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The right ski jacket can make or break your day on the slopes. The best ones keep you warm inside, dry outside, and stylish all around.
The best insulated jacket for hitting the resort is the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town, which is warm, versatile, and comfy.
If you're looking for a shell, we highly recommend the Arc'teryx Sentinel, which is an incredible option for stormy days where weather resistance and durability are a high priority.
For a great mid-priced insulated jacket, we loved hitting the resort in the Outdoor Research Snowcrew, which has a ton of pocket space and the comfort you want for a full day on the slopes.
We've been testing women's ski jackets for over a decade. We purchased 19 of the most appealing jackets for this review, then skied from Alaska to Colorado to the Alps. We rode chairs, carved turns, slashed pow, and hit happy hour to find each one's strengths and weaknesses, which we dig into below.
Editor's Note: We updated our women's ski jacket review on January 28, 2026, after testing the Halfdays Lawrence and Outdoor Research Snowcrew jackets.
Considering how light the insulation feels, we were quite surprised by the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town's warmth. Its weight is more on par with some of the shell jackets we tested than the other insulated models. The interior liner is silky-smooth and slid easily over any bulky base layer we paired with it. This allowed for full freedom of movement. The recycled Thermogreen insulation is not stiflingly warm and feels quite airy. We also found this jacket surprisingly breathable for an insulated jacket. The thermoregulation is further improved by easy access open underarm vents to quickly drop heat. As we've found with other Patagonia jackets, the H2No waterproofing treatment works exceptionally well – no matter how much it snows.
Despite loving the cozy and roomy feel, the Powder Town achieves some of that comfort from a generous fit that might be far too large for some. “I loved the long drop hem, but the jacket feels a bit bulky overall,” noted our lead tester. The cut is large and boxy compared to some of the more tailored jackets we tested and might not be the most flattering option, depending on your body type and preferences. If you want a slimmer-fitting insulated jacket, we also love the warm and comfortable Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0. Luckily, the Powder Town's looser cut isn't a big issue since this jacket still looks plenty stylish when paired with the right pants, and that extra space allows for lots of layering and movement freedom. Everything considered, we have few dislikes with the Powder Town.
This season, Patagonia upped the denier of the main fabric from 75D to 150D.
Not insulated, so you'll need to layer appropriately
Expensive
When it comes to resort skiing and riding – through blizzards and under sunny skies – the Arc'teryx Sentinel is our favorite shell jacket. This is a premium jacket (at a premium price) with thoughtful construction. It has fully-taped seams and reinforced zippers to keep out moisture, and the easy-to-reach, open-backed underarm vents quickly add airflow when needed. When we were skiing hard, the shell material was relatively breathable, yet it still managed to block icy gusts. Even with the sleek, minimalist design, this shell has enough features to keep us happy at the resort. The 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE shell, treated with additional DWR, maintained bombproof weather resistance throughout our testing. “I couldn't believe how well this jacket performed through relentless snowfall, on a day when nearly 13 inches of powder stacked up,” said our lead tester. “While most other people were soaked, I was dry and stoked in the Sentinel from first chair to après.”
The downside of any hardshell is less warmth compared to ski jackets made with added insulation. However, maintaining your temperature through layering and venting is important to staying warm, too. We felt like we could keep cozy in this shell with proper layering on cold days. "It has an athletic fit that still allows for a puffy jacket beneath," noted our tester. A minor qualm: We would prefer if the powder skirt were removable for use in the backcountry. With the integrated powder skirt and extra-long drop-hem cut, it's a bit bulky to pack for the uphill. If you're looking for a shell jacket that's more packable with a lower price tag, check out the Outdoor Research Carbide. If you're after more warmth, Arc'teryx offers an insulated version of the Sentinel, although it's even pricier. But if you're looking for one of the highest quality hardshells on the market, the Sentinel is worth the investment. We especially love pairing it with the matching Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants for a stylish monochrome look.
Update: The newest iteration of the Sentinel Jacket has been revised to remove harmful forever chemicals. The Sentinel line now utilizes PFAS-free Gore-Tex ePE. The high-denier nylon face fabric is designed to be slightly lighter than previous iterations without sacrificing durability.
