Ski jacket quick picks
An uninsulated ski jacket: Stio Women's Figment Jacket
An insulated ski jacket: Mountain Hardwear Men's Firefall Insulated Jacket
A ski jacket under $100: Moerdeng Women's Waterproof Ski Jacket
A kids' ski jacket: Helly Hansen Juniors' Level Ski Jacket
The short, cold days of winter don’t mean that your time in the outdoors has to end. The fall of some fresh snow, frigid temps and the opening of many resorts across the country means that ski season is fully upon us. Whether you’re hitting the hills in Aspen or Stowe, Whistler or the Alps, you need the best possible ski jacket to keep you warm and dry from sunrise to sundown, because nothing cuts a good run short quite like impending frostbite.
To get you there, we sought answers from those who know powder best: professional skiers. Ahead, we’ve rounded up their top tips for finding the most comfortable fit and their favorite jackets for hitting the slopes.
What to look for in a ski jacket
Ski jacket insulation
According to Olympic alpine ski racer Paula Moltzan, the first thing you need to understand about ski jackets is that there are essentially two categories on the market. “There’s insulated and uninsulated,” she explains. “Insulated outerwear is great for skiing at the resort while riding chairlifts with just a few light base layers underneath. Uninsulated jackets are great for ski touring or folks who tend to run warm and would rather layer appropriately for their day outside. There’s more flexibility with an uninsulated jacket, but you will need to plan your layering appropriately.”
How do you know which one is best for you? “The main thing to consider when buying a new ski jacket is the climate where you normally ski,” says Ingrid Backstrom, professional skier, ski film producer and co-founder of Safe As Avalanche Clinics. “If it’s usually cold and dry (Colorado, Utah, East Coast), you’re going to want a layering system, where you can have a jacket with a lining that zips out, or a nice outerwear shell that you can wear an insulating puffy underneath. If you are in the PNW or California or anywhere with more moisture and humidity, the waterproofness of your shell will be the most important thing, with perhaps a thinner insulating layer underneath.”
World champion freeskier Kyle Smaine adds that when mapping out your ski kit (that’s the lingo for “outfit”), “The formula is simple: Base layer, midlayers, outer layers and backups if a key piece gets too wet or snow-packed to perform.”
Ski jacket features
Speaking of wetness, we want to avoid it at all costs, which is why waterproofing is incredibly important. “There is nothing I value more than staying dry underneath my ski kit on wet days,” says Moltzan. “Gore-Tex 3L fabric keeps you dry in the harshest and nastiest conditions.” Olympic skier Kiley McKinnon, who founded the ski gear brand Halfdays, adds, “Usually [a waterproof rating of] 10,000mm or above is what you should look for, this way you don’t have to worry about being soaking wet when it starts snowing. The biggest mistake people make when buying a jacket is buying one that’s not made for skiing,” McKinnon says. “For example, people will buy puffer jackets that aren’t intended for skiing because they look warm. However, non-ski puffer jackets are the least waterproof option because of the material they usually use and all of the stitching throughout.”
Beyond warmth, ski jacket functionality is a chief concern among the pros. “Does the jacket have a ski pass pocket, does the hood fit over a helmet, is the collar high enough to protect my face from the wind, is there a powder skirt (the thing that wraps securely around your waist to keep the snow out)?” says McKinnon. “These are all standard things that most ski jackets should have and also things that will help your overall ski experience.”
You’ll also want to assess durability — after all, these jackets don’t come cheap, so you want them to last for years. “Skiing and snowboarding can be hard on your clothing, and having a jacket that can last season after season, stand up to the edges of your equipment and keep you protected against the elements is important. High-quality fabrics and zippers are key here,” says Hammer. Adds professional skier and disability access strategist Vasu Sojitra, “Make sure the fabric is rugged. I’m pretty rough on my gear so it’s nice to know my jacket will hold up to the trails I put it through.”
Ski jacket fit
Next up: fit. A too-big or too-small jacket will harm your mountain experience, and considering how much lift tickets cost these days, we don’t want that to happen. “I prefer jackets to have a bit of a longer length, and that moves well with my body,” says Hadley Hammer, a big mountain skier, ski mountaineer and writer. “Skiing is a dynamic sport where you’re squatting, bending, twisting and turning, and I want a jacket that is malleable, moving with me.” Another tip: “Don’t buy a jacket that’s too small,” says professional skier Izzy Lynch. “I always try my jacket on with ski pants, my avalanche transceiver and layers underneath, so I know how it will fit and feel when I’m using it.”
