The Best Ski Jackets of 2026

The Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 ($650) is a premium freeride shell that skips GORE-TEX Pro weatherproofing in favor of the brand’s in-house LIFA INFINITY construction — and proves it can hang with the industry leader. After a dozen ski testing days in variable Colorado resort conditions, from cold powder days to wind and spring sleet, gear writer Justin Park found that it delivered consistently strong weather protection with a slightly heavier, more rugged feel than its GORE-TEX Pro counterparts.

Built with a thick 3-layer Helly Tech Professional fabric (unofficially 20K/20K), the Ridge Infinity leans into durability and storm performance. It has a distinctly armor-like construction that shrugs off wind and moisture while maintaining a softer, quieter hand feel than many crinkly GORE-TEX shells such as the Arc’teryx Rush. It’s heavier and less refined than the Rush, but offers similar real-world protection at a slightly lower price point.

The freeride fit is relaxed, leaving plenty of room for layering without feeling oversized. It’s not a minimalist touring piece — this jacket is clearly designed for lift-served skiing and harsh conditions. Breathability is solid but unremarkable, and while the pit zips help, it can run warm during bootpacks or spring days.

Where the Ridge Infinity stands out is in its practical, ski-specific details. Large, glove-friendly cuffs, a thoughtful pocket layout, and a unique integrated phone leash system all reinforce its resort focus. The bold fluorescent accents on hood, wrist, and chest won’t appeal to everyone, but they do make you easy to spot on the hill.

For skiers who prioritize durability, weather protection, and real-world usability over low weight and packability, the Ridge Infinity 2.0 is a dependable, storm-ready alternative to premium GORE-TEX Pro shells.

The North Face caught some heat for leaning into the fashion-first side of its business, but one upside is that it made some great-looking kits. The North Face Dragline ($450) jacket debuted a few seasons back and has had a consistently bold look with big, color-blocked pockets and a hyper-relaxed fit. There is also no slouch in the performance department, leaning on a new in-house DryVent Mono membrane that balances price and performance instead of the pricier industry standard GORE-TEX.

Skier Justin Park tested a relatively muted black and brown colorway, which is quite a departure from previous seasons’ high-contrast offerings, but still got more unsolicited compliments wearing the Dragline than any of the other dozen or so shells he tested throughout the ski season. The fit is “freeride,” which is ski-speak for relaxed. Thankfully, the Dragline doesn’t veer into territory so baggy that more modest fashionistas can’t wear it. When paired with the Dragline Bibs for a color-coordinated kit, Park couldn’t get enough freedom of movement compared to the slimmer, stiffer shell outerwear he has tested. 

We have to guess because TNF doesn’t list waterproof or breathability ratings for DryVent Mono. Based on the price of the jacket relative to GORE-TEX options, as well as the performance of previous iterations of DryVent, we’d guess it’s middle of the road in waterproofing and breathability, likely 15K/15K. 

Park lives and skis above 10,000 feet, where snow and air are cold, and rain is mostly not a thing. In his experience, that kind of modest performance is plenty for resort riding. He reached for the Dragline kit over a half-dozen other “better” outerwear options because of the comfort and freedom of movement, not to mention the plethora of big pockets. The jacket has two oversized cargo-style pockets on the front. Behind each is a more secure, zippered pocket that’s a bit slimmer. Below are two zippered hand pockets. Two mesh stuff pockets are inside. The left sleeve has the requisite pass pocket and a handy tethered goggle wipe. In total, we’re talking nine pockets total.

If you need more robust waterproofing, consider a GORE-TEX shell like the Rab Khroma Latok. Still, TNF highlights that because each of the three layers of the shell is polyester, it’s much easier to recycle — something they offer to do in-house for customers. Despite using PFAS-free DWR (less durable but more environmentally friendly), we had no issues with the face fabric wetting out, and water still beaded up on the jacket after 25 days or so of wear over three months of testing. 

