Patagonia PowSlayer 3L Ski Jacket and Pants Review
Storm-ready protection from the chairlift to the backcountry
January 30th, 2026
Home > Gear Reviews > Snow Gear
Our verdict
The Patagonia PowSlayer jacket and pants are a top-of-the-line system built for deep days in the backcountry or the resort. The GORE-TEX ePE PRO membrane provides excellent storm-worthy protection while maintaining a lightweight design that has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
We tested the women’s and men’s PowSlayer in early season conditions in Colorado and Utah. It’s performed well in nasty winds but is light and breathable enough for warmer, sunnier days, too.
We’re very impressed by the overall design of the PowSlayer, both the pants and jacket. It’s clear that this kit was designed with backcountry touring at the front of mind, but it works just as well in the resort, too. Put simply: The PowSlayer kit has the most dialed feature set of any ski jacket and pants combo we’ve tested in recent memory—if ever. We love the large and functional pockets, the minimal but useful powder skirt, and the overall fit and quality of the jacket.
There’s no skirting around the fact that the PowSlayer kit is expensive, but we think this is a worthy investment in excellent, well-made and sustainably-made outerwear that will last a very long time. If top-end storm protection in a functional, versatile kit is what you need and you’re willing to pay for it, put the Patagonia PowSlayer on your short list.
Patagonia PowSlayer 3L Ski Jacket
men's
Women's
Patagonia PowSlayer 3L Ski Pants
men's
Women's
Patagonia PowSlayer Specifications
Jacket
Price: $799
Weight: Women’s: 510g; Men’s: 630g
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX ePE PRO
Fabric: 80-denier nylon with ripstop backer
Hood: Helmet-compatible, fully adjustable
Venting: Pit zips, no mesh
Pockets: 7; two hand pockets, two chest pockets, arm pass pocket, internal zippered pocket, internal drop pocket
Powder skirt: Yes, not removable
Hem and cuffs: Adjustable cuffs, adjustable hem
Zippers: Watertight Vislon
Fit: Ski-specific articulated freeride fit
Sizes: Men’s XS–XL, Women’s XS–XL
Sustainability: Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, recycled face fabric, bluesign-approved materials
Pants
Price: $649
Weight: Women’s: 480g; Men’s: 550g
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX ePE PRO
Fabric: 80-denier nylon with ripstop backer
Venting: Side thigh vents
Pockets: Two thigh pockets, both with beacon loop and electronics sleeve
Reinforcement: Reinforced cuffs
Waist: Internal Velcro adjustment, plus external belt loops
Fit: Articulated ski fit (men’s and women’s)
Snow gaiters: Built-in gaiters
Sizes: Men’s XS–XL, Women’s XS–XL
Sustainability: Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, recycled face fabric, bluesign-approved materials
Best for
Backcountry touring
Storm days with heavy snow and wind
Skiers who prioritize breathability and durability
Riders needing a full top-to-bottom waterproof system
Skiers and riders who want a kit that performs well in the backcountry and at the resort
Comparison table
Patagonia PowSlayer 3L Jacket
| SKI JACKET | MSRP* | SIZES | # POCKETS | WATERPROOFING | PIT ZIPS | POWDER SKIRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia PowSlayer Women's Men's |
$799 | XS-XL (men's and women's) | 5 | 3L GORE-TEX ePE PRO | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Women's Men's |
$655 | S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | 5 | 3L GORE-TEX ePE C-Knit | Yes | No |
| Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Women's Men's |
$385 | S-XXL (men's), XS-XL (women's) | 5 | 3L Pertex Shield Stretch | Yes | Yes |
| Arc'teryx Sabre/Sentinel Women's Men's |
$750 | S-XL (men's), XXS-XXL (women's) | 5 | 3L GORE-TEX ePE PRO | Yes | Yes |
| Norrona Lofoten GTX Women's Men's |
$899 | S-XL (men's), XS-XL (women's) | 3 | GORE-TEX ePE PRO | Yes | Yes, removable |
Patagonia PowSlayer 3L pants
| SKI PANTS/BIBS | MSRP* | SIZES | WATERPROOFING | SUSPENDERS | SNOW GAITERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia PowSlayer Women's Men's |
$649 | XS-XL (men's and women's) | 3L GORE-TEX Pro ePE | No | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Women's Men's |
$655 | S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | 3-Layer GORE-TEX ePE C-Knit | Yes, adjustable | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Women's Men's |