The Sentinel was a cut above the rest and offered excellent weather protection and a sleek look, especially when paired with the Sentinel pants. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Outdoor Research Carbide is a non-insulated shell jacket that shines for mild weather and high-output skiing and hiking, thanks to its extremely breathable and comfortable material. The 3L Pertex Shield fabric was the most breathable and supple shell insert material tested. “I love Pertex specifically for the backcountry due to its higher breathability and flexible feel compared to Gore-Tex,” noted our tester. The DWR treatment is also highly effective, providing excellent weather protection for its weight. Combine all of this with ski-specific features to take you from the resort to the backcountry, and you have a stellar value for an excellent price. “I could easily pack this shell away even with limited space,” said our lead tester, “but it also has all of the necessary features to make it a good resort jacket.”
While this soft, stretchy shell jacket provides excellent breathability and good water resistance, we sure felt those north winds permeate the thin material during testing. We also question the durability over time compared to thicker jackets. It's imperative to regularly reinvigorate jackets like the Carbide with a waterproofing wash, as well, for best performance each season. The waterproofing and wind resistance can't compare to that of higher-end Gore-Tex membrane shells like the Arc'teryx Sentinel. On windy, super frigid days riding chairlifts, the Carbide isn't the jacket you'll want. Lastly, we wish the powder skirt was removable, like the one on the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Shell, although it's pretty low-profile. Despite our critiques, we believe the Carbide performs similarly to many backcountry-oriented shells on the market at a fraction of the price.
Did we really give an award for Best Pockets? You bet we did, and the Outdoor Research Snowcrew won it by a mile. When you're charging on the slopes for a full day, you need to stay fed, and that means plenty of snacks, which necessitates ample pocket space. We could fit an entire full-size bag of gummy bears, energy bars, keys, wallet, ski pass, liner gloves, and cell phone all within the pockets of this jacket. The pocket real estate is incredible, and as a bonus, the hand pockets are fleece-lined for a touch of cozy comfort. Of course, this jacket has all the other comforts that keep us warm and cozy on the ski hill: plenty of insulation, an adjustable storm hood, high chin guard, and soft wrist gaiters that help seal out any gusts. On milder days, you can unzip the underarm vents for some airflow.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Fabric
75D X 150D Plain Weave Mechanical Stretch polyester
Insulation
VerticalX Eco
Waterproofing
Ventia 2L
Pockets
2 hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered forearm pass pocket, 1 interior chest with media port, 1 internal drop in
Weight
1.3 lb
Though we thought the fit was incredibly comfortable, this jacket runs large. The relaxed fit allows a ton of space for layering underneath. Best of all, the extra-long, insulated drop hem completely covers your backside, making icy chairlift rides much more enjoyable. “If you like a slimmer fit, I definitely suggest sizing down in this jacket,” said our lead tester, Kaylee, who is wearing her usual size Small in this jacket and found it quite roomy. We'll also point out that while the Snowcrew performed well on the mountain, its face fabric absorbed water during our shower test. To redeem itself, it dried quickly and didn't soak through to the inside anywhere. For better waterproofing in an insulated jacket, we love the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town, or for a slimmer, shorter cut, take a look at the fun colors and cozy warmth of the Halfdays Lawrence.
We were pleasantly surprised by the versatility and all-around performance of The North Face Thermoball Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1. Despite the slim fit, the jacket has most of the features we won't compromise on, like deep pockets, vents, and smooth, easy-to-grab zippers. It impressed us with its weather resistance. Best of all, its two separate jackets create a third configuration, a warm and high-functioning ski jacket when combined, but are both great as individual pieces, too. “The inner jacket is warm and looks great on its own, and I often wear it around town by itself,” noted our tester. The outer shell stands perfectly well alone on warmer days or when we want to play with light layers underneath.
Though quite comfortable, this jacket runs a bit snug on some body types, especially across the shoulders and chest. As a result, the fit affected our ability to move a bit while skiing dynamically and hiking during testing. Consider sizing up for optimal mobility when skiing with all your layers. If you foresee a tighter, slimmer fit being an issue, check out the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town or Outdoor Research Snowcrew, which are roomy and run large. The Thermoball Triclimate comes in multiple colors, so you can personalize it with fun, patterned ski pants. The Thermoball is an excellent value if you're also shopping for an insulated jacket – you'll get both a shell and a synthetic puffer in one.
The Triclimate is a versatile jacket, offering three different configurations — outer layer, inner layer, or zipped together for a full layering system.