Despite holding up well all season, Park has a few cuts and abrasions on the Dragline Bibs, and one of the elastic boot cuff cinches pulled completely out. While you save a little upfront by going with the cheaper Dragline than top-of-the-line shells, it’s likely to have a shorter usable lifespan. Also, TNF has a limited lifetime manufacturing warranty, but it won’t cover wear.

Colorado-based ski apparel tester Bergen Tjossem wore the Stio Objective Pro Jacket ($799) through the best and worst of it at both the ski resort and deep in Colorado’s backcountry — and couldn’t find much that this premium jacket didn’t excel at. The Objective Pro is built entirely from GORE-TEX Pro 3L ePE fabric, which is essentially a sturdy face fabric, waterproof membrane, and backer sandwich. GORE-TEX Pro offers premium protection from rain, snow, and anything else that will fall from the sky with its roughly 28,000mm waterproof rating. Simply put, we stayed dry in nasty weather. 

What makes the Objective Pro’s fabric package stand out from the crowd is its up to 25,000 g/m²/24h breathability. It breathes with the best waterproof hardshells on the market. That didn’t translate to sweat-free uphill skin track laps, but it was about perfect for aerobic downhill skiing and short hiking bursts at the resort. It kept the interior dry and warm. 

The Objective Pro comes with a minimalist feature set with a thoughtful pocket layout. Most useful to Tjossem were the two main vertical chest pockets that ate all of our odds and ends on their own. The left chest comes with a stretchy interior pocket for great phone storage that virtually eliminates phone flop. Big side hand pockets layer underneath the chest pockets and add additional storage options for carrying gloves and snacks to the ski hill. An internal drop pocket, pass pocket on the sleeve, and internal media pocket round out the storage options. 

The Objective Pro sports a big, versatile hood that was plenty roomy for our bulky freeride helmets. When deployed, it stayed clear of our peripheral vision and didn’t restrict head movement. A toggle at the back made it possible to cinch down to a smaller mountaineering helmet or even a sun hat.

Stio has a reputation for making outerwear with immaculate fit, and the Objective Pro does not deviate from that trend. The jacket’s Regular fit provided plenty of room for layering, but it never felt too loose or baggy. At 6’1” 195lb, Tjossem found a perfect fit in a men’s large, his long running jacket size. The Objective Pro fits true to size and is offered in S-XXL for men. Being a lightweight, uninsulated shell, the Objective Pro proved a top-tier backcountry companion. It breathed and vented well and stuffed down small into a crowded backpack, ready to be deployed at the top of the run or whenever the weather deteriorated. Being so thin, proper layering was required at the ski resort to keep our testers warm — that’s versatility you don’t get from every ski jacket out there. 

With an eye-watering $799, nobody is calling the Objective Pro jacket a bargain. But we agree that it’s a dialed product. A long list of pros strongly outweighs a small nitpick or two. Folks looking for one hardshell jacket to do it all won’t be disappointed in the Objective Pro.

If you tend to get a bit chilled on the lift ride or ski in a wind-blown location, push this insulated jacket to the top of your list. Ready for a powder day and delivering excellent waterproofness is the Patagonia Men’s Insulated Powder Town Jacket ($399). Patagonia nailed the comfort and fit of this design. Beyond that, the jacket is completely free of PFC chemicals.

The 75-denier shell, liner, and lower body of the jacket are all 100% recycled polyester blends. Even the insulation is 100% recycled polyester. The lining is Bluesign-approved, while the product is Fair Trade Certified sewn. Inside, a taffeta liner is smooth without noise and ups the jacket’s class and quality.

We really appreciate the pockets on this jacket, which are ergonomic and functional. There’s a small pass pocket on the left forearm, a large left exterior chest pocket, a wide interior dump pocket with a zip closure, a wide-mouthed interior mesh pocket, and two softly lined hand pockets.

Patagonia is also launching the Warmth Index, a new metric that measures the warmth of each of the brand’s products. That way, skiers can compare jackets side by side for their own insulation needs. The Insulated Powder Town is the warmest all-mountain snow jackets that the brand makes.

