7 Best Ski Jackets of 2023 - Women’s and Men’s

From entry-level comfort and warmth to high-performance technical gears. In this article, we explore three types of ski jackets: insulated ski jackets, shell ski jackets, and 3-in-1 ski jackets.

Ski season is here and it's time to gear up for the slopes! A good ski jacket is essential to keeping you warm and protected from the snow while you're out on the mountain. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the 7 best ski jackets of 2023 for both men and women. These jackets are made with the latest technology and materials to keep you comfortable and dry all day long. From high-performance Gore-Tex jackets to budget-friendly options, we've got you covered. So whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time skier, you'll find the perfect jacket on this list.

Ski Jackets Comparison Chart

Sex	Type	Jacket	Price	Gore-Tex	Insulation	Waterproofing Breathability	Seams	Hood Compatibility
Female	Insulated	Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Embark	465$	2L Gore-Tex	60g PrimaLoft	NA	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Female	Insulated	Insulated Powder Town	399$	none	80g	H2No® Waterproof Breathable Membrane	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Female	Shell	Arc'teryx Sentinel	700$	3L Gore-Tex	none	28,000mm 20,000g	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Female	Shell	Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell	379$	none	none	3L AscentShell	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Female	Budget Insulated	Burton Jet Set	219$	none	80g	10,000mm 5,000g	Critically Taped	Helmet Compatible
Female	Budget 3 in 1	Columbia Bugaboo II 3-in-1	210$	none	80g	2L Omni-Tech	Critically Taped	Helmet Compatible
Female	3 in 1	The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate	359$	none	60g	DryVent™ 2L +DWR	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Male	Insulated	Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Swash	465$	2L Gore-Tex	60g PrimaLoft	NA	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Male	Insulated	Insulated Powder Town	399$	none	80g	H2No® Waterproof Breathable Membrane	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Male	Shell	Arc'teryx Sabre AR	675$	3L Gore-Tex	none	28,000mm 20,000g	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Male	Shell	Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell	379$	none	none	3L AscentShell	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible
Male	Budget Insulated	Burton Covert	219$	none	80g	10,000mm 5,000g	Critically Taped	Helmet Compatible
Male	Budget 3 in 1	Columbia Bugaboo II 3-in-1	210$	none	80g	2L Omni-Tech	Critically Taped	Helmet Compatible
Male	3 in 1	The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate	359$	none	60g	DryVent™ 2L +DWR	Fully Taped	Helmet Compatible

Best Insulated Ski Jacket

1. Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Swash Jacket (465$)

Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Embark Jacket – Women’s (465$)

The Burton AK 2L Gore-Tex Swash and Embark Jackets are insulated jackets made with Gore-Tex fabric, which is extremely waterproof and breathable. The jacket also features a 2-layer construction, fully taped seams, and a removable waist gaiter to help keep the elements out. The jacket also has a variety of pockets for storing small items and a hood that can be adjusted for a customized fit. It's designed with snowboarders in mind, but the only difference is a loose fit, so it will perfectly fit any skier.

A tradition of superior builds has long distinguished Burton's AK line, and this year's Swash (men) and Embark (women) jackets are no exception. With the addition of PrimaLoft Silver insulation, they've stepped up their game even further this year. A dedicated chest pocket for winter mittens an insulated phone pocket make these jackets ideal for long days outdoors. There's no wonder why these two ski jackets are our top picks for 2022/2023!

This the best ski jacket on the market in my opinion, but you will have to pay for it. There is one thing that is 100% true about Burton's expensive equipment - it is worth the money, and it will last a long time.

2. Insulated Powder Town Jacket for Men (399$)

Insulated Powder Town Jacket for Women (399$)

Make a statement on the slopes with Patagonia's brand-new Insulated Powder Town Jacket designed for men and women. Comfortably combat frigid or gusty temperatures while patting yourself on the back, knowing that this jacket is free of PFC chemicals, an environmental positive from one of your favorite outerwear brands!

Patagonia has stepped up its commitment to sustainability and quality with the launch of this jacket. Not only is it made using 100% recycled polyester for its shell, liner, lower body, and insulation - but it also features Bluesign-approved & Fair Trade Certified sewn materials within!

The taffeta lining adds a subtle sophistication, while pockets at various spots around make sure you've got plenty of storage possibilities. From the small ski pass pocket perfect for your passes all the way through to two lined hand pockets just right for keeping those fingers warm. To top off its considered design, Patagonia's new warmth Index metric allows skiers to compare jackets side by side quickly so they can select exactly what works best for them in terms of warmth every time.

