Need a new ski jacket? You’re definitely in the right place! In this detailed review we will take a look at the ten most popular ski jackets you can get right now. We’ve included options for both men and women so there’s definitely something for everyone.
At A Glance: Our Favorite Ski Jackets For Men & Women
The ski jackets in this review range from affordable to high end so there are plenty of options for different budgets. And we didn’t focus just on the basic ski jackets – we also included some versatile 3-in-1 options, for people who want to get that extra value.
Read on to find the best ski jacket for you!
Best Value For Money
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Best Ski Jacket For Men
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Most Versatile Jacket
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Best Ski Jacket For Women
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Most Affordable 3-In-1 Jacket
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In this section, we will take a look at the top five ski jackets for men. We’ve included options from Spyder, Patagonia, Helly Hansen, Salomon, and Wilhdorn – hopefully you’ll see something you like!
Best Value For MoneyThe Spyder ski jacket for men is one of the best jackets you could get.
It has a Gore-Tex membrane for excellent waterproofing and breathability, as well as Primaloft Black Eco insulation that makes it very warm. And it is reasonably priced, so you don’t even have to wonder whether or not it’s actually worth the money.
This jacket also features YKK zippers but only the center one is fully waterproof – that’s the only complaint I have about this ski jacket.
It has a seam-sealed construction that guarantees not a drop of water can get inside the jacket, as well as interior stretch panels that increase the amount of mobility you have when you are wearing it.
On top of that, the helmet-compatible hood is entirely removable. The hem and the cuffs are fully adjustable, allowing you to get that custom fit. There are also pit zips that let you get some air inside the jacket, which is very useful in case you ever get a bit too hot inside it.
The Spyder jacket has two hand-warming pockets and a zippered chest pocket, as well as an internal drop-in pocket. That’s plenty of space for the stuff you might find necessary on the slopes, and it’s probably enough even for the items you carry around on a daily basis.
The price of the jacket varies depending on the exact color and size, but some options are well under $300, which is an absolute steal for the materials and technologies it features. Patagonia jackets are much pricier than that, and they use proprietary fabrics that are subpar to both Gore-Tex and Primaloft.
The Snowshot jacket for men is an excellent option if you want something versatile. It is a 3-in-1 jacket, which means that it consists of two separate layers. The outer shell is made from Patagonia’s proprietary H2No fabric that boasts excellent waterproofing and breathability, and it performs really well in wet weather.
You can wear the outer layer on its own or you can combine it with the insulated inner layer for the ultimate ski jacket. Both of the jackets have two hand-warming pockets and a zippered one on the chest, so you have plenty of space for the items you find necessary even on the slopes.
The inner jacket is insulated with Patagonia’s Thermogreen synthetic insulation. The main advantage of this type of insulation over natural down is that you’re getting all the warmth without the extra bulk and weight. And even if you get the insulated jacket wet, it will still do a pretty good job at keeping you warm.
The Snowshot jacket also boasts an integrated RECCO reflector – if you like exploring new places and skiing in places where you probably shouldn’t, this might just be the thing for you.
RECCO reflectors help rescuers find you if you ever get buried by an avalanche – if there’s even a slight possibility of that ever happening to you, it’s worth it to pick up a jacket with a built-in reflector.
One thing I’m not crazy about with the Snowshot is the price point. Even if you are getting three jackets for the price of one, it’s still a pretty hefty price tag. And for that amount of money, I would have much preferred Primaloft insulation to Patagonia’s in-house one or at least a nice Gore-Tex membrane.
It’s not that Patagonia’s proprietary technologies are not good – they are, but they’re not quite up there with the absolute best options on the market.
The Alpha 3.0 is one of the best ski jackets in Helly Hansen’s entire product range.
The outer material is Helly Tech Professional fabric, which is stretchy, waterproof, and highly breathable. On the inside, you get Primaloft insulation that’s the best you can hope for. It’s known for excellent performance even in wet conditions.
The jacket uses Primaloft Gold in the body and Primaloft Black in the sleeves and hood, so you will be warm all around. In addition to that, the outer shell also boasts DWR coating and seam-sealed construction that makes it pretty much weatherproof.
