The 7 Best Ski Jackets for Men

Best Overall Ski Jacket

Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft

Main fabric: 2-layer stretch polyester | Pockets: 7

For four years running, the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft has beaten the competition and earned its place as our favorite ski jacket. Its insulation kept us warm even on the coldest days of testing, and it's very comfortable to wear. One tester remarked, “This jacket is cozy from the hood to the wrists and kept me warm all day long.” Helly Hansen outfitted this jacket with a thoughtful array of useful features and a classy style. An excellent proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane helps keep the price relatively approachable. And, our lead tester “loves the perfect tailoring and fit” of this model.

The Alpha LifaLoft doesn't protect from the elements as well as jackets we tested using a Gore-Tex membrane, like the Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. It performed well in various temperatures and exertion levels and is absolutely winter storm-worthy at nearly half the price. Because it applies to a wide range of conditions and skiers, the Alpha LifaLoft takes the crown.

Read more: Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft review

Best Resort Shell Ski Jacket

Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket

Main fabric: N80p-X Gore-Tex | Pockets: 4

Shell-only resort ski jackets have become increasingly popular, and if you ski in a warmer climate or on the most advanced slopes, you might see more uninsulated hardshells than insulated jackets. With the right layering system underneath, a shell jacket provides more versatility than most insulated jackets, allowing for use in a greater range of temperatures. The Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket is our favorite shell because of its best-in-review weather resistance and excellent ventilation and comfort, all reasons why skiers might opt for a shell jacket instead of an insulated one. This jacket kept us dry and sheltered from the wind every time we took it out, including during big storms. It brings a loose, “freeride” cut and laid-back style to a field otherwise dominated by traditional jacket designs. Our lead tester noted that “Everyone comments on how this jacket is stylish and fashionable.”

As with any shell, warmth comes from the insulating layers worn underneath. If you are looking for a jacket that will keep you warm on the slopes without further thought, it might be best to choose an insulated ski jacket. If you are intrigued by the idea of versatility and want to invest in various layers to wear under this shell jacket, the Sabre is an excellent option. Expect to pay a lot for it, but not much more than other high-end Gore-Tex Pro shell jackets. And it's worth the price, as our lead tester noted, “I trust this jacket with my life when the weather gets wet and windy.” For a more affordable shell jacket, we recommend the REI Co-op First Chair GTX.

Read more: Arc'teryx Sabre review

Best Bang for the Buck

REI Co-op First Chair GTX

Main Fabric: Gore-Tex ePE | Pockets: 9

The REI Co-op First Chair GTX jacket offers almost all the benefits of a high-performance ski shell at an affordable price. It keeps the weather out with sturdy shell fabric, a Gore-Tex membrane, and a helmet-compatible hood. It fits over internal layers with ease, is relatively stylish for advanced skiers, and includes a full feature set for resort skiing and riding. The powder skirt isn't removable, but our tests revealed it tucks away nicely when not in use. Discerning users may choose to invest in a high-end ski shell like the Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket, since our lead tester notes that “this shell is decently weather-resistant, especially for the price, but it can't compete with the top-tier shell jackets.”

An important consideration is that the shell includes a hanging inner lining fabric that adds noticeable warmth and reduces breathability. Generally, we value warmth in a ski jacket, but some users may prefer shell jackets, which leave the warmth up to the mid-layers worn underneath. Typically, if we wear a shell, we expect to ski and hike aerobically, and we don't always want our jacket to be super warm. If you're shopping for an affordable shell for resort use, look no further. If you're new to skiing and want an even more affordable jacket that offers stylish looks and a commendable overall performance, the GEMYSE jacket gets the job done while leaving you with a healthier Après budget.

Read more: REI Co-op First Chair GTX review

Best Ski Jacket Under 100$

GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining

Main Fabric: Polyester | Pockets: 5

The GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining is a remarkably warm and weather-resistant jacket with good comfort and features at a rock-bottom price. This jacket performs well in all the critical metrics we tested. While it can't compete with the top-of-the-line models like the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft in terms of style and ventilation, it delivers enough performance that we think it's a great option for the occasional skier looking to save a buck. This jacket is proof that you don't need to spend a fortune to own good gear. Our lead tester, who prides himself on finding the weaknesses in outdoor products, says “This jacket kept me warm on chilly and windy early-season ski days, no problem.”

