The Best Ski Jackets of 2021 Will Keep You Warm and Dry on the Slopes
I’ve owned the same ski jacket for 13 years, and while I’d happily wear it for another decade, my family has convinced me that it’s officially time for an upgrade. And it turns out their concern is actually more than just an aesthetic thing: The warming material that’s used in many sport coats decomposes over time, meaning mine is much less effective at blocking frigid East Coast winds than it was in 2008. Armed with this knowledge (and with my sister’s insistence that my old coat is actually embarrassing), I set out to find the best ski jackets on the internet in 2021.
All 26 of the jackets on this list are made with advanced technology that’s intended to keep you warm, dry and comfortable as you glide down the slopes—like breathable water-, wind- and weatherproof materials, ventilating armpit zippers and lightweight insulation to prevent bulk without sacrificing warmth, as well as helmet-compatible hoods, powder snow skirts and sometimes even handy lift pass pockets and other resort- or backcountry-specific detailing. Now, all that’s left to decide is which style you won’t mind rocking for the next decade or so.
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1. Patagonia Snowbelle 3-in-1 Jacket
We’ve long loved Patagonia for it’s eco-friendly and sustainable practices, all of which are incorporated into this nifty multi-jacket set (like using 80-percent recycled fabrics and limiting water waste during production). The Snowbelle consists of a waterproof outer shell that can be worn independently on warm, wet days, as well as an insulated inner layer that works well on its own for slightly colder, drier conditions, or can be zipper into the shell to form one extra-warm, weatherproof super jacket. It also comes with an embedded RECCO reflector which enhances radio signals from search-and-rescue RECCA detectors to help speed up recovery efforts in the event of an avalanche or if you find yourself lost in the backcountry.
Available in sizes XS to XL
2. L.L.Bean Trail Model Waterproof 3-in-1 Jacket
Another multi-wear option, this L.L.Bean number features a similarly weather-resistant outer shell and a compatible inner lining for additional warmth. Depending on which layers you’re rocking, the Trail Model will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable in temperatures anywhere between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and -10. In terms of aesthetics, we also love how the colorblocking helps create the illusion of a waistline (a rarity for puffy winter wear) without actually cinching anything and actually limiting our movements. Oh, and did we mention the whole thing is machine washable?
Available in sizes XS to 3X, also Petite
3. Arc'teryx Sentinel AR Jacket
There’s no way your family will lose track of you on the slopes if you’re wearing this vivid green stunner. Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor goods brand that has gained a reputation for incredibly high-quality and innovative designs ever since its launch in 1989. Yes, this particular style is expensive, but you know you’re getting a top-of-the-line jacket that will last you for years and years. The Sentinel AR features a totally waterproof Gore-Tex outer lining that will keep you dry in even the worst weather conditions, as well as a powder skirt to prevent snow from creeping up your back should you fall. It also has a longer cut which makes this a great option for snowboarders looking for some extra bum coverage or those with long torsos.
Available in sizes XS to XL
4. Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange Hooded 3-in-1 Jacket
We think this under-$200 houndstooth beauty is quite a steal, especially considering it’s basically three jackets for the price of one. The inner puffer is made with Columbia’s innovative Omni-Tech thermal reflective lining which uses silver dots to reflect your body heat back to you, guaranteeing you remain toasty warm on even the coldest trails. It also comes with ski pass and goggle pockets for easy access and storage on the lifts. If you’re not into the Moira Rose vibes of this stark black-and-white pattern, there are also a number of rich solid hues to choose from.
Available in sizes XS to XL
5. Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket
Unlike the names of many outdoor gear companies, Outdoor Research gets right to the point, describing exactly what founder Ron Gregg wanted his brand to be about. The scientist and adventurer once tried on, meticulously measured/weighed and tested every single pair of mountaineering boots that REI had to offer prior to a trip, and that’s exactly the kind of dedication you can expect from the OR team today. The elements of each piece—seam placement, zipper types, materials, fit, feel—have been considered in great detail, so you know you’re getting a piece of gear you can truly depend on to get the job done, season after season. As for the Hemisphere’s jacket, its Gore-Tex outer layer and Gore-Tex stretch panels at the hood and under the arms make it a particularly great option for those who tend to ski in wet conditions and want improved flexibility from their waterproof outerwear.
