With the drop in temperature, the leaves changing colour and the darker evenings, it can only mean one thing: ski season is just around the corner.
If you’re new to skiing, or you return to the slopes each year as soon as the season opens, investing in one of the best ski jackets is something you’ll want to get right. After all, no one wants to be too hot or too cold as they aerial ascend down the slopes or to apres-ski.
What’s the best material for a ski jacket?
Isabelle Liahaugen, Head of Design and Development at mountaineering brand Klättermusen, says: “Everything is down to your preferences and circumstances around the activity. If you know that the temperature is below zero and you are going to be very active, I would suggest a natural material like a high density cotton. A membrane fabric could never be as breathable as natural fibers.”
And what about if the weather is unstable and it could be wet? How waterproof should this piece of outerwear be? “I would aim for a fabric with a high quality lamination membrane,” Liahaugen says. “Something around 20 000WP and 20 000MP, depending on your preferences. You have to be able to trust your materials.”
Shell vs an insulated ski jacket
And then comes the big debate between a shell versus an insulated ski jacket. A shell jacket is essentially an outer layer that protects you from the rain, wind and snow without insulation. This gives you the opportunity to layer up and down with the season. While an insulated ski jacket offers comfort and warmth around the clock, along with protecting you from the elements. In today’s market you can even buy three-in-one jackets which offer the best bits of both.
What else should you look for in a ski jacket?
Once you’ve figured out the design you want to go for, make sure your ski jacket ticks off a few other essential factors. For one, an adjustable hood. Liahaugen says: “For skiing I would opt for one that could be pulled on top of your helmet for quick protection. But it should be adjustable to have a snug fit even without the helmet. Giving you free sight around yourself.” Zipped safety pockets and ventilation are another area to invest in.
Ski jackets aren’t cheap, costing anywhere between £175 to £400 and over. However, in our guide we’ve included a range of options that marry value for money with fantastic design elements. Keep scrolling to hit the slopes in style and comfort.
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Montec Doom W ski jacket
Here’s a jacket that keeps you warm and ready to ski all at the same time. But perhaps the best thing about Montec’s Doom ski jacket (aside from the pretty pink colouring) is the fact that it’s available in either an insulated option or as a shell. The insulated option means it has medium-weight protection, with 60gsm in the body and 40gsm in the sleeves and hood. This strikes the perfect balance for all those using this jacket as an insulator while traversing down mountains and then enjoying some apres-ski. And even if you do kick up a sweat, the large zip vents in the underarm make for quick cooling.
Along with its storm guard hood, its designated pockets for your phone, lift passes and its inner pockets for goggles and gloves, you can keep your valuables safe. The design team at Montec really has thought of it all.
Buy now £215.00, Montec
Columbia Powderkeg III Waterproof Ski Down Jacket
Your ski buddies won’t be able to miss you on the slopes in this bright and beautiful Columbia Powderkeg III Waterproof Ski Down Jacket, which comes in a dark coral and peach blossom colour. This 2022 update comes with multiple zipped pockets — perfect for keeping your ski pass, phone and gloves stored away safely for as and when you need them. While insulation-wise, this piece of outerwear is fitted with the brand’s Omni-Tech technology and Omni-Heat Infinity, which makes for thermal reflective insulation. Plus, it’s filled with down. Meaning? There’s absolutely no chance of you feeling the cold in this jacket. Along with its adjustable hood, underarm venting system and adjustable cuffs, you can stay protected around the clock.
Buy now £360.00, Columbia
Salomon Snow Rebel Women’s Insulated Hooded Jacket
Looking for an insulated jacket for all your on-piste plans? Bright, beautiful and big-on-features, Salomon’s Snow Rebel Insulated Hooded Jacket is up to the task. It has an adjustable hood that’s compatible with helmets, it’s rain-ready, wind-ready and ski-ready thanks to its 60g insulation, while its 10,000mm waterproofing is paired with a medium breathability. In other words? This hip-covering cut which comes with an integrated skirt, air vent system and hem adjustment will keep you warm, sweatless, dry and ready to move no matter your motives.
Buy now £220.00, Salomon
Helly Hansen Imperial Puffy Ski Jacket
Believe fashion shouldn’t quite literally cost the earth? Your ski wear doesn’t have to with this Helly Hansen Puffy Ski Jacket, as it’s made with the environment in mind thanks to its breathable design which is PFC-free. With this coat, you can focus on moving mountains, while scoring all the eco-friendly bonus points.
In terms of technicalities, the lightweight jacket is windproof, waterproof and warm. It has a ski pass pocket and articulated sleeves for easy mobility. Available in four different shades, from green, white and black and in a range of different sizes ranging from XS to XL, so you won’t be short of choice.