Built for mountain weather in all its moods, the Stio Men’s Environ Jacket ($479) blends storm-ready protection with an athletic cut that strikes the sweet spot: not too boxy, not too tight, and articulated to move with you when charging downhill or hiking uphill. The brand’s PeakProof 3-layer fabric brings density and resilience, delivering a confident buffer against biting wind and driving snow.

Despite its rugged build, the Environ feels polished. Smooth seams and a clean silhouette complement the jacket’s functional design. The standout is the high collar, which extends into the hood and is fully wrapped in soft brushed tricot — a welcome touch of warmth against the face and neck. Performance specs add reassurance: 20K waterproofing, 10K breathability, and a PFAS-free DWR finish that maintains 80% of its water-beading ability after 20 wash cycles. Even better, the face fabric is woven from 100% recycled polyester, making the jacket as sustainable as it is stormworthy.

Organization is spot on. Seven pockets provide purpose-built stashes: two zippered hand pockets, a spacious external chest pocket (two are available on the men’s jacket), a lift pass pocket on the forearm, a secure interior chest pocket, and a stretchy drop pocket ideal for goggles or lenses. The helmet-compatible hood streamlines with a stiff brim to fend off precipitation and can be removed if you want to trim down bulk. Ventilation is equally well considered, with pit zips to dump heat during spring laps or big-effort tours. A fixed powder skirt locks out deep snow without riding up or bunching.

At 681 grams, the Environ isn’t featherweight but the extra heft translates to toughness and wind-blocking capability. In an era when many ski shells are slimming down, sometimes at the expense of abrasion resistance, we appreciated the resilience of this build.

We put the Environ through its paces during midwinter powder cycles, sunny spring sessions, and variable lift-line temps from Telluride to Copper Mountain. Across storm days at the resort, sidecountry laps, and skintrack pushes, the jacket proved itself a waterproof, windproof shield that remains a reliable favorite for the chairlift and beyond.

A resounding favorite from our crew, the Patagonia Men’s SnowDrifter Jacket ($449) is light enough to excel in the backcountry, yet sturdy enough to tackle resort riding. Tested by ski journalist Will Brendza, the SnowDrifter is a stylish, high-output layer that won’t hold you back from first chair to last, from alpine starts to backcountry summits.

A proprietary textile — rather than say, one made by GORE-TEX — this jacket was heavily tested through Patagonia’s multiyear testing rounds for waterproofness plus durability and breathability, called the H2No Performance Standard. This one passed. The factory where this kit was manufactured is also Fair Trade Certified.

Supporting uninhibited movement, the SnowDrifter Jacket incorporates a two-way stretch fabric throughout, which we loved. The waterproofness reaches 20K/20K, which is our baseline suggestion for use in a coastal snow climate including Pacific Northwest-based skiers. This lightweight pal even holds up through back-to-back heavy, wet snowstorms. The textile feels so buttery and lean, like a softshell, and simply put, it’s not diamond-level on the durability scale: Be mindful of sharp objects with this fabric. For a more traditional density, check out the Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Jacket, which is still lightweight and durable and offers supreme waterproofness and breathability.

Similar to other options in Patagonia’s outerwear lineup, the SnowDrifter is an eco-friendly powerhouse setting an industry benchmark. The ingredients are also among the healthiest, and most toxic-free for you and the environment. While the former iteration of the SnowDrifter had 70% recycled fabric, this one is 100% recycled, including the 50-denier polyester stretch plain weave and the polyester knit backer. What’s more, the entire manufacturing process is free of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), including the fabric, membrane, and DWR finish.

Like other Patagonia outerwear we’ve put to the grind, we found that this jacket ran a little large and the far-reaching length might swallow some torsos. And the lean fabric doesn’t feel the coziest against biting wind. But with an eye-catching aesthetic, the SnowDrifter comes in sharp colors — including some of our favorite combinations — clean design lines, all the features you need, and none that you don’t. The generous underarm vents help regulate heat in a pinch. That chin guard and hood provide great protection on stormy days. After being field tested by Brendza, we’re confident the SnowDrifter is a great jacket-of-all-trades for the skier who samples both the resort and backcountry goods. The full kit comes with bibs, too: Patagonia Men’s SnowDrifter Bibs Review.