Last, but not least, is style. While the fashionability of a ski jacket might seem unimportant, pretty much every pro we talked to cited it as something they greatly value. Read: You wanna look fresh while shredding the pow! “Dressing in a ski outfit always makes me feel like I’m putting on a costume where I can turn into a superhero on snow, and I love getting to express my insides with what I’m wearing on the outside,” says Hammer. “Look good, feel good.” Steep ski mountaineer Christina Lusti adds, “I want to feel like what I wear represents me as a person in the mountains. I want to stand out and make a statement while skiing big lines.”
With all that in mind, we give you the pros’ top ski jacket picks for men and women, plus a few of the best choices for kiddos on the mountain this season. Happy trails, skiers!
Best uninsulated ski jackets
Ski jackets don't come cheap these days, so you want to invest in something that fits you well and that you'll want to wear season after season. This Stio jacket is from the brand's Figment Freeride collection, which is designed for peak performance and peak style. The Figment women's jacket also has a more relaxed, boxy fit which writer and CNN Underscored contributor Erica Zazo says some people might prefer since there is more room to move around as you navigate through snow terrain and obstacles.
For even more fit options, Zazo also likes the AG line from Burton, which features gender-neutral fits and streetwear-inspired designs. Burton's fit is slightly baggier than other ski jackets on the market, but it still has all the features you need to hit the hills like a waterproof and windproof shell, mesh cuffs, removable powder skirt and tons of pockets too.
“This is the most versatile jacket in my kit,” says Moltzan. “It fits true to size and has room to layer underneath. The Gore-Tex 3L fabric keeps me dry on wet powder days or torrential rains during shoulder seasons. It is also a great jacket paired with layers such as my Pinion Down Pullover when heading out for a cooler day of resort skiing.” Available in four colors, the Credential is packed with stretch and a soft, flannel-esque interior lining that is warm but breathable, as well as a fixed, helmet-compatible hood, a storm-sealed hem and pockets galore.
Beloved by several skiers we spoke with, the Verbier has a breathable 3L shell packed with vents and pockets, a fixed helmet-compatible hood and reinforced elbows for ultra-durability.
“The Verbier jacket is my go-to when I'm riding chairlifts. I love the longer cut, the softness of the fabric, and the perfect amount of pockets it has,” says Hammer. “I layer it with the Casaval Hoodie for warmer days or the Breithorn jacket on colder days. And a pair of bibs to keep the snow out when I take a tumble.” Professional big mountain skier Caite Zeliff says, “The Verbier jacket is my go-to resort skiing jacket because it’s stylish, comfortable and is perfect for those bluebird days, but will also keep you dry and warm while storm skiing.” Backstrom is also a fan, saying, “This is a lighter-weight shell jacket, great for springtime, sunny days or days with lots of movement, like ski touring on a nice day. It's super soft and breathable, yet still has great waterproofing.”
Made with input from pro skiers, this jacket is made from a breathable, waterproof fabric and features a helmet- and backpack-compatible design, a “life pocket” that preserves your phone battery in cold temps and a Recco Advanced Rescue system transponder — a Band-Aid-sized reflector embedded into the jacket that helps rescue teams quickly find you in the event of an avalanche. “This jacket is made for maximum freedom of movement in the backcountry, especially on powder days,” says pro skier and two-time Olympian Kaylin Richardson. Available in gray and black hues, the jacket also comes in a men’s version.
The men’s counterpart to the Verbier beloved by Hammer, Zeliff and Backstrom, this jacket is comprised of 100% recycled material that is intertwined with ripstop, making it one of the most durable options out there — not to mention a backpack-compatible design thanks to strategic vent and pocket placement. “This has been a solid jacket for me in so many scenarios from ski touring, lift access skiing, heli-skiing and snowmobiling,” says Sojitra. “It’s durable and the fit and colors are perfect.”
