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If you're putting on your skis and hitting the slopes, the right ski jacket can help protect you from the elements and keep you warm and comfortable, whether you're cruising groomers or getting lost in the backcountry. The best ones keep out the biting cold, help you stay dry, and offer ample mobility so you can ski happily. Our expert review team has been testing ski jackets for over a decade, unearthing the new options every season. We've bought and tested over 120 unique models to find the best men's and women's ski jackets on the market.
Our male testers favored the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft. Offering a great level of warmth balanced with effective ventilation, this jacket performs well in various weather conditions. I, alongside my fellow female testers, enjoyed the premium construction, excellent weather protection, and stylish fit of the Arc'teryx Sentinel. However, I know that the high price tag can be intimidating, so I'd recommend you also check out the Outdoor Research Carbide. It feels right at home at the resort or in the backcountry, and has a slightly stretchy fabric that improves comfort at a more palatable price point.
For those who like to BYO layering system, you can take a look at men's hardshell jackets and women's hardshells, which provide a robust water/wind-proof top layer that can be used for other sports year-round. If you're after more insulation, check out our picks for the best men's and women's down jackets.
Editor's Note: This ski jacket review was updated on May 25, 2025, to ensure our current lineup is still up to date and to provide more specific recommendations on who would get the best use out of each jacket.
Who this is best for: If you're a resort skier looking for reliable warmth and performance, but don't want to pay top-tier prices, the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft is a standout choice. Designed to be equally at home on cold chairlift rides, windy ridgelines, and in-town après-ski scenes, it is one of the most versatile jackets I've used, and it's incredibly comfortable to boot. The slim fit may not work for all body types, but those who like a tailored cut will appreciate it.
Why we love it: For several years, this has been my go-to jacket. During each round of testing, I'm impressed by its incredible comfort and well-balanced feature set, and when testing is complete, this is the one I want to keep on using. One fellow reviewer noted, “I love the cut of this jacket. It's both stylish and functional enough to wear on the mountain and hanging around town.” The thoughtful combination of synthetic insulation and Helly Hansen's own waterproof membrane delivers excellent warmth and weather resistance while keeping the cost much lower.
Should you buy it? If you want a ski jacket that transitions well from the slopes to spring days and offers great value, the Alpha LifaLoft is hard to beat. It may not match the weatherproofing you'll find in a premium Gore-Tex hardshell jacket, but it holds up in wildly varying weather conditions, from winter to spring. It's also more breathable, impressively versatile, and significantly easier on the wallet, earning its spot as our top recommendation season after season.
The Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft offers a great balance between on-mountain performance and casual convenience, and it's definitely not short on pockets.
Arc'teryx also has an insulated version of the Sentinel in their line, but that added warmth adds $100 to the price of an already costly jacket.
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Sentinel is my favorite women's shell jacket, and one I'd recommend for resort skiers who prioritize waterproofing, breathability, and versatility. It's especially great if you love to switch up your layering system depending on the weather forecast, as it allows you to go light or heavy on the insulation while keeping you dry and protected from the wind regardless of what's underneath. This makes it a perfect option for those who ski in variable mountain conditions.
Why we love it: The Sentinel delivers top-tier performance with fully taped seams, a robust DWR finish, and 3L Gore-Tex fabric. With material and construction like this, it was no surprise that I didn't get wet from the outside, but I was pleased at how well it ventilated body heat and moisture from the inside as well. Generously sized and easy-to-use pit zips help regulate body temperature, and from the very first run, I appreciated its breathability and overall quality. Plus, it doesn't skimp on looks; this shell turns heads in the lift line.
Should you buy it? If you're comfortable layering and want a shell that will keep you dry all season, the Arc'teryx Sentinel can do that. However, the bare insulation means that you'll have to add an additional insulated jacket, or some other type of mid-layer for most days. If the hassle of layering seems like more than you bargained for, or if you don't already own base and mid-layers to complete the setup, you'll want to look at an insulated option. But for a durable, stylish, and high-performing outer layer, the Sentinel stands out.
