Everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors year-round, especially in the magic of winter, without the additional barrier of finding apparel that fits. To help speed up the process, we rounded up the best plus-size ski and snow gear for women based on expert interviews, and we’re currently field testing these choice picks.
The outdoor industry still has a ways to go to serve extended size options to skiers, riders, sledders, and other winter recreationists, but over the past few years, a handful of brands have pioneered high-quality options. You’ll find insulated options like the L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka or backcountry-oriented designs that are more breathable and decked out with great pockets, like the Outdoor Research Snowcrew Jacket. The sizes in this category include 1X-4X, as well as extra short through long lengths.
Read on for top sellers in women’s plus-size snow apparel that doesn’t skimp on functionality, style, or protection. For in-depth advice on how to select the best plus-size apparel, read the Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart to see how the choices stack up. Otherwise, take a look at our awarded goods for the 2024-2025 season.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Women’s Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear guide on November 13, 2024, with a Price & Value, Fit & Sizing, Plus Sizes, Straight & Extended Sizes sections — and field testing is currently underway in Utah and California.
The Best Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women of 2025
- Best Overall Plus-Size Ski Jacket for Women: L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka
- Best Budget Plus-Size Ski Jacket for Women: Columbia Whirlibird V Jacket
- Most Stylish Plus-Size Ski Jacket for Women: Plus Snow Cartel Brooklyn Ski Jacket
- Best Plus-Size Backcountry Ski Jacket for Women: Outdoor Research Snowcrew Jacket
- Best Plus-Size Midlayer for Women: The North Face Women’s Plus Osito Jacket
- Features: Detachable and adjustable hood, fleece neck warmer, goggle pocket with wipe
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Insulated: Yes
- Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
Pros
- Reaches below hip
- Five pockets total for plenty of storage
- Two-way zipper with storm flap
- Great price
Cons
- Not the most stylish lifestyle option
- Size range does not go up to 5X
- Features: Zip-in and 3-point Interchange System, attached and adjustable hood, pit vents, ski pass pocket, goggle pocket
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
Pros
- Omni-heat thermal reflectivity
- Five total pockets
- Wear synthetic insulation layer solo, or shell solo, or pair the two
Cons
- Best for moderate rain and snow versus heavy snow
- Features: Pit vents, powder skirt, detachable hood, detachable faux fur, goggle pocket
- Waterproofing: 15K/15K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 18-30
Pros
- Feminine cut
- Insulation ranges from 100 to 40 grams throughout the jacket in targeted zones
- Features: Helmet-compatible hood, pit zips, powder skirts, ski pass pocket
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X
Pros
- Utilizes recycled materials
- Insulated chest pocket to preserve phone battery
- Ski helmet compatible
- Super waterproof
- Brushed tricot fabric that lines the chinguard and hand pockets is dreamy-soft
Cons
- Tad pricier than budget options but not the most expensive either
- Features: 100% recycled fabric
- Waterproofing: No
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
Pros
- Great layering piece for beneath a winter jacket
Cons
- Extended sizes stop at 3X
- Features: Zip hand pockets, storm cuff, high-rise waist, fleece-bonded lining
- Waterproofing: 20K/20K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: No
- Plus Sizes: 18-30 (including extra short, short, regular, long)
Pros
- Super waterproof and breathable at 20K/20K
- Great price
Cons
- Not the most dense if you prefer thicker pants
- Lack insulation
- The waistband doesn’t have pull tabs for adjustable (but has belt loops)
- Features: Thermal-reflective lining and synthetic insulation, reinforced hem, internal leg gaiters, adjustable waist
- Waterproofing: Yes, critically sealed seams
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
Pros
- Thermal reflective fabric adds insulation alongside the synthetic insulation
Cons
- Not the most waterproof choice for heavy, wet snowfall
- Features: Fleece chin warmer, interior electronic pocket, removable faux fur, pass pocket, powder skirt
- Waterproofing: 10K/10K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 18-22 (also available in 2-16 and petite sizes)
Pros
- Insulated with 150 grams in the body and sleeves plus 40 grams in the hood
Cons
- Not all colors are offered in extended size run
- Features: Waist adjustment tabs, zip hand pockets, avalanche beacon pocket, thigh vents
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Insulated: No
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X
Pros
- All plus-sizes include short, regular, and tall options
- Super waterproof option
- 56% recycled fabric and 100% recycled liner
Cons
- Not the stretchiest fabric choice
- Features: Fleece-lined and high back waistband, zippered hand pockets, reinforced hems, powder cuffs, ventilation
- Waterproofing: 15K/15K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 18-22, short, regular, and long
Pros
- Internal leg vents
- Scuff guards
- Fleece-lined waistband
Cons
- Vents are small — but at least they’re there
- Features: Fleece-lined waistband, seat, and knees, waist adjusters, durable scuff guards, inner snow gaiters
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
Pros
- Insulated
- Several pockets
Cons
- No ventilation zips
- Features: Two hand pockets, jacket stashes into its right hand pocket
- Waterproofing: DWR treatment on surface
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
Pros
- Down fill is very compressible and super warm
Cons
- Natural down fill can be vulnerable to super wet weather
- Features: Sealed and taped seams, removable hood, underarm vents
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X
Pros
- Underarm vents aren’t always available on plus-size apparel and they are here
- Integrated write gaiters
- Soft micro-fleece liner on chin guard
Cons
- Not the most color options
- Features: Bluesign-approved materials, Fair Trade-certified factory, double-snap closure on waist band
- Waterproofing: DWR
- Insulated: Yes
- Plus sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
Pros
- Three pockets
- Articulated knees
Cons
- Not the most waterproof or most insulated choice
- Limited color options
Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women Comparison Chart
Snow Gear | Price | Waterproofing | Insulated | Plus Sizes |
---|---|---|---|---|
L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka | $199 | Yes | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
Columbia Whirlibird V Jacket | $230 | Yes | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket | $279 | 10K/10K | Yes | 18-22 |
Plus Snow Cartel Brooklyn Ski Jacket | $320 | 15K/15K | Yes | 18-30 |
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Jacket | $349 | Yes | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X |
Plus Snow Pure Lapland Softshell Ski Pant | $240 | 20K/20K | No | 18-30 |
Columbia Bugaboo Omni Heat Pants | $120 | Yes | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants | $229 | Yes | No | 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X |
Obermeyer Bliss Pant | $199 | 15K/15K | Yes | 18-22 |
L.L.Bean Wildcat Waterproof Insulated Snow Pant | $169 | Yes | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket | $300 | DWR treatment on surface | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
DSG Outerwear Craze 5.0 Hooded Snowmobiling Shell Jacket | $250 | Yes | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X |
The North Face Women’s Plus Osito Jacket | $100 | No | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
REI Powderbound Snow Pants | $149 | DWR | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
How We Tested the Best Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women
Our Expert Testers & Our Testing Grounds
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women
Fit & Sizing
Plus Sizes
Straight & Extended Sizes
Finding the Right Fit
Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier
Premium
Frequently Asked Questions
Many brands make plus-size clothes, but the market for plus-size ski apparel — and plus-size technical ski apparel — is much narrower. Brands like Columbia, L.L.Bean, Obermeyer, DSG Outerwear, Outdoor Research, The North Face, and Eddie Bauer all already offer or have started to offer plus-size ski gear.

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