The 8 Best Ski Jackets to Stay Warm on the Slopes This Season

Designed to pair with the Patagonia Powder Town Pant, a pant we named the year’s “Best Value Ski Pant, ” the Powder Town Jacket is made with the same premium two-layer 100% recycled polyester construction. The Powder Town Jacket has a PWC-free water-resistant finish and a smooth liner that’s comfortable and easy to layer.

As far as design notes go, the jacket has an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, easy-access underarm zippers for cooling, and a powder skirt that sits low (but not too low) to help keep out snow. We like how the Powder Town Jacket comes with the same avalanche safety RECCO reflector as the Powder Town Pants do, and the additional brushed lining on the jacket’s front pockets is a nice warming feature on especially cold winter days.

The fact that you can pair this budget-friendly jacket with matching pants and get away with spending less than the price of some of the best brand-name jackets we’ve tested is nothing short of awesome. For the money, quality, and timeless style, there’s no better value than the Powder Town Jacket. And if you want an insulated version, Patagonia makes that as well.

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The Columbia Whirlibird V Insulated Interchange Jacket may be a mouthful, but its name says everything you need to know. This latest edition of one of our favorite ski jackets of 2023 is built to last, featuring a waterproof polyester outer shell and warm, 100% nylon insulation. It has countless pockets for all your essentials—including your ski pass, goggles, interior, and chest—and an adjustable hood. Despite the budget-friendly price tag, it doesn’t sacrifice performance. The price is even more attractive when you consider the 3-in-1 design. That means you’re getting a waterproof shell plus a synthetic down inner jacket—both of which can be worn separately or together.

Because of its bulkier-than-average design (an admitted downside of the 3-in-1 design), the insulated Whirlibird V is a bit on the heavy side. The materials used in the jacket are also not the most advanced when compared to offerings from the likes of Arc’teryx and The North Face. But in terms of a ski jacket that won’t break the bank and that hits the mark on waterproofing, warmth, comfort, and style, this jacket takes the top pick as our best deal of 2024.

Arc’teryx’s new-for-2024 Sabre Relaxed Anorak is purpose-built for freeriders and anyone who appreciates an anorak-style jacket option. It’s constructed of next-gen GORE-TEX ePE for maximum storm protection in wind, rain, and snow. Coupled with pit zips, the fabric offers best-in-class breathability. It’s also the most durable fabric we’ve ever tested, meaning you won’t need to upgrade or refresh your go-to ski jacket for many, many years. Other features we love include an adjustable, helmet-compatible Stormhood, built-in RECCO reflector, a water-tight chest pocket, and plenty of storage (including the front kangaroo pocket with zippered entry and a separate internal security pocket).

The only downside? Price. This ski jacket ain’t cheap. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive we’ve ever tested. But Arc’teryx delivers the goods with an ultra-durable construction and a long list of premium technical features, meaning this could be one of the last shells you ever need to buy.

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The latest incarnation of Helly Hansen’s best-selling, three-layer Sogn Tinden Shell Jacket is purpose-built for freeriding, whether in the backcountry or sidecountry. It offers ample extra space to allow for layering, making this a great solution for a wide variety of temps and anyone who loves that extra freedom of movement. A fully seam-sealed polyamide shell coupled with proprietary Helly Tech technology ensures maximum resistance to wind, rain, snow, and whatever other nastiness a mountain can throw at you.

Among the solid list of features is a helmet-compatible hood with a neon brim for better visibility, a RECCO reflector, and plenty of ventilation openings for added breathability. HH also added a ton of storage, including a ski pass pocket, hand and chest pockets, and a pocket with Life Pocket + technology (PrimaLoft Aerogel insulation) to protect your phone battery from the elements.

Pro tip: Pair this jacket with Helly Hansen’s Sogn Cargo Pants for an exceptionally budget-friendly duo.

Backcountry has been quietly making a name for itself with its in-house brand of solid outdoor gear and apparel. That includes the Crestcruiser Insulated Jacket, a new-for-2024 ski jacket that ticks all our must-have feature boxes. It’s a warmer-than-average insulated shell designed for colder-than-average days on the mountain. Premium PrimaLoft Black insulation helps you stay extra toasty, while zippered underarm vents keep you from overheating. It’s all wrapped in a breathable waterproof membrane that keeps out wet snow and freezing rain. An adjustable powder skirt and half-drop hood make it easy to customize your fit. The midrange price tag keeps this jacket affordable, especially compared to more premium offerings from Norrøna and Arc’teryx.

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The North Face is royalty among the best outdoor apparel brands, and its Freedom Insulated Jacket was designed especially for skiing with all-condition warmth and all the most essential features we look for in a best-in-class ski jacket. Adjustability is key here, from the cuffs to the helmet-compatible hood to the mesh-lined underarm vents. It’s purpose-built to provide the perfect fit and regulate your body temperature from bluebird shoulder season days to the most frigid deep-winter runs. We also love that it’s made from recycled material to, in TNF’s words, keep “your body warm and your conscience clean.”

The Dryvent fabric is a favorite of ours because it’s fully waterproof and windproof yet surprisingly breathable, even on your most intense runs. The DWR finish further helps repel water. We only wish it was available in more colors, and it is a bit pricey, though that’s to be expected for most The North Face-branded apparel.

L.L. Bean keeps things simple with just about every product in its catalog, and we love them for it. But don’t be fooled by its Wildcat Ski Jacket; it packs a punch. We love how the Wildcat promises waterproofness and a moderate level of insulation (133-gram PrimaLoft) while still remaining thin and lightweight. Even the adjustable hood is insulated with 100-gram PrimaLoft, making this ideal for regular wear as much as for skiing. This basic option checks all the must-have feature boxes, too, including ample pocket space, underarm zips for cooling, and an adjustable helmet-compatible hood.

If you’re looking for a hardcore technical ski jacket, there are better options in this year’s roundup. But we appreciate the straightforward design of the Wildcat that should appeal to noobs, budget-conscious, resort skiers, or both. Bonus: It’s among the most affordable ski jackets available this year.

Is An Expensive Ski Jacket Worth It?

Unless you find a ski jacket on a great sale (which is possible!), expect to pay at least $200 for a quality piece. We say $200 is our ballpark number because ski jackets have to be made to combat moisture while also regulating your body temperature so you’re never too hot or too cold. Brands have made it a point over the years to develop premium fabric blends that are functional yet affordable. But as with most quality outdoor apparel, the bigger the investment, the better the jacket will perform.

Which Ski Jackets Are the Warmest?

If you’re heading into lower temperatures than you’re used to, then an insulated ski jacket is a smart buy. Insulated ski jackets are more technical in how they store warmth and will sometimes feature thin, premium insulation types like Primaloft or Thinsulate.

Sometimes, the warmest ski jackets have room to layer properly underneath. Layers will allow you to peel down, too, if you start overheating on the slopes. So don’t count out a non-insulated ski jacket just because it’s not the warmest garment on the rack.