$385 | S-XXL (men's), XS-XL (women's) | 3-layer Pertex Shield Stretch | Yes, adjustable | Yes |
| Arc'teryx Sabre/Sentinel Women's Men's |
$600 | S-XXL (men's), 2-16 (women's) | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable fabric | No | Yes |
| Norrona Lofoten GTX Women's Men's |
$799 | S-XL (men's), XS-XL (women's) | 3L GORE-TEX ePE PRO | No | Yes |
What we liked
Excellent weather protection
Large chest pockets are very useful
Great fit
Minimal powder skirt is useful without adding too much bulk or weight
Both thigh pockets on pants can carry a beacon
Light, packable, and quick drying
Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory
What could be better
Fabric is a little crinkly
Expensive
The men’s and women’s PowSlayer jackets side by side. We love the fit of both the men’s and women’s jackets. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
How we tested
We had three testers (two men and one woman) ski and snowboard in the Patagonia PowSlayer kit across a wide range of conditions. Our testers logged a cumulative total of 37 days in the PowSlayer. We tested in warm, sunny, and windy conditions in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho and in wet, heavy powder conditions in Oregon at Mt. Bachelor and in Myoko and Nozawa, Japan. We spent time at the resort skiing in bounds, we tested the pants on early morning resort skins, and took the jacket for long ski tours in Japan’s backcountry around Myoko with plenty of powder. We even tested the PowSlayer in rain and it kept our testers dry.
We tested both the weather protection and functionality of this kit in-bounds and in the backcountry, and all three of our testers were thoroughly impressed. The chest pockets are remarkably spacious without being too cavernous, well-placed, and easy to access with a pack on. Both thigh pockets have beacon attachments, and our testers loved having the option to choose which to use. The hood and collar are functional and comfortable. Overall, the kit is stylish with a great fit. And, last but certainly not least, the PowSlayer is one of the most weather protective kits we’ve ever tested.
Performance in the field
Weather protection
The weather protection of the Patagonia PowSlayer is among the best. With a GORE-TEX Pro ePE membrane, it has excellent wind and waterproofing. GORE-TEX PRO ePE is generally considered the absolute top-shelf for fully weatherproof and breathable hardshell membranes, The PRO version is the most durable and high performing of all of GORE’s membranes, and the newest ePE version is constructed without the use of harmful forever chemicals. Our testers used this on super gusty days in Colorado and felt like the PowSlayer was a fortress in the wind.
The PowSlayer sheds snow and rain incredibly well. Another tester used it on a rainy night ski in Japan. It kept him completely dry. And when it does get wet, it also dries out very quickly.
The powder skirt on the PowSlayer jacket is minimal but functional. One of our testers snowboarded in deep powder in Japan and it kept snow out without issue.
The PowSlayer has excellent weather protection. Here, it keeps our men’s tester happy by blocking cold wind on the chairlift. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Breathability and ventilation
We used both the jacket and pants on ski tours and found both to be reasonably breathable, especially for a GORE-TEX hardshell. The pants are light and comfortable on the ascent but have robust weather protection on the descent. The jacket is light and breathable enough to skin in when the weather is bad, but our testers most often toured without the shell on, which is common. And thankfully, the PowSlayer jacket packs away nicely when not in use. Both the jacket and pants have large zippered vents that help to dump heat.
There are large thigh vents in the PowSlayer pants that are great for dumping heat when on the skin track. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
Fit, comfort, and mobility
Our initial impression with the PowSlayer was that the fabric felt rather crinkly. And while it is on the stiffer side compared to some of our other favorite similar shells, like the Arc’teryx Sentinel and Sabre or Outdoor Research Hemispheres, you pretty much completely forget about that fact once you’re out on the slopes in it.
