Everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors year-round, especially in the magic of winter, without the additional barrier of finding apparel that fits.
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. The sizes below include 1X-4X, as well as extra short through long lengths.
Read on for top sellers in women’s winter jackets and snow pants that will fit a variety of sizes and don’t skimp on functionality, style, or protection. For in-depth advice on how to select the best plus-size apparel, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart at the end of the product list.
Otherwise, scroll through the best ski and snow gear in extended sizes for women for 2023-2024.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Women’s Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear guide on November 15, 2023, to be more reader friendly.
The Best Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women
Best Overall
-
Features
Detachable and adjustable hood, fleece neck warmer, goggle pocket with wipe -
Waterproofing
Yes -
Insulated
Yes -
Sizes
1X, 2X, 3X
-
Reaches below hip -
Five pockets total for plenty of storage -
Two-way zipper with storm flap -
Great price
-
Not the most stylish lifestyle option -
Size range does not go up to 5X
Best Budget
-
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
-
Omni-heat thermal reflectivity -
Five total pockets -
Wear synthetic insulation layer solo, or shell solo, or pair the two
-
Best for moderate rain and snow versus heavy snow
Runner-Up Best Plus-Size Ski Jacket
-
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)
-
Insulated with 150 grams in the body and sleeves plus 40 grams in the hood
-
Not all colors are offered in extended size run
Most Stylish
-
Features
Pit vents, powder skirt, detachable hood, detachable faux fur, goggle pocket -
Waterproofing
15K/15K waterproof breathable laminate -
Insulated
Yes -
Plus Sizes
18-30
-
Feminine cut -
Insulation ranges from 100 to 40 grams throughout the jacket in targeted zones
Best for Backcountry
-
Features
Helmet-compatible hood, pit zips, powder skirts, ski pass pocket -
Waterproofing
Yes -
Insulated
Yes -
Plus Sizes
1X, 2X, 3X, 4X
-
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
-
Tad pricier than budget options but not the most expensive either
Best of the Rest
-
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)
-
Super waterproof and breathable at 20K/20K -
Great price
-
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
-
Thermal reflective fabric adds insulation alongside the synthetic insulation
-
Not the most waterproof choice for heavy, wet snowfall
-
Features
Waist adjustment tabs, zip hand pockets, avalanche beacon pocket, thigh vents -
Waterproofing
Yes -
Insulated
No -
Plus Sizes
1X, 2X, 3X, 4X
-
All plus-sizes include short, regular, and tall options -
Super waterproof option -
56% recycled fabric and 100% recycled liner
-
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
-
Internal leg vents -
Scuff guards -
Fleece-lined waistband
-
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
-
Insulated -
Several pockets
-
Features
Two hand pockets, jacket stashes into its right hand pocket -
Waterproofing
DWR treatment on surface -
Insulated
Yes -
Plus Sizes
1X, 2X, 3X
-
Down fill is very compressible and super warm
-
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, 2X, 3X, 4X
-
Underarm vents aren’t always available on plus-size apparel and they are here -
Integrated write gaiters -
Soft micro-fleece liner on chin guard
-
Not the most color options
-
Features
100% recycled fabric -
Waterproofing
No -
Insulated
Yes -
Plus Sizes
1X, 2X, 3X
-
Great layering piece for beneath a winter jacket
-
Extended sizes stop at 3X
-
Features
Blue-sign approved materials, Fair Trade certified factory, double-snap closure on waist band -
Waterproofing
DWR -
Insulated
Yes -
Plus Sizes
1X, 2X, 3X
-
Three pockets -
Articulated knees
-
Not the most waterproof or most insulated choice -
Limited color options
Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women Comparison Chart
Scroll right to view all of the columns: Waterproofing, Insulated, Plus Sizes.
| Snow Gear | Price | Waterproofing | Insulated | Plus Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka | $199 | Yes | Yes | 1X, 2X, 3X |
| Columbia Whirlibird IV 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 Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women
We found the best plus-size ski and snow gear for women through interviews with experts and dove into the research.
When Plus Snow surveyed more than 1,000 men and women in its first-ever, plus-size global winter sports survey, data showed that nearly 75% are active skiers. Yet, 97% responded that they have difficulty finding appropriate-fitting gear, and 60% said that this lack of gear has prevented them from heading outside for winter sports at all.
“I work to source and supply plus-size clothing, but also to advocate so that more brands make plus-size clothing options and then more people can enjoy the outdoors safely,” said Mon Balon of Plus Snow, an online winter gear shop with inclusive sizing.
“Representation is also a core foundation of what we work towards,” she said. “As we all know, you can’t be what you can’t see. Fatphobia and size bias has ruled the outdoor industry for far too long, and it’s time for that narrative to change. Everybody should be able to enjoy the outdoors safely and when clothing doesn’t fit properly, it becomes a safety issue.”
Although Plus Snow has been doing the work to source brands that have inclusive sizing since 2015, other brands are finally coming around to add not just extra sizing options, but also extra sizing options in a variety of styles and at the same price point as other sizes.
We aim to work directly with plus-size testers for future iterations of this guide.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Plus-Size Ski and Snow Gear for Women
Defining Plus-Sizes
“Plus sizing” has varying definitions, but essentially when it comes to apparel, plus size means anything beyond the standard XS-XL size range. Plus sizes may range from 1X to 3X, or 1X to 6X.
Sometimes called extended sizes, plus sizes usually cover sizes 18 and up. In the U.S., the general cutoff for plus sizing is size 14 and over. It also varies by brand, however — many U.S. brands won’t make anything beyond a size 12 or 14.
Inclusive sizing is another term outdoor brands are using more and more. Inclusive sizing refers not just to plus sizes, but a wider range of sizes for every body type, including short, long, petite, tall, maternity, and plus sizes (for all genders).
Finding the Right Fit
Just like standard sizing, plus sizing varies by brand. We always recommended checking the size charts and measuring your hip and chest, and inseam if need be (for ski pants). You’ll want a ski jacket to have some room for a baselayer or light midlayer, but not be too loose (or too constricting, for that matter).
On this list, we found the Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket to be the most accurate in terms of fit for a plus-size ski jacket, and the L.L.Bean Wildcat Insulated Pant or Columbia Bugaboo Snow Pant the most accurate in terms of fit for plus-size ski pants.
FAQ
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.
Alpine Parrot empowers plus-size women to stake a claim to the outdoors, with the simple act of providing pants made for outdoor adventures in size 14 and up.
Our winter-loving experts found the best women’s winter jackets of 2023-2024, including picks for every style, climate, and budget.