Other excellent features of this ski jacket include a detachable powder skirt, articulated sleeves, removable hood, wrist gaiters, and water-resistant zippers. There are four zippered pockets on the outside, one of which even has an attachment point for your goggles.
On top of that, this jacket also has internal pockets for any extra items you want to have more secure, as well as a dedicated ski pass pocket.
The Alpha 3.0 jacket also boasts a Life Pocket that is insulated with Primaloft. The main function of this pocket is to keep your phone warm so that the battery doesn’t drain too fast like it normally does in really cold weather.
This is an awesome inclusion – if an empty phone battery is something you regularly deal with on the slopes, this jacket is a great option for you.
Also, the Helly Hansen jacket has a RECCO reflector that could potentially save your life if you ever get buried by an avalanche. It is quite pricey, but if you want the best materials, innovative technologies, and actually useful features, it’s worth every single penny.
The Stormseason jacket from Solomon is great if you want something very sporty that is just for the slopes.
It is fully waterproof and windproof with synthetic insulation inside that will keep you warm no matter wet. And since water just slides off this jacket, the insulation won’t really ever let you down.
It boasts Salomon’s proprietary AdvancedSkin Warm and AdvancedSkin Dry technologies, which just further improve its overall performance. And as you probably expected, this ski jacket has a DWR coating on the outside.
It also has venting pit zips so that you can regulate the temperature inside the jacket, in case you ever get a bit too warm. There are six pockets total – four are external and the other two are internal pockets. That should be plenty of space for items you might need on the slopes.
Additionally, the Stormseason jacket also has a powder skirt, elastic and adjustable cuffs with thumb loops, a drawstring at the hem, and a storm flap over the center front zipper. You can easily get that custom fit that feels very comfortable, which is another reason to love this jacket.
Also, keep in mind that parts of the jacket are constructed with elastane – this is to reduce the overall rigidity of the jacket so that you can have better freedom of movement.
The size variety is also okay – it ranges from S to XXL, which is pretty decent. There aren’t any plus-size options, but that’s usually the case with Salomon so no surprises there.
The main downside of this ski jacket is the price point – it’s kind of expensive for what it is, especially considering you can get some options that are much more versatile for less money.
But if this is precisely what you are looking for, then I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed because the Stormseason is an excellent ski jacket!
The Dover jacket from Wildhorn is a really good option for men that are looking for a more affordable ski jacket. It’s under $150, so it’s actually one of the cheapest jackets featured in this review.
But it is definitely not cheap in a bad way – this looks and feels like a premium jacket, it’s just that the brand didn’t use any ridiculously expensive materials in it.
The exact fabric of the shell is not specified, but we do know that it boasts a 12k waterproof rating. The exterior of the jacket is also coated with Dupont DWR, so water pretty much just slides off it.
There’s also synthetic insulation inside the Dover ski jacket, so it will do a pretty good job at keeping you warm even in wet weather.
The hood, the cuffs, and the hem are all adjustable, allowing you to get that perfect custom fit. These features are also helpful for keeping the wind out of the jacket, and ensuring that you stay warm for longer periods of time. On top of that, the Dover ski jacket also boasts venting pit zips, so you can easily regulate the temperature inside the jacket if it ever gets too hot.
There’s also an adjustable powder skirt for an even tighter fit, and I think it’s worth pointing out that the hood is helmet-compatible, but not removable.
This ski jacket for men has four external zippered pockets, one of which is actually on the arm. That’s great for items you want to keep a bit safer and easily accessible, especially stuff like your wallet and ski pass.
In addition to that, the Dover jacket also has an internal zippered pocket which is actually water-resistant, so that one is best for stuff that is very sensitive to water.
It fits true to size, so get it in your usual size – if you can find it. My only complaint is that there are no plus sizes since the largest option is XXL.
It’s time to move on to our favorite ski jackets for women! Our top picks include jackets from Patagonia, Columbia, Spyder, and Camel Crown, and we’re pretty certain you’ll find one that’s a great fit for you.