For hitting the backcountry, we're smitten with the technical, top-of-the-line Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro. It feels like Norrona thought of everything when designing this jacket. Its performance begins with the most breathable of Gore-Tex ePE membranes with a durable nylon weave. “This shell feels like a refuge in any weather. It's one of the most water-repellent jackets I've worn,” noted our tester. Every zipper on the jacket is water-resistant and taped. The removable powder skirt and super lightweight wrist gaiters add a little more versatility than is standard in a backcountry-specific shell.
During testing, it was a challenge to find a flaw in the construction or performance of this shell. All of the pockets function well, but we'd prefer if the pass pocket were on the wrist instead of the shoulder (although this is more suited to ski resorts in Europe, where Norrona is based). Truly, our only major gripe is the price. If your budget allows you to invest in a premium piece of gear, especially for use both on the resort and in the backcountry, the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro is an excellent choice. If you'd like a shell that works for both in-bounds and out at a much lower cost, we think a jacket like the Flylow Lucy or Outdoor Research Carbide will keep you and your wallet happy.
If you're hoping to not break the bank on your ski jacket, the Wantdo Mountain Hooded offers sufficient warmth at a low price. It performs just fine for a few ski days per season or as an intermediary jacket for growing teens. The hand pockets, large internal stash pockets, and zippered chest pocket are classic features with decent utility. We appreciated the soft fleece inner liner, making it comfortable to throw over even the thinnest of baselayers. We didn't need much more than that with this jacket, as its synthetic insulation was generally quite effective at locking in heat and keeping wind and snow out – though the bottom hem, which is loose and lacks adjustment, tends to let cold air in.
Although warm, the Wantdo Mountain trapped moisture and all the excess heat we generated while skiing. “I got hot even on cold days skiing moguls in this jacket,” said our lead tester, who was wishing for some underarm vents. The main shortcoming is the fit and style. This jacket is oversized and boxy, resulting in extra material bunching up on the chairlift and an unflattering cut. Our testers agreed style is not this jacket's strong suit. If you need a warm and affordable jacket, take a look at the versatile Columbia Whirlibird V, a 3-in-1 style jacket that costs a bit more but has better features and is higher quality than the Wantdo. Still, the Wantdo is a decent pick for occasional lift-accessed ski trips in colder weather for a very low cost.
No snow was able to wet through the Wantdo in the highly technical snow angel test. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Product Comparison Table
Our goal is to help you find the best kit to stay warm, dry, and stylish out there! Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Tested
Since 2013, our team of female skiers and riders has tested 60 of the best women's ski jackets available. We purchase them at full price (just like you) and take them into real mountain conditions to see how they perform. From storm to sunshine, each jacket is put through the wringer with hands-on testing and controlled lab experiments. We braved heavy blizzards on the chairlift, and the shower test – two minutes of continuous spray while attempting not to laugh – to assess waterproofing. We dove down the rabbit hole into key factors like warmth, weather protection, and features in pursuit of the perfect ski jacket.
We assessed how well they scored in six unique rating metrics:
This review is brought to you by snow professionals Kaylee Walden and Jackie Kearney. Kaylee is an AMGA-Certified Ski Guide living in Silverton, Colorado. She spends most of the year on snow, from Colorado to the Alps and Alaska – where harsh conditions demand precisely the right gear.
Jackie has skied and lived across the American West. After ski patrolling for several years at Kirkwood Mountain in Lake Tahoe, California, she returned to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado to pursue professional patrol work at Telluride Ski Resort.
Also contributing to this review is Jessica Haist. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Jessica now resides in Mammoth Lakes, California, and is a self-professed gear connoisseur. She has an eye for detail and function, shaped by the ever-changing conditions of the high Sierra. Together, these ladies know what to look for in a great ski jacket.
From bluebird days at the resort to powder days in the backcountry to parking lot après parties, we've tested these jackets in all kinds of skiing situations.
