The 7 Best Ski Jackets – [2021/2022 Reviews]

We're going to look at ski jackets that are not only warm, but look great so you can enjoy your day on the slopes.

Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

Picking the best ski jacket is a difficult task because it has to perform well in a wide range of conditions.

Everything from well below zero to warm spring skiing while being waterproof and breathable at the same time.

Having been a ski instructor for over five years in Utah I can tell you what makes a good ski jacket. There are features you must have and some you can leave behind.

Now I’m going to help you find the right ski jacket.

We’ll look at some factors in choosing your next ski jacket and suggest a few top performers.

Ladies: We have a list of the top women’s ski jackets here.

Best Mens Ski Jackets

 Arc’teryx Fission SV JacketThe North Face Carto Tri-Climate JacketSpyder Leader GTX Ski Jacket
editors choice
Shell:Ripstop nylon GORE-TEX®NylonDWR treated polyester
Style:One piece shell3-1 Modular jacketOne piece
Insulation:Liner only100 g/m² Heatseeker™100 g/m² of 3M Thinsulate™
Hood:Attached hoodDetachable hoodDetachable hood
Rating:4.4 / 5.04.5 / 5.04.9 / 5.0

For more of my ski gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Ski Pants, Ski Gloves, Ski Helmets

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Ski Jackets

  1. Arc’teryx Fission SV Jacket
  2. The North Face Carto Tri-Climate Jacket
  3. Spyder Leader Ski Jacket
  4. Columbia Whirlibird Interchange Jacket
  5. Helly-Hansen Alpha LIFALOFT Ski Jacket
  6. Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket
  7. Mammut Stoney Ski Jacket

Ski Jacket Reviews

Our reviews of the top rated ski jackets with our comparison table and buying guide will help you choose the right jacket for a great day on the slopes.


Best Arc’teryx Ski Jacket

Arc’teryx Fission SV Jacket at a Glance:

  • Shell: 100% Ripstop nylon waterproof GORE-TEX®
  • Style: One piece shell
  • Insulation: Coreloft™
  • Other: Helmet compatible drop hood with pit zippers

If Columbia is a company I have touted as value based, Arc’teryx is absolutely (in my opinion) the opposite. Without a doubt it is the outstanding “premium” name brand in the outdoor gear world.

Arc’teryx is a Canadian based company that got its start making products for the military and moved into the civilian market in the late 1990’s

In my opinion many of their products do not deserve the high price tags. However, the Arc’teryx Fission SV Jacket is NOT in that category.

Keep in mind that, unlike the other jackets I review, this one does not come with a removable insulated liner.

This jacket is primarily a shell with a Coreloft™ insulation but amazing it is incredibly warm. On really cold days I would use a good breathable base layer or a sweater.

The high-end GORE-TEX® Pro waterproof fabrics combined with reinforced shoulder and elbows make this one the most rugged and long lasting jackets on the market.

 Arc'teryx Fission SV Ski Jacket
Arc’teryx Fission SV Ski Jacket is available in 13 colors

The Fission SV Jacket has a helmet-compatible, easy to adjust hood plus a separate collar to keep out the cold air. The jacket includes large “pit-zips” for ventilation when its warm out which is a critical inclusion in my book.

One of the odd features left out was the lack of a powder skirt. This is without a doubt a ski jacket that will last you many years and is the best Gore-Tex ski jacket.

Women’s Model: Arc’teryx Women’s Beta SL Jacket

Amazon BackCountry


Best North Face Ski Jacket

The North Face Carto Triclimate Hooded Ski Jacket

The North Face Men’s Carto Triclimate Jacket at a Glance:

  • Shell: 100% Waterproof nylon
  • Style: 3-1 Modular jacket
  • Insulation: 100 g/m² Heatseeker™ insulation
  • Other: Breathable, fully seam-sealed and adjustable, removable hood

The North Face has been in the game of outdoor clothing since the 1960’s. Founder, Douglas Tompkins being dissatisfied with hiking jackets at the time decided he could do better and The North Face was born.

For this reason their products are usually well thought out and not too far off base. They’ve managed to wiggle their way into being one of the most widely recognized names in the industry by making some of the best outdoor clothing.

The Men’s Carto Jacket is a 3-1 ski jacket that continues this tradition of quality gear and is the culmination of everything they have learned over the last 50 years.

