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Our expert review team has been testing ski jackets for over a decade, unearthing the best options on the market every season. From chairlifts to the backcountry to après ski, we've challenged each product to perform at its best across numerous metrics, taking extensive notes along the way. We've bought and tested over 100 models to find the best men's ski jackets and best women's ski jackets available. For those seeking more versatile layering, we've also done a deep dive into the men's best hardshell and best women's hardshell, which can also be used for other sports year-round.
Editor's Note: Our ski jacket review was updated on May 1, 2024. As the summer season approaches, you may be able to find some of our favorite models at a discount.
For multiple years running, the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft has been our testers' favorite ski jacket for wearing to the resort. Even when things got chilly, this jacket's insulation rose to the occasion, keeping us warm and cozy on the chairlift, in the lift line, or on a windy ridge. The cut of this jacket is phenomenal, offering both style and functionality on the mountain and while hanging around town. Helly Hansen thoughtfully designed this jacket with synthetic insulation and an in-house waterproof membrane to keep the cost reasonable while still offering great features and quality construction.
The Alpha LifaLoft doesn't offer as much insulation as the down-equipped Arc'teryx Macai, and it doesn't have as much waterproofing as other jackets made with Gore-Tex. On the positive side, this jacket is more breathable and therefore, more versatile. We were happy in the Alpha LifaLoft from winter to spring across wildly varying conditions, confirming its rightful place at the top of our list.
Since our test period, the Sentinel has been updated with larger pockets and some style changes. Arc'teryx also has an insulated version of the Sentinel in their line, but that added warmth costs more.
The Arc'teryx Sentinel is our favorite women's resort shell jacket, topping the charts in several metrics. The Sentinel offers premium construction with seams and zippers that are fully taped, as well as effective DWR treatment to keep you dry. The generous pit zips are quick and easy to use and can greatly increase breathability, especially when they're fully unzipped. For a 3L Gore-Tex shell, we expected excellent waterproofing from the outside elements, but we were pleasantly surprised that we didn't get wet from the inside. From the first ski run, we loved this jacket's performance, and it even offers some head-turning mountain fashion in the right ski town.
This jacket's incredible breathability and versatility come at the cost of minimal insulation. The Sentinel has a brushed flannel backing, but the nature of shell jackets is that you must layer underneath for warmth. There is something to be said for the versatility of a shell jacket, as it allows you to dial in your layering system for many types of weather. However, if you run cold, you will probably want to opt for an insulated jacket. If you're looking for an all-in-one jacket, check out the Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0, which offers excellent insulation. However, the Arc'teryx Sentinel is a fantastic outer jacket that will keep you dry, and when paired with an insulating layer, you'll be toasty warm all winter long at your favorite ski area.
The REI Co-op First Chair GTX offers almost all of the same features and benefits of a high-end ski shell but at a much friendlier price. With a Gore-Tex membrane and a hood that'll fit over your helmet, the First Chair effectively keeps the weather out while you ski. With a spacious cut, this option is comfy and fits over your base layers while still offering some style for the apres ski. While the powder skirt can't be removed, it can be easily tucked away when you don't need it. For most, this ski shell is all that you'll need, and at an incredible price point, you can save your hard-earned cash for other parts of your ski setup.
The REI Co-op First Chair GTX includes a hanging inner lining that adds warmth, but at the cost of breathability, given that you can't remove the liner. While we greatly appreciate warmth in a ski jacket, a ski shell jacket can offer more breathability due to the additional layers that you can add, or take off, depending on temperature and physical exertion. With the First Chair GTX, if you get too hot and don't have any other underlayers to shed, you're out of luck. Ultimately, this is still our first choice for an affordable jacket for resort use; just keep your base layering to a minimum on hot days. If you're looking for an even less expensive option, the GEMYSE is a great choice, though it doesn't offer as much quality.
The Outdoor Research Carbide wowed our testers with its breathable and comfy shell material made with 3L Pertex Shield fabric. When you pair this unparalleled fabric with an excellent price, it's crystal clear that this option carries your hard-earned cash very far. Relative to its weight, the Carbide also offers decent weather protection when the mountain elements descend upon your ski area. With such excellent breathability and features, our testers were happy with this jacket in the ski area or in the backcountry, making for a truly standout option in our review.
While the stretchy fabric was one of our favorite aspects of the Carbide, we didn't love how thin it was, with stronger winds permeating the jacket. With a shell that's also at home in the backcountry, the thinner material has many positives, but this wouldn't be our first choice for an outing where intense storms are expected. Also, the powder skirt is a great feature for many ski days, but we wish it were removable like the skirt found on the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Shell, which is an excellent alternative to the Carbide. Overall, this jacket is a high-value shell for the resort and the backcountry, costing substantially less than its competition without compromising on performance.