Available in sizes XS to XL
6. Helly Hansen Powerchaser Lifaloft Jacket
Hey, if Helly Hansen is good enough for the US Olympic Alpine Ski Team, then it’s probably good enough for your weekend at Stratton. In fact, the Norwegian brand has become popular among competitive skiers of all levels, with all its products designed to minimize wind resistance and give you a super smooth ride down the mountain, whether that means a bunny slope or a mogul-covered trail. Plus, the powder skirt, oversize cuffs and wrist gaiters on the Powerchaser provide extra warmth and ensure no flying snow will sneak its way into your jacket.
Available in sizes XS to XL
7. The North Face TEAM KIT JACKET
Another wonderfully bright ski jacket, this yellow and purple showstopper comes with more storage space than you’ll likely ever need. There are four spacious pockets on the outside for holding frequently-reached-for necessities, like your lift pass or extra tissues, as well as a series of inner pockets for sunscreen, glove liners, head-warmers, goggles, a sandwich—seriously, anything you might want or need for a long day on the slopes. There’s also a media port so you can weave your headphones right from the inner breast pocket to your ears without needing to leave any zippers partially undone. Of course, like most of the other jackets on this list, the Team Kit is also totally waterproof and windproof, without hampering the fabric’s breathability so you won’t need to worry about overheating or trapping sweat on the inside.
Available in sizes XS to XL
8. 66˚North Tvioddi 3-in-1 Jacket
No, this guy isn’t cheap, but it might be the only winter coat you’ll ever need. It was designed to withstand Icelandic winters in comfort and style. So if you take most of your ski vacations in places where the temperatures tend to hover around zero degrees (hello, northern Vermont), this is an excellent investment to make. The minimalist, monochrome design is great for those who prefer a classic look over the flashy color-blocking and neon stripes so commonly spotted at ski resorts. But, of course, it also offers real practical value, with four easy-reach outer pockets for all your essentials and and covert drawstrings in the hood, waist and hem for an adjustable fit. One thing to note: This is a unisex cut, so be sure to double check the size chart before you order.
Available in sizes XS to 2XL
9. L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka
The combination of a super-durable, double-layer waterproof shell and super-lightweight PrimaLoft Sport insulation make this parka incredibly warm, even if you’re stuck on the chairlift for half the day. Just how warm, you ask? L.L.Bean suggests the Rugged Ridge will keep you feeling comfortable doing moderate activity all the way down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (although at that point we highly suggest you head indoors). Similar to The North Face Team Kit jacket above, this parka also features an easy media port for those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts as they glide down the mountain.
Available in sizes XS to 3X, also Petite
10. Halfdays Lawrence Jacket
This buzzy new brand set out to design outdoor adventure gear specifically for women with input from a network of hundreds of testers of all body types and skill levels. The result is a no-fuss, eco-friendly design that will keep you comfy, warm and stylish all day long. It comes with a handy cell phone leash in one of the exterior pockets so you can safely text on the lift, and a 10,000mm waterproof rating, which basically means it’s all set and ready for anything Mother Nature may have in store.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
11. Backcountry Girdwood Gore-Tex Insulated Jacket
We’re kind of obsessed with the minimal two-tone detail on this Backcountry parka, but, of course, it does much more than just look good for photos at the lodge. The Girdwood Gore-Tex was specifically designed to keep skiiers and snowboarders warm in below-freezing conditions without feeling bulky or stifling. Beyond using breathable, waterproof materials and zippered vents in the armpits, this jacket also features a double zip along the front—one to seal your jacket up completely, and another that exposes laser-cut venting to get additional airflow on warmer afternoons without exposing your chest or leaving your jacket to flap in the wind.