You’ll pay a decent price for the name brand and for the “breathable” HyVent fabric (North Face’s in-house fabric) but when you wear the jacket you will understand why it cost a little more than other jackets.

The North Face Carto Triclimate Ski Jacket
The North Face Carto Triclimate Jacket is available in 8 colors

The breathable HyVent 2L shell when paired with their “Heatseeker” insulated liner makes it one of the warmest ski jackets available so you will stay warm even on the coldest of days.

And when spring season comes around, you can take out the insulated liner and just use the completely waterproof shell.

Their HyVent insulation really sets this jacket apart from the fleece-crowded market.

Your going to pay a little more for the Carto jacket but you will have a jacket that is going to give you years of service and with its flexibility, you can use it all season long.

As with most ski jackets, it comes in several styles and colors, one of them is sure to suite your style. For a pretty reasonable price, the The North Face Carto jacket is in my opinion the best North Face ski jacket.

Women’s Model: The North Face Women’s Cinnabar Triclimate Jacket

Amazon BackCountry


Best Insulated Ski Jacket

Spyder Leader GTX Ski Jacket at a Glance:

  • Shell: 100% Waterproof DWR polyester
  • Style: One piece
  • Insulation: 100 g/m² of 3M Thinsulate™ Insulation
  • Other: Fully seam taped, removable helmet compatible hood

The Leader ski jacket is one of Spyder’s least expensive offerings but being made by Spyder you are ski getting a worthy contender for your money.

The Leader has 80 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation so you know it will keep you warm. However it does not have a removable liner like the Columbia Whiribird or North Face Carto jackets so that’s a minus in my opinion.

However, I can count on one hand the times I have actually removed the liner from my jacket, the only time you will is if you’re spring skiing when it’s really warm out.

In those conditions breathability and being waterproof are far more important.

The Leader is 100% waterproof with “Spylon (DWR)” coating, waterproof zippers and taped seams. With the Bemis anti-abrasion resistant shell it will last you many seasons.

Spyder Leader Jacket
Spyder Leader Jacket is available in 8 colors

If you tree line ski, it will resist the scratches from tree branches you will encounter.

It has a removable and adjustable helmet compatible hood plus it comes with wrist gaiters to keep the wind and snow out, even if you take a digger.

You’re going to be comfortable all day on the slopes with its “core ventilation system” and with the DWR coating on the shell, one of the best waterproof ski jackets available.

Even being one of Spyder’s most inexpensive ski jackets, you will not go wrong with this jacket.

Women’s Model: Spyder Women’s Project Jacket


Best Budget Ski Jacket

Columbia Sportswear Men's Whirlibird Interchange Ski Jacket

Columbia Whirlibird Interchange Ski Jacket at a Glance:

  • Shell: 100% Waterproof nylon
  • Style: 3-1 Modular jacket
  • Insulation: 80 g/m² Omni-Heat™ Reflective Microtex
  • Other: Breathable, waterproof, windproof and critical seam-sealed shell

Columbia is a company that has been around since the 1930’s and I have long touted as one of the best quality-value ratio outdoor gear manufacturers in the market. Especially if you’re lucky enough to live nearby a Columbia Outlet store, the value ratio of their product simply cannot be beat.

The Whirlibird Interchange Jacket is no different. It has a nylon outer shell with “selective seam taping” is not going to be completely waterproof in any major sense but we already know that’s not super critical in a ski coat.

Polyester insulation and inner lining is a great choice of materials and serves to move this jacket up on the list.

Columbia Sportswear Men's Whirlibird Interchange Jacket with Detachable Storm Hood
Columbia Sportswear Men’s Whirlibird Interchange is available in 10 colors

A removable hood is a feature I love on a ski coat and earns this jacket brownie points! Featuring an adjustable powder skirt really just seals the deal on this economy-priced jacket.

It’ll be hard to be disappointed in this jacket especially at the variety of price points it is available at.

If you don’t happen to be near a Columbia Outlet you can find this jacket for a killer deal on Amazon. For the style conscious skier they have quite a few colors and styles available.

I would not hesitate to recommend this jacket for a full featured entry-budget skier jacket. It’s probably the best ski jacket for the money.