“I’ve never felt so free yet protected in a shell,” says Zazo of Arc’teryx’s Sentinel Anorak Jacket. The fact that it’s not insulated makes it easy to layer up or down, depending on the outside temperature, and an easy switch if you intend to wear the garment for uphilling. “Even after carving (and face-planting) in waist-deep powder, I came off the mountain completely dry underneath the jacket. I also loved the ability to unzip the pit zips while skinning up the mountain in the backcountry to let some air in to cool down,” adds Zazo.
Made from 100% recyclable material, this men’s shell from Stio includes a powder skirt, a removable helmet-compatible hood and even a forearm RFID pass pocket. “A great shell jacket is a vital piece of anyone's kit and I opt for the Stio Environ Jacket for its thoughtful design and excellent performance — the shift to recycled fabric is a bonus that allows me to feel better about my impact on the places I like to explore,” says Smaine. “I've easily put in 100 days in my Environ jacket and haven't noticed any loss of performance, waterproofing or color. That durability and trust are crucial in the harshest elements. It also means you won't need to replace it as often, adding to its already eco-conscious sourcing.”
Paying homage to The North Face's first Mountain Jacket designed in 1985, this relaxed-fit shell is waterproof and warm, not to mention oozing with vintage-inspired design details. “I love [this jacket’s] retro vibe and also it's very durable and ideal for rain, or snowy days out on the hill,” says Sojitra. “Plus, it’s a piece that holds a lot of history.” Available in four colorways, the jacket has a lay-flat hood, pit zips for ventilation and a matte finish.
Perfect for traveling skiers, the Torre Egger is ultra-lightweight, making it super easy to pack without taking up too much space. Made from 100% recycled material, this jacket is designed specifically for women with features suitable for skiers who might be going backcountry or carrying extra gear, like an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, no shoulder seams for added comfort and adjustable cuffs.
We’re huge fans of pretty much everything outdoor brand REI churns out. Offering several hundred ski jacket options, REI’s selection ranges from top-of-the-line gear to its own high-quality but extremely affordable Co-op brand, including this First Chair Jacket. Comprised of a tough, two-layer Gore-Tex outer shell that is topped with a durable water-repellent treatment that causes water to bead up and roll off, the jacket has all the amenities of its fancier competitors like a helmet-compatible hood, a removable powder skirt, pit zips, adjustable cuffs, a lift pass pocket on the sleeve and an interior drop pocket for goggles — all for just $319. Check out the men’s version here.
Made with PFC-free Gore-Tex, this wind- and waterproof jacket has a comfy polyester liner to wick moisture and keep you warm.
Best insulated ski jackets
Writer and CNN Underscored contributor, Jennifer Yellin loves this Obermeyer ski jacket which features a feather and down for warmth. It also has tons of pockets to hold your skiing essentials, underarm vents for when you need to cool off and adjustable sleeve cuffs to give you a more snug fit around your gloves.
Josie Eader, Merchandise Manager for Arapahoe Sports at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, calls this Mountain Hardwear jacket "a great bang for your buck." The relaxed fit of this jacket will let you comfortably bend down to buckle your boots and sit on the ski lift. With a 2-layer waterproof DryQ outer and mapped insulation on the inside for optimal thermal regulation, Eader also likes that, priced at just under $300, you won't have to spend as much on this jacket to get all these great features. You can also shop the women's style of this jacket (which is even cheaper).
Perfect for downhill or freeride skiing, the Powderqueen is made from 100% recycled materials and is waterproof, windproof, breathable and packed with PrimaLoft throughout. “For those days when you rule the mountain, the women's Powderqueen 3.0 Jacket has all the ski features you need to stay warm and dry,” says Richardson. “The jacket’s cut is a longer, more relaxed fit than the average downhill ski jacket, so it performs freeriding as well, and the high collar keeps you warm during cold lift rides and protected against deep powder.” The Powderqueen has a helmet-compatible hood, a powder skirt, pit zips for ventilation, a “life pocket” for preserving your phone battery in the cold, a goggle shammy and the Recco advanced rescue system. Also, if we were to pick a jacket with the best name, this one is definitely it.
