The 14 Best Ski Jackets For Women & Men 

To make the most of your time on the mountain, you'll need a protective ski jacket to keep you safe and warm. Needless to say, if there's one piece of ski gear worth splurging on, it's a nice winter coat. Not only will it help you stay dry and warm on the ski hill, but it'll also keep you nice and toasty while you snowboard, ski, snowshoe, sled, or ski touring.

But not all ski jackets are created alike. While some come equipped with innovative textiles and design features, others skimp on functionality to offer a stylish jacket at an affordable price. So to help you find the perfect coat, we've rounded up the best ski jackets and hardshell jackets (both men's and women's) of the ski season below. These ski jackets make a great winter jacket or hiking jacket.

What to Look for in a Ski Jacket

Before you begin shopping, you'll want to have a good understanding of what key features to look for in a product. The perfect ski jacket provides protection from the elements and improves your performance on the mountain. And just as importantly, it keeps you looking and feeling your best when you hit the slopes. Here are a few things key design features to look for in a ski jacket:

Ski Jacket Types

Shell Jackets

Shell jackets can protect you from wind and moisture and are the best for backcountry and resort use. They are typically waterproof, windproof, and somewhat breathable. But this type of jacket is typically not insulated. Some resort ski jackets are designed for resort skiing or backcountry.

When it comes to shell jackets, there are three types: soft shells, hard shells, or hybrid. Softshell lacks waterproof liner but is a leader in mobility and breathability. Hardshell offers great protection in very wet and rough conditions, making them a great option for mixed resort and backcountry use. Hybrid shells are typically stretchy and incorporate a waterproof membrane.

Insulated Jackets

This type of jacket combines a weather-protective shell with built-in insulation. It is perfect for resort skiers as they can benefit from the added warmth going up and down the slopes.

3-in-1 jackets

The 3-in-1 jackets are extremely popular and budget-friendly for casual skiers. The outer shell is perfect for a warm spring day, while the layers are a great addition to cold water days. The mid-layer is often a fleece or a synthetic jacket, perfect for everyday wear.

Waterproof fabric

Whether it's a lightweight shell or a heavily-insulated winter coat, your ski gear should be made with a durable, waterproof fabric that keeps warmth in and wet conditions out. Most ski jackets are made using GORE-TEX, a popular waterproof fabric for outdoor and sports clothing. But unlike other water-repellent materials, the innovative windproof and waterproof membrane is incredibly versatile, breathable, and comfortable.

Powder skirt

These days, most jackets come equipped with a powder skirt— a section of waterproof, elasticized fabric inside the bottom hem of your coat— for added weather protection. A band of elastic around the bottom helps create a secure barrier that can withstand any powdery snowdrift, rainy spring run, or total wipeout. The best powder skirts are adjustable or fully removable for added comfort and versatility.

Weight

Different ski jackets offer different levels of protection and insulation. While a lightweight waterproof shell may work great for late spring runs, it won't provide enough warmth for cold winter days. For a lighter jacket that will keep you warm, you'll need an insulated jacket filled with down or a down alternative. If you're serious about skiing, it's worth investing in both. To save money and streamline your ski wardrobe, find a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 jacket with a removable lining.

Pockets

Any good jacket offers plenty of hand, arm, and chest pockets to safely stash your stuff while you're on the hill. Stick to styles with sturdy water-resistant zippers, and large, glove-friendly zipper pulls. Many jackets come with a ski pass pocket and are fitted with a special pocket to hold the phone.

Ventilation

Jackets often come equipped with zippered vents for customizable temperature control for added versatility. Anytime you start to overheat, just unzip the vents for increased airflow. When the weather gets cold again, all you'll need to do is zip them back up.

Layering system

Depending on where you will be skiing, you should think about your layering system before hitting the slope. Shell jackets are the perfect first layer for layering, and for extra warmth, add a layer of fleece liner.

The Best Ski Jackets For Women

Investing in a new ski jacket? No matter what type of skier you are, you can't go wrong choosing this versatile Aurora Infinity Ski Shell Jacket. The lightweight hardshell jacket is made using environmentally conscious materials and an ergonomic design that can tackle any run. Its innovative combination of a waterproof LIFA INFINITY membrane and a PFC-free recycled fabric for three layers of breathable protection. Articulated sleeves, wrist gaiters with thumbholes, an adjustable hood, and a removable powder skirt keep you dry and comfortable all season long. It's even got a sleeve pocket for your lift pass and internal pockets for your phone and spare ski goggles.

Shopping on a budget? This Women's Wildcat Waterproof Insulated Jacket is just what your winter wardrobe needs. The snowsports-ready jacket is windproof, waterproof, and will keep you warm, making it the perfect choice for any cold-weather activities. It features adjustable cuffs with an interior fleece cuff and adjustable hem for total coverage and a more precise fit. Packed with bulk-free PrimaLoft Silver insulation that keeps you warm, even when wet. The two zippered pockets allow you to pack the jacket into it for compact storage in your ski bag.

This stylish Backcountry Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Jacket is a reliable choice for almost all your winter activities. The durable face fabric, reliably waterproof GORE-TEX shell membrane, is designed to move with you as you ski. Also, keep you comfortable on quick resort trips and full-on powder days. Inside you'll find a soft lining for a touch of added warmth. The practical design features include a removable powder skirt, a fitted helmet-compatible hood, and - a pass pocket sleeve for easy and more accessible scanning. Trailblazers can choose between three-four options: fjord, caribou, seafoam, and black.

