Whether you’re looking for a ski jacket to accompany you in the backcountry or the resort, finding the perfect one can be challenging. Altitude Sports has you covered though, with this list of the best ski jackets for this winter season and an insightful buying guide on what to look for when buying a ski jacket.

Included are two-layer and three-layer models (2L and 3L), insulated jackets with real and synthetic insulation, and hard shells. The best ski jackets on this list strike a balance between warmth, ventilation, waterproofing, and breathability.

  1. Best all-around ski jacket
  2. Best budget ski jacket
  3. Best ski jacket for extreme cold
  4. Most versatile ski jacket
  5. Best resort ski jacket
  6. Best backcountry si jacket
  7. Other favorites

The Top Ski Jackets Reviewed

Product Name

  • Helmet-compatible hood
  • Technical fabric that keeps users dry and warm
  • Extremely versatile
Shop

Product Name

  • Lots of pockets
  • Zippered hand and chest pockets
  • Omni-Heat lining on the shell
Shop

Product Name

  • Built for the slopes
  • Sleek silhouette
  • Lightweight and breathable yet warm
Shop

Product Name

  • Loose fit for layering
  • Lightweight synthetic insulation
  • RECCO Advanced Rescue system
Shop

Product Name

  • Flexible and versatile
  • Lightweight
  • Weather-proof
Shop

1. Best All-Around Ski Jacket

To stay warm and dry in variable winter conditions, few jackets can compete with the Rab Xenair Alpine Insulated Jacket. This versatile ski jacket will take you from the icy slopes to the tranquil cross-country trails.

Inside, PrimeLoft Gold Insulation Active+ balances warmth and breathability by keeping heat in and wicking perspiration. Meanwhile, the Pertex Quantum Air outer encourages air exchange without sacrificing protection from the elements. A DWR coating is a nice touch to help you stay dry.

What makes this jacket such an excellent skiing companion is its active features. Articulated sleeves increase your range of motion; intelligent body mapping improves core temperature regulation; and the helmet compatible hood with stiffened peak sits comfortably over your noggin. Plus, its sleek design makes it a great option for your day-to-day life, too.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Helmet-compatible hood
  • Technical fabric that keeps users dry and warm
  • Extremely versatile

Cons

  • Price
Brand Name | Product Type

2. Best Budget Ski Jacket

At this price point, it’d be hard to find a better technical skiing jacket than the Columbia Last Trackers Jacket for men. The shell has a seam-sealed, Omni-heat reflective lining to trap body heat. It’s insulated with a 650-fill power down liner that can be removed according to the weather conditions.

For women, we recommend the Columbia Bird Mountain II Insulated Jacket. Though it comes with a slightly higher price tag than the men’s Last Tracks, it’s worth it. The Bird Mountain II is designed for ladies who live on the slopes. With its mix of Omni-Heat Infinity thermal fabric and Omni-Heat insulation, this coat takes the bite outta chilly mountain days.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Lots of pockets
  • Zippered hand and chest pockets 
  • Omni-Heat lining on the shell

Cons

  • Sleeves run a bit long
Brand Name | Product Type

3. Best Ski Jacket for Extreme Cold

Built for the Swiss and Spanish National Ski Teams for the 2021/2022 season, the Descente Swiss Down Jacket is an apex ski coat. Better waterproofing, combined with exceptional mobility, makes this iteration the brand’s best one yet.

The new and improved Air Circulation Down System excels at keeping your core temperature stable as you alternate between low and high output activities. The powder skirt is a nice touch that keeps snow from getting in, while the mesh ventilation between down compartments means you don’t have to worry about stretches or tears.

For women, the less pricey Iris Jacket is a must-have for serious skiers. Like its male counterpart, the Iris boasts exceptional breathability, weather-proofing, and range of motion capabilities. It also features a chambray lining and sleek profile.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Built for the slopes
  • Sleek silhouette
  • Lightweight and breathable yet warm

Cons

  • Premium price tag
Brand Name | Product Type

4. Most Versatile Ski Jacket

Women who dream about bottomless powder are in good company with the Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 Jacket. The 2-layer HELLY TECH construction and ripstop backing mean it’s both durable and waterproof. 100g of PrimaLof Black Eco insulation are cleverly distributed throughout the core, sleeves, and hood. The relaxed fit is perfect for layering.

