We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
If you're searching for the perfect jacket for your next ski adventure, you've come to the right place. The market is flooded with options, and it can be unclear what will suit your needs best. We bought 20 of the top women's ski jackets and went to ski resorts from California to Colorado to Canada. We rode chairs, carved turns, slashed pow, and hit happy hour to find what each model is best for.
The Arc'teryx Sentinel is our favorite overall jacket for stormy days where weather resistance and durability are a high priority. For under $100, go for the surprisingly warm Wantdo Mountain Hooded.
The Arc'teryx Sentinel is our favorite shell jacket for resort skiing and riding. The Sentinel has a sleek, high-quality construction with fully taped seams and DWR-treated and taped zippers to keep the moisture out. We love how the underarm vents can quickly increase airflow with their large, open design. While working hard on the uphills and downhills, we found the shell material effectively breathable – even for burly Gore-Tex – allowing us to stay dry all day. To match all of the high-end construction, this shell has enough features to keep us happy at the resort. The 3L Gore-Tex shell maintained bombproof weather resistance from our first time wearing it and throughout the testing period. “I couldn't believe how well this jacket continued to bead relentless moisture during a storm powder day where we saw nearly a foot of accumulation,” said our lead tester. “While many other people were soaked, I was dry and still stoked in the Sentinel jacket.”
The flip side of the breathability and versatility of a hardshell design is that it does not provide warmth from extra insulation. The Sentinel has a soft flannel backer, but this doesn't provide any significant warmth. Maintaining the proper temperature through layering and sweat-wicking is important to staying warm, too, so we still felt like we could keep cozy in this shell with proper layering on cold days. “It has a sleek fit that still allows for good layering beneath,” noted our tester. If you're looking for a shell jacket that also has good performance but costs less, check out the Outdoor Research Carbide. If it's more warmth you're after, Arc'teryx offers an insulated version of the Sentinel, but it's even pricier. However, if you're looking for one of the highest-end hardshells on the market, we believe the Sentinel is worth the investment.
The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town took us by surprise with how warm it is for how light the insulation feels. The jacket itself weighs in more closely to some of the shells in this review than other insulated jackets. The interior liner is silky-smooth and slid easily over any base layer we paired with it. The synthetic insulation is not stiflingly warm — we found this jacket surprisingly breathable for an insulated jacket. The thermoregulation is further improved by easy access open underarm vents to quickly drop heat.
While we loved the Powder Town's cozy and roomy feel, it achieves some of that comfort from a generous fit that could run far too large on some. “I loved the long drop hem, but the jacket feels a bit bulky overall,” noted our lead tester. The jacket has a large and boxy cut compared to some of the more tailored models we tested and may not be the most flattering option – depending on your preferences. Check out the The North Face Thermoball Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 or North Face Freedom Insulated or if you prefer a slimmer fit in an insulated jacket. Fortunately, the Powder Town's looser cut isn't a huge deal since this jacket still looks plenty stylish when paired with the right pants, and that extra space allows for lots of layering and movement freedom. Overall, we have few complaints about the Powder Town; we love this jacket and think it's an incredible value.
The Outdoor Research Carbide shines for milder weather and high-output skiing, thanks to its extremely breathable and comfortable shell material. The 3L (three-layer) Pertex Shield fabric is one of our most breathable and supple materials tested. “I love Pertex specifically for the backcountry due to its higher breathability and flexible feel,” noted our tester. The DWR coating is also convincing, providing excellent weather protection for its weight. Combine all of this with ski-specific features to take you from the resort to the backcountry, and you have a stellar value for an excellent price. “I could easily pack this shell away even with limited space,” said our lead tester, “but it also has all of the necessary features to make it a good resort jacket.”
While this soft, stretchy shell jacket provides excellent breathability and fine water resistance, we felt the more biting winds permeate the thin material during testing. We also question how the thin and stretchy material will hold up over time, especially when it comes to the DWR treatment. The waterproofing and wind resistance can't compare to that of higher-end Gore-Tex shells like the Arc'teryx Sentinel. On windy, below-zero days at the resort, this jacket wasn't quite enough to cut the cold. Lastly, we wish the powder skirt was removable, like the one on the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Shell. If you want more weather resistance but similar backcountry capability, check out the Arc'teryx Sentinel. Despite our critiques, we believe the Carbide performs similarly to many backcountry-oriented shells on the market at a fraction of the price.
If you have a tight outerwear budget or need outerwear for a day on the slopes occasionally, the Wantdo Mountain Hooded offers sufficient warmth at a low price. The hand warmer pockets, large internal stash pockets, and zippered chest pocket are classic features we've come to expect from a ski jacket. We also appreciated the soft fleece liner, making it comfortable to throw over even the thinnest of baselayers. We didn't need much more than that with this jacket, as its synthetic insulation was generally quite effective at locking in heat and keeping wind and snow out – though the bottom hem, which is loose and lacks adjustment, tends to let cold air in.
We found the Wantdo Mountain warm, but it also trapped moisture and all the excess heat we produced while skiing. “I got really hot even on cold days trying to ski moguls hard in this jacket,” said our lead tester, who was wishing for some underarm vents. The biggest downfall of this jacket is the fit, which is very oversized and boxy, leading to extra material bunching up on the chairlift and an unflattering cut. Style was also decidedly not a strength of this jacket. Another affordable option with better breathability and better fit is the Outdoor Research Carbide. The Carbide is a bit more versatile with layering and can also be used in the backcountry, providing a high value. It's also worth considering the Columbia Whirlibird V, which offers two jackets in one at a higher quality than the Wantdo, and still a reasonable price tag. However, the Wantdo is a decent pick for occasional lift-accessed ski trips in colder weather for a very low cost.