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op First Chair GTX is best suited for resort skiers who want the key features of a premium ski shell, like Gore-Tex weatherproofing and a helmet-compatible hood, without the high price tag. If you're working within a budget but still want a dependable jacket with solid performance and style, this one fits the bill.
Why we love it: It's hard to find GTX at an entry-level price, and this is one of the main standout points of this jacket. Beyond that, the First Chair manages to bring together comfort, effective weather protection, and thoughtful features into one jacket. One of the draws of using a shell jacket is that you can tailor your layers from day to day, and the roomy cut of the First Chair fits easily over multiple base layers without looking too oversized to wear for the apres ski. It's a solid all-around shell that delivers great value for most skiers.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a cost-effective shell for resort use, yes. However, there are a few things to note. There is a hanging liner that boosts warmth, but it limits breathability on warmer days, although the long pit-zips help with this. Likewise, the powder skirt is fixed in place, but as one tester shared, “The powder skirt can't be removed, but I could easily tuck it away when I didn't need it.” If you tend to overheat or want more layering flexibility, you may want to consider a more breathable jacket or keep your base layers light. But for most, First Chair ski shell is all you'll need, and at an incredible price point, you can save your hard-earned cash for other parts of your ski setup.
Who this is best for: The Outdoor Research Carbide slips easily between resort and backcountry, and is ideal for skiers who split their time between the two, but don't want to buy a separate jacket for each activity. If, like me, you prioritize breathability, comfort, and value, the Carbide delivers. It is a shell jacket and has virtually no insulation, so it is better for those who prefer to do their own layering. But if you go into the backcountry often, you're likely no stranger to building a solid layering system.
Why we love it: The Carbide impressed our testers with its comfy, stretchy, and breathable 3L Pertex Shield fabric. When you pair this with an excellent price, it's crystal clear that this option carries your hard-earned cash very far. On top of that, it feels right at home in different environments, eliminating the need to double up on outerwear. As one tester shared, “I love the fit. It strikes a balance between a technical shell and a resort-specific jacket.” With solid weather resistance and useful features, this jacket delivers excellent versatility at a price that undercuts much of the competition.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a lightweight shell that works in a variety of conditions and ski environments, you'll probably like the Carbide. Just be aware that going with such a thin fabric has its pros and cons. It's very lightweight and offers decent protection relative to its weight, but I noticed that when the wind picks up, it allows more cool air to permeate than some heavier-duty options. It doesn't include insulation either, so you'll need to layer accordingly. If you'd prefer a thicker or more storm-ready option, other jackets may be a better fit. But for the price, the Carbide is tough to beat.
For a budget jacket, we were impressed with the performance of the Carbide. We found it versatile enough to wear in most winter conditions, as long as it's not too windy.
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Rush is a touring-specific shell jacket that is ideal for serious skiers who spend a lot of time in the backcountry. However, that's not to say it doesn't hold its own at the resort. Elements like a helmet-compatible hood, well-placed pockets, a pass pocket, and a powder skirt make it as functional for resort skiing as it is for deep backcountry tours. Just remember to add some additional insulating layers for those cold days riding chairlifts.
Why we love it: I was impressed by the exceptional build quality, featherweight Gore-Tex shell, and smart feature set of the Arc'teryx Rush, but most of all, its weatherproofing. My fellow tester agreed, sharing, “This jacket is pretty bombproof. I found it had no issue keeping out snow, wind, and rain.” I personally appreciate its sleek design, and its ability to vent well and pack down easily adds to its all-around versatility. Even if it comes at a premium price, for some, it could be worth it.
Should you buy it? I acknowledge that the high cost of the Rush might give some skiers pause, and I'm honestly not a fan of the permanent powder skirt (better removable), but overall, its performance speaks for itself. For those who rack up vertical both in and out of bounds, it could be a worthwhile investment. More budget-friendly options exist, and those might better suit occasional tourers, but the Rush remains a top-tier shell for those who demand the most from their gear.
