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Travel + Leisure / Bill and Lydia Price
If you’ve yet to use a ski jacket that you absolutely love, you’re seriously missing out on the best days the sport has to offer. Top-notch jackets keep you bone-dry through heavy snowfall, perfectly warm on the chilliest of hills, and flexible enough to dance around tight moguls and trees with ease.
In one of Travel + Leisure’s most competitive tests to date, we evaluated 40 ski jackets on the mountains after months of market research. With decades upon decades of ski experience under its collective belt, our team carefully assessed the quality of each garment’s warmth, weatherproofing, design features, durability, and overall value. (Read more about our testing process below.)
While numerous jackets earned perfect scores across the board, in the end, our favorite ski jacket overall is Helly Hansen’s Alphelia Lifaloft, which goes by Alpha Lifaloft for men. In addition to all the standard must-have attributes like impenetrable waterproofing and effective yet slim insulation, the Lifaloft includes ingenious features we never knew we needed on the slope, including a battery-protecting pocket and goggle shammy that will never get lost. There are plenty more jackets we can’t stop gushing about, from a weatherproof coat that left testers stunned to the best ski jacket you can find on a budget.
Best Overall
Helly Hansen Alphelia Ski Jacket
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It has all of the features we look for in a high-quality and thoughtful ski jacket.
It's an insulated jacket, so you may want to look elsewhere for a late-spring pick.
Beginners to advanced skiers will appreciate the thoughtfully designed Helly Hansen Alphelia Ski Jacket, which is why it earned the title of best overall. The jacket is made with high-quality materials like polyamide and elastane with AquaGuard zippers and PrimaLoft insulation lining the coat for extra warmth. In testing, we found the jacket to be plenty warm against below-freezing temperatures and it kept us perfectly dry while spending a day on the mountain in heavy precipitation. Plus, the extra features like Recco reflectors, a removable hood, goggle shammy, and powder skirt make it the perfect versatile jacket for any skier. Wrist gaiters, a fleece-lined chin guard, adjustable cuffs, and a battery-saving pocket also helped it rise to the top. Because this jacket has a layer of cozy and warm insulation, it might be too warm for spring skiing, but the jacket has built-in ventilation under the arms so you can cool down quickly if needed. We also loved that the fitted silhouette avoids the bulk that plagues many other insulated jackets.
The Details: XS to XL | PrimaLoft insulated | Recco reflectors
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Travel + Leisure /Lydia Price
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Travel + Leisure/Lydia Price
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Best Overall, Runner-up
Stio Shot 7 Down Jacket
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Perfectly proportioned, this ultra-warm jacket is roomy where you need it and sports some of the most premium features around.
Some skiers may prefer a removable hood, and color options aren’t very extensive.
Stio’s premium down jacket came in closely behind the Alphelia Lifaloft but ultimately failed to snag the top spot mainly because it has fewer pockets and is significantly more expensive. But, if you prefer a bit of extra length and a roomier fit on the slopes, this might be the perfect ski jacket for you. Available for both women and men, the Shot 7 Down kept us warm on the most brutally cold days. It’s loaded with 800-fill-down insulation plus Gore-tex for flawless waterproofing. We tried this jacket out during our three months of tests in both whiteout conditions in Vermont and through zero-degree days in the Canadian mountains, and we stayed bone-dry and perfectly warm the entire time. Even the fixed hood is insulated to keep your noggin at an ideal temperature.
We loved how spacious the zip pockets at the waist and the inner chest are. The jacket also has a pass pocket and sizable dump sleeves for your water bottle or spare gear. The left upper arm pocket is perfect for ski passes using RFID (radio-frequency identification) — rather than having to show your lift ticket to an attendant, these passes automatically open a gate to the chairlift and you'll enjoy having it safely zipped in the arm pocket rather than a hand pocket. We’re also obsessed with how soft the silky internal fabric feels, and the external shell that is deliciously smooth. A removable powder skirt, dual zippers, and arm vents further up the Shot 7 Down’s value. Although color choices are somewhat limited (we would have especially liked a basic black), we love the design details on the existing options, like the electric pink lining of the misty cloud color and the printed interiors on the prickly pink and midnight hour hues.