Eader also likes this Marmot option if you spend all day on the slopes. "Marmot has a great Lifetime Warranty that protects against any manufacture defect," says Eader. Marmot's jacket is also insulated for added warmth with a waterproof Gore-Tex shell to keep snow slush and ice out. "This jacket has 100% taped seams from leakproof protection and DWR coating repels water from the fabric surface," adds Eader. "There’s no way you’re getting cold or wet in this jacket."
A breathable mid-layer ideal for dry days on the hill, the Breithorn is packed with 800-fill-down insulation to keep you toasty on the mountain. A cinch cord will keep the wind at bay, and the pre-tension hood fits underneath the helmet. Backstrom loves a now-discontinued version of the jacket, the Breithorn 50/50, which used half down insulation and half synthetic insulation to be more resistant to wet weather. “This jacket goes everywhere with me — it's like my security blanket,” says Backstrom. “It's great as an insulating layer when skiing, cozy like my favorite hoodie and I can ski tour or run or skate ski in it all winter.” Adds Zeliff, “This is one of my favorite jackets for layering. It is perfect for adding under your puffy jacket for extra warmth on those super cold days or a lightweight puffy option for the days when the sun is shining and the temps are favorable. I love this jacket for spring tours or keeping me extra warm in those winter months when lots of layering is your only option!"
L.L.Bean is known for its last-forever craftsmanship and fair pricing, but the Maine-based company also knows a lot about snow. As such, the brand has a slew of great ski jackets to offer, the most popular of which is this Rugged Ridge Parka. Boasting 1,100 5-star reviews, the jacket has a waterproof nylon exterior and a Primaloft liner that will help keep you dry and warm. We love that the hood is insulated and detachable, that the neck is lined with a fleecy warmer and that the price is sub-$200. Check out the women’s version of the same coat here.
Ideal for both backcountry and resort skiing, the Arc’teryx Insulated Sentinel Jacket is armed with a waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex shell and internal synthetic insulation that is warm and quick-drying. In addition to an insulated, helmet-compatible hood, the jacket has a powder skirt, plus five pockets and pit zippers for easy ventilation. “I wear this jacket most days on the resort and touring,” says Lynch. “It’s perfect for Revelstoke (where I live) because we see a ton of precipitation all winter. It keeps me warm and dry.”
We love a twofer here at Underscored, and the Shot 7 Down from Stio is just that. It features a waterproof, windproof Gore-Tex outer shell, and the jacket’s interior is packed with an ultra-warm 800-fill down that keeps you toasty — and ripping groomers — on even the most freezing of days. Available in three punchy colors — from a pretty pink to a light green — the jacket also has a helmet-compatible hood, mesh pit venting, a zippered sleeve pocket for your RFID pass and a zip-off powder skirt. Fear not, it comes in a men’s cut, too.
Cropped and cute, the Georgie Jacket is also super functional, with a forearm pass pocket and goggle wipe, storm cuffs, a cell phone leash, a helmet-compatible removable hood and a removable powder skirt. “My favorite Halfdays jacket is the Georgie,” says Halfdays founder and pro skier Kiley McKinnon. “This is our ski pure jacket and is the warmest option, so it's great for colder climates. The reason I love this jacket is because I never get cold in it and it looks great on and off the mountain. I always pair this jacket with the Carson bib pant so I can cinch the waist and have a slightly more cropped look but still feel covered because of the bib.” Available in sizes XS to 2X, the jacket comes in a slew of muted and bright colors.
Another beloved midlayer by The North Face, the Casaval came up multiple times when we spoke to the pro skiers. “It’s so versatile with base layers and under a shell jacket,” says Sojitra. “It’s been a perfect jacket to help me thermoregulate during the shifts in temperature and also when I’m fairly active and sweating.” Primed with stretchy, synthetic insulation, the breathable jacket doesn’t overheat thanks to thermoregulating perforations in the fabric, and it’s got a pre-tension hood that fits under the helmet. The style is also beloved by women. “No matter the season, nor the activity, I pack a Casaval hoodie,” says Hammer of the Women’s Summit Series Casaval Hoodie. “This is the perfect layer for movement. Skiing, climbing, touring, hiking and even winter runs. The fabric is soft and quiet — you won't annoy your ears with any swishing of your arms. It's durable and stands up to a lot of wear and tear. I put it under my shells or use it alone for ski touring.”
