pant: Comfort and Warmth Uncompromised
Tester: Marie
Price: £200
Available at: HellyHansen.com
Complementing the Helly Hansen jacket are the W Legendary Insulated Bib Pants, also reviewed by Marie. She describes them as "classic, warm, and reassuringly comfortable," positioning them as an ideal choice for "all-day resort skiing when staying warm & comfortable is what matters."
The bib design is praised for its efficacy in preventing snow ingress and retaining heat without compromising mobility. The HELLY TECH® Performance waterproof fabric, combined with PrimaLoft® insulation, ensures warmth during cold and windy days. The inclusion of leg vents addresses the need for breathability during more strenuous activity, preventing overheating.
Despite their seemingly simple construction, the bib pants are lauded for their practical features, including ample pocket space, adjustable suspender straps, and integrated boot gaiters. Marie emphasizes their comfort and ease of movement while skiing, noting that "with a slight stretch to the pant, they move well no matter how hard you’re turning."
Overall, Marie deems these bib pants "a great insulated ski pant which is comfortable and practical no matter the skiing effort you’re putting in."
Descente Fine Tech Puff Jacket: Timeless Design Meets Modern Performance
Tester: Kisia
Price: £499
Available at: EllisBrigham.com
Kisia’s experience with the Descente Fine Tech Puff Jacket evokes a sense of enduring quality and refined craftsmanship. "There’s something reassuring about slipping into a piece of kit that feels like it’s been quietly perfected over decades," she observes, highlighting the brand’s long-standing heritage in skiwear since 1935.
Kisia identifies herself as a skier who appreciates a more relaxed pace, focusing on savoring the mountain experience rather than engaging in extreme sports. This perspective allows her to evaluate the jacket’s comfort, style, and functionality for a broad spectrum of skiers. She values "good quality high-end ski wear, that comes at a reasonable price."
The jacket’s aesthetic is described as having "clean lines and sleek silhouette," with an "understated swagger" embodied by the brand’s signature arrow logo. Kisia details a comprehensive list of essential features, including:
- Water-resistant zips
- Thumb loops for secure sleeve closure
- Zipped hand pockets for convenient storage
- A roomy internal zipped pocket capable of holding phones and goggles
- A mesh goggle stash for safekeeping
- An integrated snow skirt to prevent powder entry
- Underarm venting zips for temperature regulation
- A discreet zipped pocket on the left wrist, ideal for a ski pass or card.
The outer fabric, "Aqua Pro stretch," is noted for its suppleness and technical prowess, offering high levels of waterproofing, breathability, and windproofing. Kisia confirms its efficacy during challenging Canadian conditions, including temperatures as low as -23°C.
Internally, the HI_LOFT torso baffles provide targeted warmth and contribute to the jacket’s subtle, angular design. Despite its insulating properties, the jacket maintains a "trim, silhouette," offering warmth without bulk.
Descente Fine Tech Ski Pants: Seamless Integration with the Jacket
Tester: Kisia
Price: £299
Available at: EllisBrigham.com
Kisia also tested the accompanying Descente Fine Tech Ski Pants, which share many of the technical attributes of the jacket. Constructed from the same waterproof and breathable fabric, the four-way stretch material is a standout feature, facilitating fluid movement during turns and traverses.
The insulation in the pants is lighter than in the jacket, providing optimal warmth without adding bulk and maintaining a clean, flattering silhouette. Kisia notes their "straight-leg is almost jean-like," suggesting a versatile aesthetic. Practical elements include a simple Velcro waist adjuster, belt loops, and lower leg zips for easy boot adjustments.
A crucial piece of advice from Kisia concerns Japanese sizing, which can run petite. She recommends "sizing up" if one is between sizes, particularly around the waist.
Her overall assessment is that both the jacket and pants are "thoughtfully designed and, most importantly has kept me warm in the cold Canadian conditions." The Descente ensemble is characterized as "stylish without shouting about it, and functional without fuss."
Peak Performance Women’s Helium Utility Down Hood Jacket: Lightweight Warmth for All Conditions
Tester: Tashie
Price: £275
Available at: PeakPerformance.com
Tashie, a ski instructor and ski tourer, brings a unique blend of technical expertise and appreciation for comfort to her review of the Peak Performance Helium Utility Down Hood Jacket. She describes the experience of wearing the jacket as one of "familiar reassurance," noting its "light & unfussy" nature.
The jacket’s primary advantage is its exceptional lightness, achieved through premium duck down insulation without compromising on warmth. Tashie highlights its versatility, stating 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 offers practical enhancements, including well-placed pockets, a more structured silhouette, and a durability that suggests suitability for demanding ski touring activities. A significant benefit is its packability, allowing it to "packs up so small and easily fits it into a pocket."
Tashie emphasizes its ergonomic design, noting it "moves with you rather than around you," making it ideal for a range of activities from ascents to après-ski. While acknowledging it may not be the absolute warmest down jacket available, she defines its purpose as providing "warmth without weight, performance without faff, and style without sass." The jacket is also water-repellent and windproof.
Tashie’s high praise is evident: "I love this jacket – it’s been my go-to jacket that I’ve been wearing most this winter."
Montane Jacket: An Unexpected Post-Ski Essential
Tester: Tashie
Price: (Not specified in original text)
Available at: (Not specified in original text)
In addition to her ski-specific gear, Tashie also offers a brief mention of a Montane jacket, borrowed from James. While not a primary ski garment, she highlights its utility for keeping warm "once you have taken your ski gear off." Her playful remark about potentially "accidentally" packing it for her return journey underscores its comfort and desirability.
Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layers: The Foundation of Warmth
Tester: Marie
Available at: SmartWool.com
Marie returns to review the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layers, emphasizing their importance as the foundational element of a winter wardrobe. "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," she asserts.
Both the bottoms and the crew top are crafted from a soft, medium-weight merino wool, offering comfort both on and off the slopes. Marie praises their cosiness and the absence of the "scratchy" feel sometimes associated with other thermal wear.
A significant advantage of merino wool, as noted by Marie, is its natural resistance to odors, making it ideal for multi-day ski trips. She even playfully suggests that James, her companion on ski trips, should consider investing in Smartwool’s merino gear.
The temperature-regulating properties of the merino fibers are a key benefit, providing warmth on lifts while efficiently wicking moisture during active skiing. The fit is described as "snug enough to be comfortable under all my other layers, but not too tight that you feel squished." The availability of thermals in various colors offers further customization.
Marie concludes that Smartwool offers "reliable, everyday base layers that provide a great foundation for winter activities," so much so that she has purchased additional sets after her testing.
Helly Hansen Women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT™ Ski Jacket: Versatility for Piste and Beyond
Tester: Kisia
Price: £480
Available at: HellyHansen.com
Kisia’s review of the Helly Hansen Women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT™ Ski Jacket positions it as a dependable companion for various winter pursuits, from piste skiing to snowshoeing excursions. The jacket masterfully blends HELLY TECH® Professional protection with LIFALOFT™ insulation, resulting in a garment that is "light, properly warm and pleasingly breathable."
Its waterproof, windproof, and seam-sealed construction ensures protection against harsh weather without adding bulk. The jacket’s packability is also highlighted as a convenient feature.
The jacket boasts an array of well-executed details, including multiple pockets, a LIFE POCKET+™ designed to preserve phone battery life in cold conditions, a ski pass pocket, and comfortable thumb loops. The inclusion of RECCO® technology provides an added layer of safety.
Helly Hansen Women’s Avanti Stretch Pants: Sleek and Functional for Skiing
Tester: Kisia
Price: £260
Available at: HellyHansen.com
Paired with the Alphelia jacket, Kisia evaluated the Women’s Avanti Stretch Pants, noting their ability to maintain a "sleek and functional" profile. These mid-to-high rise pants feature Velcro waist adjusters and belt loops, offering adjustability.
Crafted from a softshell stretch fabric, they provide excellent freedom of movement and water resistance. A brushed fleece lining offers warmth without excessive weight or bulk, and the pants incorporate practical touches for a "polished, piste-ready ski pant." Kisia summarizes them as "clean, capable and quietly technical."
Sorel Torino V WP Snow Boot: Essential Protection for Harsh Conditions
Tester: Kisia
Price: £150
Available at: Sorel.com; EllisBrigham.com
Kisia expresses significant appreciation for the Sorel Torino V WP Snow Boot, describing them as a welcome addition to her winter kit. She emphasizes their suitability for "proper winter conditions – the kind with slush, snow and very icy pavements and icy carparks that we’ve experienced in Canada."
The boots feature an OutDry membrane for waterproof protection, complemented by a stylish suede upper and a coated leather mudguard that effectively kept her feet dry. Inside, 200g of synthetic insulation and a microfleece lining deliver reliable warmth, while a faux-fur cuff enhances comfort around the ankle. Kisia notes that the boots kept her feet "comfortably warm without needing extra pairs of socks."
Practical design elements include sturdy metal D-rings for lacing and a heel pull tab for ease of use. The durable leather overlay and a robust molded rubber midsole and outsole provide excellent grip on snowy and icy surfaces. An EVA insole contributes to comfort during extended wear.
Kisia’s verdict is overwhelmingly positive: "The Torino V WP Snow Boot is one of my top favourite items of kit I’ve worn and tested this winter." She awards them "100% Stylish and Functional," "100% Cosy warm," "100% Waterproof," "100% Grippy on ice," and "100% Hardwearing."
Absence of Arc’teryx and Men’s Gear Reviews
The article addresses the anticipated absence of reviews for the Canadian brand Arc’teryx and for men’s ski clothing. The PlanetSKI team had intended to include a comprehensive review of Arc’teryx gear for men, with tester Alex, a known proponent of the brand, eager to put it through its paces. However, delays in product delivery prevented this from materializing before their departure from the UK. Attempts to source items in Canada were also unsuccessful. The team assures readers that this will be addressed in future reviews.
Looking Ahead: Part Three and Future Plans
The third and final installment of the "PlanetSKI Gear Reviews from Canada" will feature a selection of "Odds & Ends" that have significantly enhanced the team’s experience in Canada. These items, while perhaps not core ski apparel, are presented as valuable additions to any winter enthusiast’s kit.
The gear tests were conducted across a multitude of renowned Canadian resorts, including Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Mt Norquay, Nakiska, Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, and Marmot Basin. The PlanetSKI approach focuses on real-world, day-to-day use of a wide array of products, with only those deemed truly noteworthy being selected for detailed review. The aim is to provide authentic feedback on both the strengths and potential weaknesses of each item.
Reflecting on past endeavors, the previous season’s gear review originated from Japan. PlanetSKI is currently contemplating its base for the upcoming winter season, with Norway being a strong provisional consideration. The organization seeks ski areas that offer a rich winter experience beyond just skiing, encompassing culture and broader activities.
PlanetSKI positions itself as "Number 1 for digital ski news," providing a comprehensive platform for ski news, resort information, travel advice, equipment rental services, sports coverage, and money-saving deals. Their digital presence extends across their website and social media channels.