The overall fit of the jacket and pants, for both the men’s and women’s, is roomy and comfortable without being overly baggy. There is ample room for layering underneath, and we did not find it necessary to size up in order to get that room. Both our men’s and women’s testers loved the fit and shape of the jacket in particular. It has a great design and a comfortable hood and collar. (The collar is one of the most comfortable we’ve tested, but still not quite as spacious and comfortable as the Outdoor Research Hemispheres, which has a collar design we adore.)
We love the collar and hood design on the PowSlayer jacket. Photo by Jacob Callaghan.
There is no stretch to the fabric whatsoever—which is to be expected with a GORE-TEX Pro hardshell. But the articulation and design make both the pants and jacket very comfortable to move in. We never felt restricted in the PowSlayer, and always felt protected from the elements.
The chest pockets on the PowSlayer jacket are excellent. They’re pack and harness-compatible and very spacious. The powder skirt integrates with the pants, and snaps back and out of the way when out of use. Powder skirts can often feel bulky and obnoxious when you’re not using them, but with the PowSlayer, you forget it’s there when it’s snapped back.
On the note of fit: We think most people will be happy with their true size in this kit (both pants and jacket). With the looser, freeride lean to the design, if you’re on the fence we’d recommend the smaller size. The men’s large fit our male testers with ample room for layers and even a slightly baggy look (which one of our male testers prefers). Our women’s tester wore a small jacket and medium pants (she’s often on the fence between small and medium, and tends to pick medium in most ski apparel brands to have extra room for layers). She was happy with the small jacket and found that the medium pants worked, but we’re a little baggy and she’d likely find a better fit in a size small pants.
Our men’s testers loved the fit of the PowSlayer. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Temperature regulation
While the PowSlayer is incredibly weather protective, it is not warm. It’s a relatively thin, uninsulated hardshell that’s meant to be worn with insulating layers underneath on cold days. It blocks wind exceptionally well which does help, but that still does not make it insulating. This is not unique to the PowSlayer and is true of most 3-layer hardshell jackets (with the exception of some, like the Arc’teryx Sentinel and Sabre, which have a light flannel backer for the inner lining, which does add a small but noticeable amount of warmth in comparison to the Patagonia PowSlayer).
The PowSlayer breathes well for a GORE-TEX shell. It is not the most breathable touring shell on the market (you’ll want to steer away from most GORE-TEX if that’s your priority) but it is among the most breathable GORE-TEX shells we’ve tested, with similar if not slightly better performance to the Outdoor Research Hemispheres in this regard. One of our testers spent time backcountry ski touring in Japan in wet conditions in the PowSlayer jacket and was impressed by its combination of waterproofing and breathability.
As long as you layer appropriately underneath on colder days, the Patagonia PowSlayer is a very versatile kit across different weather and conditions. It is light and breathable enough for warmer spring days, but has robust weather protection that can stand up to the harshest mid-winter conditions. Our testers spent time in the PowSlayer on too-warm early season resort days and mid-winter backcountry tours with deep powder and it performed well across the board.
We also noticed that the PowSlayer dries quickly if it does get really wet—similar in performance to other lightweight GTX shells like the Outdoor Research Hemispheres or Norrona Lofoten GTX Pro, and faster than shells with a burlier face fabric or thicker backer fabric like the Arc’teryx Sabre SV or Arc’teryx Sentinel.
Durability
Across 37 days of testing in one men’s and one women’s PowSlayer kit, it has impressed us with its durability overall. One of our men’s testers, who is particularly hard on his gear, did have issues with a pocket zipper, but it was quickly amended with a stop into his local Patagonia shop. This tester did also find the front zipper to be slightly sticky, but our other two testers did not encounter the same issue, or any zipper issues at all for that matter.
The fabric of the Patagonia PowSlayer feels very durable and we’ve yet to encounter anything that would cause us to question the overall durability. It is a little thinner (and more packable, lighter, more breathable, and faster drying) than some of the super tough shells we’ve tested, like the Arc’teryx Sabre SV or Stio Figment. There are reinforced cuffs on the pants to help with abrasion from boots.
Overall, the PowSlayer feels plenty sturdy for the vast majority of skiers and riders and we expect this is a kit that will last many seasons of riding with proper care. (Remember that washing and drying your jacket is good for breathability and DWR performance!)