The Details: XS to XL | Insulated | Regular fit
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Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter
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Travel + Leisure / Jay Nel-McIntosh
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Best Shell
Outdoor Research Carbide Jacket
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This stylish, comfortable jacket provides moisture protection and everything else you need for a day at the resort and beyond — all at a relatively affordable price.
The fit is on the roomier side, which is great for layering but not every skier’s preference.
Outdoor Research will earn your loyalty with its Carbide shell, which also comes in a women’s version. Although incredibly lightweight, it was sturdy enough to pass our waterproofing tests with flying colors. The extremely comfortable shell has maximum versatility thanks to a spacious fit that allows for layering combined with a breathable feel and well-placed vents for warmer days and backcountry climbs. You’ll find the Carbide has all the necessary waterproof pockets, including one on the arm for your ski pass. After wearing this jacket on the slopes ten times, we felt it to be warm but it didn't overheat. The wire-brimmed hood is also adjustable in two separate places, and our tester appreciated it staying put exactly where they wanted it. The jacket even allows for full range of motion, locks out snow with an adjustable hem, and comes in at a price point that’s very competitive in the world of high-performing ski gear.
The Details: S to 3XL | Regular fit
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Travel + Leisure / Duangkaew Randall
Best for Speed
Sync Headwall Stretch Shell Jacket
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Designed with ski racers in mind, this slim-fit shell earns as many points for style as it does for functionality.
Not all of the zippers are watertight.
We love this super sleek and premium jacket. The fit of this is the most flattering of any ski jacket we tried and it's packed with subtle features that make it truly stand out. Throughout three months of tests, we loved the weather-proofing that kept us both warm and dry in every condition. The award-worthy fit is achieved through the fabric’s impressive amount of stretch that lets it move with the body despite a slim cut, and we could easily see why Sync is a popular brand in the world of professional ski racing. The waist, hood, removable powder skirt, and wrists are all adjustable. Two pockets that are lined with fleece are perfect for warming your hands during downtime, and the unique, discreet vents provide airflow at the chest. The 20K/20K waterproofing kept us completely dry, though we did find that the side zippers aren’t completely waterproof. All in all, the Headwall (also available in men’s) is an excellent choice for a luxurious feel that’s backed by some of the best athletic performance out there.
The Details: XS to XL | Slim fit
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Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Best Weatherproofing
Arc'Teryx Sentinel Jacket
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Snow and wind don’t stand a chance against this shell, which also has an impressive amount of stretch.
The interior pocket was too small for an iPhone.
We were immediately smitten by this jacket’s featherlight feel and polished look, but we were truly in for a treat when we took it up to the mountains. The Arc’teryx Sentinel repelled water like nothing we had seen before, and we loved the way it seamlessly moved while skiing. Basically, Gore-tex has never felt so good, even after three months, we were incredibly impressed by the high-quality, weatherproof fabric. The jacket’s interior is lined with a thin flannel that helps keep things cozy. Although Arc’teryx warns that the Sentinel’s zippers are highly water-resistant but not waterproof, we had no problems even in snow. It also has some of the best arm vents we’ve seen, as they’re extra long and sport dual zippers so you can increase airflow precisely. Arc’teryx’s Sabre Jacket for men boasts similar features.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit
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Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price
Most Unique Features
Patagonia Powder Town Jacket
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Produced with environmental impact in mind, the Insulated Powder Town Jacket has a soft feel in addition to unique features.
It runs a little big.