Don't let cold weather ruin your day at the hill. With heavily-insulated ski jackets— like this Helly Hansen Verbier Infinity Jacket— you can handle any weather the ski season throws your way. It's carefully crafted from breathable, durable, and waterproof LIFA INFINITY™ fabric technology that can stand up to a snow dump. With an H2FLOW™ Air Force Vent System, you can maintain an optimal temperature when skiing hard. An array of pockets provide plenty of space for your phone, wallet, keys, and lift pass, and the Life Pocket+™ preserves your phone battery for longer on those chilly days.

This Prada Extreme-Tex ski jacket allows you to ski down the slopes in style combined with a contemporary design and technical attitude. Made of Extreme-Tex, an innovative fabric created by Prada and born from the desire to combine cutting-edge textile technologies with eco-sustainable production methods and recycled post-consumer polyester yarns. With three-layer fabric and heated sealed tape seams, this ski jacket is breathable, waterproof, and windproof, so you can stay warm even in wet conditions.

Attention resort skiers to backcountry skiers, this waterproof Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Shell Jacket is ready for the adventure. With the four-way stretch construction, you will have a full range of motion while adjusting your hood and cuff for a customized fit. Built with a BD.dry membrane that seals out snow while allowing air to flow, including underarm vents for extra breathability and airflow when you need it. And depending on the skin condition, you have a removable powder skirt.

If you are looking for a fashionable down ski jacket while keeping you warm on the slope, then look no further. This playful jacket offers vibrant hues that sure does make a statement and an eye-catching piece. Made from a flossed shell, filled with insulating and a funnel neck to block outwinds. Complete the look with matching pants.

The Best Ski Jackets For Men

Thanks to its functional design and sleek silhouette, the Elevation Infinity 2.0 Ski Shell Jacket makes a suitable option for experienced athletes and casual skiers alike. The weatherproof ski shell features a LIFA INFINITY PRO™ fabric to repel wet weather conditions without using any chemicals, making it a win for you and the environment. Developed with professional skiers, this performance ski shell jacket is made for maximum freedom of movement in the powder and remains hard-wearing no matter what nature throws at you. A two-way front zipper and underarm vent zipper allow you to regulate body temperature when you are skiing hard. With helmet and backpack-compatible design, a RECCO® transponder, and a Life pocket+™ to preserve your phone battery in the cold, you will love these small details in rugged terrain and rough weather.

When it comes to backcountry skiing gear, you can't go wrong with the award-winning Skytour AscentShell Jacket from Outdoor Research. Designed with backcountry skiing and snowboarding in mind, its AscentShell 3L membrane offers superior weather protection without sacrificing ventilation or breathability. Pit zips and an adjustable hood and wrist cuffs let you adjust your temperature for all-day comfort. The coordinating Outdoor Research SkyTour bibs clip to the jacket for total protection from cold winds and deep powder.

Get the most bang for your buck this ski season with this Covert Men's Ski Jacket from Burton. The design-approved ski jacket is crafted from DRYRIDE waterproof fabric, 90% recycled ThermacoreECO insulation, and a tech-taffeta lining for added comfort. Venting pit zips, a removable powder skirt, and ample pockets to stash your stuff. Its medium-weight and regular fit make it easy to layer all season long.

While other insulated jackets weigh you down with added bulk, this Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft Ski Jacket feels surprisingly lightweight and comfortable. It combines a waterproof HellyTech Performance membrane on the outside with Helly Hansen's innovative Lifaloft synthetic insulation on the inside for maximum warmth with minimum added weight. Four-way stretch fabric, pit zips, and adjustable cuffs keep you dry and comfortable as you carve through deep powder, bomb down a bumpy run, or practice a new trick at the park. Thanks to a specially-insulated Lifepocket+, your phone will stay warm, protected, and fully charged until the very last run.

If you're going to splurge on one great jacket, make it the Downhill '27 Jacket from Alps & Meters. The insulated jacket offers the perfect balance of fashion and function. Its weather-resistant exterior boasts panels of waterproof leather and heavyweight wool-blend fabric that look equally as stylish in the lodge as they do on a black diamond. But don't be fooled by its vintage-inspired appearance; it's incredibly functional too. Soft, packable down insulation, a 10k/10k interior membrane, and an elastic snow skirt offer total protection from the elements. The zippered pocket on the sleeves provides the perfect place to stash your lift pass while you're on the hill.

This lightweight and packable GORE-TEX PRO Hover Jacket is perfect for a cold and snowy day. It has a pro-strength, yet lightweight. Crafted from GORE-TEX, that is lightweight and packable. The full seam taping seals out hammering storms while keeping you warm and dry. The three-layer water-repellent fabric is designed for maximum ruggedness and extreme while providing you protection with maximum breathability, durability, and temperature regulation. The balaclava-friendly neck gasket collar and adjustable powder gasket cuffs seal the perimeter from the element, while a logical pocket array keeps essentials safely stowed for long days of outdoor activities.

This ski shell is a desirable jacket for any skier as it will fend off any winter weather. With the four-way stretch fabric, you can move with ease. This ski shell is made with waterproof and breathable BD.dry material that will keep you warm on the slope. You will love this jacket because there is a ventilation zipper under each arm to let out body heat in case you get too warm. A helmet-compatible hood and removable powder skirt allow you to customize coverage based on your personal need.