Analysis and Test Results
Your ski jacket becomes your on-hill identity ("There she is, in the teal coat!"). Where and how often you ski will affect which ski jacket will be best for you. Are you a fair-weather skier who likes cruising sunny corduroy and then heading to happy hour? Or do you want to hunt powder every single storm day until the last chair? We've outlined the best choices for each type of skier and rider.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Striking the balance between performance and price in a ski jacket can be tricky. Think about how often you hit the slopes: Sheer time on the mountain can help decide how much it's sensible to invest. For a few weekends every winter, you might be happier with a less expensive option like the extra-affordable, warm Wantdo Mountain Hooded or Moerdeng Waterproof Hooded ski jacket. The Wantdo and Moerdeng ring up under $100 (half the price of most lift tickets these days!), but performance, durability, fit, and versatility suffer in both of these jackets. Still, for the less-frequent skier, or a jacket for just one trip, they perform acceptably well.
You can't compare the quality of a lower-priced jacket to technical, high-end options, but budget is a big factor when considering which jacket to buy.
Going for an insulated jacket could save you money on insulating mid-layers, which can often cost nearly as much as some of these jackets. The affordable Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 offers two jackets that integrate together for the price of one, a good deal for high versatility. The Outdoor Research Snowcrew and Patagonia Powder Town are a step up in price, but offer great warmth and should be durable enough to last many, many seasons. Both Patagonia and Outdoor Research also have excellent lifetime warranty programs if you're in need of a gear repair down the road. If you know you want a shell-only jacket but can't afford to splurge on the premium brands, the high-performing and versatile Outdoor Research Carbide is a fraction of the price.
If you're the type to call into work sick every powder day (hey, we don't judge) and log dozens of days on the mountain each year, it's easier to justify the price of high-end gear. In our experience, spending more often leads to superior weather resistance, better versatility, construction quality, features, and ultimately durability. The Arc'teryx Sentinel and Norrona Lofoten are prime examples. Their thoughtful construction with fully taped seams and fully water-resistant zippers, with high-end materials, puts them a cut above the rest. They'll keep you skiing all day and should last many ski seasons.
The Moerdeng hooded jacket comes with decent features for the price. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Warmth
If you get too cold while skiing, it can certainly ruin your day. We tested each jacket for how warm they kept us through frigid and windy storm laps on the mountain. We skied fast and sat on slow chairlifts, checking for drafts and weak points. We tested all special features designed to help retain heat, like storm hoods, drop hems, and fleece liners. We assessed different types of insulation and how effectively the materials kept the cold out.
The Patagonia Powder Town received high marks for warmth. With 80 grams of Thermogreen recycled and eco-friendly polyester insulation in the body and 40 grams in the sleeves, this jacket has plenty of warmth for most cold days out. We were skeptical of this insulation due to the overall extremely light weight of the jacket, but we found it consistently kept us warm enough. Similarly, the Outdoor Research Snowcrew has a stellar warmth-to-weight ratio. The extra-long, insulated drop hem helped to keep our backside warm when sitting on frozen chairlifts, too.
The OR Snowcrew and the Patagonia Powder Town are some of the toastier jackets we tested.
The Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 uses a proprietary foil-like lining called Omni-Heat, designed to reflect heat back towards your body. This design, in combination with the removable synthetic jacket, effectively retains warmth. We were skeptical about this flashy material, but found that the Whirlibird is one of the warmer jackets we tested. The North Face Triclimate 3-in-1 is also super toasty, albeit a bit slim-fitting.
The “denier” (pronounced DEN-EAR) of a fabric refers to its weight, and is crucial for understanding the weather resistance and durability of shell jackets. Simply put, denier measures the weight of the threads used to make a fabric. The higher the number, the thicker, generally tougher the fabric. High-denier fabrics often block wind and cold more effectively.
The warmth of uninsulated shell jackets is determined primarily by the denier of the fabric, and the backer material. Notably, the Arc'teryx Sentinel has both a flannel backer and a high-denier face fabric. This design, along with the extremely weatherproof Gore-Tex ePE membrane, made it the warmest of the shells we tested. With these uninsulated jackets, layering appropriately underneath is crucial to managing warmth. You might think, “Why would I want an uninsulated jacket?”, but the benefit is that they are often more versatile, since you can pile on more or fewer layers depending on the day's forecast and your planned level of exertion. On the other end of the shell spectrum, we got cold in the lightweight Outdoor Research Carbide when conditions were gusty. The thinner, lower denier fabric allowed wind to get through and chill us.
Staying warm (and dry!) in the Sentinel on a cold powder day. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Other design factors that contribute to warmth are wrist gaiters to keep the drafts and snow out of your sleeves, like in the Halfdays Lawrence, Outdoor Research Snowcrew, Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft Insulated, Moerdeng, and Wantdo Mountain Hooded.