But let's put the environment aside; this is a supremely durable jacket

and it's designed to provide the best protection against wet, windy weather. It's equipped with Patagonia's H2No 2-layer shell, Thermogreen® insulation for more warmth, and an adjustable hood that fits above the helmet! 2 zippered hand pocket with brushed linings, one zippered chest pocket, 1 internal zippered stash pocket with key clip; 1 internal drop-in pocket for goggles or gloves. And a powder skirt that can be connected to any Patagonia ski pants.

Best Shell Ski Jacket

3. Arc'teryx Sabre AR Jacket - Men's (675$)

Arc'teryx Sentinel Jacket - Women's (700$)

The unbeatable combination of protection, comfort, and convenience make Arc'teryx's Sabre men's jacket and Sentinel women's jacket the ultimate all-terrain layer for skiing in any condition. Crafted with premium 3-layer Gore-Tex construction to keep out wind, snow, or rain, plus a soft touch liner that provides extra warmth while allowing greater mobility - they truly are champions of ski apparel! Not only this, but it also features super handy pit zips and an adjustable helmet-compatible hood and five smart pockets - making these jackets the best on the market!

Arc'teryx's Sabre and Sentinel Jackets provide an incomparable level of protection on the slopes - at ski resorts or on backcountry trails and ski touring. Durable enough to withstand years' worth of wear, they are crafted with 70-denier nylon face fabric for comfort and three-layer GORE-TEX material that is both waterproof and windproof, ideal when battling blizzard conditions or playing in powder! Thankfully, these jackets offer outstanding performance and look great: making them our top pick as best backcountry ski jacket

4. Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket - Men's (379$)
Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket - Women's (379$)

Outdoor Research's AscentShell technology is an amazing cheaper alternative to Gore-Tex gear; although often in-house technologies fall short compared to Gore-Tex, Outdoor Research is constantly improving and investing in RnD to enhance their gear. It offers a 3-layer design that stretches like softshell but also provides unbeatable breathability and waterproofness for its latest ski jacket - Skytour! Boasting lighter material than their previous model, it effectively reduces weight while maintaining impressive breathability capabilities, replacing full side vents with standard pit zips while maintaining organization excellent with a total of six pockets. From the inside, the jacket is soft, moisture-wicking, and very flexible. This 379$ jacket is a decent option for those who can't afford the best Asterix jacket.

Best Budget Ski Jacket

5. Burton Covert Insulated Jacket – Men’s (219$)

Burton Jet Set Jacket – Women’s (219$)

As Burton is associated with snowboarding, and this is a snowboard jacket, it doesn't fall short of ski jacket quality. It's a bit longer and looser in fit, but Burton's quality is excellent.

Those who ride occasionally but want to fit a tight budget will love Burton's Covert and Jet Jackets. The jacket offers a rugged face fabric and robust synthetic insulation (80g in the body and 60g in the sleeves) to withstand nasty winter weather. With plenty of pockets for stuffing your essentials, plus extra features like moisture-wicking technology and pit zips - not to mention one of the widest sizes ranges available - their Covert or Jet Set jackets will suit occasional resort skiing enthusiasts.

The Burton Covert has a classic snowboarding style, but its weatherproofing may not hold up to heavy wet conditions. Partially taped seams and cheaper membranes can lead to cold winter days if you spend too much time outside in freezing wet temperatures. This jacket is still a good choice if you are a beginner who simply needs comfort and warmth on the slopes.

6. Columbia Bugaboo II 3-in-1 Jacket - Men's ( 210$)

Columbia Bugaboo II 3-in-1 Jacket - Women's ( 210$)

Columbia's Bugaboo Interchange jacket provides essential protection from cold and wet with its warm fleece zip-out-outer that features their signature Omni Heat reflective lining - it works hard at preserving your body heat and radiating it back. It's simple with an attractive price point that gives enough to an average resort rider.

The Bugaboo offers decent breathability, but pit zips are missing from the design. Additionally, its quality doesn't quite measure up to other options, and is prone to wetting out without regular care. However, for those who don't demand performance on a pro-level scale, it should be more than enough of a jacket for weekend warriors across multiple resorts in all types of weather conditions.

Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket

7. The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate® Jacket – Men’s (359$)

The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate® Jacket – Women’s (359$)

The North Face offers a 3-in-1 hiking jacket with a Velcro cuff tab, a hem cinch cord, and seam-sealed construction that provides lightweight windproofing. This waterproof jacket is insulated with Primaloft ThermoBall, which mimics down insulation and keeps you warm regardless of the weather. One of its pit zip vents will come in handy if you ever get too hot wearing it!

North Face's DryVent membrane guarantees protection from all weather conditions. The jackets are both breathable and waterproof, rivaling Gore-Tex jackets. Its inner layer is enhanced by a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish for even better resistance to moisture!

