We Tested 40 Ski Jackets — and These 11 Were the Absolute Best

Beginners to advanced skiers will appreciate the thoughtfully designed Helly Hansen Alphelia Ski Jacket, which is why it earned the title of best overall. The jacket is made with high-quality materials like polyamide and elastane with AquaGuard zippers and PrimaLoft insulation lining the coat for extra warmth. In testing, we found the jacket to be plenty warm against below-freezing temperatures and it kept us perfectly dry while spending a day on the mountain in heavy precipitation. Plus, the extra features like Recco reflectors, a removable hood, goggle shammy, and powder skirt make it the perfect versatile jacket for any skier. Wrist gaiters, a fleece-lined chin guard, adjustable cuffs, and a battery-saving pocket also helped it rise to the top. Because this jacket has a layer of cozy and warm insulation, it might be too warm for spring skiing, but the jacket has built-in ventilation under the arms so you can cool down quickly if needed. We also loved that the fitted silhouette avoids the bulk that plagues many other insulated jackets.

The Details: XS to XL | PrimaLoft insulated | Recco reflectors | Polyamide, elastane, polyester

Stio’s premium down jacket came in closely behind the Alphelia Lifaloft but ultimately failed to snag the top spot mainly because it has fewer pockets and is significantly more expensive. But, if you prefer a bit of extra length and a roomier fit on the slopes, this might be the perfect ski jacket for you. Available for both women and men, the Shot 7 Down kept us warm on the most brutally cold days. It’s loaded with 800-fill-down insulation plus Gore-tex for flawless waterproofing. We tried this jacket out during our three months of tests in both whiteout conditions in Vermont and through zero-degree days in the Canadian mountains, and we stayed bone-dry and perfectly warm the entire time. Even the fixed hood is insulated to keep your noggin at an ideal temperature. 

We loved how spacious the zip pockets at the waist and the inner chest are. The jacket also has a pass pocket and sizable dump sleeves for your water bottle or spare gear. The left upper arm pocket is perfect for ski passes using RFID (radio-frequency identification) — rather than having to show your lift ticket to an attendant, these passes automatically open a gate to the chairlift and you'll enjoy having it safely zipped in the arm pocket rather than a hand pocket. We’re also obsessed with how soft the silky internal fabric feels, and the external shell that is deliciously smooth. A removable powder skirt, dual zippers, and arm vents further up the Shot 7 Down’s value. Although color choices are somewhat limited (we would have especially liked a basic black), we love the design details on the existing options, like the electric pink lining of the misty cloud color and the printed interiors on the prickly pink and midnight hour hues. 

The Details: XS to XL | Insulated | Regular fit | Gore-Tex® 2L, polyester, recycled nylon, 800 RDS goose down

Outdoor Research will earn your loyalty with its Carbide shell, which also comes in a women’s version. Although incredibly lightweight, it was sturdy enough to pass our waterproofing tests with flying colors. The extremely comfortable shell has maximum versatility thanks to a spacious fit that allows for layering combined with a breathable feel and well-placed vents for warmer days and backcountry climbs. You’ll find the Carbide has all the necessary waterproof pockets, including one on the arm for your ski pass. After wearing this jacket on the slopes ten times, we felt it to be warm but it didn't overheat. The wire-brimmed hood is also adjustable in two separate places, and we appreciated it staying put exactly where they wanted it. The jacket even allows for full range of motion, locks out snow with an adjustable hem, and comes in at a price point that’s very competitive in the world of high-performing ski gear. 

The Details: S to 3XL | Regular fit | Pertex shield 3L, 40D nylon

We love this super sleek and premium jacket. The fit of this is the most flattering of any ski jacket we tried and it's packed with subtle features that make it truly stand out. Throughout three months of tests, we loved the weather-proofing that kept us both warm and dry in every condition. The award-worthy fit is achieved through the fabric’s impressive amount of stretch that lets it move with the body despite a slim cut, and we could easily see why Sync is a popular brand in the world of professional ski racing. The waist, hood, removable powder skirt, and wrists are all adjustable. Two pockets that are lined with fleece are perfect for warming your hands during downtime, and the unique, discreet vents provide airflow at the chest. The 20K/20K waterproofing kept us completely dry, though we did find that the side zippers aren’t completely waterproof. All in all, the Headwall (also available in men’s) is an excellent choice for a luxurious feel that’s backed by some of the best athletic performance out there. 