With synthetic insulation, five well-placed pockets, a removable hood, and a waterproof membrane, this jacket delivers most of the performance of models that cost five or six times the retail price. It lacks refined features like armpit vents, a sleeve ski pass pocket, and a powder skirt, but it does the job for most conditions on most days. If you have some wiggle room in your budget, the 686 Smarty Insulated is a 3-in-1 jacket with a cozy removable liner, letting you use the jacket on warmer days. However, the GEMYSE includes other attractive touches like a soft fleece lining and stretchy wrist gaiters that make you feel like you're wearing a much more expensive jacket. If you want a good ski jacket for a few ski vacations a year but don't want to pay top dollar for your outerwear, the GEMYSE is a great choice.

Read more: GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining review

Best for Backcountry Skiing

Arc'teryx Rush

Main Fabric: Gore-Tex Pro | Pockets: 6

With the recent explosion of backcountry skiing, many garment manufacturers are producing touring-specific ski shells. Skiers can generally wear these jackets inbounds and out-of-bounds, but they may trim some useful resort features in favor of lightweight, streamlined performance. The Arc'teryx Rush jacket is a weather-resistant, lightweight, well-tailored, and very stylish shell. It has plenty of features for a day in the backcountry, like well-placed pockets and a helmet-compatible hood, and also includes a few favorite features of resort skiers, like a powder skirt and a pass pocket. This jacket is lightweight, bomber, and keeps users dry and comfortable in the backcountry, period. Our lead tester found that “This shell inspires confidence during the harshest winter weather.”

We realize that the pricing of this jacket will be a deterrent for many. However, weather resistance at this level comes at a cost, as Gore-Tex fabric is expensive, and waterproof zippers and sealed seams typically increase the production cost compared to less weather-resistant shells. Frequent users and skiers who hit the slopes numerous times a week will appreciate the design and performance this model offers. If you only occasionally go backcountry skiing and can compromise performance, you might get away with a less costly option like the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell. However, if you spend most of your time in the backcountry or side-country and want a jacket that can perform well on the occasional resort day, the Arc'teryx Rush is a great pick.

Read more: Arc'teryx Rush review

Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket

686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated

Main Fabric: infiDRY 2-Layer | Pockets: Shell - 6, liner - 2

Some users like the ease of an insulated ski jacket, while others prefer the shell and insulating components to be separated for maximum customization. Enter the “3-in-1” ski jacket, which attempts to deliver the best of both worlds. These products include both a shell jacket and an insulating layer that zip together to create a single insulated ski jacket if desired. The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated is our favorite 3-in-1 jacket we've tested, thanks to its great fit, warm weather resistance, and well-designed features. And it delivers all of this at an excellent price.

It has a full-coverage hood, a waterproof/breathable membrane, great style, and tons of pockets. However, despite all of these bells and whistles, we found it lacking in terms of vents compared to the best of the best. It is a bit on the heavy side, but we didn't feel like it was a burden to wear. It also has a casual style that looks great in a variety of contexts. Our lead tester remarked that “This jacket's style feels right at home in ski-town bars and restaurants.” One of the main benefits of 3-in-1 jackets is that they provide versatility for a variety of weather conditions and, thus, great value. If you know you're headed for extremely nasty weather, the Smarty won't quite keep up with the jackets designed specifically for this purpose. A jacket such as the Arc'teryx Rush, with the appropriate layering underneath, is more suitable for frigid, sub-zero winds.

Read more: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated review

Top Performance at a Lower Price

Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0

Main Fabric: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane | Pockets: 7

The Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 nearly matches the performance of its excellent sibling, the Alpha Lifaloft, and does so at a lower price. In fact, it can be hard to tell the difference between the two at first. The only sacrifices are just a bit of warmth and some extravagant features. But for most skiers, this jacket is absolutely perfect. It kept us warm, dry, comfortable, and happy every day of skiing during our test period. And it delivers premium performance at a competitive price.

By no means is this jacket cheap, and skiers looking to save big bucks will find decent performance in the Free Soldier jacket. Spend a little more, and you can upgrade to the Obermeyer Foundation. However, for skiers who hit the slopes regularly during the winter, the Alpha 4.0 delivers top-tier performance while costing less than the Alpha Lifaloft.