Wrist gaiters like those on the Snowcrew help keep snow and cold from sneaking inside. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We sought out fleece chin guards that can zip up over a neck gaiter, which kept us cozy while keeping the wind at bay. The Halfdays Lawrence features an über soft, generously-sized fleece backer around the hood and chin guard. The North Face Triclimate integrates insulated baffles around the neck to seal out gusts. The budget Moerdeng and Wantdo jackets are also lined with plush fleece for an extra bit of warmth and coziness.
The wide fleece lining in the Halfdays Lawrence wraps around your face and neck. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Cuddled up in the Lawrence jacket from Halfdays. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Weather Resistance
Depending on your preferences and climate, weather resistance is an important consideration. In wetter coastal climates, heavy snow can quickly saturate a jacket without solid waterproofing. Once you're wet, you get cold fast—potentially cutting your ski day short. For those who head for the lodge in stormy conditions, weather resistance may matter less. All good ski jackets should have a sufficient amount of protection from the elements. We tested each jacket in stormy conditions, and then objectively with our shower test for two minutes of constant water. We evaluated the materials, durable water repellent (DWR) treatments, and membranes (like Gore-Tex) for how effectively they beaded water.
Hardshell jackets like the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro, Flylow Billie Coat, and Arc'teryx Sentinel score well in this metric because of their super durable and water-resistant materials, added technical Gore-Tex ePE membranes, and large storm hoods. The more affordable REI First Chair GTX also uses Gore-Tex.
Good snow resistance in the Columbia Whirlibird Interchange! Credit: Kaylee Walden
Some jackets we tested have their own proprietary waterproof/breathable treatment, like those from Black Diamond and Patagonia. Most jackets also feature a DWR coating, but our test proved some repelled water better than others.
Waterproofing is rated on an industry-standard test in which labs determine how many millimeters of water in a square-inch tube it takes for a material to start leaking. As a general rule, something with a 15K waterproof rating will work for most resort use. If you live in a maritime climate, or like to keep skiing through storms rather than heading for the lodge, look for something closer to the 20K+ range.
Breathability, on the other hand, is not so simple. Water vapor behaves differently in different climates, and there is no standard test for breathability. Manufacturers will want to report the highest number here, so taking this information with a grain of salt is important.
Along with field testing, we stand in the shower for two minutes, watching how water beads off the surface and how long it takes to soak into the material, if at all. We assess zippers and other weak points for leakage. Most jackets we tested did well at repelling moisture during our shower tests. Some jackets allowed water to seep into the exterior fabric, but none let water into the interior of the jacket.
During the shower test, the Whirlibird Interchange didn't let us down! Credit: Kaylee Walden
From use, DWR treatments will wear off over time. Garments can be re-treated with a waterproofing wash. The Arc'teryx Sentinel and Norrona Lofoten have Gore-Tex shells with DWR coatings that held up the best and beaded water quickly, whereas the Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft, Outdoor Research Snowcrew, and Obermeyer Tuscany II Insulated absorbed some water into their exterior shells in our shower deluge.
Incredible water resistance from the Sentinel on a relentless powder day with 10" throughout the day. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We also considered other factors in this metric: How wind-resistant is the jacket's construction? Do we feel drafts or moisture through zippers or seams? The Sentinel, Lofoten, and Billie Coat performed highly in this regard, effectively keeping out stiff winds. Additionally, we evaluate if hoods are adjustable, insulated, and will fit over a ski helmet to protect you from high winds and non-stop snow while sitting still on the chairlift or powder day storm skiing. We love the performance of the oversized hoods on these three jackets and how well they protected our chins and faces with or without a helmet underneath. All of the shells have non-insulated hoods, while the insulated jackets all have some degree of insulation in the hood. For example, the Powder Town and the HH Alphelia Lifaloft have baffled hoods for extra warmth on storm days.
The fleece-backed storm hood of The North Face Freedom Insulated also has extra insulation around the face. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit make or break your mobility on the mountain. If you feel restricted, your jacket will hold you back from skiing and riding the way you want. In our experience, the main aspect that improves fit and motion is the tailoring. For example, durable, high-denier shells like the Arc'teryx Sentinel and Norrona Lofoten feel stiff out of the box because they lack stretch, but what sets these excellent shells apart is their articulated tailoring and superior cut that ensures freedom of movement. We tend to prefer shells that are slightly oversized to allow for layering without feeling restrictive; but too large, and your jacket starts to feel bulky.