Designed with help from search-and-rescue pros, the Odin Infinity is a world-class jacket that will keep you warm even on the coldest, wettest days. Lightweight and packable, the jacket’s shell is waterproof and breathable, while the interior has a “Lifaloft” insulation that is lighter (and warmer) than most. We love that the design is a helmet-, backpack- and harness-compatible and that it comes equipped with a Recco Advanced Rescue system transponder, zippered and plunge gear pockets and an emergency whistle. Available in navy and black, the jacket also comes in a women’s version.
Offering loads of flexibility, the ThermoBall is a fan favorite thanks to its removable insulated jacket that zips directly into the outer shell. A great budget option — you’re getting a shell and a puffer for under $400 — this jacket comes equipped with all the must-haves too, like a powder skirt, pit vents, a helmet-compatible hood and pockets galore for storing all the ski things. Available in four hues, the jacket also comes in a like-minded men’s version.
Listen, we are more than a little suspicious about the quality of a ski jacket that costs just $70 — but given that this option from Moerdeng also has over 25,000 positive reviews on Amazon, we’re giving it a look. Available in 14 colorways and sizes S to XXL, the jacket has a water- and windproof exterior polyester shell, an interior fleece lining, a detachable hood, an interior pocket and adjustable cuffs. Is this the jacket you should get for a 10-day ski excursion? Probably not. But if you’re testing out the slopes for the first time and don’t want to spend a fortune on a warm jacket, this will likely get the job done. The men’s version of the jacket is even cheaper, though with more limited sizing, and has over 20,000 positive reviews too.
This two-layer waterproof jacket from Patagonia uses 100% recycled polyester insulation to help keep you warm on the mountain. A women's version is also available.
Eco-friendly and ultra-warm, the Lawrence has a 10,000mm waterproof rating, fully taped seams, a cell phone leash and a forearm pocket with a built-in goggle wipe. “This is our most classic ski jacket style,” says McKinnon. “I use this jacket when I know I am going to be skiing more difficult terrain and working up more of a sweat. I usually pair this jacket with our core Alessandra pant. Together, these two products make the perfect set for everyday skiing!” Available in 9 colorways, the jacket can easily coordinate with the brand’s other pieces. And if you only need it for a weekend getaway, you can rent this Halfdays jacket too.
Best kids’ ski jackets
Packed with all the utility of an adult Helly Hansen jacket, the Junior Diamond will keep kiddos extra warm from the first ride on the chair lift to the last, with nary a mid-layer necessary. Like a puffer and a shell intertwined, the jacket comes back with PrimaLoft insulation, not to mention a powder skirt, a Recco Advanced Rescue system transponder, a sleeve pocket for the ski pass and the brand’s signature “life pocket” that will keep their phone battery up and running in frigid temperatures. It's also available in five sharp colorways. The closest boys’ option is the Venture Ski Jacket, which is similarly insulated and designed.
If your kid doesn't love the look of a super puffy jacket, this other option from Helly Hansen will still keep them dry and warm as they shred on the slopes, but in a more streamlined cut. Designed to be lightweight, this insulated jacket has a high level of waterproofing, plus an adjustable powder skirt, detachable hood and a pass pocket so they can get to the slopes quicker.
Windproof up to 60 miles per hour, this utilitarian jacket from REI Co-op will take them from sledding in the backyard to skiing black diamonds, thanks to insulation strategically mapped to all the right areas. In addition to a soft microfleece lining, the waterproof jacket has a removable helmet-friendly hood, snow cuffs with thumb holes, a pass pocket and a low-profile powder skirt.
If you’re leaning towards investing in a shell for your kiddo, this is a great option. Designed with the brand’s signature tech performance three-layer construction, the water- and windproof jacket is also breathable and packed with pockets (including one to keep your phone battery alive and well in chilly temps!), an adjustable powder skirt and high visual and reflective details that will make it easy to spot them on the hill.
Waterproof, breathable and packed with lots of stretch — perfect for little shredders in ski school — this classic shell from The North Face also has a powder skirt, adjustable hem, a goggle cloth, pit vents and more. Available in four colorways, the jacket can be paired with a midlayer for additional warmth, or worn solo on milder days. There's also a boys' version available.