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The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Whether you’re skiing in sunny or stormy conditions, here are our top picks for the most durable, protective, and comfortable ski jackets of 2024 to keep you outside longer.
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Whether at a ski area or out of bounds, you’ll need to be protected from a slew of elements. That includes beaming sunshine, bitter wind, wet snowflakes, and slashing hail. Finding the best ski jacket will keep you warm, dry, and on the mountain longer.

To help you find the best fit and option for your needs, we created this guide with our favorite jackets for alpine skiing at the resort or heading into the backcountry. Many of these men’s and women’s ski jackets also work well for other winter activities from sledding to snowboarding or winter hikes. These top picks suit all types of skiers whether you’re new or experienced, be it ripping down corduroy at the resort or adventuring off-piste.

If you’d like to learn more about the details of ski jackets, jump down to our buyer’s guideFAQ, and comparison chart lower on the page. Otherwise, scroll through our top picks below.

Editor’s Note: We updated our ski jackets buyer’s guide on March 6, 2024, adding newly launched and tested products for men and women.

The Best Ski Jackets of 2024


Best Overall Ski Jacket

Stio Environ Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Regular
  • Insulation No
  • Shell PeakProof 3L waterproof/breathable, 100% recycled polyester 150-denier face fabric, PeakProof membrane
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
  • Breathability (g) 10,000
  • Weight 822 g
Product Badge The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Incredibly waterproof and windproof
  • Durable construction
  • Great fit
  • Generous size run, XS-XXXL for men and XXS-XXL for women
  • Recycled fabric

Cons

  • A bit heavy for backcountry use
  • Not very breathable
Best Budget

Eddie Bauer Chair Six Shell Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Regular, straight
  • Insulation None
  • Shell 3L 100% polyester WeatherEdge Waterproof Stretch Fabric
  • Waterproof rating 20,000 mm
  • Breathability 20,000 g
  • Weight 499 g
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Material acts like a hardshell, moves like a softshell
  • Sealed seams
  • Extended size options for women including petite, tall, 2X-3X

Cons

  • Pockets are mesh-lined
  • Powder skirt is not removable
  • Standard length that ends at hips could be a drawback for some skiers
Runner-Up Best Ski Jacket

Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Regular
  • Insulation None
  • Shell 3-layer 20D Proflex
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000mm
  • Breathability (g) 25,000
  • Weight 474 g (women’s size 10); 538 g (men’s size M)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Stretchy
  • Breathable
  • Very comfortable

Cons

  • No powder skirt
  • Hemline a little high
Warmest Insulated Puffy Ski Jacket

Sync Performance Stretch Puffy

Specs

  • Fit Athletic
  • Insulation 50/50 PrimaLoft Black ThermoPlume and polyester insulation
  • Shell Stretch Knit
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 10,000
  • Breathability (g) 10,000
  • Weight Unavailable for women’s jacket; 453 g (men’s size L)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Extremely warm
  • Flexible fabric
  • Streamlined fit

Cons

  • No underarm vents
  • Too much insulation for warm spring days
Most Lightweight Sustainable 3-Layer Ski Jacket

Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Regular
  • Insulation None
  • Shell 3-Layer H2No Patagonia performance benchmark, PFC-free (fabric, membrane, DWR finish), 100% recycled plain weave, 100% recycled polyester backer
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
  • Breathability (g) 20,000
  • Weight 590 g
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Stretchy material makes for an incredibly comfortable fit
  • One of the best-looking jackets tested
  • Among the most sustainable, toxin-free, healthiest options on the market

Cons

  • A bit lightweight for harsh weather and wetter snow climates
  • Not insulated if that's a necessity
Most Sustainable Ski Jacket

Picture Men’s Naikoon Jacket & Women’s Haakon Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Regular
  • Insulation None
  • Shell 2-layer 70% Circular Polyester (factory scraps and used jackets), 30% polyester, Teflon Ecoelite PFC-free DWR
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
  • Breathability (g) 20,000
  • Weight 1052 g (men's), 921 g (women's)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Textile feels durable
  • Pockets are roomy
  • Cut is spacious for layering and comfortable
  • Circular fabric cuts down on factory waste and landfill

Cons

  • Not the most lightweight jacket
  • If you're looking for an athletic cut, check out other options
Best Backcountry Ski Jacket

Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Relaxed
  • Insulation Not insulated
  • Shell 3-layer
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 10,000
  • Breathability (g) 20,000
  • Weight 576 g (women’s size M); 627 g (men’s size M)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Very durable fabric
  • Comfortable shell for big movement
  • Over-sized underarm vents

Cons

  • No insulation
Best of the Rest

Patagonia Untracked Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Regular
  • Insulation None
  • Shell 3-layer PFC-free (fabric, membrane, DWR) 100% recycled GORE-TEX fabric, 100% recycled flannel backer
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
  • Breathability (g) 20,000
  • Weight 595 g
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Incredibly durable
  • Very windproof and waterproof
  • Sustainably made and groundbreakingly PFC-free
  • Backed by GORE-TEX

Cons

  • A higher chin-guard would be nice for burly storms
  • Not the most packable
  • Pricier

Stio Figment Jacket 

Specs

  • Fit Freeride, baggy
  • Insulation None
  • Shell 3L
  • Waterproof rating 20,000 mm
  • Breathability 10,000 g
  • Weight 876 g
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Heavy-duty 3L fabric is warm and durable
  • Plenty of pockets including a built-in lens wipe
  • Hood easily fits over helmet

Cons

  • Sizing runs large
  • Could use more colors
  • Pricey

Arc’teryx Men’s Sabre Jacket & Women’s Sentinel Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Relaxed
  • Insulation None
  • Shell 3-layer
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
  • Breathability (g) 20,000
  • Weight 590 g (women’s size S); 700 g (men’s size M)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Enough room to layer up a fleece or micro puff jacket beneath the shell
  • Extremely durable
  • Slightly longer drop in the back for extra protection

Cons

  • Expensive

Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity 3-Layer Shell Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Athletic
  • Insulation Not insulated
  • Shell 3-layer Lifa Infinity Pro
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
  • Breathability (g) 20,000
  • Weight 515 g (women’s); 602 g (men’s)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Inherently waterproof without chemicals
  • Flexible fabric and range of movement
  • Durable

Cons

  • Expensive

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell

Specs

  • Fit Relaxed
  • Insulation Not insulated
  • Shell 3-layer
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
  • Breathability (g) 20,000
  • Weight 455 g (women’s size S); 500 g (men’s size M)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • Unique center ventilation zipper
  • Eco-friendly DWR finish
  • RECCO technology in hood for safety

Cons

  • No hand pockets

Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket

Specs

  • Fit Regular
  • Insulation 80g (40g in the sleeves) Thermogreen 100% recycled polyester
  • Shell 2-layer 100% recycled postconsumer polyester, PFC-free DWR, Bluesign-approved 100% recycled polyester taffeta liner, Patagonia's H2No in-house multiyear durability standard
  • Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
  • Breathability (g) Unavailable
  • Weight 870 g (men’s); 764 g (women’s)
The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Pros

  • RECCO included
  • Super comfortable to move in
  • Underarm zippers are included

Cons

  • Perfect amount of warmth on a cold day but a bit toasty on super warm spring days
Testing men’s ski jackets at Crested Butte Mountain Resort on a deep powder day; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Ski Jackets Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Fit, Insulation, Shell, Waterproof Rating, Weight.

Ski JacketsPriceFitInsulationShellWaterproof RatingWeight
Stio M’s Environ 
& 
W’s Environ 
$465RegularNot InsulatedPeakProof 3L20k822 g
Eddie Bauer Chair Six Jacket for Men & Chair Six Jacket for Women$249Regular, StraightNot Insulated3-layer20k499 g
Arc’teryx M’s Sabre & W’s Sentinel$750RelaxedFlannel backer3-layer28k590 g (W); 700 g (M)
Rab M’s Khroma Kinetic Waterproof & W’s Khroma Kinetic$400RegularNot Insulated3-layer 20D Proflex20k474 g (W); 538 g (M)
Sync Performance M’s Stretch Puffy & W’s Stretch Puffy $349Athletic 50% PrimaLoft from recycled material; 50% water-repellent, fluorocarbon-free downN/A10k453 g (M)
Patagonia W’s SnowDrifter & M’s SnowDrifter $449RegularNot Insulated3-Layer 20k590 g
Picture M’s Naikoon & W’s Haakon$404RegularNot Insulated2-layer20k1052 g (M), 921 g (W)
Patagonia M’s Insulated Powder Town W’s Insulated Powder Town$399Regular80g (40g in the sleeves) Thermogreen 100% recycled polyester2-layerN/A870 g (M) 764 g (W)
Helly Hansen M’s Odin Mountain Infinity 3L Shell W’s Odin Mountain$700AthleticNot insulated3-layerN/A515 g (W) 602 g (L)
Outdoor Research M’s Skytour AscentShell & W’s Skytour AscentShell$399RelaxedNot insulated3-layer10k576 g (W) & 627 g (M)
Patagonia M’s Untracked & W’s Untracked $699RegularNot insulated 3-layer PFC-free30k595 g
Stio M’s Figment & W’s Figment$499Freeride, baggyNot insulated3-layer20k876 g
Black Diamond M’s Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell & W’s Dawn Patrol $365RelaxedNot insulated3-layer20K455 g (W) & 500g (M)