Available in sizes XS to XL
12. Marmot Refuge Jacket
Simple, stylish and to the point, this waterproof jacket by Marmot is a fantastic no-fuss option for the minimalist skiier. Founded in 1971, Marmot was actually the very first outdoor apparel company to begin incorporating Gore-Tex into its designs—in addition to being one of the very first to introduce women-specific designs. And although it has remained a relatively small company (at least compared to competitors like The North Face or Burton) it has continued to experiment with new technologies and advanced fabrics. Plus all the brand’s products, this jacket included, come with a lifetime warranty.
Available in sizes XS to XL
13. Spyder Captivate GTX Infinium Jacket
Spyder is one of the world’s largest ski specialty brands and has been an official outfitter of the US Ski Team, the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and the Jamaica Ski Team for the past ten years. So whether you’re more of a black diamond repeats kind of skier or a “Who’s down for an afternoon hot toddy and fireplace break?” kind of skier, you know you’ll be in very well trusted sleeves hands.
Available in sizes 2 to 14
14. Patagonia Primo Puff Jacket
Patagonia describes this lightweight design at its warmest snow jacket, made for hitting the slopes on frigid, wet, windy or otherwise inclement days. And while it certainly doesn’t come cheap, if you spend most of your ski days in very cold locations with unpredictable weather or you’re almost always left shivering on the ski lifts, the Primo Puff is well worth the investment. A helmet-compatible hood (with hood visors) allows for even more warmth when needed, while pit zips provide ventilation if you find yourself feeling a bit too warm. It also features the same RECCO reflector as the Snowbelle (described above) for those who prefer to go off trail.
Available in size XS to XL
15. Burton GORE‑TEX Eyris Jacket
We can’t deny, it was the gorgeous oversize floral print that originally caught our eye, but this Burton parka is as functional and smartly designed as it is pretty. A double Gore-Tex outer layer provides supreme protection from the elements, while an inner layer of the brand’s thermo-regulating Living Lining adjusts with your body temperature to wick away excess moisture once you start to sweat or retain heat, if you start to cool down too much. The longer hem makes this another great option for snowboarders and those with long torsos or tall frames.
Available in sizes XS to XL
16. Bogner Fire+Ice Carla Jacket
Don’t be fooled by the look of this cropped puffer; it is every bit as sporty and tech savvy as the more athletic-looking styles on this list, just with more of a city aesthetic. It offers the same weather resistance and featherweight warmth, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants just one winter coat that can go from the city streets to the slopes. The four-way stretch material will allow you to jump, twist, turn and swerve with ease all across the mountain. We’re also big fans of the subtle V-shaped stitching for elongating and slimming the torso.
Available in sizes 4 to 10
17. Roxy Ceder Hooded Jacket
Beloved by surfers and snowboarders alike, Roxy definitely has a reputation as a laidback, chill outdoor gear brand, but don’t let its proclivity for tropical florals and tie-dye fool you—its snow gear is the real deal. For this parka the designers paid particular attention to weather-sealing any and all seams, especially those most prone to leakage, to ensure you stay fresh and dry even on the wettest days. You’ll also find a handy ski-pass pocket on the arm, a google pocket on the inside, a headphone-compatible inner pocket and a key clip so you never have to worry about your keys accidentally getting pulled out (or dropped) when you reach in for your lip balm. Of course, we also love those tie-dye sleeves and contrast buttons as a way to stand out from the sea of sporty color-blocking and neon zippers.
Available in sizes XS to XL
18. Columbia Wild Card Insulated Jacket
Columbia has been making high-quality outdoor gear for more than 80 years, so you can bet the design and research and development teams really know their stuff. For example, this Wild Card jacket comes with the expected seam-sealed waterproof outer shell, fluffy insulation and plethora of resort-ready pockets we’ve come to expect from a good ski jacket all packaged in an eye-catching asymmetrical pattern that’s sure sure to stand out on the lift line.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
19. Eddie Bauer EverTherm 60Loft Down Hoodie
Eddie Bauer makes some of our absolute favorite winter boots, so it should comes as no surprise that the company also makes top-notch outerwear. What made this jacket really stand out is the fact that it’s incredibly thin, with no quilting on the inner liner to beef up the insulation. Yet it also promises to keep you comfortable during moderate activity down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, which should more than suffice for whatever winter plans you have in store. It is, however, also roomy enough to fit a cozy mid-layer underneath (rather than a simple base layer) should you require additional warmth. It is also machine washable and the down used to insulate this sleek design, though real, meets the Responsible Down Standard set forth by Control Union.