Most Versatile JacketThe Ascensionist jacket is great for ladies who want a waterproof shell for all sorts of outdoor adventures. This jacket is not insulated so keep that in mind – it won’t do much on its own when it’s cold. So, in order to keep warm, you need to combine it with a decent mid-layer.
The shell of this ski jacket is actually Gore-Tex active, which is extremely breathable and fully waterproof. Also, this particular version of Gore-Tex is specifically designed around outdoor activities, and it’s supposed to be very lightweight and non-restrictive.
All of that makes the Ascensionist jacket great for active women who need that freedom of movement, whether they’re hitting the slopes or climbing a mountain.
The Patagonia jacket features a seam-sealed construction with DWR coating on the outside, so not a drop of water can get inside the jacket. But if you ever get a little too hot when you’re wearing it, you do have the two-way pit zips for some quick ventilation.
In addition to that, this ski jacket boasts waterproof zippers everywhere, and that’s really great.
Especially considering that you get quite a few pockets on the outside and that you don’t even have to worry that the items in them will get wet. There’s also a roomy stretch pocket inside the jacket, which is large enough to fit even your goggles.
On top of all that, this Patagonia ski jacket for women boasts a RECCO reflector that allows rescuers to find you if you’re ever buried by an avalanche. It’s a feature that we hope you never need, but which might save your life if it ever comes to that.
The main downside of this ski jacket is the price point. It’s quite expensive, especially for an outer layer that’s not even insulated. You’re supposed to wear this over something that provides warmth, and I can imagine that Patagonia wants you to combine it with their Nano or Micro Puff layers and those aren’t exactly cheap either. If you’re on a tighter budget, I definitely have some better options below.
Columbia’s Alpine Action jacket is one of my all-time favorites for skiing. It is warm, waterproof and it’s not even that expensive – at least, not for the quality and performance you get. This jacket features Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Heat Reflective lining, which is great for cold conditions.
It consists of tiny reflective dots that trap your body and help it circulate inside the jacket. The lining is great at retaining heat for longer periods of time, and it actually works really well even with very little insulation inside the actual jacket.
The exterior of this ski jacket is also made from Columbia’s proprietary materials – Omni-Tech fabric to be specific. It is a breathable but fully waterproof fabric that performs really well in cold and wet weather.
Additionally, this Columbia jacket has a total of six pockets, so you definitely have plenty of space for all the items you might need on the slopes.
In fact, you even have enough space for the stuff you want to have on you when you’re just running around the town. And considering just how stylish this jacket is, it’s one of the best options you can get if you’re specifically looking for something versatile.
It boasts an active fit so it allows for great freedom of movement, which is essential for women who ski for hours at a time. And the hem is adjustable, so you can make the jacket as comfortable as you need it to be.
The hood can be removed and the powder skirt is adjustable, so you can easily transform the Alpine Action from a ski jacket to one that’s perfect for the city streets.
Last but not least, it’s worth noting that this jacket is super affordable – the exact price varies on the color and size combo, but some options are only around $80. And that’s insane for Columbia quality!
The Captivate jacket from Spyder is an excellent option for women who want a jacket that is designed specifically around skiing. It features a Gore-Tex shell for outstanding waterproofing and breathability, while the Primaloft Black Eco synthetic insulation inside the jacket does a great job at keeping you warm in very cold weather.
Gore-Tex and Primaloft are the best technologies you could hope for in a ski jacket, in terms of performance, durability, and value for money. Actually, the value of this jacket is a bit insane – there is some variety when it comes to pricing but most of the size and color combos are under $200.
So, just be sure to check the exact price of every color in your size, especially if you are on a tighter budget.
And other features won’t disappoint you either. It has YKK AquaGuard zippers that are waterproof, taffeta lining with stretch panels for great comfort and mobility, and multiple internal pockets. The dedicated pocket for goggles even includes a lens wipe, and that’s super convenient.
You also get some external pockets on this jacket, including a small data pocket on the arm. This is great for stuff like cash, cards, or just a ski pass – it is always easily accessible and it’s perhaps the safest spot on the entire jacket.