Women’s Model: Columbia Women’s Whirlibird Interchange Jacket

Amazon


Warmest Ski Jacket

Helly-Hansen Alpha LIFALOFT Ski Jacket at a Glance:

  • Shell: DWR treated polyester
  • Style: One piece shell
  • Insulation: Primaloft® Gold
  • Other: 4 way full stretch fabric, pit zip venting

Helly Hansen jackets may not be as prolific as The North Face around these parts, but that’s just because people aren’t paying attention. HH makes some top notch stuff so let’s dive in.

With 8 different colors to pick from you can make your stand in the fashionable gear of your choice. Don’t expect waterproof/breathable performance though because this jacket relies on a 100% polyurethane backing to be completely waterproof.

So, is it bad that this jacket isn’t made with WPB fabric? No way. It has pit zips anyways so just leave one cracked open to dump any moisture from sweat and shredding.

One cool feature that I’m surprised I haven’t seen before is the Life Pocket. This is an oober-insulated pocket on the jacket meant to keep your phone warm. Yeah, that’s right – your phone. A warm phone battery lasts much longer so this can be insanely handy.

Best for a high quality jacket with a fun little tech feature to keep those selfies rolling.

Womens Model: Helly Hansen Women’s Spirit insulated Jacket

Amazon BackCountry


Best Backcountry Ski Jacket

Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket at a Glance:

  • Shell: 100% Waterproof and windproof polyester
  • Style: One piece shell
  • Insulation: 80 g/m2 Thermore® front body, 60 g/m2 back body
  • Other: Pit zips, Fully seam-taped

Why does Outdoor Research always nail it with their gear? I couldn’t tell you. But I can tell you why this jacket should make a top pick!

While I’m not always a fan of helmet hoods, I know some of you are. That’s why I think this jacket makes a top pick for those who really get into some nasty conditions and need to batten down the hatches.

Aside from that you can rely on the waterproof, seam taped polyester for a comfortable and dry experience. Since it’s not breathable you’ll have to rely on the pit zips to dump heat and sweat, but they work better than WPB fabric anyways.

Of course there’s backcountry worthy features like a powder skirt and lightweight insulation for those bitter cold laps.

Best for those who want a reasonably priced helmet compatible ski jacket.

Womens Model: Outdoor Research Women’s Offchute Jacket

Amazon BackCountry


Best Waterproof Ski Jacket

Mammut Stoney Ski Jacket

Mammut Men’s Ski Jacket at a Glance:

  • Shell: Gore-Tex® Paclite Dry technology
  • Style: 3-1 Modular jacket
  • Insulation: Pertex® Quantum Polyester
  • Other: PitZips, wrist pocket for ski pass, removable helmet compatible hood

The Mammut Ski Jacket is one of Mammut’s least expensive offerings but being made by Mammut you are ski getting a worthy contender for your money.

The Stoney has minimal insulation and is more of a shell than some of the others on our list. One feature I really like is the removable helmet compatible hood.

With MAMMUT’s DRY technology Pro with Gore-Tex keeping the wind away from your body along with 20000 mm of water resistance plus 20.000 g/m²/24h of breathability, it’s perfect for year round skiing.

If you’re into spring skiing you will appreciate the PitZips to dump heat when the temperature rises.

If you tree line ski, the 100% tough nylon shell will resist the scratches from tree branches you will encounter.

The wrist gaiters to keep the wind and snow out, even if you take a digger is a nice feature.

You’re going to be comfortable all day on the slopes with this jacket, one of the best waterproof ski jackets available!

Women’s Model: Mammut Stoney Women’s Jacket

Amazon


Men’s Ski Jackets Comparison Table

Men's Ski Jacket ShellStyleInsulationHoodRating
Arc'teryx Fission SV JacketRipstop nylon GORE-TEX®One piece shellLiner onlyAttached hood4.4 / 5.0
Spyder Leader JacketDWR treated polyester One piece100 g/m² of 3M Thinsulate™Detachable hood4.9 / 5.0
Columbia Whirlibird InterchangeNylon3-1 Modular jacket80 g/m² Omni-Heat™ Reflective MicrotexAttached hood4.6 / 5.0
Mammut Stoney Ski Jacket100% Nylon w/ Gore-Tex3-1 Modular jacketLight insulationDetachable hood4.5 / 5.0
Helly-Hansen LIFALOFT JacketPolyesterOne piecePrimaLoft 80g GoldDetachable hood4.6 / 5.0
Outdoor Research HemispheresPolyester One piece80 g/m2 Thermore®Attached hood4.4 / 5.0
The North Face Carto JacketNylon3-1 Modular jacket100 g/m² Heatseeker™ Detachable hood4.5 / 5.0