Available in sizes XS to XL
20. Obermeyer Tuscany II Insulated Jacket
Obermeyer was founded more than 65 years ago by one of the very first ski instructors in Aspen, Colorado. Since then, the brand has focused entirely on high-quality clothing and gear for skiers and snowboarders, so you can take on whiteout conditions and bluebird days without worrying about your gear letting you down. This jacket in particular, will fit right in both on the slopes slopes and wherever you end up for dinner that night, with a removable cozy faux-fur lining on the hood. The collar is also lined with fleece to keep your chin and neck warm without any irritation.
Available in sizes 2 to 16
21. Montec Tempest Jacket
For those who prefer a pullover style, up-and-coming Montec has plenty of great options. While the oversize cowl-neck cut of the Tempest jacket doesn’t allow for much in the way of ventilation near the chest, there are pit zips to help adjust your temperature as your effort increases or decreases throughout the day. The kangaroo-pouch at the front makes it easy to warm your hands between runs, and there are also multiple hidden interior pockets for stowing necessities like your wallet or keys without risk them them falling out mid-run. It even has a phone harness so you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping your cell—and losing it forever—on the lift.
Available in sizes XXS to XL
22. Flylow Billie Coat
Best for more mild conditions rather than frigid icy weather, the FlyLow Billie coat offers a ton in the way of waterproofing and wind resistance, but less in terms of high-impact insulation. It does, however, earn high marks for its easy, intuitive design with both internal and external pockets placed exactly where you expect them to be. The inverted V just below the bust also helps those who are on the petite side elongate their frames and appear taller (huzzah!).
Available in sizes XS to XL
23. Patagonia Triolet Jacket
We recommend this jacket more for downhill and resort skiing than backcountry or cross-country excursions. Why? The triple-layer Gore-Tex outer lining, while perhaps the most weather-resistant material on this list, isn’t all that flexible. However, for those who don’t plan to twist and jump in the trick park or hike out to remote location, it definitely provides enough stretch for easy movements and gliding down slopes. And, once again, Patagonia has included the RECCO reflector to aid in any search and rescue efforts, bringing us major peace of mind (though fingers crossed we never need to use it).
Available in sizes XXS to XL
24. The North Face Superlu Insulated Jacket
The innovative insulation that makes up this tri-color parka is made with 70-percent recycled materials and is both incredibly warm and super light. That, plus The North Face’s signature breathable, waterproof DryVent material makes this under-$200 parka a fantastic budget option that doesn’t skimp on the things skiiers find most important.
Available in sizes XS to XL
25. Burton [ak] GORE‑TEX 2L Embark Jacket
This pretty watercolor-meets-camouflage design was made for backcountry exploring, with a longer hem and built-in powder skirt, exaggerated collar, oversize hood (that won’t droop over your eyes) and a Gore-Tex outer layer to keep you dry and comfortable no matter which direction the snow is coming from. The cut is loose enough to fit additional mid-layers underneath and give you ample room to twist and turn with ease, but isn’t quite so loose that it feels baggy or shapeless. A major win-win in our book.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL
26. ASOS 4505 ski belted jacket with faux fur hood
Our favorite U.K.-based fast e-retailer has much more than pretty summer frocks and bridesmaid dresses. ASOS also has an impressive activewear selection, including the in-house line ASOS 4505 which includes fashion-forward skiwear like this sour-lemon-hued ski jacket. It comes with the same weather-resistant standards as many of the other pieces on this list, as well as handy ski-pass and internal pockets, just with a more stylish bent. We especially love the removable wide belt which cinches your waist without pinching it for a flattering photo-ready silhouette.
Available in sizes 0 to 14
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