Read Review for Men’s Jacket: Weatherproof Fortress for All-Season Freeriding: Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX ePE Jacket and Bib Review

Norwegian outdoor apparel brand Norrona has been making outdoor gear since 1929, but its ski apparel has become more common in North American lift lines and skin tracks over the past half-decade or so. As of last season, the long-standing Tamok jacket now uses GORE-TEX’s PFC-free ePE membrane, which is more environmentally friendly while retaining most of the performance of the old GORE-TEX Pro construction. Now called the Norrona Tamok Men’s GORE-TEX Performance Shell Jacket ($799), this is a premium build and a high-performance tool for skiers. Especially when paired with the Tamok Bib, this is about the highest level of storm protection you can buy.

At the resort, this is a midwinter beast of a jacket. Yes, it uses the high-end GORE-TEX membrane, but notably, it pairs with 70D and 160D face fabrics that are thicker and more durable than most shells. There’s also reinforcement on the shoulders and elbows with even burlier 200D patches. Tested by ski adventurer Bergen Tjossem, he found that the Tamok is nothing if not durable, and this is a shell you could run through season after season of heavy use. It’s also backed by Norrona’s 5-year warranty just in case.

While the Tamok has great venting options, it’s not a realistic backcountry ski jacket option. The cut is extra-long, down to about mid-thigh, so it can be restrictive for active uphilling and definitely is a problem if using an airbag avalanche pack with the strap between the legs.

Beyond the robust build, there are several features that help the Tamok stand out. Because of the extra-long hem, there’s room for two oversized parka-style pockets with zippers and flaps that deliver plenty of storage, especially when paired with the two oversized zippered chest pockets, one of which comes with a tethered goggle wipe. There’s also the now-ubiquitous sleeve-mounted ski pass pocket. Ultimately, this eco-conscious shell is big, burly, and durable.

The Arc’teryx Rush Jacket ($800) shares the same design as the Rush Bibs tested by skier Justin Park: a lightweight, backcountry-first shell with best-in-class GORE-TEX Pro weather protection. It’s a lighter shell, built for skiers who split time between touring and lift-access laps, and want one jacket that can handle both without compromise.

Like the bibs, this latest iteration gets a meaningful fit update. There’s a bit more room through the torso and arms, which goes a long way in improving mobility, especially when layering or reaching overhead on bootpacks. The 3-layer GORE-TEX PRO ePE construction is weather-proof, but it prioritizes protection over stretch. The added space keeps the rigid jacket from feeling restrictive, even during high-output touring movements or resort descents.

Again, weather protection is about as good as it gets. The GORE-TEX Pro ePE membrane was unfazed in our testing during heavy snow, wind, and mixed precipitation. From breaking trail on exposed ridges to riding lifts in blowing snow over more than a dozen days testing split evenly between backcountry and resort, our tester Justin Park never worried about the weather in the Rush Jacket. Breathability is solid for a hardshell, though like most 3-layer pieces, it benefits from active venting and will be too hot on warm, sunny touring ascents. The Gore membrane releases some heat and steam, but large pit zips do the heavy lifting here, dumping heat quickly on the skin track.

The feature set is streamlined but functional. You get two high chest pockets that stay accessible with a pack or harness, plus an internal dump pocket for skins or gloves. It’s not overloaded with storage, but the primary chest pockets are large enough for skins, so you don’t have to fiddle with unnecessarily tight fits for your frequently accessed gear.

At 570 grams, the Rush Jacket is impressively light for a GORE-TEX Pro shell. It packs okay for touring, but it’s closer to resort armor than a lightweight touring shell and feels durable enough for regular resort use. The cut and stiffness are comparable to the Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell, but the Rush is lighter. The 80D face fabric has that signature GORE-TEX stiffness — crinkly, not stretchy — making it confidence-inspiring in bad weather. If you want something more ultralight and ultra-packable, consider a non-GORE-TEX touring-specific hardshell or even softshell. If you like the Rush but don’t ski much backcountry, consider the beefier Arc’teryx Sabre Jacket which has a similar fit and feel, but adds a flannel backer.