The author testing the PowSlayer in windy conditions at Arapahoe Basin. Photo by Jacob Callaghan.
Weight and packability
The PowSlayer jacket and pants are on the lighter side of the weight spectrum, especially for a 3-layer hardshell. The pants are plenty light and breathable, and we don’t consider packability as much with pants, given that you’re pretty much always wearing them if you’re using them, with the exception of traveling, in which case they’re plenty packable.
The jacket is among the lightest GORE-TEX shells we’ve tested (though it’s still a little bit heavier than the Outdoor Research Hemispheres, which does not have a powder skirt or as many pockets as the PowSlayer). It’s plenty packable for most backcountry skiers’ needs, and our testers had no issue taking it on longer adventures up the skin track in the backcountry.
Ease of use and features
Our testers have one word for the features in the PowSlayer kit: dialed.
First, the dual spacious chest pockets are the best and most useful we’ve seen in a ski jacket, especially for a women’s model. They’re spacious enough to fit even a skin in each pocket, but when they’re empty they’re not noticeably baggy and they do not turn into black holes when you want to store smaller items. These chest pockets are also easy to access with a pack or harness on. There are also two normal-sized hand pockets, plus a pass pocket on the upper arm, an internal drop pocket, and an internal zippered pocket.
The chest pockets on the PowSlayer jacket are the best and most functional we’ve ever used. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
The hood and collar are another highlight of the PowSlayer. We think there could be a hair more room in the collar (the OR Hemispheres still takes the cake here), but it is spacious and comfortable overall—it doesn’t bunch up and looks good, too. The hood fits nicely over a helmet and cinches down to fit over a hat without being blown off. The hood also has small bits of stretch fabric on either side, which is a small but noticeable detail for comfort. These allow the hood to stretch both when putting it on over a helmet, and when the hood isn’t in use—it helps to keep the collar from feeling like it’s choking you (a major pet peeve of two of our testers).
The PowSlayer also features a minimal, fixed powder skirt that snaps back when not in use. Even our powder skirt haters (2 out of 3 of our testers) did not mind the powder skirt in this jacket; it’s very functional without being overly bulky or heavy. There is also a drawcord hem adjustment at the bottom of the jacket, and Velcro cuff adjustments on the arms.
As for the pants, there is an internal Velcro waist adjustment that’s easy to use and very comfortable. Our women’s tester sized up in the pants to ensure there was plenty of room in the hips and legs, and the waist cinch came in handy for her, seeing as they were a bit big and sizing up was unnecessary. There is a reinforced cuff on the pants that’s plenty burly but not overly stiff, and a built in gaiter that’s easy to pull over ski or snowboard boots. The thigh pockets on the pants are also plenty spacious and both (not just one!) pockets have an electronics sleeve and a loop for clipping your beacon, so you can store it in either pant pocket to best manage your electronic interference. We love this and wish all pants designed for backcountry skiing had beacon loops or clips in both thigh pockets (giving the user the choice).
If it isn’t clear already, let us state it simply: the Patagonia PowSlayer kit has the most well thought out feature set of any ski jacket and pants combo we’ve tested in recent memory—maybe ever.
One of the many useful pockets on the PowSlayer jacket. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
System performance
We think the Patagonia PowSlayer pants and jacket perform very well together as a system, though it’s not necessary to use them that way. We spent multiple days in the full kit, but also spent multiple days skiing with the pieces paired up with others, like using the PowSlayer jacket with other bibs or pants, or using the pants to tour in with other jackets.
Because we love the functionality of the features and pockets so much in both the jacket and pants, we’d recommend buying both if you’re in the market for a full kit. But, each piece functions just as well on its own, too. There is no proprietary clip or attachment system that connects them when used together—just that minimal powder skirt in the jacket. But especially for backcountry use, having both of those spacious chest pockets in the jacket and the dual beacon pockets in the pants sure is nice to have. Plus, using the full kit simply means that you’ve got GORE-TEX Pro protection from head to toe.
The hood on the PowSlayer jacket has a small patch of stretch fabric on either side that helps make it comfortable and easy to pull on and off. Photo by Jacob Callaghan.