Read more: Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	89	Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft Best Overall Ski Jacket	$550
	84	Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0	$475
	78	Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket Best Resort Shell Ski Jacket	$750
	75	Arc'teryx Rush Best for Backcountry Skiing	$700
	70	686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket	$300
	69	Outdoor Research Hemispheres II	$649
	69	Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Shell	$799
	68	The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate	$400
	68	Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell	$429
	67	Obermeyer Foundation	$279
	66	Patagonia Powder Town	$349
	65	REI Co-op First Chair GTX Best Bang for the Buck	$319
	59	REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated	$229
	59	Free Soldier	$125
	57	GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining Best Ski Jacket Under 100$	$80
	52	Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange	$230
	48	MAGCOMSEN	$110

How We Tested

We started this review by diving into the market's current jacket offerings before selecting the most promising ones for hands-on testing. Then, we purchased them at retail price and hit the slopes. From snowy and windy days in the Sierra to brutally cold and clear days in the Tetons, our testers put these jackets through more than 100 individual tests – we ski lap after lap in each of these garments. To better compare products, we took single ski runs in each jacket, then changed in the lodge between runs to get real-time comparisons in similar conditions and note the differences between jackets. Finally, we ran each jacket through a shower test, wearing each in a shower for 5 minutes to take note of water resistance. Over the past ten years, our team of experts has tested 80 of the best ski jackets and have designed this comprehensive review to help you find the best options based on value and performance.

Our ski jackets were tested using six performance metrics:

• Warmth (20% of overall score weighting)

• Weather Resistance (20% weighting)

• Comfort and Fit (20% weighting)

• Ventilation (20% weighting)

• Style (10% weighting)

• Features (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our test team is led by professional ski guide, IFMGA Mountain Guide, and OutdoorGearLab Contributor Jeff Dobronyi. Jeff lives, skis, and guides in Colorado and leads ski trips worldwide, from Wyoming to Canada, Europe, and South America. Logging upwards of 125 days per year on skis, Jeff gets intimate with his ski gear and puts it through the wringer in various climates, in both the resort and the backcountry. Jeff is joined by skier and author Jeremy Benson. Jeremy has been a sponsored ski athlete for nearly two decades and has skied around the world, from Argentina and Chamonix to his backyard playground of the Sierra Nevada.

Analysis and Test Results

Everyone needs something different from their ski jacket, depending on how much they ski, the climate in which they ski, and what kind of skiing they prefer, so keep your own needs in mind as you consider our scores and weighting.

What's the Best Value?

Ski jacket prices range from relatively affordable to astronomic. Most budget options provide nearly as much warmth, weather resistance, and other important performance attributes as the most expensive jackets. Still, the top-of-the-line offerings generally refined comfort, fit, tailoring, and style. We found that price does not always correlate with performance, which is great news for skiers looking for a good deal on a jacket. For example, any jacket that uses a Gore-Tex brand waterproof/breathable membrane typically performs well in wet weather. Still, jackets that use a different proprietary membrane might perform just as well as a Gore-Tex jacket with significant cost savings.

On the budget side, the GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining costs less than an average day ticket and provides good performance for the occasional skier. It also performs well as a general winter jacket, with a removable hood and plenty of warmth for the winter months. The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated is another jacket with a good performance-to-price ratio, but it doesn't compare to the incredible value offered by the GEMYSE. We like the Free Soldier for value, which is more expensive than the most budget-friendly options, but represents a small step up the quality scale for not much more money.

3-in-1 jackets can also offer great value since they combine a hardshell with an insulated inner liner jacket. The Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange offers a good value, checking all of the boxes that we need in a dependable ski jacket. The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated costs just a bit more and delivers way more performance, offering the best value in 3-in-1 jackets we tested.

In the premium range, the top-rated Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft is reasonably priced compared to the most expensive jacket, which costs nearly twice as much. Even more affordable is the Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0, which delivers virtually identical performance to the Alpha Lifaloft, but is a bit less expensive.

Among shell jackets at good value, we recommend the budget-friendly REI Co-op First Chair GTX for resort use, which uses Gore-Tex fabric to provide stellar weather protection in a comfortable and well-fitting jacket. It performs nearly as well as the other shells in the review, costing up to twice as much. The Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell performs almost as well as the best shells we've tested, but it does so at a much lower price due to a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane instead of Gore-Tex. In our opinion, only the most hardcore users need the performance of the most expensive shells in the review, like the Arc'teryx Sabre and Arc'teryx Rush. Consumers who invest in a premium shell will enjoy higher levels of performance and durability for years down the road.

Warmth

Skiing is a cold-weather sport. Our jackets need to keep us warm to take advantage of the best days on the hill. However, skiing is also an aerobic sport that produces heat; the better we get, the more aerobic it becomes. So, a jacket that is too warm for the given weather and activity level can be a hindrance in certain situations. Furthermore, skiers often wear layers underneath their jackets to fine-tune their warmth levels. We gave higher scores to the warmer jackets, but keep in mind the average temperatures where you ski most and your usual exertion level.