The downsides of the Rush Jacket mirror the Rush Bibs. It’s Arc’teryx, so it’s expensive, and compared to dedicated touring options, it lacks that easy-breathing comfort on high-output days. But if your priority is maximum weather protection in a lightweight but still resort-ready package, the Rush Jacket is a premium choice that’ll last for years.

Especially for the backcountry or weather-ridden resort days, this Rab Men’s Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Jacket ($400) is one of our top choices for lightweight weather protection in a comfortable silhouette. Constructed from Rab’s proprietary Proflex material, the Khroma Kinetic balances breathability, waterproofness, and windproofness. The fabric has a malleable, forgiving feel, and the fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment keeps wet snow beading off the face fabric. Unless you need to invest in a premium waterproof build, in the Rab Khroma Latok GORE-TEX Pro Ski Jacket, this one is nearly $300 cheaper and fits the bill for the majority of resort or backcountry skiers and weather conditions.

In terms of comfort, we loved the stretch factor. A little stretch goes a long way, especially on cold days when we had to layer a fleece and a light puffy jacket underneath the shell. A large, two-way adjustable hood easily accommodates a ski helmet without restricting mobility, and we appreciate the low-profile internal cord locks.

This jacket also has a few venting options for when it’s time to shed some heat on the skin track. We found that opening the rear arm vents and the chest pockets can create a nice draft.

When it comes to technical features, the Khroma Kinetic is better equipped for touring and mountaineering than powder days at the resort. It has two large Napoleon pockets with plenty of room for a beacon, bars, and glove liners on a tour. A two-way zipper makes for easy access to a harness during mountaineering endeavors. This jacket doesn’t have a powder skirt. For resort skiing, it has a small shoulder pocket for a ski pass.

For skiers hoping to get by with one jacket for the resort and the backcountry, the Khroma Kinetic is an excellent choice. While the Patagonia Men’s SnowDrifter Jacket serves a very similar purpose and skier, the Khroma Kinetic feels slightly denser — and therefore a bit warmer and more wind-blocking — and has a higher breathability rate and two chest pockets, all at a lower price point.

Read Review: Stormproof Ski Shell for Backcountry or Resort: Arc’teryx Sabre Freeride Jacket Review

Arc’teryx delivers these tough, flexible shell jackets for tackling big mountain ski lines at the resort or in the backcountry: the Arc’teryx Men’s Sabre Jacket ($750). While this ski jacket is an investment, it continues to be at the top of our stack because it’s so functional, performs exceptionally well, withstands years of abuse, and looks good.

This design has a durable yet buttery 80-denier (70 in the Sentinel) nylon face fabric, so we don’t need to worry about exploring the glades or playing fetch with an excited pooch at the base. From blustery conditions to blower powder, the three-layer GORE-TEX fabric is waterproof, breathable, and blocks wind well for rider Jesse Huffman.

And the seams are fully sealed to bar moisture. If you build heat on deep-snow laps, the underarm vents are a lifesaver, and the powder skirt helps keep base layers dry. A soft flannel backer provides a bit of warmth for cooler days on the chair lift. The hood fits over a helmet. The Sabre has two external hand pockets, one small sleeve pocket, two internal mesh pockets, and one internal pocket with a zip closure.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight shell that stands season after season and manages variable conditions from spring sunshine to storms, the Sabre Jacket is a worthy choice.

When the weather finally turned frigid in Colorado, tester Bergen Tjossem kept reaching for the new Outdoor Research Powderverse Jacket ($400) for in-bounds resort days. The Powderverse utilizes strategically mapped insulation and a bomber face fabric that protects riders from any weather conditions they might encounter at the resort. He came out warm and dry after many days of skiing in conditions ranging from excellent to “horrifying.”