Author’s Expertise / Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

Casey Fiedler - Author - Skiing in Park City
Casey Fiedler

I started writing online for my own outdoor sports blog in 2010. Right out of the gate I landed opportunities to test gear for Road ID, Hydrapak, Wolverine, Helle Knives, Pearl Izumi, and GU Energy. Those were the days when growing a no-name blog was easy. Today niche blogging is a different story.

In 2012 I left Central Wyoming College with a degree in Outdoor Education and Leadership. Soon after, I was on a month-long expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Outdoor Educator Course which helps would-be outdoor guides ascend from “aspiring” to “inspiring”.

Between here and there I’ve participated in and spoken at length about outdoor pro-deal programs for companies like Patagonia, Smith Optics, Giro, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, MSR, Columbia, and many more. I still work closely with tons of outdoor gear companies to review and analyze products. If you have a product opportunity you’d like to discuss, please review my guidelines and contact me here.

After several seasons of guiding backpacking trips and working as a certified Alpine Ski Instructor at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT for several seasons, I had to move on. As any educator will tell you – teaching doesn’t pay the bills very well.

In 2016 I began building my freelance writing career as readers and other bloggers reached out to me for help with technical outdoor sports content strategy for online businesses. Within weeks I was overloaded with requests for freelance writing and my new career blossomed.

2018 saw the launch of Hike With Less, my ultralight backpacking partnership program with Dustin Walker.

How To Choose the Best Ski Jacket – Buyers Guide

Best Mens Ski Jacket

It seems like outdoor gear companies these days are using every hype word they can think of (or make up) to get people excited and extremely confused about what they’re actually buying.

We’re going to go over how to buy the best ski jacket on Amazon. This article will take you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to smell that BS when the local outfitter tries to sell you something you don’t need.

Once you understand what to look for in a ski jacket so you will stay warm and you’ll be able to make a decision which saves you money and improves your skiing experience.

What is Layering?

If you’ve dressed for the outdoors before, you’ve probably heard of layering. Layering is a methodology for dressing which leaves the wearer with many varying combinations of clothing that can accommodate a wide range of weather eventualities.

In other words: wearing a shirt, sweater, and jacket gives you more options than just wearing one really thick coat.

Types of Jacket Layers

We’re going to break down layering here into only two main groups:

Shells

Shells are the outermost layer and are very critical to the success of a good layering plan. Shells have one primary job – to create a barrier between you and the weather.

Shells are usually either windproof, waterproof or (ideally) both. If your shell is waterproof it is also windproof. The reverse is not always true.

Insulated

Insulation comes in two flavors – natural and synthetic. The three main examples are merino wool, polyester, and goose down. For the cold winter months down insulation is probably the best, albeit most expensive, choice.

Insulation layers always go under the shell and are primarily responsible for trapping and retaining body heat.

Types of Ski Jackets

When it comes to ski jackets we’re going to look at a few styles with different approaches to layering:

Modular “3-in-1” Jackets

Best Mens Ski Jackets
The North Face Carto Men’s Triclimate 3-1 Jacket

Becoming very popular in the last few years are the modular jackets. These jackets take an all-encompassing approach to layering and, when you purchase one, they come with everything you need to make 3 separate layers.

Here’s how it works: You get a shell and an insulation layer when you purchase a 3-1 system. The only real neat feature here is that they’re usually made to zip together.

Why is this even important? Because, when zipped together, you have a single jacket which acts as your insulation and shell in one. When zipped apart you can choose shell or insulation – or both.

These systems provide an easy no-brainer type solution to layering.

The major downside?

You’re stuck with whatever combination of shell and insulation the manufacturer deems appropriate. This isn’t so good for customizing but you can always just get a different shell insulation later and swap them out. The The North Face Carto Tri-Climate Jacket is an excellent example of this type of jacket.

NOTE: Additional shells or insulation layers may not fit the zipper system of your original 3-1 coat so you may have to wear them as individual layers (something I prefer to do anyways).