Synthetic insulation maintains its warmth when wet, and is widely used in ski jacket construction. Jackets like the Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft and Alpha 4.0 prove just how warm synthetic insulation can be. Budget shoppers sitting on cold chair lifts will appreciate that the Columbia Whirlibird V kept our testers warm on cold mornings, and the Obermeyer Foundation also provides affordable warmth. Our favorite 3-in-1 jacket, the 686 Smarty 3-in-1, also delivers excellent warmth.

The Arc'teryx Sabre attempts to trap air and provide warmth with a thin fleece liner while still keeping a shell-like feeling. The REI First Chair GTX and Patagonia Powder Town use a thin hanging nylon liner to trap some heat. The rest of the shell-only jackets include no insulating features, like the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Jacket and Arc'teryx Rush, which require users to think about their layering system before hitting the slopes.

Even the least expensive insulated jackets in our review deliver enough warmth for most days at the ski area. Jackets like the MAGCOMSEN and Free Soldier don't feature high-quality components, but they are plenty warm for the occasional skier who wants to stay warm on the slopes.

Weather Resistance

Great ski conditions often coincide with stormy winter weather. Good ski jackets need to keep the user dry and protected during snow, sleet, wind, and rain on the lower mountain because braving those elements allows us to ski when conditions are best. Our weekends and vacations might overlap with storms, and if your ski jacket isn't weather-resistant, you might find yourself watching from the lodge instead of enjoying the slopes. And even on the most memorable days, if snow and wind are getting into your jacket through the hood, sleeves, and hem, you won't be having fun.

Three jackets received optimal scores for weather resistance. They are all shell-only jackets that employ Gore-Tex Pro membranes: the Arc'teryx Sabre, the Arc'teryx Rush, and the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Shell. These jackets repel all precipitation in our experience, from liquid water to snow, and block all attempts by the wind to penetrate your inner peace on cold, windy chairlift rides where your chin is tucked deep into your neck.

Most of the jackets we tested use waterproof fabrics and synthetic insulation, such as The North Face Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate and the Obermeyer Foundation. This design is a classic combination of weather-resistant ski clothing. As a result, most jackets score relatively well in this category. Plus, synthetic insulation is cheaper to produce than down and helps keep jackets affordable while also maintaining its insulation properties when wet (unlike the down insulation in even the best down jackets).

Comfort and Fit

Skiing and snowboarding are active sports, and our ski clothing needs to enhance our performance without limiting our movement. And, since we spend a lot of time in the cold, our jacket's materials should be comfortable and cozy. A good ski jacket fits our bodies closely, eliminating unnecessary material and bulk while also allowing for movement and a wide range of motion. It also has soft external and internal fabrics, comfortable cuff closures, neck and chin guards, and fleece-lined pockets. Fit can vary from one person to another, so pay attention to differences in fit and body type, not just the scores. It is worth noting that our primary testing was done by thin, athletic men who wear sizes medium and large.

We wear each jacket while out on the slopes and pay particular attention to how each model moves with our bodies. Some jackets have a baggy fit, like the Arc'teryx Sabre, which allows for unrestricted motion and portrays a certain style, but the extra material can be uncomfortable, depending on your taste. Some jackets have a “boxy” fit, which does not contour to the body's curves and can feel loose, bulky, and uncomfortable for skinnier folks. The Columbia Whirlibird V felt a bit boxy and un-tailored to our test team.

Helly Hansen's Alpha LifaLoft and Alpha 4.0 feature a slim torso design that contours to our bodies without inhibiting motion. The soft fabrics and stretchy cuff openings also contribute to this jacket's top score for comfort. All of the Arc'teryx jackets, including the Sabre and Rush, have great fits.

We were particularly impressed by the comfort and fit of the REI First Chair GTX, which delivers a great cut and unencumbered movement in a jacket that costs much less than the more expensive jackets with high-end tailoring. This coat fits our bodies well and skis like a dream, making us forget how much money we saved. We also like the fit of the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated, which fits well and is easy to ski while wearing despite its bulky footprint.

Ventilation

A day of skiing can be filled with dramatic temperature swings. Skiers might encounter a frigid morning starting the car, a hot and stuffy experience herding the kids into ski school, cold and windy chairlift rides to the top of the mountain, aerobic downhill skiing, and a sunny and warm afternoon of slush skiing in the spring. Ski jackets provide warmth by trapping the body's natural heat inside the jacket. A well-ventilated ski jacket allows the user to keep this heat inside the jacket or let it escape through zippered vents, through the shell fabric itself, or via other specific features.