We especially like how the Arc'teryx Sentinel has articulated elbows, a fold of fabric that allows you to grasp poles without bunching or shortening the sleeve. The Sentinel and the Norrona Lofoten are tailored with ample room in the shoulders, leaving us free to move, and a taper at the waist to limit the jacket from shifting around and rubbing or pulling uncomfortably. Some jackets have stretchy shell materials that flex with movement, like the Flylow Lucy, Outdoor Research Carbide, and Black Diamond Recon Stretch. Some insulated models also incorporate stretch to counteract the bulk of insulation.
The OR Carbide allowed us the freedom to move, even for dynamic climbing in the backcountry. Credit: Kaylee Walden
You won't be as comfortable if your jacket is too snug and you're prevented from adding extra layers for those sub-zero, frigid days. We like the extra room all the hardshells in this review left for layering without adding open space for wind to sneak in. For insulated models, the Patagonia Powder Town and Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 are notable for their “just right” fits, verging on slightly large. On the low end of the spectrum, the Moerdeng Hooded and Wantdo ran very large, allowed cold air to enter at the baggy bottom hem, and had poor fits on most of our testers. The Outdoor Research Snowcrew also runs large, and those who prefer a more slim, athletic fit should size down.
The long drop hem of the Snowcrew, great for cold days. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Breathability
It's easy to break a sweat when stacking laps in deep powder or hiking in-bounds. You might also just be someone who runs hot. If you get sweaty, it's then much easier to get cold, potentially ending your ski day early — no good. You want a jacket that breathes well or has vents that let air pass through. A jacket's materials and the incorporated ventilation features effectively release heat and moisture, keeping your temperature regulated.
With an easy-to-open vent, you can immediately get airflow, allowing you to quickly regulate your temperature. Some jackets, like the Norrona Lofoten, feature central and chest zips for ventilation. The Outdoor Research Carbide also has mesh backing on the chest and hand pockets, and the Arc'teryx Sentinel has notably long, open underarm zips. Since many of the contenders in this review are thick and insulated (often meaning not breathable), ventilation features are essential for staying comfortable in varying conditions on the ski hill. The shell jackets we tested had the best ventilation.
Despite its insulation, the Powder Town offers decent breathability thanks to its easy-access underarm vents. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Nearly all of the jackets in this test have underarm vents, allowing air to circulate inside the jacket on warmer days. They are not all constructed equally: Some encourage more airflow than others. Several jackets in this review have mesh-backed vents, which don't cool quite as efficiently. Open vents, like on the Arc'teryx Sentinel and Norrona Lofoten, will let you dump heat quickly. That said, they can allow snow inside the jacket if you take a tumble. Unless you're new to skiing, we recommend open pit zips without mesh liner if you can find them.
The 3-in-1 style jackets we tested have pit zips on the exterior shell but not the interior insulating layer. The only jackets we tested with no underarm vents are the Moerdeng Hooded and Wantdo. If you run super cold, you may not be as inclined to use armpit vents, but it's still nice to have the option for those warmer days on the slopes.
The pit vents on the Alphelia are lined with a thick mesh. Mesh vents help keep out snow, but they can trap heat that you're trying to get rid of. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Style
Style is highly personal, but it matters to most skiers and riders. The right jacket doesn't just keep you comfortable — it can give you a confidence boost. Plus, with your face hidden behind a helmet and goggles, your jacket becomes your alter ego, making it easier for friends to spot you on the slopes. Choosing a jacket that reflects your personality is arguably as important as finding one with the right insulation and ventilation.
Color-block designs with different colored hoods, bodies, and sleeves continue to be the latest style on the slopes, as is found on the Arc'teryx Sentinel, Norrona Lofoten, and Outdoor Research Snowcrew. We also love contrasting zippers like on the Sentinel and the super-stylish Flylow Billie Coat. The Halfdays Lawrence offers a modern, more cropped look that comes in a bunch of fun colors, from brights to pastels to earth tones. The small details on this jacket give it a fashionable look, while the long list of features gives it high utility. We love it when fashion meets function.