There are also zippered pockets with both layers, although not all of them can be accessed when combined - but don't worry! It is compatible with other North Face garments, so if inclined, you could combine different pieces for unique outdoor looks without sacrificing warmth or comfort!

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How to Choose a Ski Jacket – The Ultimate Guide

Designed to last a lifetime and withstand the rigors of winter sports, ski jackets are incredibly durable. In addition to being made of high-quality materials such as polyester, nylon, and Gore-Tex, these jackets are designed to be water-repellent, wind-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. In addition to the fabric of the ski jacket, the construction plays a significant role in the durability of the jacket. The seams are often reinforced and sealed to prevent water from seeping through, and high-stress areas like elbows and shoulders are reinforced with additional padding or fabric to prevent wear and tear. Furthermore, many ski jackets come with detachable hoods, powder skirts, and other features that can be removed or adjusted to suit the rider's needs, which can extend the life of the jacket. When cared for and maintained properly, a good-quality ski jacket can last for many seasons.

When choosing a ski jacket, you should consider a few key specs, but a lot depends on your budget. There are, however, other non-negotiable factors, such as comfort, warmth, and waterproofness, that shouldn't be overlooked as well.

In case you are wondering if there is a difference between a ski jacket and a snowboard jacket, there is a major difference in their fit. A snowboard jacket is much looser than a ski jacket, and it tends to be a lot longer than a ski jacket as well. The extra length of a snowboard jacket helps to keep the snow out when you are seated, as well as providing greater coverage when you are standing.

Ski Jacket types

Insulated Jackets

A ski jacket with insulation is the most popular option for skiers who want one jacket that can do it all. Even in cold or wet climates, this versatile garment provides superior warmth to keep you warm. As a result of its weatherproof layers, the jacket keeps snow out and retains heat in the body. As well as being comfortable, it's also made with stretchy fabrics that will allow you to move freely as you wear it. As a result of the proprietary technology that goes into insulation, Insulated Jackets provide the perfect balance between function and dependability.

The combination of superior moisture protection and top-notch insulation makes these dynamic pieces ideal for keeping even the coldest winter temperatures comfortable. While synthetic insulation is an excellent economical choice that retains its insulating abilities when wet, premium options such as PrimaLoft Gold or Patagonia's PlumaFill offer superior heat preservation and lightweight comfort.

Insulation can come in a variety of thicknesses. If you choose a design with moderate fill levels, we recommend selecting something between 80g and 40g: this is usually the sweet spot. It will also allow you to add mid-layers as the temperature dips without feeling uncomfortable on hot days when it is not as sunny. While heavy-fill jackets are also great, just keep in mind that many skiers find the more balanced designs to be more fitting for their needs than heavy-fill jackets.

3-in-1 Jackets

It may be tempting to buy a multi-layer jacket rather than invest in a single-layer one, which offers versatility with an attractive price point, rather than opting for a single-layer one. These options are attractive because they allow you to combine a waterproof outer shell with insulated layers inside a zip-in system on a budget. But beware! For around $200-400 dollars, you get three different looks; however, it is essential to remember what you are sacrificing on each level to get three different options.

Although 3-in-1 jackets may appear to offer a great deal for their price, they often have significant drawbacks. Even though they provide extra layers and zippers, these combos compromise breathability and range of motion, making them impractical or uncomfortable for high-intensity exercises. Midlayer pockets are no longer accessible once the shell jacket is integrated into it as well! If you want top performance on your ski trips this winter, then 3-in-1s just won't do - invest instead in more specialized pieces with pit zips.

Shell jackets

There are three distinct types of ski jackets: non-insulated shells, midweight insulated models, and 3-in-1 models.

A shell jacket continues to soar in popularity, and there is a good reason for that. A highly-technical outerwear piece, they're windproof, waterproof, and incredibly breathable without sacrificing lightweight mobility, making them perfect for backcountry skiing!

Shell jackets tend not to overheat, so they're an excellent choice for backcountry skiers. However, since additional insulation layers are required, this option is generally more expensive.

Soft Shell Jackets:

Soft shell jackets are usually made from a soft and stretchy fabric that gives them a comfortable fit. The jackets that provide some wind protection can also be some of the most breathable jackets. I'd recommend them to anyone who wants to do spring skiing.

Waterproofing

Consider waterproofing first when choosing a jacket - it's the difference between a great day on the slopes and one you don't enjoy!

There are many waterproof jackets to choose from, from affordable $100 options to high-end Gore-Tex. If you spend more on your jacket, you'll get a longer lifespan because more advanced fabrics last longer. Moreover, you'll want a jacket with a DWR coating, so that wet snow won't seep through and soak your outer layer.