The hem, cuffs, and hood are all adjustable, so it will be pretty easy to get that great custom fit. On top of all that, the Spyder ski jacket for women is available in sizes from 2 to 16, so there are plenty of options for everyone.
When you pair the excellent size range with the adjustability of the jacket fit, it becomes pretty obvious that everyone will have the ability of feeling really comfortable in the Captivate jacket.
If you are on a very tight budget, the Camel Crown jacket is a good option for you. While there are some higher quality jackets in a similar price range, this is by far the best budget 3-in-1 ski jacket you can get your hands on.
Camel Crown actually makes some decent gear – it’s not the best on the market, but it definitely performs better than you would expect for the price.
You get a waterproof windbreaker and a warm fleece jacket for under $90. When you wear the two jackets together, you get a great ski jacket that performs perfectly fine in any weather conditions.
This women’s jacket also features adjustable elastic cuffs, an adjustable hood with a chin guard, and seamless zippers. All of those features help keep the wind out, and in combination with the Teflon exterior shell, they really help make the jacket 100% windproof.
Another thing you will like about this jacket is the number of pockets. There are both the windbreaker and the fleece hoodie have a roomy internal pocket and two zippered external ones, for a total of six pockets on the entire jacket. That’s pretty amazing for the price point, as it basically guarantees you will have enough room for everything you could possibly carry on you.
There are some downsides to this jacket but it’s nothing really huge. You’re not getting any special waterproofing technology on the outer shell, but it’s not like we were expecting Gore-Tex for a little over $80.
Also, there is no insulation in the inner jacket, but that’s okay – fleece is a comfortable material that is great at keeping you warm. It just doesn’t have any water resistance whatsoever so it is suitable only for dry weather.
Nitpicking aside, there is one thing that Camel Crown does better than all those expensive brands and I think they deserved to be praised for it. Their jackets are available in a wide size range that goes up to 3XL, meaning you actually get some plus-size options this time!
The Emerald Lake jacket from Columbia is excellent for women who want a versatile 3-in-1 jacket and don’t mind spending a bit extra on it.
It consists of a waterproof outer shell and an insulated inner layer that can be worn individually or together. When you wear both layers together you get a great jacket that is perfect for wet and cold weather.
The outer shell is fully waterproof and windproof, but it doesn’t have any insulation. It is pretty wide though, so it can work for climbing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures which require more freedom of movement.
The inner layer is also very versatile; it boasts synthetic insulation and Omni-Heat lining that will keep you toasty warm. Also, the jacket’s insulation has decent water resistance, and it should keep you dry in light rain.
It’s worth noting that the synthetic insulation in the inner jacket performs perfectly well in wet weather, so you don’t have to worry about that all.
On top of all that, I’m pretty sure you will really like the number of pockets you get on this jacket. There are five pockets total on the outer shell, so you definitely have plenty of room for all the stuff you could need on the slopes.
It is also worth noting that the jacket has multiple underarm vents, allowing you to let some air in if you ever get too hot in it. That’s the only way you can get air inside the jacket – everything else about it is entirely windproof, from the adjustable cuffs to the hood.
Insulation is very important in ski jackets – most of the time you spend on the slopes is in sub-zero temperatures, so it’s very important that the jacket is able to keep you warm enough when you’re standing still or riding the lifts.
Your body produces plenty of heat when you’re rushing downhill and the best jackets are able to trap that body heat so you can stay warm when you’re just standing in line, waiting to get on the ride.
When it comes to insulation, the main choice you need to make is between synthetic or natural down. And we’ve made it sort of easy for you here since we decided not to include any jackets that are insulated with down. That’s because down jackets tend to be much bulkier and they’re not really great for skiing. Bulk means less freedom of movement, which ultimately means worse performance on the slopes.
Another reason why manufacturers prefer synthetic insulation in ski jackets is its performance in wet weather. Clusters of duck and goose down clump up when they are wet, which practically renders them useless. They are unable to trap heat, and their performance in wet weather is generally really bad even with the best waterproofing on the shell of the jacket.
Synthetic insulation is much better in this area – it performs just as well in wet weather, so it’s the safer option for outdoor activities in the rain and snow.
