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A great ski jacket keeps out the biting cold, helps you stay dry, and provides unencumbered movement, allowing you to ski with ease.
Our expert review team has been testing ski jackets for over a decade, checking out 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.
The best men's ski jacket is the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft, which offers a great level of warmth while maintaining effective ventilation when needed. This jacket performs well in a wide range of weather conditions.
Our female test team loved the premium construction, excellent weather protection, and stylish fit of the Arc'teryx Sentinel. The high price might not leave much cash laying around for lift tickets, though. We also love and recommend the Outdoor Research Carbide, which is half the price of the Sentinel and features a slightly stretchy fabric that enhances comfort.
Also see our reviews of 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.
Who this is best for: If you're looking for reliable warmth and performance, but don't want to pay top-tier prices, the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft is a standout choice. This insulated coat is 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 ski jackets we've tested, and it's incredibly comfortable to boot. The slim fit may not be suitable for all body types, but those who prefer a tailored look will appreciate it.
Why we love it: For several years, this has been our lead tester Jeff Dobronyi's go-to jacket (even after our test period ended). We're impressed by its incredible comfort and well-balanced feature set. Jeff 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 more affordable, 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. Credit: GearLab Team
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Sentinel is our favorite women's shell jacket, and the one we recommend for skiers who prioritize waterproofing, breathability, and versatility. It's especially great if you love to adjust your layering system according to the weather forecast, as it allows you to go light or heavy on 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. Our underlayers never got wet while wearing this jacket, and we were also pleased by how well it ventilated body heat and moisture. There are long armpit vents that zip open for dumping heat, and we love this jacket's breathability and overall quality. Plus, it's a sharp-looking jacket with clean lines, and we don't expect it to go out of style quickly.
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 underneath, 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 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, 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. The powder skirt isn't removable, but our tester noted, “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, the 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.
Although it's not the most breathable, the REI Co-op First Chair has all the benefits of a great GTX hardshell without the astronomical price. Credit: GearLab Team
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 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 when the wind picks up, it allows more cool air to permeate than some heavier-duty options. And since there's no insulation, you'll need to have your layering system dialed. 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. Credit: GearLab Team
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. This is a jacket for casual skiers who want a warm and functional coat 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. It kept us dry and protected from the wind in all conditions we 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, this isn't your jacket, since it's lacking in ventilation options and uses 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
Who this is best for: If you perpetually run cold and the idea of a shell-only style jacket doesn't appeal to you, check out the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town. This jacket offers insulation without a bulky feel, allowing you to stay warm without looking like a marshmallow. It's super comfortable and runs slightly big, so you can still layer comfortably underneath it, and it features good weather resistance, too.
Why we love it: Not only is it insulated for warmth, but there are pit zips for releasing heat if you get a little too toasty. It's plenty roomy, with a longer hem and articulated elbows for ease of movement, and our test team found the inner material smooth and easy to interface even with grabbier midlayers. There are plenty of pockets, including a large internal drop pocket
Should you buy it? This is our favorite women's insulated ski jacket, and we heartily recommend it. Though it's not dirt cheap, we love that it's not priced as high as some premium models, and Patagonia offers a great warranty on its products. If you're looking for an insulated ski coat that's still versatile enough for spring skiing (just layer lighter and open the pit vents), we think this is one that will keep you happy for years to come.
Out on a bluebird day in the Powder Town. Testers love this jacket because it's the best of both worlds, offering versatile warmth and ventilation features. Credit: Kaylee Walden
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, allowing for three separate configurations depending on the conditions. 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. 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, our testers loved the fit of each configuration of this coat.
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. When wearing the layers zipped together, the Smarty does feel a bit bulkier than jackets with insulation built in, but we 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 looking for warmth, flexibility, and budget-friendly performance, the Smarty 3-in-1 deserves a serious look.
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: We were impressed by the featherweight Gore-Tex shell and smart feature set of the Arc'teryx Rush, but most of all, its weatherproofing. One tester shared, “This jacket is pretty bombproof. I found it had no issue keeping out snow, wind, and rain.” We love its quality craftsmanship and 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? The high cost of the Rush might give some skiers pause, and some of our testers don't love permanent powder skirts (this one isn't removable). But overall, this jacket's 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. Our test team was impressed right away with its stylish cut, but it was the burly Gore-Tex construction and convenient features (like a removable powder skirt and wrist gaiters) that made us fall in love with this jacket. 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,” tester Jacqueline Kearney shared. Its comfortable fit and versatile functionality make it a standout shell 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 occasionally hits the groomers. 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.
The Norrona Lofoten proved itself both in and out of bounds, with excellent weather protection and great ventilation. 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. Our team of expert reviewers has 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 in every jacket across a variety of conditions. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
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 ski athletes with a keen eye for detail.
Jeff Dobronyi heads up our men's team. During the winter months, Jeff can be found either ice climbing or exploring new backcountry terrain on his skis. He is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and has skied and guided all over the world, from North America to Europe and beyond. He has a deep knowledge of ski clothing and has spent a considerable amount of time in snowy climates.
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. 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 information on whether it has earned an award.
Women's Ski Jackets
Our lineup of ski jackets for women was put through our comprehensive testing with the help of a variety of female reviewers to get a well-rounded group of perspectives. The following chart shows how each product ranked overall:
Categories of Ski Jackets
This review categorizes ski jackets into two main types: 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 warm 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 choose should depend on the conditions you ski in, your layering preferences, and whether you are a resort skier or backcountry tourer (or both). Credit: Kaylee Walden
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 recommend a hardshell jacket, as they are generally lighter and more versatile than products designed for in-bounds skiing.
Resort jackets are often insulated and warmer, but tend to be less versatile. Credit: Kaylee Walden
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 typically offer the highest waterproof protection, but come at a higher price. 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, so we 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.
Patagonia uses their own proprietary waterproof membrane, H2No. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
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, numerous design additions can make or break a ski jacket. Starting from the top and working down, we love helmet-compatible hoods with a drawstring to cinch that hood down tight. 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. Our test team sometimes finds these useful, but we appreciate it when they are removable.
Features like pass pockets and powder skirts can make the difference between a good jacket and a great jacket.
Conclusion
Whether you're just entering the sport or are a lifelong skier, there's an incredible jacket for you and your needs. 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