Who this is best for: The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro was designed with serious skiers and riders in mind, prioritizing long-term durability, top-tier weather protection, and functional design in extreme alpine conditions. While it can handle resort days, it is a backcountry-specific model, and truly excels out of bounds. If you value premium construction and are willing to invest in gear that will stand up to years of hard use, this jacket will likely be a good fit.
Why we love it: Coming from an avid backcountry skier, it was love at first sight with the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro. It impressed me and my fellow testers right away with its stylish cut, but our opinion was confirmed by the burly Gore-Tex construction and convenient features like a removable powder skirt and wrist gaiters. It balances weather-resistance and breathability impressively well, offering excellent ventilation on uphill climbs, yet standing up to harsh conditions with the same ease. I wore it in some nasty storms and felt warm and well protected. Its comfortable fit and versatile functionality make it one of the standout shells we've tested for all-around alpine use.
Should you buy it? The Lofoten commands a steep price, and whether it's worth it depends on your intended use. It lacks some of the more comfort-focused elements of resort-specific jackets, like insulation and a pass pocket, so it would best fit someone who only hits the groomers now and then. However, we feel it delivers top-tier performance where it counts. If your ski days regularly take you into the backcountry and your budget allows, this shell is a dependable and rugged option.
Who this is best for: The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated is a versatile jacket made from combining a shell with a zip-away insulating layer. Each layer can be worn separately or zipped together, effectively giving three jackets. With many other hardshell styles, you need to supply your own base layer and insulating midlayers; not so with the 686 Smarty. Because it comes as a complete, customizable package, this setup is ideal for skiers who want maximum versatility and dependable warmth without breaking the bank. Whether you're new to the slopes or looking for one jacket to cover a wide range of conditions, this model offers excellent value and adaptability.
Why we love it: The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 has a robust construction and offers a solid level of warmth for resort riders. The jacket holds up well in various weather conditions and provides reliable insulation for long days on the mountain. Even more impressive is the price; you get three wear options, making this model a standout in terms of value. And though style is subjective, I felt that the fit was great, no matter how I wore the layers.
Should you buy it? While it is a reliably warm jacket, breathability is a weak point for the 3-in-1 Form. It has limited venting options across all configurations, and the armpit vents are shorter than we'd like. Additionally, the times that I wore both layers together, the jacket felt a bit bulkier and heavier than some single-layered options. Still, I didn't find it restrictive or uncomfortable while skiing. That said, this is not a specialty jacket; this is an all 'rounder. For the most intense storm days or backcountry tours, a more storm-proof shell may be a better choice. But if you're mainly resort-bound and looking for warmth, flexibility, and budget-friendly performance, the Smarty 3-in-1 deserves a serious look.
Who this is best for: The GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining is an impressively warm jacket with an exceptionally low price. While it's no fashion icon nor technical miracle, it earned decent marks where it counts, keeping you warm and protected in winter weather. I would recommend it to casual skiers who head to the resort only a few times a season and want a warm, functional jacket without the premium price tag. If you're a beginner or simply seeking something cozy and protective for the occasional ski trip, this budget-friendly option checks a lot of boxes without straining your wallet.
Why we love it: The GEMYSE stood out in our testing for delivering surprising warmth and weather protection at a fraction of the cost of high-end jackets. I wore it primarily for resort days, and it kept me dry and protected from the wind in all conditions I encountered. It's not the most breathable option, but with a comfy fleece lining, five functional pockets, and synthetic insulation, it scored decently in the metrics that matter most.
Should you buy it? If you regularly use your own leg power to get up the mountain, you will miss the breathability, it has fewer vents and synthetic fabric that might trap moisture from the inside. The construction materials aren't fully disclosed, which may leave some concerns for long-term durability. Still, for casual use and light activity levels, it performs admirably. Very few jackets fill the niche that the GEMYSE does, and it holds its own as a cozy and cost-effective choice for occasional skiers.
Insulation: Synthetic and faux-fleece | Pockets: 5
Testing the GEMYSE is soft conditions at the resort.
