As anyone who's been skiing before will tell you, the difference between a good and a bad day on the slopes all boils down to the gear you're wearing.
With the right gear, the elements become an afterthought, leaving you free to chase the slopes until last light of the day, but without it, your time might be less about carving and more about survival.
Get a free day's skiing with Helly Hansen's Ski Free deal
To understand the DNA behind one of the leaders in the skiwear market, I headed to Les Menuires in the French Alps to test out some of Helly Hansen's most technically advanced pieces in their natural habitat.
The timing of my visit was no coincidence, leading up to International Ski Patrol Day on 10 February, a global celebration of the mountain’s first responders.
As it turns out, Helly Hansen doesn't just provide clothing for the average vacationer, but instead a small army of 55,000 Ski Patrollers worldwide.
To see whether or not these retail versions could live up to the professional standard and justify their price tags, I took to the slopes during the height of the January freeze.
Keep reading to find out how I got on...
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How I tested
To test Helly Hansen's ski gear, I took to the expansive slopes of Les Menuires in the French Alps.
The conditions were far from gentle, with temperatures dropping to around -4°C, alongside the occasional blistering wind and heavy snowfall before my arrival.
I evaluated the collection based on several core pillars, including thermal efficiency, moisture management, and on-slope performance.
I wasn't merely looking for comfort during my descent, but rather functionality on the lifts and overall durability.
With every pocket, vent, and adjustment tested in real-world scenarios, I awarded each item a rating out of five to determine its effectiveness and whether it represents true value for money.
Helly Hansen ski jacket review
Helly Hansen Men's Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0, £700
Pros:
- Incredible waterproofing
- Seven pockets total
- Lightweight and breathable
- Built-in RECCO reflectors
- Life Pocket for extended phone charge
- Phone leash
- Seams are all sealed
Cons:
- Vent holes can be tough to open/close by yourself
- Pricey
- Chest pocket was slightly small
Rating: 4.7/5
A new addition for the 2025/26 ski season, I opted for the Men's Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 as my upper layer of choice.
This jacket sports a multitude of impressive features, which one might expect when you consider the hefty £700 price tag.
Upon first wear, it was clear to me that no expense had been spared when it came to the design of this particular piece.
Featuring a total of seven pockets, articulated sleeves, adjustable cuffs and a tailored bottom hem, the functionality of this piece alone was enough to impress me long before I even hit the slopes.
From a performance perspective, I can truly vouch for the effectiveness of the LIFA INFINITY membrane in keeping the elements at bay.
Having taken a fair few tumbles on the slopes, I was delight to see that I remained completely bone-dry, despite heavy snowfall just a few days ahead of my arrival.
Even during some more of the demanding, high-intensity runs, the lightweight design and the jacket's handy underarm ventilation zippers kept me at an ideal temperature throughout wear.
During my time at the resort, I had the chance to watch a demonstration by the local ski patrol, who showcased exactly how their RECCO detectors pick up the passive reflectors sewn into garments like this one.
Whilst my own skiing might not be anywhere near an off-piste level just yet, the inclusion of this technology provides a vital safety net for those who are.
Another feature I came to love was the phone leash.
Having had constant fears over the idea of dropping my phone while on a lift, the phone leash turned out to be a total game-changer for my peace of mind.
This meant I could puil my phone out and snap away with photos without worrying about in plummeting into several feet of fresh powder below.
Couple with the insulating Life Pocket to preserve my phone's battery, I was able to ski carefree knowing my device was safe and secure at all times.
If I was to really nit-pick some minor faults with this item, I just wish the Life Pocket was a little bit bigger.
While it was great for keeping my phone warm and secure, it felt a bit of a squeeze once for my iPhone Pro Max at times.
I also found that the pit zips were a bit of a struggle to undo by yourself while on the move.
The zips are clearly built to be sturdy and waterproof, but they’re just stiff enough that I had to ask for a hand from a mate to get them fully open without a bit of a wrestling match.
However, a massive bonus that helps swallow these gripes is the Helly Hansen Ski Free initiative.
Once you purchase this jacket, you can snag a free day’s lift pass at a partner resort, which is a brilliant way to actually get out and test the gear without shelling out even more for a ticket.
Ultimately, the sheer quality of the build and the thoughtful safety features make it the perfect companion for any beginner (like myself) or professional alike.
What is Helly Hansen Ski Free?
Ever fancied a free day out on the slopes?
Well, with Helly Hansen's Ski Free initiative, you can get exactly that.
When purchasing a ski jacket or pant from the latest Helly Hansen ski collection, you can now bag yourself a free day of skiing in one of over 80 premiere resorts across Europe and North America.
Offers can vary between a single day, 2-for-1 and more.
To take advantage of this offer, simply:
Helly Hansen ski trousers review
Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Ski Trousers, £180
Pros:
- Extremely comfy
- Top waterproofing
- Nice and warm
- Breathable
- Zip pockets
- Inner thigh vents
Cons:
- Waist bigger than anticipated
- A little tight around the thighs
Rating: 4.5/5
Next up was the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Ski Trousers.
Priced at a humble £180, these trousers just so happen to be the brand's best-selling resort ski pants, and after several days on the slopes, it's easy to see why.
Designed with the classic and timeless silhouette, these pants utilise the brand's HELLY TECH Performance membrane to offer sublime waterproofing and breathability.
Given my sub-par ski skills, there were certainly more than a few instances where I ended up on my backside, so I was very relieved to see the waterproofing held up to keep me dry and comfortable.
One of the standout features for me was the PrimaLoft insulation.