Waterproofness level will influence how a jacket holds up against a storm as well as the water equivalent in the snow; (photo/Jason Hummel)

How We Tested Ski Jackets

Our team has tested ski jackets and published ski jacket guides for men and women for many winter seasons. Those test runs include input from expert, lifelong, backcountry, and avalanche-certified skiers as well as average and beginner skiers.

To determine the best designs, our team wore these ski jackets in a spectrum of snowy environments including ski resorts, off-piste, while steering snowmobiles on backcountry tours, and in various weather conditions.

We’ve backcountry and alpine skied, snowmobiled, and skimo raced in Colorado’s Gunnison Valley, one of the coldest, snowiest destinations in the United States.

To point, GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton specializes in the snowsports category and grew up in the remote mountains of Southwest Colorado, where she still lives and plays from the slopes to the backcountry on snowboard, skis, and snowmobile. She’s worn a ton of ski jackets over the past three decades and has been an outdoor gear journalist including covering snowsports for more than a decade. That includes reporting at nearly 16 outdoor industry trade shows for publications such as the Snow Show Daily.

She penned stories as the Snowboard Editor at Teton Gravity Research. While pursuing backcountry exploration, she’s earned a Wilderness First Responder certificate and three recreational avalanche training courses from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. For two seasons to date, she’s managed the annual GearJunkie Ski and Snowboard Test at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. While she teams up with many gear testers, Tilton also field tests. 

To date in 2023, Tilton has tested ski jackets on 59 days and throughout 177 hours of recreation at the resort and in the backcountry. Test rounds faced blizzards, sub-zero temps, harsh wind, heavy and wet snow, plenty of sweat, no blood, and ample sunshine. Though, that tally does exclude her daily shoveling responsibilities in Crested Butte, Colorado. 

Gear tester and reviewer Albert Kim is based in Southern Utah. He formerly worked as a ski builder for Wagner Custom Skis in Telluride, Colorado. Despite the desert environment of Southern Utah, he regularly spends time skiing at Brian Head Resort and the surrounding backcountry reaching an elevation of 10,000 feet. Constantly changing conditions has Kim putting his outerwear through its paces, demanding top-tier protection and durability.

Throughout our field tests, we determined the best ski jackets based on a variety of metrics including performance, protection, quality, longevity, fit, functionality, features, size range, and value.

In addition to our personal experience, we also take into consideration the most novel, style-specific, popular, highly rated, and legacy products across a range of price points. These men’s and women’s ski jackets serve a range of athletes, applications, and budgets.

the best ski jackets
Non-insulated jackets work well for a range of temperatures and conditions; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Ski Jacket

Ski jackets work well for a range of activities outside of laps at your local ski hill or in the backcountry. These winter jackets are so functional that they also work well for shoveling the driveway, walking the dog, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and more.

If you’re on the browse for a jacket that’s more specific to snowboarding, check out our Best Snowboard Jackets guide. The main difference is the fit and style as well as brand alliance.

A non-insulated jacket is a great option for adding your personal midlayers and base layers beneath to match the conditions and your preferences; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Insulation

Some ski jackets offer no insulation, which is a versatile option to use across a variety of conditions. You can pull on this waterproof and breathable layer to stay dry and protected from the sun or snow burn if you slide out.

Designs without insulation typically have enough room to add a midlayer and base layer beneath for chilly or cold days. This type of jacket works well for warm spring turns at the resort or powder days when you typically accumulate heat carving turns.

To decide if a non-insulated jacket is right for you, consider the ambient temperatures where you usually ski if there is frequent windchill and your body temperature on the lift.

Other designs are insulated for warmth in cold or windy locations. You can wear an insulated jacket over a base layer without as much consideration for what midlayer to bring along.

Insulated ski jackets can be prime for freezing conditions, S-carves on groomers, and long lift rides with hair-raising gusts. They can also be a good idea for the backcountry to pull on at the top of sweaty climbs, which can often be wind-exposed. For some skiers, though, these jackets can pigeonhole them into donning too much warmth.

The type and warmth of insulation varies across each jacket from flannel to down-filled panels or synthetic proprietary fabrics.

Ski jackets typically include an open mesh pocket for stuffing accessories from gloves to face masks; (photo/Jason Hummel)

2-Layer vs. 3-Layer

A two-layer jacket has a face fabric — such as polyester or nylon — connected to an inner liner that protects the fabric, is breathable, and adds comfort. These jackets usually feel less hefty than a three-layer jacket.

Some have an insulation layer, and the outermost surface is usually treated for waterproofness. The price is generally more moderate compared to three-layer jackets.

Dialing up the durability, a three-layer jacket is a waterproof/breathable membrane — often made by GORE-TEX — sandwiched between a tough face fabric and liner. Sometimes the outer fabric is treated for waterproofness. These jackets offer more protection for fierce weather conditions and are pricier.

Broadly, you’ll want to scrutinize how robust you need your jacket to be for the conditions you’ll ski in.

Ski jackets comes insulated or non-insulated, which makes a big difference on super-cold or super-warm days; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Waterproofness

A waterproof jacket is ideal for skiing because weather can be flippant, and you don’t want to run the risk of getting wet from snow or rain. The top-tier standard for waterproofness is GORE-TEX, a membrane integrated into various jacket designs.

The material is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Some brands have a proprietary version of waterproof/breathable fabrics.

Waterproofness is measured by the amount of water that can be placed atop a fabric before it leaks from 5,000 to 20,000 mm or greater. The latter end of the spectrum leads to a less breathable fabric.

  • 0-5,000 mm: Resistant to light rain, dry snow
  • 6,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof for light rain and dry, non-heavy snow
  • 11,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof for moderate rain and dry, non-heavy snow
  • 16,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof for heavy rain and wet snow
  • 20,000 mm and greater: Waterproof for heavy rain and dense, wet, heavy snow

The most waterproof jacket on our list is the Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket, which provides 30,000mm protection. Jackets at 10,000 mm are adequate for many skiers and riders, though it depends on the environment.

Face fabric treatments, which can be eco-friendly formulas or chemicals toxic to the environment, can also make a jacket waterproof. And some jackets have sealed seams to block moisture.

A ski jacket includes a measurement of breathability and separate measurement of waterproofness; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Breathability

For high-output skiing on powder days, aim for a jacket with breathability of 10,000-15,000 g. Backcountry skiers and uphill athletes should look for even more breathability — 20,000 g or more.

The breathability of a ski jacket is in a constant balance or pull-game with the waterproofness. Generally, the more waterproof an outerlayer is, the more hard-press the fabric is to be dually breathable. On the far end of that spectrum, imagine your favorite workout t-shirt that you pull on for a hike or the gym: It’s not waterproof but allows your sweat to exit.

If you want a more breathable ski jacket, pay attention to that metric, as well as if there are underarm vents. Of course, you’ll also likely want a jacket that is not insulated if breathability is a priority.

ski jacket ventilation
Underarm vents add adaptability to a ski jacket; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Ventilation

Often ski jackets offer ventilation by way of underarm zippers, which help regulate body temperature. This feature is great for warm-blooded folks or those who ski in warm conditions and for powder days when your body works hard to make turns.

Some underarm zippers are longer than others. The most generous design in our guide is offered in the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket, which stretches from the hem past the entire armpit and to the underside of the arm.

One innovative ventilation design is in the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell, which has a front-facing and closable mesh vent that parallels the front zipper. In terms of quality, YKK zippers are the toughest.