Credit: GearLab Team
How We Tested
Here at GearLab, we've purchased and tested over 300 ski and hardshell jackets over the past decade, including both men's and women's options. I, alongside our team of expert reviewers, have put each and every jacket through the wringer across all conditions and climates, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Our team has skied across the globe, from our humble local ski hills to the steeps of La Grave, France, and the dreamlike powder of Hokkaido, Japan. A group composed of ski patrollers, ski guides, ski instructors, avalanche forecasters, snow fanatics, and ski mountaineering racers – our collective ski experience exceeds 200 years, and we're a source you can truly trust.
We tested ski jackets against six rating metrics:
Warmth
Weather Resistance
Comfort and Fit
Ventilation
Style
Features
The first step in the process involves countless hours of research to make sure we start with some of the best jackets on the market, ensuring our real-world testing is performed on the right products. We don't accept any handouts, buying all of the products ourselves so we can provide unbiased and objective reviews. Each jacket we took out was subjected to the same tests for the same length of time to ensure our scoring system was comparative. Each step of the way, our testers kept detailed notes and observations about each jacket's performance, further helping us distill which products were worthy of our various awards.
Our testers spent hours with each and every product in a variety of conditions.
Credit: Sam Willits
Why Trust GearLab
For our women's jackets, we have an excellent team, including ski patroller Jackie Kearney and ski guide Kaylee Walden. Jackie has skied all over North America and has worked in ski patrol and avalanche mitigation across multiple states, including resorts in the Colorado Rockies and California's Sierra Nevada. Kaylee Walden is an AMGA-Certified Ski Guide based in Silverton, Colorado who spends most of her year on snow, from guiding and teaching avalanche courses in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, to skiing glaciers of the Alps, and guiding expeditions to the cold and harsh summit of Denali, she's familiar with what works and what doesn't in harsh winter environments. Jackie and Kaylee are joined by a few additional ski experts and aficionados, and all of our women's reviewers have extensive know-how in the world of ski jackets, thoroughly testing every single product they put on and taking detailed notes along the way.
Our female reviewers are incredible ski athletes with a keen eye for detail.
Our top-notch men's review team includes IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Dobronyi, and pro-skier Jeremy Benson. During the winter months, Jeff can be found either ice climbing or exploring new backcountry terrain on his skis. He has skied and guided all over the world, from North America to Europe and beyond. Jeremy has also skied in many incredible places internationally as a sponsored ski athlete for almost two decades. These two head up the men's reviews with assistance from a few others. Combined, all of our men's jacket testers have a deep knowledge of ski clothing and have spent a considerable amount of time in each snow climate.
Our men's review team is a group of passionate, lifelong skiers who love testing gear.
How to Choose The Best Ski Jacket
Whether searching for a ski jacket online or at your closest gear store, it can be downright daunting trying to find the right product. From ski resorts to backcountry-focused designs, jackets can be substantially different from one another, and rightfully so; what makes a great backcountry shell is completely different from what I would look for in a feature-heavy resort-oriented model. Fortunately, it's quick and easy to learn about layering systems and ski jacket nuances to find the right option for you and your skiing needs.
Men's Ski Jackets
Our men's team conducted exhaustive testing on the best ski jackets for men. The chart below summarizes our overall scores of the men's best ski jackets available today. Click on a bar for more details about each jacket, including prices and whether it earned an award.
Women's Ski Jackets
I put our lineup of ski jackets for women through our comprehensive testing with the help of a few other female reviewers to get a well-rounded group of perspectives. The following chart shows how each product ranked overall:
Categories of Ski Jackets
There are two main categories of ski jackets in this review: hardshell and shell-insulated jackets. Hardshell jackets only have a waterproof/resistant shell, so you'll need to wear additional layers underneath to add warmth. These lighter-weight options allow for a high degree of versatility, as you can add or remove layers underneath to dial in the right amount of clothing for the day and your skiing, which is especially handy for backcountry use or warm resort days. These jackets can also be used year-round, given that waterproof layers are needed in many outdoor sports across all four seasons. The downside to these jackets is that you'll need to buy more layers for warmth, as their main job is to keep moisture and wind out.