The Details: XS to XL | Slim fit | Recycled nylon, 4-way stretch, 20k/20k waterproof breathable, DWR 3L

We were immediately smitten by this jacket’s featherlight feel and polished look, but we were truly in for a treat when we took it up to the mountains. The Arc’teryx Sentinel repelled water like nothing we had seen before, and we loved the way it seamlessly moved while skiing. Basically, Gore-tex has never felt so good, even after three months, we were incredibly impressed by the high-quality, weatherproof fabric. The jacket’s interior is lined with a thin flannel that helps keep things cozy. Although Arc’teryx warns that the Sentinel’s zippers are highly water-resistant but not waterproof, we had no problems even in snow. It also has some of the best arm vents we’ve seen, as they’re extra long and sport dual zippers so you can increase airflow precisely. Arc’teryx’s Sabre Jacket for men boasts similar features. 

The Details: XXS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit | 80D 3L ePE Gore-Tex, Recco reflectors

It was no surprise to us that the outdoor pros at Patagonia created a jacket with all the skiing essentials. Hand-warming pockets, full waterproofing, Recco reflectors, and arm vents lay the foundation for a smooth day of skiing. You can even make on-slope adjustments to the hem through clever access points in the front pockets, and another unique pocket features a place for cable routing. We appreciated that the two-way adjustable hood includes a visor for extra protection from the elements and the loops on the rear of the jacket that can secure it to snow pants.

Meanwhile, we always admire Patagonia’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and reliable customer service. It's lightweight and breathable, but comes with quality you expect from Patagonia. After our three-month tests, it held up beautifully and looks the same as when we pulled it out of the package. On top of it all, the Insulated Powder Town Jacket manages to be lightweight, warm, and so flexible and sweat-wicking that you can even wear it for winter running. Do note that it has a bit of extra length compared to most ski jackets and is particularly roomy, so you may want to size down if you prefer a fitted feel. 

The Details: XXS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit | H2No Performance 2L, 75-denier recycled polyester

The Track Jacket’s unique colorblock is certainly a head turner — we even had several people stop us on the mountain just to ask about the fashion-forward jacket. More importantly, this 20K/20K waterproof jacket has all the ski necessities. We loved that it has tons of pockets, both inside and out. Riding up chair lifts was no problem at all since the extended hem kept things warm. Wrist gaiters helped create a snug feel, while vents ensured we weren’t too snug after rigorous runs. We also applaud Picture Organic for using 100 percent bio-sourced and recycled polyester along with a PFC-free DWR finish. For a women’s jacket with a similar look and attributes, check out Picture Organic’s Fresya or its Haakon Jacket, which also performed extremely well in our testing. 

The Details: S to XXL | Insulated | Relaxed fit | Bio-sourced and recycled polyester, DWR treatment

If you love pullover ski jackets, you’ve found your match in the Strafe Lynx Pullover for women or Cham Shell Pullover for men. The kangaroo pouch was the hero of the day when we simply had to bring four slices of pizza on the Utah trail for a midday snack. Thumbhole cuffs, 20K/20K waterproofness, and extra length also helped this jacket win us over. We gave it lots of bonus points for having vents that span almost the entire length of the arm, which is perfect for spring skiing. Although it’s designed to have an oversized fit, we didn’t find it bulky in the slightest. It also strikes the perfect balance between breathability and warmth, and we loved the range of motion and protection from snow it affords. After three months of testing, this was one of the most durable jackets we tested and held up well throughout long days on the mountain as well as getting stuffed into suitcases.