Insulated Shells

Most lower-end ski jackets are the “insulated shell” type of jacket. It is far and away less versatile and adjustable than a 3-1 layering system, the insulated shell comes with thick insulation permanently sewn inside the jacket.

I’m not a fan of this type of jacket, mainly because they tend to be heavier and bulkier than a 3-1 modular jacket.

This really sucks when its spring skiing conditions and everyone else is stripping off layers while you’re soaked in sweat inside your non-adjustable coat. If you plan on doing any spring skiing then I would not consider this type of jacket, even though you may save some money.

There are very few situations outside of polar exploring where insulated shells have an advantage over good adjustable layering systems.

Only consider these options for the most extreme cold conditions.

Soft Shell Jackets

A relatively new option in jackets. This type of jacket is a hybrid of a hard shell and an insulation liner such as a fleece jacket. This jacket is not a bad option in warmer conditions early in the season or spring skiing where it tends to be warmer.

They do not offer the same water resistance of a hard shell but if don’t fall often or its not raining then I think this a good way to go. I would consider this only if you ski frequently and have other jackets.

Hard Shell Jackets

warmest ski jacket
Arc’Teryx Beta AR Jacket Shell

This type of jacket is mainly for protection from the elements, like wind, sleet and snow. A great example of just a quality hard shell is the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket.

When you choose this option you are choosing the “Homemade layering” (see below) I would consider this option for a frequent or experienced skier who needs maximum flexibility with their layering.

As you get to know the conditions and what layers works best, you can dress exactly the way you need to. For the once a year skier/boarder the 3-1 modular jacket is probably a better option, like the Columbia Whirlibird Interchange Jacket or the The North Face Carto Tri-Climate Jacket.

Homemade Layering Systems

It’s worth noting here that it is possible and, often, advisable to create your own layering system. Selecting your own hard shell jacket and insulation layer (or multiple different layers of insulation) means you have full control over every variable.

Most outdoor professionals will choose this method due to the superior level of control provided in choice of gear.

Homemade layering system won’t be able to zip together into a single garment the way 3-1 systems do but that’s a very minor drawback when compared to the great benefits offered by choosing your own appropriate clothing layers.

Choosing a Ski Jacket Shell

Best Womens Ski Jackets

Picking a ski shell can be a confusing process when you begin to consider how many features and options are out there.

On top of this, manufacturers are always trying to come up with new ways to make common features sound like the most groundbreaking thing since the wheel. Let’s talk about what you really need to know to pick a ski jacket:

Waterproofing

Waterproof layers are really only necessary if you’re planning to ski in spring conditions. For the majority of skiers, a waterproof shell is absolutely not necessary for resort skiing.

Waterproof breathable shells are all the rage and hyper expensive. They’re really not necessary and you’re a lot further ahead letting your upper body “breathe” by halfway unzipping the jacket or opening the “pit zips” found in higher end jackets for ventilation.

Before shelling out the beaucoup bucks for waterproof breathable shells, consider how likely you really are to end up in a situation where you’re getting rained on while skiing.

When you’re looking at the spec’s for ski jackets you may notice a water resistance rating. It is usually expressed in mm or mil. This rating describes how water resistant the jacket is.

It’s a bit technical but it goes like this:

Take a column of water and how high the water column needs to be before the water soaks through is its “mil” rating. For example, if the jacket is rated at 5,000 mil, it will take a column of water 5,000 mm’s high (200 inches) before it can start to soak through the shell of the jacket.

Most jackets are rated at least 5,000 mil with real high end jackets going all the way up to 20,000 mil. Not all jacket makers use this scale or the rating for their jackets.

Another term you see thrown around is “taping” and there are two taping methods. First is the “fully taped” seams, meaning that ALL seams have been sealed with some type of coating to make sure water does not get in and provides a measure of extra durability.

You will find most high end jackets “fully taped” like the Spyder Titan Ski Jacket.

There is also “critical taped” this tends to be on more mid-range jackets and means that only the major seams like the sides and outside of the arms are taped for extra water resistance.

Windproofing

Windproof layers which are not waterproof are often less expensive. These jackets are sometimes called “soft shell” jackets. In most winter time resort skiing conditions a softshell outer layer is just the right amount of weather protection.