When snowfall and even a short rain shower came down, the Powderverse’s 20,000 mm waterproof fabric proved to be a dependable barrier. Made with the brand’s proprietary AscentShell Dry, the 2-layer jacket has a burly exterior fabric. Tjossem found the jacket was sturdy when up against the ski lift, trees, and even rock — it’s built to last many winters. 

The Powderverse takes a unique approach to warmth, mapping the core with insulation made with the brand’s proprietary VerticalX eco polyester. It adds a hint of warmth where it really matters and keeps the bulk to a minimum everywhere else. We still needed a midlayer on the coldest days, but it wasn’t too warm when the sun came out. 

Sporting an oversized fit and cut, the Powderverse works great for resort riding. A relatively long length added protection on the nastiest ski days. We appreciated being able to add insulation underneath without feeling constricted. The helmet-compatible hood was roomy enough for a large freeride helmet without causing any constriction, and it included a wire brim and multiple adjustments.

During a few alarmingly warm December days, Tjossem was thrilled by the large underarm vents that let out some of the hot air. The jacket is decently breathable (with a membrane rated at 17k g/m²/24hr), but not quite to the level of a standalone hardshell.

The Powderverse is absolutely loaded with pockets. You get a massive pair of Aquaguard zippered chest pockets and hand pockets on the front of the jacket that swallow snacks and iPhones. The interior has a zippered media pocket on the left chest and a drop-in pocket on the inside right. Like any good resort jacket, you get a ski pass pocket on the left wrist.

Though the powder skirt isn’t removable (to Tjossem’s irritation), the interior snaps let you tuck the skirt’s ends so the whole thing stays out of the way. The Powderverse also hosts wrist gaiters. All around, this jacket offers a stellar feature set for a competitive price. You get a thoroughly waterproof, durable fabric, strategically mapped insulation, and mega pockets sprinkled throughout. While it wouldn’t be our first choice for backcountry skiing, the Powderverse Jacket is a great match for resort skiers and others who like to play outside in nasty weather. 

Rab entered the ski space with its Khroma line after years of making durable, high-end ski mountaineering gear. The lineup is geared toward backcountry skiers, but layers such as the Rab Khroma Latok GORE-TEX Pro Ski Jacket ($695) are just as suitable for the resort as on the skin track. As a bonus, the face fabric is 100% recycled.

Compared to the Rab Khroma Kinetic, the Latok is much more waterproof — it’s the highest level of waterproofness among any of our favorite ski jackets — and more durable with 40-denier and 80-denier textiles. As a result, the Latok is less breathable and much pricier. There are also additional pockets: two for hands, one Napoleon, and one for a ski pass.

Coming out strong, the 28K waterproofing is what sets this jacket apart. It won’t blink in heavy, wet snowfall or high winds and will be plenty of jacket even if you never leave the resort. But if you do take it out of bounds, the oversized chest pockets are accessible when wearing a pack and big enough to stash skins on quick transitions. Inside each sleeve is a slender wrist gaiter with thumb holes to help block the cold air.

The Latok employs best-in-class weatherproofing via GORE-TEX Pro, though they use the relatively lighter variant — which is the most breathable option — for an overall lower net weight and better packability in addition to slightly improved breathability. It’s still a pretty stuffy GORE-TEX shell (hence the 28K waterproofness) compared to a more dedicated backcountry design, like the Patagonia SnowDrifter. But the Khroma is a great option if you tour casually or occasionally in colder conditions.

Ski expert Justin Park found that this fit is roomy, which is great for mobility to make up for the lack of stretch and relatively stiff GORE-TEX fabric. This results in some blousing when wearing a pack, but you can size down if you’re between sizes for a trimmer fit for the backcountry. Our 6’0” tall tester fell right between an L and an XL but went with the XL for more mobility and comfort.

This is a perfect shell for the resort skier who gets out in the backcountry but isn’t screaming up the skin track, doesn’t mind stopping to shed the Latok when warranted, and also doesn’t want to have to buy a separate shell just for touring.