Also, it’s worth noting that we did include a couple of jackets that are not insulated – these are only suitable for skiing if you pair them with a warm mid-layer.
It can be a fleece hoodie, an insulated jacket, or anything you want, just don’t expect a thin waterproof shell to have any heat-trapping capabilities. These jackets tend to be more versatile, and are also great for other outdoor adventures like climbing and trekking.
Do you want a jacket that is just for the slopes or something you could wear on a daily basis?
If you’re looking to get a jacket just for skiing, then you’ll be fine with anything featured in this review. All of the jackets are designed specifically for the slopes and have more than enough features to keep you warm and comfortable. But if you would prefer something more versatile, then you should look for a few specific things.
The most versatile jackets are the ones that consist of two different layers that you can wear individually or combined. You practically get three jackets for the price of one, so even if they are more expensive you’re getting better value for money.
The insulating layer is great for chilly autumn and spring evenings, and the waterproof outer shell is perfect for rainy days. Also, the outer layers tend to be roomier, making them easy to combine with any other hoodie or insulated jacket.
Something else you should pay attention to is the amount of pockets on a jacket. Make sure that there’s enough space for all the items you usually like carrying on you, especially if you’re not one to carry a purse or a backpack.
Some of the ski jackets featured here have those roomy pockets for goggles, and those are great for fitting the bulkier items that you’d have to carry in a separate bag otherwise.
Last but not least, pay attention to the style and color of the jacket. If you want to be able to wear it on a daily basis, go with something that suits your wardrobe and that you can wear with lots of different outfits. If it fits you well and you feel great in it, then you will be more inclined to wear it when you’re not just skiing.
Even though all of these ski jackets are very similar in terms of how warm and waterproof they are, you can see a lot of differences in the little things. And that’s ultimately going to decide which jacket you end up with, so really think about the features that you are not willing to compromise on.
Always check if a jacket you like has enough pockets for the stuff you normally carry on the slopes. Some of the jackets have special pockets that might make your life a bit easier – the Alpha 3.0 from Helly Hansen has an insulated phone pocket, while the Wildhorn Dover jacket boasts a water-resistant internal pocket.
I would also recommend that you look for RECCO reflector jackets if you’re the really adventurous type. That feature is literally a lifesaver if you ever get buried by an avalanche, so don’t dismiss it if you like skiing in more dangerous areas.
Other features to look for are removable hoods, adjustable cuffs and hem, storm flap, and waterproof zippers. Double check that the jacket you like has all the features you want and you will avoid any nasty surprises.
Not sure which of these ski jackets you should get? It’s okay – they are very similar so if you don’t know exactly what you need, it’s not so easy to choose just one. The easy way out is to go with our top picks – we’re pretty certain you won’t be disappointed so check them out!
The overall best ski jacket for men is the Alpha 3.0 from Helly Hansen. It is entirely waterproof, insulated with Primaloft and it boasts seam-sealed construction. On top of that, this jacket has some unique features like the insulated phone pocket that’s designed to preserve the battery of your device.
It also has a built-in RECCO reflector, a removable hood, and a detachable powder skirt. But it is a pricey purchase, so it’s definitely not an option for everyone.
If you were hoping for something a bit more affordable, the Spyder Copper jacket is a close second. With a Gore-Tex membrane, Primaloft insulation, and YKK zippers, it’s actually a really great jacket! Plus it has adjustable cuffs and hem as well as a removable hood, and even a bunch of different internal and external pockets.
The best ski jacket for women is without a doubt the Columbia Alpine Action jacket. It’s actually one of my favorite ski jackets of all time, and it comes with a ridiculously affordable price tag.
The jacket boasts Columbia’s proprietary technologies that include the waterproof Omni-Tech fabric and the reflective Omni-Heat lining, for excellent performance in different weather conditions. It is insulated with Microtemp XF, it has a detachable hood and a variety of different pockets for your must-have items.
Head over to Amazon to check if the jacket you like is available in your size and to see just how much it costs. And be sure to check out our related posts for even more excellent ski gear you might be missing out on!
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