It was no surprise to us that the outdoor pros at Patagonia created a jacket with all the skiing essentials. Hand-warming pockets, full waterproofing, Recco reflectors, and arm vents lay the foundation for a smooth day of skiing. You can even make on-slope adjustments to the hem through clever access points in the front pockets, and another unique pocket features a place for cable routing. We appreciated that the two-way adjustable hood includes a visor for extra protection from the elements and the loops on the rear of the jacket that can secure it to snow pants.
Meanwhile, we always admire Patagonia’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and reliable customer service. It's lightweight and breathable, but comes with quality you expect from Patagonia. After our three-month tests, it held up beautifully and looks the same as when we pulled it out of the package. On top of it all, the Insulated Powder Town Jacket manages to be lightweight, warm, and so flexible and sweat-wicking that you can even wear it for winter running. Do note that it has a bit of extra length compared to most ski jackets and is particularly roomy, so you may want to size down if you prefer a fitted feel.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit
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Travel + Leisure / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
Best Style
Picture Organic Track Jacket
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After three months of regularly wearing this jacket, it still looks new and we found it to be roomy, warm, and comfortable to wear.
It’s on the longer side.
The Track Jacket’s unique colorblock is certainly a head turner — we even had several people stop us on the mountain just to ask about the fashion-forward jacket. More importantly, this 20K/20K waterproof jacket has all the ski necessities. We loved that it has tons of pockets, both inside and out. Riding up chair lifts was no problem at all since the extended hem kept things warm. Wrist gaiters helped create a snug feel, while vents ensured we weren’t too snug after rigorous runs. We also applaud Picture Organic for using 100 percent bio-sourced and recycled polyester along with a PFC-free DWR finish. For a women’s jacket with a similar look and attributes, check out Picture Organic’s Fresya or its Haakon Jacket, which also performed extremely well in our testing.
The Details: S to XXL | Insulated | Relaxed fit
Best Pullover
Strafe Women's 3L Lynx Pullover
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It’s highly versatile for a number of snow sports.
Some skiers find pullovers inconvenient to take off and on, and the large brand logo on the arm is a little obtrusive.
If you love pullover ski jackets, you’ve found your match in the Strafe Lynx Pullover for women or Cham Shell Pullover for men. The kangaroo pouch was the hero of the day when we simply had to bring four slices of pizza on the Utah trail for a midday snack. Thumbhole cuffs, 20K/20K waterproofness, and extra length also helped this jacket win us over. We gave it lots of bonus points for having vents that span almost the entire length of the arm, which is perfect for spring skiing. Although it’s designed to have an oversized fit, we didn’t find it bulky in the slightest. It also strikes the perfect balance between breathability and warmth, and we loved the range of motion and protection from snow it affords. After three months of testing, this was one of the most durable jackets we tested and held up well throughout long days on the mountain as well as getting stuffed into suitcases.
The Details: XS to XL | Active fit
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Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Best Extra-long
Flylow Gear Malone Jacket
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We’re confident it will stay like new for years.
It’s form-fitting and not big enough for more than about two layers.
Even tall skiers will find the perfect fit in Flylow’s very comfortable Malone Jacket. The form-fitting shell is equipped with a removable powder skirt, arm vents, and 20K/20K waterproofing. Superior mobility also helped this jacket make it to the top. Whether we were navigating through tree-filled glades or going off of jumps, we didn’t feel any restriction whatsoever. After three months of tests, the jacket seemed to only get better as the fabric loosened up, enhancing mobility. Apart from its superb functionality, we were excited to see the Flylow Malone Jacket is available in a trendy range of colors. While the Malone is only available in men’s sizes, the Flylow Lucy Jacket has similar specs.
The Details: S to XXL | Relaxed fit
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Travel + Leisure / Frank Corona
Best Pockets
Stio Figment Jacket
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It has superior organizational features with tons of waterproof pockets.
The jacket has a freeride or relaxed fit.
