Helly Hansen Female Ski Clothing Review

We put a selection of Helly Hansen ski clothing for women through their paces in Appi Kogen in Japan in January. The conditions were cold and windy with a lot of fresh powder falling and under foot.

Limited to the lower, old and slow chairlifts during a once-in-ten-year snowstorm, when the gondola was closed, the wind was biting and the seats icy, the warmth and waterproofing of the ski jacket and trousers were outstanding.

The outfit was very comfortable to ski in, with a lot of flexibility in the fabric and a stylish sporty look.

Women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT™ Ski Jacket

Coming in a wide range of colours – red, black, bright pink, green, bright blue, navy and white with dark or light zips – it was a tough choice which one to go for. We went with red in the end and channelled our inner ski instructor on the slopes, whilst being easy to spot.

The jacket came up slightly small on the bust and it was tempting to ski with the pit zips open sometimes for a bit more room but we were glad not have sized up as the rest of the shape is true to size.

Being so warm, one can get away with fewer layers underneath this jacket. For the level of warmth, it’s remarkably sleek and lightweight.

Whilst the hood is a good shape, we struggled to wear it over a helmet and just left it down – it would be perfect with a beanie. The zips are of high quality; a two-way main zipper would have taken it up a notch in practicality.

The jacket has many useful pockets inside and out, including one for a ski pass. The lining is cosy, as are the thumbhole cuffs and velcro wrist fasteners. The zip up to the face could be a little less rigid however it remains nice and soft on the cheeks.

The quality and durability seems high and no doubt it will last, and be a favourite, for many seasons to come.

Features

• HELLY TECH® PROFESSIONAL
• LIFALOFT™
• H2FLOW™ AIR FORCE VENTILATION technology
• LIFE POCKET +™
• RECCO®
• SKI FREE eligible product
• Fully seam sealed
• 4-way stretch fabric
• Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment
• Soft fleece in chin guard
• Full inner front placket
• Adjustable, detachable hood
• Adjustable powder skirt
• Under arm ventilation zippers
• Back yoke ventilation
• Adjustable cuff with fastener
• Articulated sleeves for optimal mobility
• Ski pass pocket
• Chest pocket with goggle wipe and secure zipper closure
• Hand pockets with brushed lining and secure zipper closure
• Inner chest pocket with zipper
• Inside stash pocket
• Elastic cuffs with thumbholes
• Helmet compatible hood

The Women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT™ ski jacket can be purchased directly from Helly Hansen.

Women’s Alphelia 2.0 Insulated Ski Trousers

We love the adjustable waist on these trousers, which also come in many colours – black, white, red, navy and icicle. The 4-way stretch, high back and reinforced hems make for a comfortable and durable trouser, which is both waterproof and breathable.

The fabric keeps you cosy, even when sitting on cold chair lifts, and they have a good fit on the waist, hips and knees. It’s surprising to get so much warmth without that bulky feeling.

Mix or match colours with the jacket from the same range.

Features

• HELLY TECH® PROFESSIONAL
• PrimaLoft® BLACK Eco
• RECCO®
• YKK® Zipper
• Fitted
• SKI FREE eligible product
• Fully seam sealed
• 2-layer construction
• 4-way stretch fabric
• Lined for comfort
• Reinforcement on bottom leg
• Front fly with button closure
• Belt loops and adjustable waist
• Mesh ventilation for added breathability
• Articulated knees for optimal mobility
• Hand pockets
• Boot gaiters with gripper

The Women’s Alphelia 2.0 insulated ski trousers can be purchased directly from Helly Hansen.

Women’s Alphelia Gloves

Coming in black or white, these stylish leather gloves are extremely comfortable, warm and waterproof. The leather seems a bit stiff on the rack but they become beautifully supple as soon as they hit the slopes.

Nice extra touches include a strap for each wrist, so you can take them off on a chairlift to take out your phone or put on some cream without worry, as well as a clip to keep them together when not in use.

Features

• HELLY TECH® PROFESSIONAL
• PrimaLoft® GOLD
• Reinforced leather palm for increased durability
• Adjustable cuffs

The Women’s Alphelia ski gloves can be purchased directly from Helly Hansen.

Women’s Varde Fleece Jacket 2.0

Coming in a range of colours – pale grey, black, pale pink, petrol navy and wildberry – this zip up jacket is designed to be standalone or as a mid-layer. With a weave knit, it lets the wind through so is more for warmth than anything else, and quick drying.

The arms are typically Scandinavian and a bit long for a Brit, with nice thumb holes. As such, we preferred to wear this in down time rather than on the slopes – it’s ideal for a relaxed evening, for travelling and much more.

Features

• Polartec® Thermal® Pro™
• High protective collar
• Chin guard
• Thumb holes
• Raglan sleeve design
• Hand pockets with secure zipper closure
• Elastic hem
• Recycled Content

The Women’s Varde Fleece Jacket 2.0 can be purchased directly from Helly Hansen.

The main items are part of Helly Hansen’s Ski Free promotion, offering a free day pass at select resorts, 2for1 passes and more.