A well-crafted hood can fit over a helmet without restricting movement and Patagonia’s ski jacket hoods seem to be the best we’ve tested; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Collar and Hood

An ergonomic collar and hood are significant features for face, head, and neck protection against sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or rain. Pulling up a hood can help the body retain heat in chilly conditions.

Jacket collars vary in height and ideally have an interior chin guard that feels snug against the face — a key component on a gusty chair lift.

Hoods can be helmet-compatible, which is a priority if you need extra protection and warmth around your face and neck while riding a lift or skiing during a snowstorm. Some hoods are adjustable via elastic pulls. And others have an integrated visor so they don’t collapse beneath moisture. A handful of hoods are removable, while others are fixed.

ski jacket hoods
Ski jackets typically have a helmet-compatible hood with cinch cords to adjust and tighten the fit; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Sleeve Cuffs and Powder Skirt

Powder skirts can be a great addition to a jacket to prevent fluffy flakes from flying up and soaking your base layers or lower back. Some powder skirts are removable, and some have attachment points to connect to your ski pants.

Sleeve cuffs generally have a Velcro closure, though some designs have additional snaps that vary in width. Many cuffs have an inner wrist gaiter — a stretchy fabric for warmth that sometimes has thumbholes to help secure the fabric over the top of the hand.

ski jacket pockets
Ski jackets often include a ski pass pocket on the arm; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Pockets

Most ski jackets include two exterior hand pockets with zip closures, which can be low or placed higher for compatibility with a backpack belt or harness for ski mountaineering. Other exterior pockets can include small pouches on the arm or on the chest. Deep, wide, higher-placed exterior pockets can be nice for stowing a smartphone or notebook in the backcountry.

Interior pockets often have a zip closure, ports for headphones, or a mesh construction with an elastic band at the top. These can be great for chambering a credit card or ID.

Deep, wide interior pockets can be essential for holding backcountry skins, especially if the temperature is crisp and you need to prevent the glue from freezing over between uses. Occasionally, a pocket is insulated to help extend the battery life of your smartphone.

Examine what you’ll need to carry, the adequate pocket size, and if the pockets are located in the most comfortable place for you.

We appreciate spacious hand pockets in a ski jacket; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Fit

Generally, ski jacket designs land in two camps — trimmer with a more streamlined, athletic fit or roomier and boxier with a more relaxed silhouette. Both can be comfortable. If you’re wearing a backpack in the backcountry, it can be better to wear a well-fitted jacket so the fabric doesn’t get pinched up.

Size-wise, each manufacturer has its own size charts for male and female models. Be sure to take your personal measurements and match them up with the size charts, which can differ across brands.

A handful of companies deliver more size inclusivity with broader offerings in the men’s and women’s categories including Columbia, Obermeyer, and L.L.Bean.

Everyone’s body is unique, so check the exchange and return policy before you buy.

Cinches near the collar can help personalize the fit of a jacket’s upper region and hood; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Weight

A jacket’s weight can become an important factor for backcountry skiers who often need to stash their jackets in a pack and can’t sacrifice space for bulk.

Similarly, some uphill athletes want to wear a jacket for weather protection but only need a light layer. And occasional resort skiers take laps with a backpack on and might need to store their jackets as the conditions warm.

The lightest jackets in our top picks are 450-550 g: the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell, and Helly Hansen Odin Infinity 3L Shell Jacket. Heavier jackets are closer to 900-1,000 g.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t compromise a jacket’s safety or comfort features and adequate warmth to drop a little weight.

best budget ski jackets
Ski jackets come in a range of waterproofness levels to help keep you dry; Editors testing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Jason Hummel)

FAQ

Can I wear any jacket to ski?

Ski jackets are specifically constructed to be waterproof/breathable and windproof to protect your health and safety while playing outside in the snow all day.

These designs are also comfortable and ergonomic for the sport’s big movements, like bending over to adjust boots and bindings, planting a pole, or shifting your shoulder orientation while riding moguls.

Overall, it’s a good idea to invest in a ski jacket that will help you stay warm and dry in the conditions where you most often ski.

How do I choose a ski jacket?

Study the average temperatures and weather conditions where and when you most often ski. Choose a jacket that will keep you comfortable and dry in your given environment, according to how much body heat you’ll build up during your activity.

Backcountry-centric ski jackets are typically more substantial and slender with specific features for off-piste travel. They’re often more expensive.