Advantages of softshell windproof layers include flexibility (made from stretch material) and much better breathability than even the most advanced waterproof coats.

Breathability

best ladies ski jackets

Another term you are likely to hear in regards to jackets is “breathability”. It has its own rating like waterproofing. The breathability of the outer shell is measured in “grams”. This rating tells you the amount of water vapor, (perspiration) will evaporate through the material in a 24 period.

Like mm or mil, the higher the better and of course the more it costs. It can be useful when comparing jackets and is mainly only a consideration if you ski in warmer conditions or a hard charging skier who works up a sweat.

If you are a backcountry skier who hikes for a few hours to get to the location, then breathability is a more important consideration for you. For the rest of us, this is really not that critical.

Ventilation

Extremely critical for a good shell layer – ventilation options. My personal favorite, and the option I think is most critical in choosing a shell, are “pit-zips”.

Large zippers under the arms are great way to dramatically increase the temperature range at which your shell layer can be worn.

Fit and Sizing

If you are choosing a shell only jacket, make sure you order a size or two larger than normal for you is definitely important.

Why go up a size?

You’ll want room under that shell for your insulation layer. The other consideration is the length of the jacket. If you have a longer torso, be sure to get a jacket that is cut longer. Not all jackets will reach much past your waist.

In my mind a longer jacket is better because they will help keep the cold and snow out. This is especially important for beginner skiers/boarders who tend to fall more often and will get snow inside of their jacket if it doesn’t reach far enough down.

A “snow/powder skirt” can prevent this however. (discussed below) If you’re buying a 3-1 system then simply choose the size which fits you best.

Powder Skirt

Another mandatory feature is a powder skirt.

Most ski shells come with an elastic cord around the bottom hem to help seal the jacket against the weather. Don’t confuse this with a true powder skirt – powder skirts are inside the jacket.

Usually a handful of inches above the bottom of the garment, and provide and additional adjustable seal around your waist to keep out the snow when you take a digger.

Hood

warmest womens ski jackets

If you’re skiing with a helmet (and you should be, see our ski helmet reviews here) then a hood really isn’t going to do you any good.

Look for shells with removable or stowable hoods. Often times feature-rich shells have a small pocket into which the hood can be stashed.

Some jackets feature a “helmet hood” but these are usually meant for covering climbing helmets and often won’t fit the larger ski helmets.

Helmet skiers are left with the beanie option for extra warmth though it’s rarely necessary with a good helmet.

Choosing Insulation

Once you’ve smartly chosen your favorite shell, you’ll want to start looking at insulation. Don’t ignore this even if you’re buying a 3-1 system because understanding what insulation you’re buying is really important to making an informed buying decision.

Fleece

Fleece comes in many thicknesses and weights. Windproof fleece is amazing and if you can find it, don’t hesitate to pay the extra price.

Look at the fleece in your 3-1 jacket to make sure it’s thick (or thin) enough for your needs. Not all 3-1 jackets are made the same!

Fleece is really just specially woven polyester!

Synthetic

Okay, I know fleece is synthetic, but it has its own category. Synthetic insulations are usually some variation of polyester insulation trapped inside a nylon garment. There are as many different colors, brands, and warmth variations out there as you could ever imagine.

Synthetics are great for wet conditions where your insulation might become soaked. This is only a real potential in spring skiing.

Down

You won’t find down insulation unless you take the DIY approach to making a layering system or, if you’ve got the budget, you start considering extremely high end 3-1 layering options.

Down usually comes from geese but sometimes you’ll find duck down. These little feathers are hyper-insulating and extremely lightweight. Added benefit? They’re highly compressible meaning you can smash your jacket into a tiny ball for packing.

Drawbacks include high price and a severe loss of insulation if the down becomes wet. Maybe not the best choice for late spring skiing. Down also requires extra care and washing techniques.

Packability

Alright, I made that word up, you caught me. It is, however, worth noting that many insulation layers come with the cool feature of being able to pack down inside of their own pockets for luggage and travel. This is a feature I have enjoyed many times.

FAQ About Ski Jackets

Q: Is Gore Tex worth my money?

A: Good question! If you ask someone of my dad’s generation they’d say yes. Gore Tex was first on scene with waterproof breathables and many still consider them the best.