The Details: XS to XL | Active fit | Recon Elite 3L 4-way stretch, nylon, polyester jersey, DWR treatment

Even tall skiers will find the perfect fit in Flylow’s very comfortable Malone Jacket. The form-fitting shell is equipped with a removable powder skirt, arm vents, and 20K/20K waterproofing. Superior mobility also helped this jacket make it to the top. Whether we were navigating through tree-filled glades or going off of jumps, we didn’t feel any restriction whatsoever. After three months of tests, the jacket seemed to only get better as the fabric loosened up, enhancing mobility. Apart from its superb functionality, we were excited to see the Flylow Malone Jacket is available in a trendy range of colors. While the Malone is only available in men’s sizes, the Flylow Lucy Jacket has similar specs. 

The Details: S to XXL | Relaxed fit | Recycled polyester, 3L Tactic, DWR treatment

Stio makes some of the best ski gear on the market, so it's no surprise that the brand landed not just one but two spots on our list of the best ski jackets. The Figment Jacket wowed us with a slew of functional, spacious pockets for storing everything you could need on your body while out skiing for the day. The jacket features various external pockets, including two on the chest and two hand pockets on the side. We also can't forget to highlight the multitude of internal pockets, like an insulated chest pouch for storing a phone so it won't die quickly in cold temperatures. Other aspects of the jacket that we love include the comfort fit, AquaGuard waterproof zippers, a goggle shammy, and armpit ventilation for warmer weather. One thing to note is that the jacket has a freeride or relaxed fit, so the style is a bit different than the slimmer ski jacket shape you might see more regularly.

The Details: XS to XL | Shell | Longer fit | PeakProof™ 3L, recycled polyester, DWR treatment

Skiing is a pricey sport, so if you're looking to get the best bang for your buck, we recommend the Obermeyer Tuscany II Insulated Jacket. We tested in harsh East Coast skiing conditions and the insulation and waterproof Repreve recycled fabric proved to be protective and warm against icy, cold, and windy weather. The jacket runs true to size and has a comfortable slim fit, and although the faux-fur lined hood is stylish for après, we love that it can be removed for skiing since it's a bit bulky. We're also big fans of the fleece-lined collar for protecting the chin and the wrist gaiters to keep the chill from creeping into the jacket. We wish it had ventilation, but it's still a versatile and warm jacket for skiing that will last plenty of ski seasons down the road.

The Details: 0 to 16 | Insulated | Slim fit | Repreve recycled polyester, polyester twill weave

Frequently Asked Questions

• Always, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to wash your ski jacket. Your jacket washes should be few and far between since your base and mid-layers prevent your body’s bacteria from making their way to your outerwear. Most insulated jackets should be washed in lukewarm or cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble-dried in low heat. One thing you will almost certainly not want to do is use fabric softener on a ski jacket, as it can compromise waterproofing. Skipping the detergent may also be recommended for your jacket. 

• The best ski outfits start with a moisture-wicking, body-hugging base layer. Merino wool is a popular choice because it’s naturally temperature-regulating and is great at keeping wearers dry. Skiers who tend to get damper may prefer a base layer made of synthetic material that’s even better at slaying sweat, such as polyester. Something mixed with a flexible fabric like spandex is also a great idea. Next up is your mid-layers, which could be anything from a ski sweater to a fleece or an insulated puffer. On warm days, you may find that a single base layer gets the job done. If you’re heading out on one of your first ski adventures (welcome!), be sure to bring plenty of layering options that you can play around with to figure out what works best for you.

• This also depends on your personal preference and style of jacket. Slim-fitting, standard, and loose ski jackets are all available and worth some consideration. Generally, you’ll want a jacket that’s snug and aerodynamic but not so tight it leaves you cold — insulation only works if there’s room for air to be warmed up — or unable to fit your desired number of layers underneath. But do keep in mind that, at the end of the day, skiing is a sport, and anything too oversized may prove cumbersome and restrictive.