If you want a ski jacket that works well for other heat-inducing applications, like shoveling the driveway, look for a noninsulated jacket. You can also choose a jacket that you can add layers beneath.

Alternatively, if you want a cozy jacket for cold-weather walks, low-output commutes, mellow groomer skiing in icebox conditions, or alpine skiing with cold lift rides, choose an insulated jacket.

You’ll also want to mull over your preferred features including adequate pockets and other garnishes like thumbholes in the wrist gaiters and a fixed or removable hood.

ski jackets and pants
Insulated ski jackets are suitable for blustery, cold conditions; Morgan Tilton testing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Jason Hummel)
Should I size up in a ski jacket?

Usually, both athletic and relaxed ski jackets are a bit roomy so you can fit a base layer and midlayer beneath if needed.

Each manufacturer has its own size charts for male or female categories. Match up your personal measurements to the size charts and check the return or exchange policy before purchase.

What should I wear under a ski jacket?

Next to your skin, wear a long-sleeve synthetic base layer. On super-warm spring days, you might even be more comfortable in a synthetic T-shirt.

On colder days and with noninsulated jackets, skiers often opt to add a midlayer — usually a fleece jacket or synthetic jacket.

To learn more about fleece midlayers, read our Best Fleece Jackets for Women and Best Fleece Jackets for men and women guides.

Can I wear a ski jacket every day?

Sure! If the day-to-day outdoor conditions where you live are a match for the jacket’s insulation, waterproofness, and breathability, you could be comfortable wearing that ski jacket as a daily winter driver.

However, a ski jacket can get dirty with time, so it might not be ideal for certain occasions or you might need to wash it more frequently. The wash instructions are unique for each jacket and are located on the interior label.

Also, you might not want to increase the jacket’s wear and tear through daily use. Often, skiers prefer to wear a different cozier, longer, more insulated, more fashion-forward, and quieter style of jacket for everyday use.

lightweight ski jackets
Ski jackets can be layered with fleece or micro puffy jackets for extra warmth while we test outerwear at ski areas like Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Jason Hummel)
What’s the warmest ski jacket?

The warmest ski jacket is an insulated puffy jacket like the Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket, which has a synthetic fill.

What’s a good price for a ski jacket?

Ski jackets are a long-term investment and worth the money for the protection and comfort they provide in a winter environment.

The most economic options usually range from $200 to $300, and the average cost is $300 to $400. The most robust designs, which can be best for long days in variable conditions, can reach up to $750.

Should a ski jacket fit loose or tight?

You don’t want a ski jacket to fit tight because skiing requires a lot of freedom of movement. Plus, it’s nice to have room for a comfortable, wicking synthetic long-sleeve beneath the jacket and a fleece midlayer if the temperatures are low or a micro-puffy if the temps plummet.

the best ski jackets of 2023-2024
Gear Tester Sean McCoy putting the Arc’teryx Sabre AR Jacket through its paces at Crested Butte; (photo/Jason Hummel)
Why do ski jackets have hoods?

Hoods offer protection and warmth around your face, head, and neck for chair lift rides and skiing during a snow or wind storm. An ergonomic hood shields the elements, including sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, and rain.

Pulling up a hood can help the body retain heat in chilly conditions. It’s important to look for a ski jacket with a helmet-compatible hood. Some hoods are removable while others are fixed.

How long should a ski jacket last?

A ski jacket can break down for a multitude of reasons, including exposure to sunshine, rain, and snow. The materials wear due to the rub points of a heavy pack, brushes against equipment, and even contact with human skin.

Frequency of use, the roughness of the activity, and overall user care are factors that can dissolve a jacket, too. If you use your ski jacket for everyday activity, anticipate the jacket will deteriorate faster. Be sure to follow the care instructions, which are unique for each jacket.

You can clean your ski jacket and then reapply the DWR coating to help extend the use.

With so many variables, you can’t predict the exact lifespan of each ski jacket. We typically find ourselves using our favorite well-constructed ski jackets for 5-6 years, but that number is often lower for backcountry gear.

If you ski inbounds a couple of weeks each season and take good care of your jacket, you can easily assume the product life will be longer — even a decade.

We’re always on the hunt for the perfect ski jacket hood fit; (photo/Jason Hummel)
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