Ski jackets, as your outermost garment, play an important part in keeping you comfortable and safe from the elements. In recent years, the jacket market has evolved to include everything from warm and toasty insulated resort pieces to light, breathable, and elastic versions for wilderness travel. Below, we go over all of the crucial factors to consider when choosing the best ski jacket for you, such as type (insulated, shell, and 3-in-1), weather protection, durability, breathability, fit, where to buy online, and more. See our articles on the best ski jackets and best women's ski jackets for our favorite designs of the season.
The first step in selecting a ski jacket is to consider your intended applications. If you're staying at the resort, your demands will be very straightforward: remain warm and dry. Other factors to consider are pockets and construction quality, but the main focus is on controlling comfort for the frigid journey up and trip down. Those venturing into the wilderness, on the other hand, want a jacket that breathes well, provides adequate mobility without inhibiting movement, and is light and compact enough to fit into a pack.
Finally, a growing number of riders want something that can be used for both resort and backcountry use, mixing high levels of weather protection with freedom of movement, ventilation, and comfort. The good news is that there are lots of quality options at a range of price points that line up with these uses.
The next step is to determine the best sort of jacket. The four styles listed here differ significantly: Shell jackets are lightweight and adaptable, insulated versions are toasty and warm, 3-in-1s are economical, and softshells are elastic and breathable. Backcountry users will almost always want a shell or softshell jacket, whereas resort-goers will want one of the top three selections.
An insulated jacket is the best choice for the majority of resort skiers. Their one-piece, robust constructions are comfortable and perform an outstanding job of keeping you warm and dry in cold and rainy weather. Synthetic insulation is the most preferred since it is less expensive and continues to insulate even when wet. There will be the rare down item, such as Arc'teryx's sumptuous Macai, but even the Macai contains synthetic insulation in regions most sensitive to moisture (down will not keep you warm if it gets wet). It's also worth mentioning that the quantity of insulation available in this category might vary.
When paired with a quality baselayer, some lightweight insulated jackets are warm enough to only around freezing, while others like the aforementioned Macai can be comfortable down into the single digits Fahrenheit.
Patagonia Snowbelle Insulated ski jacket (showing interior)
Shell jackets, as the name implies, are uninsulated, thin, and light. They are divided into two categories: resort-focused designs with durable structures, abundant of storage, and a generous fit, and more technical backcountry hardshells that are streamlined and packable. Both types offer good weather protection and are well-suited for a variety of conditions—you won't overheat on hot days, and you can layer thickly beneath on chilly days.
But given their lack of insulation, shells are less appealing for comfort-oriented skiers who want a cozy setup, and they’re not as good of a value overall as the two categories below since you still need an insulating layer. But they win out in all-around versatility and are a great option among serious riders.
The 3-in-1 type, which includes an outer shell with a zip-in insulating layer in a one package, is a favorite choice among budget-conscious shoppers. The main point here is price: for around $200, you can get waterproof protection, enough warmth for most resort days, and the versatility to wear the insulated jacket as an everyday piece (even a higher-quality design like The North Face's ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate is reasonably priced at $360). Compromises include a significant increase in weight and overall size, and the budget-conscious designs aren't very outstanding in terms of fit and quality. But the all-in-one solution simplifies the jacket buying process, offers nice versatility, and is a good way to save money for those just getting into the sport.
With the exception of softshells, the great majority of ski jackets are waterproof and provide enough snow and wind protection. They contain durable water resistant (DWR) coatings on the outside shells to shed moisture, seam sealing, and internal membranes that prevent water from passing through (more on this in "Jacket Layers" below). For years, Gore-Tex has been the standard bearer among high-end ski coats, and it's widely renowned for being resilient, long-lasting, and dependable in difficult situations.