Waterproofness level

Waterproofness is tested with a static-column test: the jacket's shell fabric is placed underneath a 1-inch diameter tube, which is then filled with water until it leaks. Ratings are based on the height of water at the failure point. There's generally between 3,000mm and 20,000mm, and gore-tex is the best.

DWR

Compared to higher-end snowboard jackets, cheaper ones lack durable water-repellant coatings (DWR). The internal waterproof membrane in your jacket will get overwhelmed by moisture, leaving you vulnerable and uncomfortable. If you live somewhere with wetter snow, like the Pacific Northwest, getting jackets with DWR is a must!

The bubbles on the picture are the DWR effect.

Seam Taping

There's no point in buying a jacket with the best materials if the fabrics aren't connected well. Before buying anything, look for full seam seal tape for ultimate moisture protection.

Don't be fooled by ski jacket waterproof ratings - 5,000mm isn't always enough to keep you dry in wet snow. Regardless of how much rain there is, water can seep through and leave you shivering, even if it only rains at a normal rate. The real determination of how weatherproof a coat is based on the ability to resist heavy rainfall and falling snow, something higher-rated jackets are much less likely to be affected by.

If you want complete waterproofing in all conditions, a jacket with 15,000mm+ is your best option. 10,000 mm of coverage works great in general, but you might still be exposed during heavy rain storms or other intense weather events. If you want to stay dry at any cost, go for a Gore-Tex jacket for maximum protection - it should keep you dry even if the skies will open!

And avoid 5,000mm unless you want to get wet.

Warmth and insulation

Non-Insulated Jackets:

A non-insulated jacket will be able to provide you with minimal warmth and will protect you from rain, moisture, and wind. Shell jackets provide greater mobility and weatherproofing despite sacrificing warmth. Wearing a shell jacket requires layers, including a base layer, middle layer, and insulator.

Insulated jacket:

Most ski jackets have synthetic insulation, measured in grams per square meter. 40-60 grams synthetic fill is a popular option. In most average conditions, you'll be fine with this kind of insulation, but a mid-layer might be necessary if temperatures drop significantly. If you want extra insulation against freezing temperatures without bulky layers around your core/limbs, 80-100 grams (or more) may be ideal, as they can stay warm even on cold days.

Breathability

Your MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) determines how well your fabric transfers water vapor or sweat from inside to outside. In other words, the higher the number of grams (g) per square meter over a 24-hour period, the better able your jacket will be to keep moisture out and maintain a consistent temperature. When you invest in a high-breathability jacket, you will be able to stay comfortable no matter what the weather conditions are.

• Low breathability – less than 5,000g
• Moderate breathability between 5000g and 15,000g
• High breathability 15,000g+

Based on my personal experience, Gore-tex will have the best breathability and water resistance of all the products.

Hood

Fixed Hood:

The most common style of hood is the fixed hood. They are an integral part of the jacket and cannot be removed.

Adjustable Hood:

Jackets have removable hoods that can be unzipped or snapped off.

Helmet-compatible hood:

When the weather turns cold and wet in winter, an adjustable hood that's helmet-compatible is a must to keep you warm and protect your head. Even if you don't need it all the time, a cozy hood can't be beat when it is snowing or raining hard!

Additionally, it will protect your neck from snow when you are riding some powder.

Powder skirt

A powder skirt, which is also known as a waist gaiter, is designed to provide you with an extra layer of protection, mostly against the cold. This jacket has buttons at the front and is positioned above your hem to provide optimal coverage; alternatively, you can cinch up the bottom of your jacket during everyday vacations!

Some jackets come with a removable powder skirt for days when you don't plan on powder skiing.

Venting

Having a pit zip is a valuable, underrated feature that can make all the difference when you're sweating. Pit zips are great for unexpected temperature rises! There's a lot of variety in designs, but make sure your jacket has underarm vents and mesh linings to keep out snow and debris while still dumping heat efficiently. Put those handy little pits at the top of your must-have list if you're looking for maximum comfort out there! Almost every piece we've featured above has them!

FAQ

Is there a difference between a ski jacket and a snowboard jacket?

There's a big difference between ski jackets and snowboard jackets. Generally, ski jackets are more form-fitting, while snowboard jackets are looser and more relaxed.

While both ski jackets and snowboard jackets are designed for cold-weather activities, they differ in fit, insulation, and features tailored to skiers' and snowboarders' needs.

How to wash a ski jacket?

The majority of snowboard jackets are machine washable. You can check the label if you're not sure. It might be because I'm old-fashioned and love my gear too much, but I suggest washing it once a year manually. When I wash my ski jacket, I use gentle or delicate detergent in cold water.