For men, the Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket is a trusted favourite among ski enthusiasts and professionals alike. Boasting a Performance Ridge Shell with Life Infinity, this jacket excels at keeping you dry without hindering breathability. With Ridge Infinity Shell, you shouldn’t be afraid to be rough—this thing is truly built to last for season after season.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Loose fit for layering
  • Lightweight synthetic insulation
  • RECCO Advanced Rescue system

Cons

  • Could be warmer
Brand Name | Product Type

5. Best Resort Ski Jacket

Plan on spending a few overnights at the ski resort? Make sure to take the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Shell for men and Black Diamond Recon Insulated Shell Jacket for women along for the trip.

Both of these jackets are renowned among skiers and snowboarders for their ability to deliver impeccable comfort, flexibility, and weather protection. The 3-layer stretch woven shell is blended with a 4-way stretch fabric, creating a highly durable garment with exceptional mobility.

The removable inner powder skirt, helmet compatible hood, pit zips, and adjustable cuffs also provide plenty of freedom to adjust your core temperature depending on the intensity of your activities.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Flexible and versatile
  • Lightweight
  • Weather-proof

Cons

  • Not insulated
Brand Name | Product Type

6. Best Backcountry Ski Jacket

If you’re headed into the backcountry, you need a jacket that rises to the occasion. The Black Crows Freebird Xpore Jacket does exactly that. It’s specially crafted to meet the intense demands of ski touring and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Don’t let its minimalist design fool you. Under the hood, the Freebird Xpore is oozing with technical features: Breathable Xpore fabric strikes a seamless balance between lightness, comfort, and durability. Meanwhile, the 3L Xpore mechanical stretch means you don’t have to worry about stretching or tearing. Plus, seam sealing keeps precipitation at bay.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Flexible
  • Breathable yet waterproof

Cons

  • On the expensive side
Brand Name | Product Type

7. Other Favourites

If you’re looking for serious weather-proofing, the Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge Gore-Tex Jacket is unmatched. As the name implies, the 3L Gore-Tex shell is completely waterproof but doesn’t hamper breathability.

The helmet compatible hood is impressively customisable, with three-way drawcord adjustment. Meanwhile, two oversized internal drop pockets are perfect for storing and organising chunky gear. An integrated RECCO avalanche rescue reflector will give you peace of mind for any off-trail adventures.

Price: 0.00$

Brand Name | Product Type

What’s not to like about The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket? Waterproof on the outside; warm on the inside—this jacket is the definition of an all-purpose snowsports jacket. Whether you prefer to wear it on its own, or layer it as an outer shell on colder days, the relaxed fit allows you to customise your layering preferences with ease. 

With 100% recycled DryVent and two different synthetic insulations, you’ll be comfortable from lift to lodge.

Price: 0.00$

Brand Name | Product Type

Built for the modern alpinist, the Patagonia Super Free Alpine Jacket is a beacon of minimalist techwear. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, climbing or hiking, this bluesign approved jacket offers a host of simple yet innovative details to keep you lightweight and safe on the trail.

The 3-layer breathable Gore-Tex is 100% recycled, highly durable, and eminently packable. The helmet compatible hood features an insulated Storm Seal gasket that traps in warmth and defends against pesky drafts. Last but not least, two-way, watertight pit zips give you extra control on how you regulate your core temperature.

Price: 0.00$

Brand Name | Product Type

The Lofoten Gore-Tex Insulated Jacket offers enough warmth for skiing at the resort in the coldest weather. Its robust and flexible 2-layer GORE-TEX fabric is fully waterproof and windproof, and also offers great air circulation.

Its insulation is made of recycled PrimaLoft fabric. The adjustable StormHood and the fabrics under the snow skirt offer perfect freedom of movement.

Price: 0.00$

Brand Name | Product Type

For those looking for a stylish performance ski jacket, the Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket is the best in its class.

Omni-Heat synthetic insulation adds minimal bulk and maximum warmth. The shell is fully waterproof and breathes to let loose excess moisture.

Price: 0.00$

Brand Name | Product Type

What to Look for in a Ski Jacket

Whether you’re riding up a chair lift or speeding down the trail, you need a ski jacket to protect you from the harsh elements. Consider the usage, weather protection, ventilation, and other features like pockets and zips. Ideally, you’ll find a ski jacket to last you winter after winter. 

