A Complete And Comprehensive Guide To The Best Ski Brands Of 2024
Once a modest corner of the outdoor market, skiing has evolved into a thriving multi-billion-dollar industry, teeming with brands that look to cater to every snow lover’s needs. Amidst this diversity, a clear distinction emerges between cheap, mass-produced options and the top-tier brands renowned for their quality. Whether you’re shopping for skis, boots, bindings or apparel, the best ski brands offer not only enhanced performance but also safety and durability on the slopes. From Salomon to Stio and Black Diamond to Atomic, we’ve created a living, breathing list of the best brands that’s always growing.
The best ski brands include companies young and old from around the world.
Some brands you’ll recognize instantly, while others may not sound so familiar. From American upstarts born in a mountain town garage to European mainstays that cut their teeth in the Alps, there’s a ski brand in this world that meets your needs and your preferred style. Whether you’re new to the slopes, looking to upgrade your gear or just want to learn more about the latest equipment, this list of the best ski brands has something for everyone.
Salomon
Year founded: 1947 | Headquarters: Annecy, France | Best known for: Skis, bindings | Popular gear: S/LAB Shift bindings; MTN Summit Bindings; QST 98 Unisex Freeride Skis; MTN 86 PRO Unisex Touring Skis
French-brand Salomon is known for a lot of things in the outdoor world, but it’s ski binding technology has become a cornerstone of not only the brand’s success, but modern-day skiing as we know it. The Salomon Lift, introduced in 1957, was one of the earliest successful step-in bindings, allowing skiers to ditch the manual cable or leather straps and secure their feet to their skis in a much more convenient way.
Today, Salomon’s S/LAB Shift bindings are the cream of the crop for versatility, as they can be used as pin bindings for uphill travel or ski touring, and then convert into full alpine bindings for more control on the downhill. Salomon MTN Pure AT are also killer lightweight tech bindings, ideal for long backcountry excursions when you want to move fast but retain power on the descent.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that Salomon makes great ski boots and skis, with its all-mountain QSTs garnering a strong following on-piste and its ultra-lightweight MTN touring line ideal for fast moves in the skin track.
Dynafit
Year founded: 1950 | Headquarters: Kiefersfelden, Germany | Best known for: Boots, bindings and skis | Popular gear: Tigard 130 Boot; Superlite 150 Bindings; Free GTX Jacket
Dynafit was the brainchild of a group of mountain lovers who kick-started their ski journey back in the 1950s in Germany. On a mission to craft gear that didn’t just ride the slopes but danced through the snow with style, the brand really hit its stride in the ’80s when they dropped the game-changing Low Tech Binding system, making skis lighter and turning uphill climbs into a breeze.
Today, Dynafit is the go-to name for skiers both amateur and advanced worldwide, celebrated for their cool tech and gear that’s tough as nails. Its equipment takes on rough terrain without breaking a sweat, making it a must-have for anyone itching to explore skiing in its many forms. And while Dynafit has made advancements in the apparel space in recent years, we think the brand’s boots and bindings are its bread and butter.
Halfdays
Year founded: 2019 | Headquarters: Denver, Colorado | Best known for: Apparel and outerwear | Popular gear: Aston Jacket; Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant; Golden Bucket Hat
The newest darling to the ski scene, Halfdays has made a (very colorful) splash with its uber-trendy, brightly-colored women’s ski suits and sets. The brand offers an ultra-chic and clean aesthetic in neon and pastel colors that grab your eye as someone rockets past on skis, and feminine and flattering cuts that remove the bulky aesthetic that usually comes with warmth.
Halfdays isn’t just a trendy brand, though: One of its founders, Kiley McKinnon, is a freeskier who competed in the 2018 Olympics, so all its apparel is actually designed and tested for functionality too. Additionally, the brand only uses recycled materials that are responsibly sourced, and champions body inclusivity with conscious designs up to 2X.
Stio
Year founded: 2011 | Headquarters: Jackson Hole, Wyoming | Best known for: Apparel and outerwear | Popular gear: Women’s Figment Jacket and Bibs; Men’s Pinion Down Vest; Men’s Azura Insulated Jacket
Stio was founded more than a decade ago in one of the most iconic ski towns in America and from the beginning, it’s offered frill-free, high-quality ski apparel with a cleaner, more urban aesthetic. But it wasn’t until the last few years that we really started to see Stio burst onto the slopes outside of its Rocky Mountain homeland.
Stio’s Figment color-block kit is one of the most popular sets on the slopes so far in the 23/24 season, and its versatile down vests and jackets are a favorite for mid-layers on a chilly ski day when taking a break from the office. The brand’s ability to transition from the slopes to the streets has earned it a strong following among both hardcore outdoor enthusiasts and those who value a mountain-inspired lifestyle.
Plus, the brand is climate neutral certified, uses a majority of sustainable materials and offers a gear trade-in program to minimize waste.
Black Diamond
Year founded: 1989 | Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah | Best known for: Jackets, pants, gloves | Popular gear: Helio Carbon 104 Skis; Guide Gloves; Dawn Patrol 32 Pack; Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins
Black Diamond had its beginnings rooted in the climbing community. Established in the late 1980s by a group of former Chouinard Equipment employees who purchased the company’s assets, the brand initially focused on crafting high-quality gear for those scaling heights. Over time, however, Black Diamond gained recognition for its commitment to innovation and soon became a go-to name for climbers seeking reliable and cutting-edge equipment.
Today, the Salt Lake City label has seamlessly transitioned into the ski scene, leveraging its expertise to offer top-of-the-line gear for snow enthusiasts. Renowned for their durable and performance-driven products, Black Diamond is synonymous with quality in the ski industry, whether it’s state-of-the-art skis, dependable bindings or other essential accessories.
The North Face
Year founded: 1966 | Headquarters: Denver, Colorado | Best known for: Apparel and outerwear | Popular gear: Freedom Insulated Pants: