Ski Gear and Equipment: What is Unisex and What Isn't?
With so many options for ski gear and equipment available on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Between all the brands, specifications, sizes, and graphics, learning how to choose what works best for you may require a bit of research and testing.
Skiing with friends in Val d’Isère, France. My skis (Center, Black Crows Divus) are actually "men's" Skis, but really the only differences between these and the women's version are the graphics and the length.
And especially if you are sorting through resale marketplaces for second-hand gear, you may be wondering if the differences between women’s and men’s equipment actually matter. Having tried and tested numerous brands for skis, equipment, and accessories, I’ve compiled a quick list of the types of gear that could be considered unisex, and the types that are truly better geared toward women or men.
Continue reading to discover the differences and similarities I’ve found to be important when it comes to using and purchasing ski gear, along with my personal recommendations.
Ski Gear That Can Be Unisex
1. Skis
Skis are unisex. The only differences between women’s and men’s skis are usually just the graphics, and the sizes in which they are available. To use an example from my favorite ski brand Black Crows, their Vertis model ski is available in lengths 152, 162, and 169cm in the women’s graphics, and is available in lengths 170, 175, and 180cm in the men’s graphics. Everything else about the skis, including the specs of the model, is the same.
If you rent skis from any local shop, all the skis will be unisex and the only qualifying factors that will determine which will be a good option for you are your height, weight, ability, and experience level. Once you gain more experience, you will start to notice the difference between different types of skis which will help inform your decisions should you choose to purchase your own set. Two of the pairs of skis that I own are actually ‘men’s skis’ (the Black Crows Divus and Black Crows Daemon)— which I chose because I prefer longer skis that are more stable at faster speeds.
Where to shop: REI, Evo.com
My Favorite Brand: Black Crows
2. Ski Bindings
The actual components of ski bindings are all unisex, but there can be differences for women and men in the position in which they are mounted onto your skis. Because women and men tend to balance their weight differently, the bindings may be mounted more forward on a pair of skis for a woman. Once bindings are mounted, there is some flexibility in adjusting the position forward or backward, and any professional at a ski shop will be able to find the ideal position for you.
If you’re a woman shopping for skis on a resale market, it’s no problem to search for men’s skis, or skis that were used by a man. However, if you are purchasing pre-loved skis that already have the bindings mounted, just be sure that the bindings are compatible with your ski boots, and to take them into a ski shop to have them checked and adjusted professionally.
Where to shop: REI, Evo.com, Amazon
My Favorite Brand: Salomon
3. Ski Poles
I’ve noticed ski poles being marketed as ‘women’s’ or ‘men’s’, but there really is no difference. Again, it usually comes down to the graphics and colors so you can choose based on personal preference.
4. Ski Goggles
Ski goggles usually come in one size, and have an adjustable strap to be able to fit over any face and any helmet. They are offered in countless shapes, colors, and lens varieties from many retailers, and I would say all are unisex. While there are many opportunities to express your personality with the type of goggles you choose, my best advice is to go with high-quality photochromic or interchangeable lenses so you can have optimal visibility for all weather conditions.
Where to shop: Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, FarFetch
My Favorite Brand: Chimi
5. Ski Helmets
Ski helmets are typically offered in sizes ranging from small, medium, large, and extra large, or small/medium, medium/large. All helmets are generally unisex.
Where to shop: Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, FarFetch
My Favorite Brand: Kask
Ski Gear That Isn’t Unisex
1. Ski Boots
Ski boots tend to be designed differently for women and men based on the differences in how weight is balanced, and due to the boot’s flex rating in relation to its size. (REI has a helpful guide for choosing the right boot flex, you can click here to read it.) If you’re in the market for your own pair of ski boots, I suggesting buying brand new (as opposed to second-hand). I’ve also written a guide about all the categories of ski gear that you’re better off buying brand new, and which types of gear you could search for on resale marketplaces— click here to read more.
2. Ski Gloves
Women’s snow gloves tend to be available in a range of sizes for smaller hands, while men’s snow gloves tend to be available in a range of sizes for larger hands. However, I guess I could argue that gloves are unisex because I needed my Hestra Gloves in a men’s size to accommodate the length of my hands. Because it’s important that your gloves fit properly to keep you well-protected from the elements, I suggest trying them on in-store for size, or purchasing from an online retailer that has an easy exchange policy.
Where to shop: Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI
My Favorite Brand: Hestra
3. Ski Jackets and Pants
While it may be personal preference, I find it’s best to wear ski apparel that fits you well for optimal performance and comfort. Skiing is a technical sport where you are exposed to extreme elements, so using apparel that is high-quality and reliable is essential. My all-time favorite ski apparel brand that I’ve been wearing for years is Erin Snow (and they’re women-founded!) and another brand that I had a great experience trying for the first time last season is Halfdays. Funny enough, Halfdays was actually created and co-founded by a woman that wore men’s ski pants while competing in the Olympics, because there weren’t enough good options that existed for women at the time.
Where to shop: The Best Websites to Find Stylish Skiwear
My Favorite Brand: Erin Snow, Halfdays
4. Ski Base Layers
I’ve said before that base layers are about as personal as underwear, so I definitely recommend buying sets that are comfortable and fit you well. I personally like for my base layers to be form fitting so they don’t bunch up underneath my ski clothes. If you buy a high-quality set (I’ve been very happy with my Smartwool Intraknit Merino set), they will last you years and keep you warm while on the slopes. You can also find some well-priced and highly-recommended sets from Amazon, so if you are doing multiple days of skiing you can have a few fresh pairs to wear throughout your trip.
Where to shop: Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI
My Favorite Brand: Smartwool
Knowing what categories of ski gear are unisex and what categories aren’t can help you narrow down your options when you’re choosing equipment for yourself. And if you’re a woman who’s found great deal on ‘men’s’ ski gear, knowing when it really doesn’t matter can help you save time, save money, be more comfortable, and be more practical while skiing.
Are you looking researching ski gear for an upcoming trip and have any questions about my experience? Let me know in the comments below.
Shop my top picks of unisex ski gear and equipment:
Shop my top picks of ski gear and equipment designed for women:
You may be interested in:
Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers for Skiing: My Review After 3+ Years
Why I Don't Recommend Skiing in Vintage Skiwear, and The Alternatives You Could Shop Instead
RECCO Rescue Reflector: A Must Have for Any Skier or Outdoor Adventurer
Ski Gear: What to Buy Second Hand, and What to Buy Brand New
About the author
Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:
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