Features
Jacket features
3-layer waterproof-breathable laminate
The PowSlayer uses a GORE-TEX Pro ePE membrane, which is generally considered top of the line. There is also a RECCO reflector built into the jacket, which aids with search and rescue efforts if you’re lost.
Fully taped seams
All seams are fully taped and all exterior zippers are fully waterproof.
Helmet-compatible hood
The adjustable, articulated hood is helmet compatible and stretches to fit over comfortably.
The PowSlayer hood is adjustable and works well over both a hat or a helmet. Photo by Jacob Callaghan.
Powder skirt
There is a minimal and light fixed powder skirt that snaps back when not in use.
Pit zips
There are underarm zips for venting, which have no mesh.
Pockets
The PowSlayer jacket has two large chest pockets, two hand pockets, one upper arm pass pocket, one internal mesh drop pocket, and one internal mesh zippered pocket. The pocket configuration is the same for the men’s and women’s versions.
Adjustable cuffs
There are Velcro adjustments on the cuffs.
Hem cinch
There is a hem cinch on the bottom of the jacket to help keep out snow and wind.
We love the minimal powder skirt design on the PowSlayer jacket. Photo by Jacob Callaghan.
Pants features
3-layer waterproof-breathable laminate
The PowSlayer pants use top of the line GORE-TEX Pro ePE. There is also a RECCO reflector built into the pants, which aids with search and rescue efforts if you’re lost.
Internal Velcro waist adjustment
There is an internal Velcro waist adjustment on the pants to help dial in fit, along with external belt loops.
The PowSlayer pants have an internal Velcro system for waist adjustments. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
Zippered thigh vents
There are zippered thigh vents on both sides to vent heat.
Pockets
There are two spacious thigh pockets, both of which have an electronics sleeve and beacon loop inside.
Both thigh pockets in the PowSlayer pants have electronics sleeves and beacon loops. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
Beacon loop in thigh pockets
Both thigh pockets have a small loop attachment inside so you can choose which pocket to place your beacon in.
Reinforced scuff guards
The cuffs have a durable reinforced fabric for added durability.
Built-in gaiters
Internal gaiters built into the pant legs slide easily over ski boots and keep snow out.
Articulated knees
The fit of the pants is designed for movement, with an articulated pattern in the knees.
One of our men’s testers putting the PowSlayer through the paces in Japan. Photo by Jacob Callaghan.
Should you buy the Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket and Pants
Buy if you’re a skier who wants GORE-TEX Pro protection from head to toe. This is also a great option for backcountry skiers who want a dialed feature set with super functional pockets, backcountry tourers needing breathable 3L protection, and riders who value durability and functional features. In general, this is a great option for skiers and riders who want a kit that performs well at the resort and in the backcountry.
Skip if you want a more budget-friendly option, need supreme breathability and ski in a dry climate, or want warmth or integrated insulation for resort skiing.
Testing the PowSlayer jacket side by side with the Outdoor Research Hemispheres. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Where to buy
The Patagonia PowSlayer 3L Jacket and Pants are popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
evo
Pros: 365 day returns, store locations in ski towns for easy last-minute pick-up, may offer rentals if you want to try before you buy, earn 10% back in Rewards
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Similar products
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team
Insulation material: None
Shell material/waterproofing: GORE-TEX ePE
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: 2 hand, 1 chest, 1 arm pass pocket, interior drop pocket, interior zippered pocket
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: None
The Hemispheres has been a longtime Treeline favorite and current winner as our best GORE-TEX women’s jacket for backcountry skiing. It is lighter and a little more packable than the PowSlayer, does not have a powder skirt, and the fabric is less crinkly and more supple. But, the Patagonia PowSlayer has the Hemispheres beat on pockets and features, and has a slight leg up on weather protection given that it uses GORE-TEX Pro. But, it’s also more expensive than the Hemispheres.