The growth of backcountry skiing has lots of ski apparel brands trying to create one jacket to span the boundary lines. On paper, this sounds much better than spending $1,000 or more to get two purpose-built jackets for each ski day. In reality, touring is a high-output sport that requires light, breathable layers, while resort skiing demands weather protection and warmth — and few jackets do both well. The Strafe Nomad 3L Shell ($679) comes as close as we’ve seen to threading the needle.

Within the fabric, the Nomad shuns a claustrophobic GORE-TEX membrane for an eVent membrane that sacrifices some weather resistance for much better breathability. In a lighter construction, the blend actually lets air escape before you build up enough heat and moisture to dampen your baselayers. In terms of build and handfeel, the Nomad is appropriately somewhere between a stiff, crinkly GORE-TEX Pro shell and a thinner, backcountry-oriented shell like the Patagonia SnowDrifter. For contributor Justin Park, the Nomad held up just fine in high winds and wet snow, but if weather resistance is a top priority, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Regarding weight and packability for touring, it’s closer to most resort shells, but it’s the balance of breathability and weather resistance that sets it apart. Most other crossover shells are just lighter-weight versions of existing resort shells and aren’t realistic to leave on for most high-output touring in normal temperatures.

This baggier, freeride fit might be an adjustment if you’re used to a slimmer touring shell. But there’s enough room to ensure mobility, even though the fabric itself doesn’t have any stretch. Any shell can get too hot when touring on warmer days, and the Nomad is no exception. It also sacrifices some wind- and water-resistance compared to high-end GORE-TEX, but the compromise makes it one of the best options we’ve tested for a true 50/50 ski jacket option.

Nivis is a U.S.-based entrant specializing in ski jackets with high-end price points, materials, and construction that set them apart from the slew of GORE-TEX shells from the big ski brands. The Nivis Protego Pro Shell ($690) is the brand’s top-of-the-line model with a price tag to match. That’s a leap of faith for skiers, considering this is a lesser-known startup, so the question is: Is the Nivis jacket worth it?

Skier Justin Park wore the Protego Pro shell for about 8 days in wildly variable spring skiing conditions, from cold storm days to blindingly sunny spring slush runs, and was pretty impressed. While they use a little-known waterproof-breathable 3-layer membrane called MaxAliento, it’s not a drastic departure from classic ski shells. However, the 25K/25K waterproof-breathability ratings are comparable to GORE’s new ePE eco-friendly shells.

The biggest differentiators are the fit and feel of the jacket, which is slim and structured, and almost like a cross between a softshell and a hardshell. While the material is soft to the touch, it’s doubled up in the front, and the arrangement of the panels gives it a lot of structure. Raise your arms above your head, and the whole jacket moves up like a plate of armor. 

Despite that rigidity, the fabric blend contains substantial spandex for four-way stretch, so it’s not an upper-body cast. Nylon is generally more durable than cheaper, more common polyester fabrics, so we’re optimistic about its long-term durability, which helps justify the price point. Park was worried the slim-fit arms would make layering uncomfortable, but he wore a puffy midlayer under the Protego Pro without issue. 

If you prefer a baggy freeride cut like that found in The North Face Dragline Jacket, you might not love how the Protego Pro shell fits. The tailoring doesn’t have quirks for a young brand, though the waist hem is shorter than any other shells we tested this season. It hangs low enough not to look or feel goofy, but it’s noticeable, and you might consider using the (removable) powder skirt to keep snow out and your belly in.

Speaking of powder skirts, Nivis touts “revolutionary pockets” on the shell’s inside that hang behind the powder skirt, which hinders other brands from placing pockets there. These oversized hook-and-loop dump pockets are nice, but Park isn’t sure they’re Che Guevara-level. As a bib enthusiast who has never used a powder skirt, he’d ditch the elastic waistband. More impressive is the inclusion of an Aerogel-lined interior chest pocket that insulates your phone to preserve battery life.

While it’s not necessarily a revolution in ski outerwear, the Nivis Protego Pro does stand out from the crowd with its business model, fit, and feel. The price tag is high, but there’s performance to match as long as you like the slimmer fit. As a direct-to-consumer boutique brand, you’ll theoretically save some cash on the purchase.