1. Use: Resort or Backcountry?

Backcountry and resort ski jackets usually have specific features for the intended activity. For instance, backcountry jackets will have a thicker outer shell to protect from sharp rocks. On the other hand, resort ski jackets will have more pockets and zips for added convenience. 

2. Shell Layers: 2L vs 3L

A three-layer laminate shell will provide the ultimate wind- and waterproofing, as well as breathability. Though a 3L model is more durable and rugged than a 2L, they both provide protection against the elements. 

3. Insulation

Since skiing takes place in colder weather, warmth is an essential consideration. There are some jackets with synthetic insulation, some with natural down insulation, and some with both. 

Many people say that there’s nothing warmer than real goose down. Though it will keep you warmer than other jackets, it’s also usually expensive. In addition, if it gets wet, it no longer retains heat.

On the other hand, synthetic insulation such as Primaloft mimics the heat-trapping properties of down. It’s usually more affordable and still keeps you warm if it gets wet. 

4. Waterproofing

In this list, several jackets have thick waterproof shells. GORE-TEX is one of the most reliable and popular waterproof fabrics. It’s also breathable, which is vital since skiing is an aerobic exercise. Some other waterproofing methods are a Durable-Water-Repellent (DWR) coating and different variations of waterproof fabrics. 

One thing to keep in mind is cleaning your GORE-TEX jacket as needed. Contrary to the myths, this will enhance, not diminish, waterproofing. 

5. Fit

Most people want their clothes to be comfortable, and ski jackets are no exception. Since we’re continually moving when we ski, we want a jacket that moves with us. Some jackets fit more loosely, while others contour to the body’s curves. We recommend reading the description of each jacket carefully to find the fit you prefer. Look for things like ergonomic tailoring and body-mapped insulation.

6. Ventilation

When skiing, your body temperature is continuously changing: frigid mornings walking to the chair lift; working up a sweat skiing downhill; warm afternoons gliding through slush. A great ski jacket provides the ventilation to adjust the warmth as you go. That’s why many jackets have massive vents and pit zips that allow heat to escape. Keep in mind that insulated jackets will be harder to cool off since they trap heat. 

7. Other Features

Certain features make your long days on the slopes more convenient. Ski-specific features can make an already-good jacket perfect for you. 

  • Helmet-compatibility

Finding a hood that fits over your helmet is a must. Some hoods reduce visibility, while others rotate with your head. You want the hood to be well-fitting and snug, designed to fit over your helmet.

  • Pockets

Pockets are essential for spending full days on the slopes. If you mostly do resort skiing, you’ll want to find a jacket with an RFID pass pocket. Some jackets also have big pockets to hold snacks, extra gloves, hand warmers, and trail maps. 

  • Powder Skirt

Powder skirts help keep the snow out when it’s piled up high. If the snow keeps coming up through your waist, you’re going to have to leave the slopes early. That’s why a powder skirt, removable or attached, is an essential part of the best ski jackets.

FAQs for Ski Jackets

Q: Why are ski jackets so expensive?

A: Ski jackets can be expensive due to insulation, waterproofing, breathability, and other technological features. Having a warm but breathable jacket often comes at a high price.

Q: Should a ski jacket be tight or loose?

A: The fit of a jacket depends a lot on personal preference! Some like baggy jackets for layering, while others prefer garments that stay tight to their bodies. This will also depend on conditions—you might need to layer under a hard shell, or be fine with just an insulated shell.

Q: Can you ski in a down jacket?

A: While you can technically ski in a regular down jacket, it won’t be as practical. Ski jackets have specially made features for skiing like zips for thermoregulation, pockets, and higher breathability. It also runs a high risk of getting very damp, as it won’t be built to factor more sweat from an aerobic activity.

Q: Can you wear a snowboard jacket for skiing?

A: Ski and snowboarding jackets are interchangeable. There’s no reason you can’t wear a ski jacket for snowboarding and vice versa. Be aware that snowboarding jackets are often made far bulkier and with lots more room than ski jackets.

We hope this guide to the best ski jackets of the season helps you find the perfect fit. We carefully looked at aspects like warmth, breathability, and special features to put together this list. 

Although finding the right jacket can be challenging, remember that gear shopping should be fun! Feel free to consult this in-depth review at any time while shopping.