Buy now £280.00, Helly Hansen
The North Face Descendit jacket
Crafting quality outdoor kit is something The North Face has been doing for more than 50 years. And in that time, it has gained a rep as one of the top mountaineering brands. So no matter what altitude you are reaching, you can rest assured any jacket from the brand will guard against the harsh elements.
But the best jacket for skiing? We’re sold on this recycled fabric Descendit jacket which, according to The North Face, provides an impenetrable barrier to rain and snow, meaning the cold elements are no match for this shell. There’s a wrist pass pocket, a goggle wipe, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood and underarm vents if you need to let off some steam. We’re big fans of this aqua blue/green shade, although it comes in more subtle colourways including white, burgundy or black.
Buy now £250.00, The North Face
Sweaty Betty Matterhorn Ski Parka
Who knew a jacket crafted from 100 per cent recycled polyester with 80 per cent recycled down filling could look so good? Sweaty Betty has done it again. If you’re looking for an activewear brand that knows how to do style and ski-friendly jackets, then look no further. This windproof glacier-print do-it-all parka is fitted with a range of technical features like a snow skirt, sleeve pockets for your ski pass, a zip-up hood big enough to fit over your helmet and adjustable internal webbing straps. Just make sure that wherever you’re travelling to will be dry, as this ski jacket comes with a waterproof rating of 5K and so is not ideal for heavy snowfall.
Buy now £295.00, Sweaty Betty
Picture EXA JKT
With the strapline ride, protect and share, you know Picture is an outdoor clothing brand you can trust as you’re making your way through mountains. And its Picture EXA JKT is no different. The lightweight ski jacket is super versatile. Why is this? Coming with a 20k waterproof membrane, reinforced with a PFC-free water repellent treatment and designed from sustainable bio-sourced, this piece of outerwear is designed to protect against the elements without getting in the way of your ride. Plus, you won’t be short on design features. It’s kitted out with pit vents, a google cleaner, chest pockets and a stretch snow skirt. So you can concentrate on putting one ski in front of the other without letting the climate interrupt your ride.
Buy now £140.00, Picture
Klättermusen Allsvinn Jacket
We want to preface this by saying: this Klättermusen Allsvinn Jacket isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s the most expensive jacket in our line up. But listen up: its high price point comes with some very good reasoning behind it. For one, this shell jacket is super durable - it’s been crafted from bio-mass balanced polyamide in a tough three-layer Cutan construction. It also ticks all the must-have ski boxes when it comes to adjustable hoods, detachable snow skirt, convenience pockets and ventilations.
Plus the Klättermusen designs have even added trademarked Duracoat technology on the shoulders and hips so you can say goodbye to abrasions from backpacks and harnesses. But the icing on top of the cake when it comes to this jacket is that its sole purpose — aside from keeping you and your valuables waterproof — is so you can move fast through mountains without any hindrance. So you can stay focused on what run to ace next.
Buy now £499.00, Klättermusen
Dope Blizzard W
Heard of Dope Snow? The Swedish brand launched in 2006 and brings quality ski-friendly and purse-friendly outerwear to the table. Including the likes of this aptly-named Dope Blizzard W jacket which comes with a zipless and clutter-free construction that’s paired back but jam-packed full of hidden features. Once you’ve had a look around, you’ll find it’s crafted with a storm guard hood, underarm vents and easy-access media pocket perfect for your phone. There’s also a life pass pocket wrist gaiters and a softer-than-soft microfleece chinguard. You can also enjoy a customisable snug and waterproof fit thanks to the drawstring hem, while you’ll stay warm with its medium-weight insulation. How dope is that?
Buy now £146.00, Dope Snow
Oneskee Women's Leopard Print Snow Jacket
Have you spotted a more fierce looking ski jacket? Animal print lovers will have to be quick as, if our estimations are correct, this Oneskee Women’s Leopard Print Snow Jacket won’t be around for long. Oneskee is known for being the place to go if you want a modern, stylish and epitome-of-cool snowsuit. And this super insulated leopard print option is a testament to that.
It’s made from recycled fabric, fitted with lycra cuffs and has a 20k waterproof and breathability performance rating. Better yet, it’s been designed in collaboration with Olympic Champion snowboarder Hannah Teter - so if it’s good enough for the gold medal winner, it’s most certainly good enough for us.
Buy now £206.10, Oneskee
Verdict
Montec has created a ski jacket that is a triple threat: it exudes quality, function and doesn’t skimp on features. It’s fit for purpose, durable and won’t leave you having to buy a new jacket once the ski season ends. It comes with a more affordable price tag than many other options in our guide and the fact that it comes in a range of colourways means it will appeal to the masses. But the swaying factor? You have the power to decide whether you need an insulation option or a shell.