Stio makes some of the best ski gear on the market, so it's no surprise that the brand landed not just one but two spots on our list of the best ski jackets. The Figment Jacket wowed us with a slew of functional, spacious pockets for storing everything you could need on your body while out skiing for the day. The jacket features various external pockets, including two on the chest and two hand pockets on the side. We also can't forget to highlight the multitude of internal pockets, like an insulated chest pouch for storing a phone so it won't die quickly in cold temperatures. Other aspects of the jacket that we love include the comfort fit, AquaGuard waterproof zippers, a goggle shammy, and armpit ventilation for warmer weather. One thing to note is that the jacket has a freeride or relaxed fit, so the style is a bit different than the slimmer ski jacket shape you might see more regularly.
The Details: XS to XL | Shell | Longer fit
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Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price
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Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price
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Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price
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Best Budget
Obermeyer Obermeyer Tuscany II
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This jacket has warm insulation and a comfortable, slim fit.
The hood is a bit too bulky for skiing, but luckily, it's detachable.
Skiing is a pricey sport, so if you're looking to get the best bang for your buck, we recommend the Obermeyer Tuscany II Insulated Jacket. We tested in harsh East Coast skiing conditions and the insulation and waterproof Repreve recycled fabric proved to be protective and warm against icy, cold, and windy weather. The jacket runs true to size and has a comfortable slim fit, and although the faux-fur lined hood is stylish for après, we love that it can be removed for skiing since it's a bit bulky. We're also big fans of the fleece-lined collar for protecting the chin and the wrist gaiters to keep the chill from creeping into the jacket. We wish it had ventilation, but it's still a versatile and warm jacket for skiing that will last plenty of ski seasons down the road.
The Details: 0 to 16 | Insulated | Slim fit
Other Ski Jackets We Liked
Among the 36 jackets we tested, far more than the 12 winners above earned our admiration. Our guides to the best ski jackets for women and the best ski jackets for men include more of the cream of the crop, while the three jackets below represent options that almost made our lists but ultimately fell short due to minor flaws. Nevertheless, one of them may be the perfect jacket for you.
REI Co-op First Chair GTX: We were impressed that the First Chair GTX has a high-end look at a more accessible price, and it demonstrates the attention to detail and weather-readiness we’ve come to expect from REI. However, other shells stood out more in testing when it came to features and style.
Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket at Ortovox: This is a durable, warm, and undeniably cool-looking jacket, but we wish it had hand pockets and a bit more room in the chest.
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Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers
Our Testing Process
After researching 40 must-try ski jackets, we took them to the slopes to test them over a three-month period. Each jacket was evaluated on comfort, warmth, weatherproofing, durability, and design. We refrained from looking up the price of the jackets until the other attributes had been evaluated. When it was time to reveal the prices to judge the coat’s overall value, more affordable jackets earned high scores if their performance far exceeded expectations set by their price range, and jackets on the expensive end of the spectrum only earned high-value scores if testers could thoroughly defend their cost.
At ski resorts across the country, we paid close attention to how each ski jacket held up against snow and cold. We further tested waterproofness by putting their sleeves and pockets under faucets to see how the fabric reacted to water. Jackets that earned perfect scores in weatherproofing repelled water and completely protected testers from the wind. Jackets were carefully examined before and after wear to assess durability.
To judge warmth, we reported the number and types of layers they wore under the jackets and the temperatures they encountered in them. Whether they were shells or insulated options, jackets with the best scores for warmth found the perfect balance between heat retention and breathability. When determining a jacket’s level of comfort, we considered things like the texture of the internal and external fabrics, pocket placement, fit, the number of adjustable features, and whether they moved well with our skiers as they carved out the slopes.
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Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson
With so many exceptionally warm and waterproof jackets out there, many of our winners were chosen because of innovative design features that made them stand out — not only in the group of jackets we tested but also as some of the best jackets our testers had encountered over decades of skiing. Thoughtfully placed and generously sized pockets, goggle shammies, extra adjustability, and luxurious material were some of the perks that helped our favorite ski jackets make it to the top of the pack.