However, today almost every manufacturer has some version of their own in-house WPB fabrics that work just as well or sometimes better.

In fact, last I checked, eVent fabrics are more breathable (by a significant margin) than Gore Tex. So, in terms of pure performance Gore Tex doesn’t even rank at the top.

Q: Do I need a hood on my jacket?

A: Negative.

Today, almost everyone is rocking skiing helmets so having a hood just doesn’t need to happen. Sometimes you can find jackets with a helmet hood and that could be helpful. However, most of the time helmets are plenty warm on their own and a hood just serves to catch snow and then dump it down your back later.

Long story short, if you’re planning to wear a helmet just don’t bother with a hooded jacket. Some jackets have detachable hoods so you can swap them in and out – that could be worth your time.

Q: What are the best accessories for a ski jacket?

A: Look for the following tasty options on your jacket:

  • Pit zips
  • Goggle pockets
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • Several inside pockets
  • Ski pass pocket

Inside pockets are great for snacks and your phone. Keeping your phone inside the jacket will keep it warm which helps the battery last longer.

Pit zips are the bomb because they really help control temperature. You might not want to unzip your jacket in case you take a digger or if it’s snowing. But pit zips are usually safe to open without worrying about snow sneaking in on you.

Some jackets have special ski pass pocket, now that most ski mountains give you card instead of the clip on paper pass, this can come in handy on the lift line.

Most jackets come with adjustable and storable hoods but now that most people wear helmets this is not much of a benefit anymore. I cannot remember the last time I used mine on the slopes.

The best ski coats will have plenty of pockets for keeping snacks, phone, water, a neck gator etc.

Q: What is a powder skirt?

A: Nope it’s not a fashion accessory.

Powder skirts are elastic waistbands on jackets that zip, snap, and cinch around you after you put the jacket on. They then hug tightly to you and prevent snow from slipping up inside your jacket if you take a fall or find yourself bounding through fields of endless pow.

They’re a handy feature but I’ll be honest, I’ve skied thousands of hours without them and can tell you that you don’t always need it as long as you’re not taking falls or getting powder spray up under your jacket.

Q: Should I get an insulated jacket?

A: I wouldn’t get an insulated jacket. Once you put on an insulated jacket you can’t adjust the amount of insulation on you at any one time.

Instead wear a base layer, mid layer, puffy, and waterproof jacket outer layer. That way as you warm up (or the day warms up) you can ditch individual layers underneath. This makes your body temperature much easier to manage and you can adjust your ski jacket to match any conditions you encounter.

Best Brands of Ski Jackets

Best Ski Jacket BrandsThis is a bit subjective of course and if you ask 10 skiers what the best brands are you will get 10 different answers. There are some ski jacket makers that always seem to get mentioned and not by coincidence they are the jackets reviewed here.

These jacket makers have been around for a while and have excellent reputations for making quality equipment.

  • Spyder – Almost always at the top of everyone’s list, and since the US Olympic team trusts them, you can too.
  • Arc’teryx – A Canadian company that got its start making jackets for the Canadian Mounties, so you know this is a quality bran.
  • The North Face – Always a good option for ski gear as well, many people swear by this brand.
  • Helly Hansen – who is probably better known as a maker of Women’s jackets is a great option as well.
  • Columbia – Usually on most peoples list of the best ski equipment, they are in my opinion one of the best price/performance brands on the market.

How We Researched

To come up with the top skiing jackets we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, EVO along with our own personal experience. We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price.

The author, Casey Fiedler was a full time ski instructor for Park City and The Canyons in Utah. To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow ski instructors.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources


I hope this guide was helpful for finding a good ski jacket to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a jacket I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

New to skiing? See my beginners guide to skiing for tips and advice.

Have fun and be safe out there!

Notice:

OutsidePursuits.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. OutsidePursuits.com earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

Casey Fiedler

Casey is a qualified ski instructor, naturalist educator, hunter, and avid outdoorsman based in Mason, Michigan. He spends much of his time in the wilderness where he tests outdoor gear supplied to him by companies such as Patagonia, Smith Optics, and Wolverine. Casey has guided backpackers, kayakers, and skiers on backcountry trips all around the US. He taught Alpine skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah for several seasons before transitioning into freelance writing. When he is not working, Casey enjoys fishing and participating in adventure and orienteering races.
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