Ready to head to the slopes in the Lawrence jacket. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We liked the style and fit of the insulated Halfdays Lawrence jacket. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We dig the look of long but streamlined drop hems like on the Arc'teryx Sentinel, Norrona Lofoten, and Black Diamond Recon Stretch. These jackets, along with the Outdoor Research Carbide, taper at the waist and extend back out, creating a look that flatters natural contours (although the Carbide hem hits most testers around the waist, rather than a drop hem). We also think that the more traditional, straighter cut of The North Face Triclimate 3-in-1 looks nice and clean for those who prefer a more understated style.
A matching kit looks sleek on the slopes. Shown here are the Outdoor Research Snowcrew and the Arc'teryx Sentinel, each with their matching pants.
Features
Most ski jackets come equipped with the same key features: Pass holders, mesh goggle pockets, YKK zippers, adjustable hoods, and hem adjustability. Nearly all ski-specific jackets also include a powder skirt, designed to keep snow from sneaking up your back on deep days or down your pants after a tumble. We evaluated these features on all the jackets in the lineup and determined which ones were the best for functionality on the slopes.
Powder Skirts
We particularly love the powder skirts on the Black Diamond Recon Stretch and Norrona Lofoten because they're removable when not needed, like for around-town use or when there isn't deep snow on the mountain. Many brands' powder skirts are compatible with the same ski pants, and you can attach them together so they become impenetrable to snow. This compatibility is the most efficient way to wear a powder skirt, but it's not very helpful if you have different brands of jackets/pants.
Pockets
We need lots of places to stash our stuff. The Outdoor Research Snowcrew has the best pockets of any jacket we tested, with large fleece-lined hand pockets that can fit all of the snacks. We also like it when jackets have media pockets with headphone ports, like in the OR Snowcrew, Arc'teryx Sentinel, and Patagonia Powder Town, so we can listen to our tunes while we ski.
It's essential to have storage for chairlift snacks. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We love the quick convenience of a good mesh stash pocket. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Billie Coat's pass pocket. Credit: Scott Rokis
The North Face Freedom Insulated features a quick-access mesh stuff pocket as well as a goggle wipe to keep you fog-free on the slopes. We also appreciate big mesh goggle pockets and fleece-lined hand pockets like those on the Powder Town. A zippered interior or chest pocket is essential for keeping important things like credit cards and car keys safe and sound. The Flylow Billie Coat has a great variety of pockets we love.
The right extras take a ski jacket from good to great.
Wrist Gaiters
These help keep drafts out of your sleeves and warm your hands before you slip on your ski gloves. Wrist gaiters made of thin, sleek materials are better for wearing beneath gloves. These can cut off circulation or be just downright uncomfortable if poorly designed. The Norrona Lofoten, Wantdo Mountain, Outdoor Research Snowcrew, Halfdays Lawrence, Moerdeng, and Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft all feature effective and comfortable wrist gaiters.
Wrist gaiters on the Wantdo provided a bit of extra comfort and protection from wind and snow. Credit: Kaylee Walden
RECCO Reflector
This feature is a growing trend and is becoming an industry standard for many top brands. If caught in an in-bounds avalanche, the RECCO system could potentially aid ski patrol in recovering you faster (note that this is not a replacement for avalanche rescue equipment in the backcountry, or an avalanche transceiver). The Arc'teryx Sentinel, the Patagonia Powder Town, the Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0, and Alphelia Lifaloft all have a RECCO reflector.
The Norrona Lofoten is the only jacket in this review with a “Rescue Pocket.” This pocket is not actually a pocket, but more an access port with a mesh backer velcroed to the body of the jacket. The intention is to reach a transceiver on a body harness beneath your shell without having to undo a chest strap on a backpack or fully unzip your jacket, although we still highly recommend using the manufacturer's harness.
The right ski jacket will allow you to focus on the task at hand: The skiing. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Conclusion
Choosing ski gear can be daunting, especially if you're building a full kit from scratch. A great ski jacket is basically your ride-or-die on the mountain. When the weather turns moody (as it loves to do), you want something that keeps you warm, dry, and smiling from bell to bell. Dial in the features that matter most to you: waterproofing, breathability, pockets for days, maybe a little extra swagger, and don't settle for anything less. After all, the best jacket isn't just functional. It should look good, feel even better, every day that you're out on the mountain.