Tips for Buying a Ski Jacket
Decide whether you prefer a shell or insulated jacket
The merits of shells versus insulated jackets are hotly debated topics in the world of winter sports. Shells are typically favored by those who most prioritize breathability, agility, and lightness. Slim garments are fundamentally more versatile than insulated jackets that will always provide a greater degree of warmth. Backcountry skiers tend to stick to shells for these reasons, while someone who often finds themselves chilly or skis in harsh climates would probably be best served by an insulated jacket. Insulated jackets also have a leg up on shells in that they generally require less planning and packing fewer layers to wear underneath.
When shopping for insulated jackets, look out for the listed fill power, which is a measurement of the loftiness of the down used inside of it. Jackets in the 800- to 900-fill range are made with premium down that’s excellent at providing warmth without bulk.
Waterproofing is key
Whether you opt for a shell or insulation, waterproofing is an essential element to have in a ski jacket—not to mention winter gloves. For the best waterproofing possible, look for the material listed as 20K/20K, which means the fabric can withstand 20,000 millimeters of water before any dampness seeps through. How your jacket handles internal moisture should also be a consideration. If you’re someone who tends to sweat a lot or seeks the most heart-pounding runs out there, you’ll definitely want a jacket with sweat-wicking ability.
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Travel + Leisure / Duangkaew Randall
Consider your biggest ski-day hurdles
Some skiers can’t stand a cold booty on the chair lift, while others would sooner spend the entire winter in Florida than take to the slopes without a powder skirt to spare them from the sting of snow. Whether it’s room for a water bottle or extensive venting options, think about your personal pain points and must-haves to help narrow down your search. If you’re new to skiing or are looking for a gift for a skier, springing for basic features like hand pockets and an adjustable hem is a good place to start after, of course, making sure you get a jacket that is warm and waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you wash a ski jacket?
Always, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to wash your ski jacket. Your jacket washes should be few and far between since your base and mid-layers prevent your body’s bacteria from making their way to your outerwear. Most insulated jackets should be washed in lukewarm or cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble-dried in low heat. One thing you will almost certainly not want to do is use fabric softener on a ski jacket, as it can compromise waterproofing. Skipping the detergent may also be recommended for your jacket.
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What should you wear under a ski jacket?
The best ski outfits start with a moisture-wicking, body-hugging base layer. Merino wool is a popular choice because it’s naturally temperature-regulating and is great at keeping wearers dry. Skiers who tend to get damper may prefer a base layer made of synthetic material that’s even better at slaying sweat, such as polyester. Something mixed with a flexible fabric like spandex is also a great idea. Next up is your mid-layers, which could be anything from a ski sweater to a fleece or an insulated puffer. On warm days, you may find that a single base layer gets the job done. If you’re heading out on one of your first ski adventures (welcome!), be sure to bring plenty of layering options that you can play around with to figure out what works best for you.
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How should a ski jacket fit?
This also depends on your personal preference and style of jacket. Slim-fitting, standard, and loose ski jackets are all available and worth some consideration. Generally, you’ll want a jacket that’s snug and aerodynamic but not so tight it leaves you cold — insulation only works if there’s room for air to be warmed up — or unable to fit your desired number of layers underneath. But do keep in mind that, at the end of the day, skiing is a sport, and anything too oversized may prove cumbersome and restrictive.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Writer and editor Lydia Price manages T+L’s outdoor gear beat. A lifelong skier herself, she personally tested several jackets on the slopes to help name the best of the season. At the moment, her favorite shell is the Arc’teryx Sentinel, while she prefers to suit up in the Stio Shot 7 Down on occasions that call for insulation, such as frigid days on her hometown mountain, New York's Whiteface. Always searching for the latest in outdoor innovation, Lydia thoroughly reviewed testing insights from T+L’s other snow pros, conferred with the editorial team of gear experts, and worked with our product researchers to find the best ski jackets you can buy.
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