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Jacket
men's
Women's
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Bibs
men's
Women's
Norrona Lofoten GTX Pro
Insulation material: None
Shell material/waterproofing: GORE-TEX PRO ePE
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: 2 chest, arm pass pocket, internal drop pocket
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes, removable
The Norrona Lofoten GTX Pro jacket is one of the most similar in design to the PowSlayer. It’s made with GORE-TEX Pro fabric, and has a feature set that caters to backcountry touring. While the Lofoten GTX Pro is an excellent jacket, we like the overall feature set on the Patagonia PowSlayer a bit better, and the PowSlayer is less expensive than the Lofoten GTX Pro. It’s worth noting that the regular (non Pro, which is a slightly less durable and technical membrane overall than the Pro) version of the Lofoten is one of our favorites for resort and backcountry versatility, at a much lower price point. The Norrona Lofoten GTX jacket is the Best Versatile winner in our Best Women’s Ski Jackets guide.
Norrona Lofoten GTX Pro Jacket
men's
Women's
Norrona Lofoten GTX Pro Pants
men's
Women's
Outdoor Research Cloudchaser
Insulation material: None
Shell material/waterproofing: 3L Pertex Shield Stretch
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: 2 hand, one chest, arm pass pocket, internal drop pocket
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes, fixed
The Cloudchaser kit is not made with a GORE-TEX membrane and therefore is not as weather protective as the Patagonia PowSlayer, but it is more breathable. The Cloudchaser is also quite stretchy and comfortable, while the PowSlayer maintains that classic, expected, slightly crinkly GORE-TEX PRO feel. For ultimate weather protection and exquisite features, look to the PowSlayer if you’re willing to pay for it. For breathability and affordability, at the sacrifice of some weather protection, consider the Cloudchaser. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Jacket and Bibs.
Outdoor Research Cloudchaser Jacket
men's
Women's
Outdoor Research Cloudchaser Bibs
men's
Women's
Arc’teryx Sentinel / Sabre
Insulation material: None
Shell material/waterproofing: GORE-TEX ePE
Sizes: XXS-XXL (women’s), XS-XXL (men’s)
Pockets: 2 hand, upper arm pass pocket, internal drop pocket, internal zippered pocket
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes, fixed
The Arc’teryx Sentinel (women’s) and Sabre (men’s) have been longstanding winners as our best overall choice in our women’s and men’s ski jacket guides. These are excellent choices for all-around use, and are especially good for resort skiers looking for a durable and reliable hardshell. Comparatively, the Patagonia PowSlayer is designed with the backcountry in mind. It is lighter, more breathable, and more packable. And while the Sentinel and Sabre are slightly warmer, given the light flannel backer fabric, the weather protection is equal, if not a little better in the PowSlayer.
Learn more in our Arc’teryx Sentinel review and Arc’teryx Sabre review.
Arc’teryx Sabre
men's
Women's
Arc’teryx Sentinel
men's
Women's
Insulation material: None
Shell material/waterproofing: GORE-TEX PRO ePE
Sizes: XS-XXL
Pockets: 2 hand, 1 chest, pass pocket on arm, internal drop pocket
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes
Like the PowSlayer, the Arc’teryx Sabre SV men’s jacket also uses the GORE-TEX Pro ePE membrane. Unlike the PowSlayer, the Sabre SV has a much burlier, thicker, and stiffer face fabric; it’s notably heavier, less breathable, less packable, and dries slower than the PowSlayer. But, it is more durable. If you’re extra hard on gear, this may be a better choice for you.
Arc’teryx Sabre SV
Why you should trust us / About the author
The author in the PowSlayer kit, teaching her son to ski at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
Stasia Stockwell has been a skier since she learned to walk. She has since spent every winter of her life on skis and gets out to the resort or the backcountry multiple times a week in the mountains around her home in Breckenridge, Colorado. She’s been an outdoor gear writer and tester for over a decade and has been covering women’s ski apparel for Treeline Review for several years running.
Stasia is a true mountain dweller at heart. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She now calls Breckenridge, Colorado and the mountains that surround it her home. In the winters, she racks up as many ski days as possible; she loves long days in the backcountry, but nothing compares to hot laps on the T-bar at her home resort. In the summers, she’s an avid mountain biker. Sometimes you might even find her on a trail sans bike, running slowly or backpacking to an alpine lake. She’s now a full-time writer and editor in the outdoor space. Stasia is also the managing editor for the print publication for backpackers, TrailsMagazine.