Some jackets feature highly breathable fabrics that slow the internal heat buildup, like the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell. Other jackets have huge vents that allow the user to open up to the outside environment in a flash, like the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II, Arc'teryx Rush, and Arc'teryx Sabre, while some feature vents that are not helpful at all, like the 686 Smarty 3-in-1. Jackets with insulation hold heat in the body of the jacket, even when vents are open, thus reducing ventilation potential. Shell jackets will dump all their heat when the vents are opened up.

The OR Hemispheres II features vents that can be zipped open from the top of the rib cage to the bottom hem of the jacket. This design provides incredible ventilation potential. The Columbia Whirlibird V has pit zips, but the vent does not continue through the inner layer (like all 3-in-1 jackets we've tested), which inhibits ventilation from the warmest chamber of the jacket. The REI First Chair GTX exhibits decent ventilation, thanks to its large vents, but the hanging mesh liner reduces air movement.

Notably, the Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft and Alpha 4.0 allow a small amount of airflow through the back panel, thanks to small vents through the insulation. These work well to prevent our backs from getting sweaty on warmer days.

Style

Skiing is an aesthetic sport, and style is becoming more prevalent than ever before. Fortunately, style is different for everyone. The one consistency is that the better we look, the better we feel, and the more fun we have. A good ski jacket has great style while retaining its performance. Style is the most subjective characteristic of outerwear, and our ratings in this category might be completely different than how you would rank them, depending on your style. Also, you might weigh style more heavily than we do, and many people rank style as the most important characteristic of their ski jacket.

Ski jacket styles range from slouchy, “core” styling that evokes the ski bum lifestyle (and expert abilities) to tight-fitting alpine racer looks that would feel at home on the World Cup podium. Some jackets are neutral in their styling, which can look good if well-tailored but bad if left uncontoured. We took our jackets to the slopes and asked around for opinions and around town for aprés in the ski bars of Jackson, Wyoming. We pair this anecdotal information with the available color options of each model.

The Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft is a good-looking jacket. Its svelte, Euro styling still hints at a core look, implying that the wearer is here to ski hard and look good. Among shells, we think the Arc'teryx Rush looks the best with a tailored cut, clean lines, and bold color schemes. The Arc'teryx Sabre falls on the “core” side of the spectrum, which we like, but you might not. On the other hand, the Columbia Whirlibird V is styled to fit in with the crowd on the gentler slopes.

Features

Good ski jackets incorporate features that make your day on the slopes easier. We're talking about big pockets that hold lots of snacks, removable hoods that allow for versatile use, and sleeve pass pockets to make RFID ticket turnstiles a breeze to navigate. Ski-specific features are less important than our other metrics, but they can augment a jacket that is already good.

Features seek to improve your experience with the product and activity. For example, a ski pass pocket allows you to store your RFID pass and wave your arm at the full-body scanner to avoid any dance moves, rummaging, and the dreaded lift-line holdup. Well-fitting hoods are a must for stormy days, and powder skirts can also help keep the snow out, though our testers don't often use our powder skirts. Some jackets include a RECCO reflector, which can aid in locating an individual in the case of an in-bounds avalanche, but this isn't a game-changer.

Our review's most heavily featured jacket is the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft, which boasts seven pockets, RECCO, a high visibility hood brim that folds away, a powder skirt, a removable hood, and a back vent. The 3-in-1 jackets score well in the features category since you'll take home two separate jackets with all the individual features of each, plus the ability to integrate the layers seamlessly. The North Face Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate is the most feature-laden of these jackets, including a goggle wipe in the left sleeve RFID pass pocket.

Many of the shell jackets in the review are light on features, like the Norrona Lofoten Pro Shell and Outdoor Research Hemispheres II, reflecting their backcountry-leaning design. The Arc'teryx Rush and Sabre, though, have everything you need for a day in the backcountry and also include a powder skirt and an RFID pass pocket for inbounds versatility.

Conclusion

We put some of the best ski jackets available through our rigorous testing process, and the result is the most comprehensive, unbiased, and up-to-date review in the world. There's something here for everyone, from budget options that swing above their weight class to refined and expensive high-end options for discerning and expert skiers. We know that it can be hard to sort through all the options and select the best jacket for your needs, so we've taken the time to distinguish between them. So relax and have fun finding your next perfect ski jacket (and a pair of ski pants to match). We'll see you on the slopes.