The Carbide's cut finds a happy medium between freeride style and technical shell. The material has a touch of stretch, which allows for better range of motion.
With the recent explosion of backcountry skiing, many outdoor brands are designing ski shells specific to touring. Most of these shells, fortunately, can be used in or out-of-bounds, as long as you add insulating layers for those cold days riding chairlifts. The Arc'teryx Rush is a stylish, featherweight jacket that offers top of the line performance, with excellent weather resistance and a highly functional design. Our testers loved the features of this option, with well-placed pockets and a helmet compatible hood coming in handy on backcountry tours, and for resort days, the pass pocket and a powder skirt are excellent additions.
The Arc'teryx Rush is a high-performing jacket with a high price tag. We feel the value is still there, with Gore-Tex fabric and waterproofed/sealed zippers and seams keeping skiers protected from the elements. However, many skiers won't need a premium shell for their outings, and options like the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell will work well without draining their savings account. If you log a high number of days in the backcountry and want a shell that can handle the resort, this jacket is worthy of your consideration.
It was love at first sight with the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro. Norrona thought of everything when they built this jacket, with extremely tough Gore-Tex fabric protecting our testers in the nastiest weather and features like a removable powder skirt and wrist gaiters making it a great option for resort days. When heading uphill, this shell boasts excellent ventilation when considering its stormproof construction. Simply put, this is one of the best ski shells we've ever tested in the backcountry.
The features of the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro, while functional, are somewhat lacking when compared to resort-specific jackets. This is to be expected when a shell is designed to be more backcountry friendly, and our testers were happy with what this jacket offered overall. The largest setback for many will be the price of the Lofoten. The Flylow Lucy is an excellent alternative if you're shopping on a budget and need a great option for backcountry or resort skiing. Bottomline, the Lofoten should be at the top of your list if it's in your price range, and you're seeking a shell geared towards the backcountry.
The Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light offers unparalleled weather resistance in a jacket that's thoughtfully designed for many uses. The Gore-Tex Pro fabric is waterproof yet light and keeps the storm outside the jacket, with well-made zippers and a long hem in the seat, further repelling moisture. The material is surprisingly soft, but the reinforced patches on the forearms, hood, and shoulders aid in durability. This jacket is one of our all-time favorites, and if you want a single shell jacket that can do everything from winter skiing to summer trekking, look no further.
Relative to other options, the Trollveggen Pro Light is a bit heavier, and its style is an acquired taste. For some, the most impactful setback is the price, though the value is certainly there. When considering this jacket can be used year-round, the price may be justified for some, as you can use this as your resort ski jacket just as well as your summer rain shell. If the Trollveggen is in your budget, this is a fantastic option as a nearly perfect, genre-bending hardshell jacket. For a more friendly price point, take a look at the Patagonia Triolet, which offers great performance but is substantially less expensive.
N40d 3L Gore-Tex (body)
N80d 3L Gore-Tex Pro (arms)
Measured Weight
13.4 oz
Pockets
2 handwarmer, 1 internal chest
Pit Zips
Yes
Helmet Compatible Hood
Yes
The Arc'teryx Beta AR is a do-everything shell jacket. It's been a leader in the hardshell category for years at GearLab, and you've likely already seen it in the mountains, given its popularity. The collar is a unique design element that offers a phenomenal seal from inclement weather, and the DropHood fits effectively over your helmet or hat. The fabrics used in this model include higher and lower denier (thread thickness) in various areas to aid in breathability and shave weight.
The biggest setback for this jacket is, simply, its cost. Arc'teryx makes premium jackets, and it comes at a premium price, but the value is resolutely there. With over 20 years of mountain enthusiasts using some iteration of the Beta AR, this model is a tested classic, and our testers still love it to this day. If you don't need a jacket as durable or as burly, check out the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0, which offers great quality at a fraction of the price of the Beta AR.
The “3-in-1” ski jacket includes a shell jacket and an insulating jacket that can be worn separately or zipped together, giving you effectively three jackets. The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated is one of our favorite options in this jacket class, boasting excellent versatility and warmth that'll keep you on the slopes longer. We also loved the fit of this option, regardless of which jacket we wore. This model even comes in at a great price, especially when considering the number of jackets you're actually getting.