When paired with my just LIFA Merino Midweight 2-In-1 Base Layer Pants, my legs stayed toasty and warm even in temperatures beyond -4C while in the shade, and even when being buried in a faux-avalanche by mountain rescue.
For some of the more demanding runs while in the snow, the inner thigh vents were a godsend, delivering the perfect amount of breathability when I needed it most.
On top of that, the two-way stretch fabric made carving and turns a breeze, but I did happen to notice some other sizing quirks in the process.
For example, despite wearing my usual size, I did feel the waist was a little bit too large for me personally, even after I had adjusted the waist tabs.
Also, they were slightly too narrow around my thighs, so I'd certainly recommend checking the sizing guide if you prefer more of a "freeride" feel.
Once again, these pants are part of Helly Hansen's Ski Free initiative meaning when purchased for £180, you can also land yourself a free day on the slopes, which more than justifies the cost in my eyes.
Robust, stylish and extremely comfortable, I can confidently say this pair deserve a spot in every skier's wardrobe.
Helly Hansen ski mid-layer review
Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Jacket, £210
Pros:
- Can be worn as a casual piece
- Lightweight and breathable
- Taped chest pockets
- Great in windy conditions
- Built-in RECCO reflector
Cons:
Rating: 4.9/5
As my mid-layer of choice, I opted for the Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Jacket.
Designed with versatility in mind, this jacket is suitable for skiing, hiking, trekking and more, making it ideal for the slopes and beyond.
Even after my trip, I've found myself wearing it casually far more often than other items in my wardrobe.
From the first wear, I was incredibly impressed by just how comfortable this piece is.
With its soft interior, you get all the benefits of a regular fleece combined with the protection of a softshell, making it suitable for the supermarket, the slopes and everywhere in between.
On the mountain, I found that this jacket offered plenty of manoeuvrability thanks to its four-way stretch construction.
This meant I could twist, turn and tumble without restriction, all while trapping in much-needed heat.
Although I primarily wore this as a mid-layer, it features a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, meaning you could likely get away with wearing it as a standalone jacket, providing the conditions are warm enough.
It also features two handy chest pockets, both of which provide ample room for essentials such as wallets, ski passes and keys.
However, judging by the number of times I reached for non-existent side pockets, I couldn’t help but feel that some additional hand-warmer pockets would have been a welcome addition.
Similar to my Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0, this mid-layer also comes equipped with a RECCO reflector, meaning in the event of an avalanche or an emergency, professional rescuers can locate you more easily.
Helly Hansen ski wear review: the verdict
After spending several days wearing Helly Hansen's ski gear, it's evident why it's trusted by the mountain rescue professionals of the Les Menuires and beyond.
Testing the collection during the biting freeze of January revealed a range that happens to prioritise bone-dry waterproofing and fantastic thermal management.
The price tags tend to represent a significant investment at points, however, I personally found the durability, comfort, and overall technical prowess would certainly justify the cost for any skiing/snowboarding enthusiast.
Despite some very minor ergonomic niggles, such as stiff ventilation zips or sizing quirks, I honestly can't fault the construction of any of the items I put to the test.
Moreover, the brand's Ski Free initiative acts as a brilliant sweetener, subverting some of the cost of what can be a very expensive activity otherwise.
What is International Ski Patrol Day?
Each year on 10 February, International Ski Patrol Day takes place at ski resorts across the world.
The day itself looks to celebrate and support the professionals that keep the mountain safe on a daily basis, with Helly Hansen hosting local activities, sharing patroller stories across media channels, and even donating proceeds through ongoing programmes.
This year, the brand is giving back 5% of all online and selected in-store sales of its product to organisations that support ski patrollers.
Across the 3 Valleys in the 2024/25 ski season, the Belleville Valley Ski Patrol carried out a total of 4276 operations, with numbers reaching up to 200 rescues in a single day.
With tasks ranging from avalanche search and rescue to piste management, drone operation and weather monitoring, these dedicated individuals provide a critical lifeline for every skier and snowboarder on the mountain.
Find out more about International Ski Patrol Day here.
FAQs
What to look for in good ski clothing?
On the contrary to what many people might believe, good ski clothing is way more than just waterproofing and breathability.
While these are undoubtedly two very important factors, you should look for a balance of safety, durability, and practical design that makes life easier on the mountain.
Here are just some of the features you should look out for:
- Integrated safety tech: If you're skiing off-piste, features such as RECCO reflectors are a must and will help you be found in the event of an emergency.
- Practical storage: From lift pass pockets on the sleeve to battery-saving Life Pockets, storage pockets are important to keep your belongings safe and secure.
- Mobility and fit: Skiing isn't just about looking the part, it's also about being mobile - seek out stretchy garments that aren't restrictive.
- Waterproofing: if you're pushing your limits as a skier, there's a high probability you might fall - be sure that your gear has sufficient waterproofing.
- Thermal versatility: The ideal ski clothing will trap head effectively while remaining breathable. Look out for items with added vents and brushed interiors.
What to wear under ski clothes?
Choosing the right layers while on the slopes is essential for ensuring you stay dry and warm.
For cooler temperatures, it is advised to start with a moisture-wicking base layer made from merino wool or synthetic fibres.
If possible, you should avoid cotton because it absorbs sweat and will make you feel more chilled.
I personally recommend Helly Hansen's LIFA Merino base layers, since both the leggings and top are able to keep you dry and warm throughout wear from my experience.
It is then worth adding a lightweight insulated jacket, such as the Odin Pro Shield, to trap heat effectively.
On your feet, be sure to wear socks specifically designed for skiing to prevent blisters and maintain circulation.
Finish with your choice of waterproof shell jacket, ski trousers, gloves, snood, and a beanie for under your helmet if needed.
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