The type of ski jacket you use largely depends on your layering preferences, whether a resort skier, backcountry tourer, or both.
Credit: Scott Rokis
More traditional ski resort jackets will typically have a water-resistant outer fabric with sewn-in insulation underneath. This makes for a warm (albeit heavier) jacket for the slopes that's bound to keep you cozy on the chairlift. The downside to built-in insulation is that you can't take off any layers (besides your long underwear) on warmer days, thus limiting the versatility of this jacket. These types of jackets also typically have more features built-in, such as a pocket for your season pass. If you think your skiing might take you into the backcountry, we'd steer you towards a hardshell jacket, given that they are generally lighter and more versatile than products designed for in-bounds skiing.
Resort ski jackets are warmer but less versatile. In backcountry terrain like this, weight is also a consideration so make sure you buy the right option for your needs.
Water-Proofing Materials 101
All outer-layer clothing meant for skiing offers some degree of water resistance, breathability, and durability. To achieve this, you'll see anywhere from two to three-layer construction in the fabric. While certain specifics are unique to the brand (more on that below), two-layer builds include an exterior fabric and an interior membrane, while three-layer builds have an added inner lining sandwiching that membrane. There are even 2.5-layer options, which have a sprayed/painted material serving as the inner liner and make for a typically lighter jacket. There is some variance across the number of layers and quality, but we'd generally recommend 2.5 or three-layer fabrics for your ski jacket. That build usually strikes a decent balance across weather protection and ventilation, but it all still comes down to each model's details. Ultimately, it's difficult to make a jacket decision solely based on its construction, which is why we're here to share our testing discoveries.
Three-layer fabrics are more expensive, but they typically offer the highest waterproof performance.
Credit: Sam Willits
Outdoor brands will either use an in-house waterproof material, which will have its own unique name, or a third-party material, like Gore-Tex. In-house waterproof materials have wildly varying quality, and I encourage a case-by-case analysis if your prospective jacket boasts a fancy-sounding waterproof fabric name you don't recognize. Some of these in-house materials are fantastic, and some aren't, but these are almost always less expensive than name-brand materials and can make for great budget products if you happen across the right one.
Many of our award-winners utilize in-house fabrics to protect the wearer from the elements.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Gore-Tex is the most commonly used third-party fabric and is considered a premium material. There are several fabric lines from Gore-Tex, but you'll most likely see a ski jacket stamped with “Gore-Tex” or “Gore-Tex Pro” somewhere on the sleeve or body. As you might have guessed, Gore-Tex Pro is their top-of-the-line option, though the classic Gore-Tex line also frequently makes up our favorite layers. As you dive into each product we've tested, we'll further break down the performance nuances of each model and its fabrics, but it'll likely be three layers if it offers top-notch weather protection.
Gore-Tex is among the leading brands in water/weather protection, with incredible performance across the brand's many offerings. However, don't rule out in-house materials, as they can offer great value and quality.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Features
Features might be something you typically associate with a computer or a tech gadget, but just as in tech, there are numerous design additions that can make or break a ski jacket. Starting from the top and working down, I love a helmet-compatible hood with a drawstring to cinch that hood down. Next, some options have a collar that can be tightened to seal the jacket, which can be a game-changer in stormy weather. Somewhere on the sleeve, many jackets have a pocket that neatly fits a season pass, as well as a wide variety of pocket configurations that can be helpful depending on your intended skiing. Some products offer a powder skirt, keeping the snow from coming up your jacket, and I especially loved this feature when it could be removed.
Features can be a surprisingly important metric, with elements such as a powder skirt greatly impacting your ski experience.
Conclusion
Whether you're just entering the sport or are a lifelong skier, there's an incredible jacket for you and your needs. From resort-focused options to more versatile backcountry choices, every model on this list has earned its place in this review. All you have to do is pick the one that matches your budget.
—Jacqueline Kearney, Lyra Pierotti, Jeff Dobronyi, and Jeremy Benson