The breathability of the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 wasn't the best in testing, with a general lack of vents, regardless of the jacket combo worn. This model is also a bit bulkier and heavier than other options, though we never felt that it was cumbersome to ski in. If you're headed out in the roughest weather, we'd steer you towards more storm-proof jackets such as the Arc'teryx Rush, but this option will handle most of your on-mountain needs at the ski area. If you're seeking a high-value jacket that has some of the best versatility you can find in a ski jacket, put the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 on your radar.
The GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining is an impressively warm jacket that comes in at an insanely low price. Where it counts, this jacket offers decent scores in the most important metrics, with decent weather resistance and a comfy fit. The GEMYSE is built with synthetic insulation and five functional pockets, further impressing our testing team, considering most jackets in this class cost several times more. Is this a top-of-the-line jacket? Definitely not, but it's a great option for the casual skier who only visits the resort a few times a year and needs a budget option for hitting the slopes.
The GEMYSE doesn't have the best breathability, with fewer vents and fabric that might trap moisture from the inside out if you're working hard. When considering its price, these setbacks are minor, and the value is still irrefutably amazing. This model belongs in your shopping cart if you're looking for a budget jacket you'll use for a few ski trips a year. The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated is another budget-friendly option that is great for casual resort skiers. This versatile jacket is insulated and will keep you cozy on and off the slopes.
Testing the GEMYSE is soft conditions at the resort.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
How We Test Ski Jackets
Here at GearLab, we've purchased and tested over 300 ski and hardshell jackets across the past decade, including both men's and women's options. Our expert reviewers have put each and every jacket through the wringer across all conditions and climates, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Our team has skied across the globe, from our humble local ski hills to the steeps of La Grave, France, and the dreamlike powder of Hokkaido, Japan. We're a group of ski patrollers, ski guides, ski instructors, avalanche forecasters, snow fanatics, and ski mountaineering racers – our collective ski experience exceeds 200 years, and we're a source you can truly trust.
We tested ski jackets against six rating metrics:
Warmth
Weather Resistance
Comfort and Fit
Ventilation
Style
Features
Our test team put in countless hours of research before purchasing the best jackets available, ensuring our real-world testing was performed on the right products. We don't accept any handouts, buying all of the products ourselves so we can provide unbiased and objective reviews. Each jacket we took out experienced the same tests for the same lengths of time to ensure our scoring system was truly comparative. Each step of the way, our testers kept detailed notes and observations about each jacket's performance, further helping us distill which products were worthy of our various awards.
Our testers spent hours with each and every product in a variety of conditions.
Credit: Sam Willits
Why Trust GearLab
For our women's jackets, we've got a star-studded team including ski patroller and avalanche forecaster Jackie Kearney, and ski guide Lyra Pierotti, who holds AMGA Rock and Alpine certifications. Jackie has skied all over North America and has worked in ski patrol and avalanche mitigation across multiple states, including resorts in the Colorado Rockies and California's Sierra Nevada. Lyra has had a lengthy and impressive career as a mountain guide, working and playing all over the world, and when she's not climbing, she is skiing and teaching avalanche classes all winter long as an AIARE avalanche instructor. Jackie and Lyra are joined by a few additional ski experts and aficionados, and all of our women's reviewers have extensive know-how in the world of ski jackets, thoroughly testing every single product they put on and taking detailed notes along the way.
From resorts to the backcountry, we test every product thoroughly in a range of environments and conditions to evaluate which models perform the best.
The best hardshells strike a balance between being weather resistant and breathable.
Our female reviewers are incredible ski athletes with a keen eye for detail.
Our top-notch men's review team includes IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Dobronyi, and pro-skier Jeremy Benson. During the winter months, Jeff can be found either ice climbing or exploring new backcountry terrain on his skis. He has skied and guided all over the world, from North America to Europe and beyond. Jeremy has also skied in many incredible places internationally as a sponsored ski athlete for almost two decades. These two head up the men's reviews with assistance from a few others. Combined, all of our men's jacket testers have a deep knowledge of ski clothing and have spent a considerable amount of time in each snow climate.
Our men's review team is a group of passionate, lifelong skiers who love testing gear.
How to Choose The Best Ski Jacket
Whether searching for a ski jacket online or at your closest gear store, it can be downright daunting trying to find the right product. From ski resort to backcountry-focused designs, jackets can be substantially different from one another, but fortunately, it's quick and easy to learn about layering and ski jacket nuances to find the right option for you and your skiing needs.
Men's Ski Jackets
We conducted exhaustive testing on the best ski jackets for men. The chart below summarizes our overall scores of the men's best ski jackets available today:
Women's Ski Jackets
Our expert female review team put all of the best women's best ski jackets through our comprehensive testing. The following chart shows how each product ranked overall:
Categories of Ski Jackets
There are two main categories of ski jackets in our review: hardshell and shell-insulated jackets. Hardshell jackets only have a waterproof/resistant shell, so to add warmth, you'll need to wear additional layers underneath. These lighter-weight options allow for a high degree of versatility, as you can add or remove layers underneath to dial in the right amount of clothing for the day and your skiing, which is especially handy for backcountry use or warm resort days. These types of jackets can also be used year-round, given that waterproof layers are needed in many outdoor sports across all four seasons. The downside to these jackets is that you'll need to buy more layers for warmth, as their main job is to keep moisture and wind out.
The type of ski jacket you use largely depends on your layering preferences, whether a resort skier, backcountry tourer, or both.
Credit: Scott Rokis
More traditional ski resort jackets will typically have a water-resistant outer fabric with sewn-in insulation underneath. This makes for a warm (albeit heavier) jacket for the slopes that's bound to keep you cozy on the chairlift. The downside to built-in insulation is that you can't take off any layers (besides your long underwear) on warmer days, thus limiting the versatility of this jacket. These types of jackets also typically have more features built-in, such as a pocket for your season pass. If you think your skiing might take you into the backcountry, we'd steer you towards a hardshell jacket, given that they are generally lighter and more versatile than products designed for in-bounds skiing.
Resort ski jackets are warmer but less versatile. In backcountry terrain like this, weight is also a consideration so make sure you buy the right option for your needs.
Water-Proofing Materials 101
All outer layer clothing meant for skiing offers some degree of water resistance, breathability, and durability. To achieve this, you'll see anywhere from two to three layer construction in the fabric. While certain specifics are unique to the brand (more on that below), two layer builds include an exterior fabric and an interior membrane, while three layer builds have an added inner lining sandwiching that membrane. There are even 2.5 layer options, which have a sprayed/painted material serving as the inner liner and make for a typically lighter jacket. There is some variance across the number of layers and quality, but we'd generally recommend 2.5 or three layer fabrics for your ski jacket. That build usually strikes a decent balance across weather protection and ventilation, but it all still comes down to each model's details. Ultimately, you can't make a jacket decision solely based on its construction; it has to be tested, which is why we're here to share our testing discoveries.
Three-layer fabrics are more expensive, but they typically offer the highest waterproof performance.
Credit: Sam Willits
Outdoor brands will either use an in-house waterproof material, which will have its own unique name, or a third-party material, which will most likely be Gore-Tex. In-house waterproof materials have wildly varying quality, and we encourage a case-by-case analysis if your prospective jacket brandishes a waterproof fabric name that you don't recognize. Some of these in-house materials are fantastic, and some aren't, but these are almost always less expensive than name brand materials and can make for great budget products.
Many of our award-winners utilize in-house fabrics to protect the wearer from the elements.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Gore-Tex is the most commonly used third-party fabric and is considered a premium material. There are several fabric lines from Gore-Tex, but you'll most likely see a ski jacket stamped with “Gore-Tex” or “Gore-Tex Pro” somewhere on the sleeve or body. As you might have guessed, Gore-Tex Pro is their top-of-the-line option, though the classic Gore-Tex line frequently makes up our favorite layers as well. As you dive into each product we've tested, we'll further break down the performance nuances of each model and its fabrics, but it'll likely be three layers if it offers top-notch weather protection.
Gore-Tex is the leading brand in water/weather protection, with incredible performance across the brand's many offerings. However, don't rule out in-house materials, as they can offer great value and quality.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Features
Features may be something we consider more heavily for a computer or a tech gadget, but there are numerous design additions that can make or break a ski jacket. Starting from the top and working down, we love a hood that is helmet-compatible and has a drawstring to cinch that hood down. Next, some options have a collar that can be tightened to seal the jacket, which can be a game changer in stormy weather. Somewhere on the sleeve, many jackets have a pocket that neatly fits a season pass, as well as a wide variety of pocket configurations that can be helpful depending on your intended skiing. Some products offer a powder skirt, keeping the snow from coming up your jacket, and we especially loved this feature when it could be removed.
Features can be a surprisingly important metric, with elements such as a powder skirt greatly impacting your ski experience.
Conclusion
Whether you're just entering the sport or a lifelong skier, there's an incredible jacket for you and your needs. From resort-focused options to more versatile backcountry choices, every model on this list has earned its place in this review. All you have to do is pick the one that matches your budget.
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Jacqueline Kearney, Lyra Pierotti, Jeff Dobronyi, and Jeremy Benson