We're enamored with the technical, top shelf Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro. It feels like they thought of everything when designing this jacket. Its performance begins with the most breathable of Gore-Tex membranes with a hefty 70D weave. “The shell feels like it can handle any weather, and from what I experienced, it wicks moisture as well as any of the best options on the market,” noted our tester. Every zipper is water-resistant and taped. The removable powder skirt and super lightweight wrist gaiters add a little more versatility than standard in a backcountry-specific shell.
Compared to some resort-specific models, this jacket has relatively sparse features, which puts it more squarely in the backcountry shell category. Often, less is more for the backcountry, including this jacket. That said, the double chest pockets and single internal zip pockets are more than adequate for days at the resort. During testing, finding a flaw in the construction or performance of this high-end shell was a challenge. If your budget allows you to invest in a premium piece of gear, especially for the backcountry, the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro is an excellent choice. If you'd like a shell that works for both resort and backcountry at a much more affordable cost, we think a jacket like the Flylow Lucy will keep you and your wallet happy.
Versatile; each jacket performs well alone and in combination
Warm
REASONS TO AVOID
Fits small
Hood is tight over a helmet
We were pleasantly surprised by the versatility and performance of The North Face Thermoball Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1. Despite its slim fit, the jacket has almost all of the features we look for in a ski jacket (like deep pockets and smooth, easy-to-grab zippers), and it impressed us with its weather resistance. Best of all, its two separate pieces make a warm and high-functioning ski jacket when combined, but are highly satisfying as individual pieces, too. “The inner jacket is warm and looks great on its own, and I often wear it around town by itself,” noted our tester. The outer shell stands perfectly well alone on warmer days or when we want to play with light layers underneath.
While pretty comfortable, this jacket runs a bit snug, especially across the shoulders and chest; this did affect our ability to move a bit while skiing dynamically and hiking. Consider sizing up for optimal mobility when skiing with all your layers. If the tightness of the slimmer fit is problematic, check out the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town, which runs large. The Thermoball Triclimate is available in multiple colors, so you can personalize it with fun, patterned ski pants. This is a solid pick if you're looking for a good deal on an insulated jacket and want the versatility of both a shell and synthetic puffer.
The TNF Triclimate is a highly versatile jacket that can keep you warm on chilly midwinter mornings and strip down to a breathable shell for warm spring afternoons.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Compare Products
Our goal is to help you find the best kit to stay warm, dry and stylish out there!
Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Test Women's Ski Jackets
Since 2013, our team of seasoned skiers and snowboarders has tested nearly 100 of the best women's ski jackets available in all kinds of inclement weather. We buy them at full price—just like you—then take them into real mountain conditions across the country to see how they perform. Each jacket is put through the wringer with hands-on testing and controlled lab experiments, from braving heavy storms on the slopes to standing in a shower (while attempting not to laugh) to assess waterproofing. We break down key factors like warmth, weather protection, and features in pursuit of the perfect ski jacket.
Our review of women's ski jackets is based on six rating metrics:
Warmth (20% of overall score weighting)
Weather Resistance (20% weighting)
Comfort and Fit (20% weighting)
Ventilation (20% weighting)
Style (10% weighting)
Features (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by Kaylee Walden, Jessica Haist, and Jackie Kearney. Kaylee is an AMGA-Certified Ski Guide based in Silverton, Colorado who spends the most of her year on snow, from glades and couloirs of Colorado, to the glaciers of the Alps and the extreme cold of Denali, she's familiar with what gear works and what doesn't in harsh winter environments. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Jessica moved west into the States and now resides in Mammoth Lakes, California. Jessica has acquired the gear connoisseur's eye for detail and function with Mammoth Mountain's varied slopes available all season long. Jackie has skied and lived in several places in the American West. After ski patrolling for several years at Kirkwood Mountain in Lake Tahoe, California, she returned to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado to pursue the same work at Telluride.
Jacket testing at Telluride Ski Resort.
Skiing in all conditions possible!
Après in your ski jacket!
From bluebird days at the resort to powder days in the backcountry to parking lot apres parties, we've tested these jackets in all kinds of skiing situations.
Analysis and Test Results
Your ski jacket often becomes one's on-hill identity that your ski partners recognize (“There she is, in the bright-red coat!”). Where you live and how often you ski will affect which jacket will be best for you. Are you a fair-weather skier who likes cruising sunny groomers and then hitting happy hour? Or do you want to hunt powder on a storm day and work hard all day doing it? We've outlined the best choices for each type of skier and rider.
What's the Best Value?
Finding the right balance between performance and price in a ski jacket can be tricky. Think about how often you hit the slopes: your time on the mountain can help you decide how much it makes sense to invest. For only a few weekends every winter, you might be happier with a less expensive option like the extra-affordable, warm Wantdo Mountain Hooded ski jacket. However, if you call into work sick every powder day (hey, we don't judge) and log dozens of days on the mountain each year, it's easier to justify the prices of high-end gear.
In our experience, spending more often leads to superior weather resistance, better versatility, construction quality, features, and tailoring. The Arc'teryx Sentinel and Norrona Lofoten are prime examples. Their thoughtful construction with fully taped seams and fully water-resistant zippers, with high-end Gore-Tex, puts them a cut above the rest. They'll keep you skiing all day and will likely last several ski seasons. If you are looking for a shell jacket with high performance and a lower price tag, consider the Outdoor Research Carbide at a fraction of the price.
Sealing out the elements with the storm hood of the Sentinel.
The Wantdo jacket will do just fine for a few ski days per year.
You can't compare the quality of a lower-priced jacket to technical, high-end options, but budget is a big factor when considering which jacket to buy.
Going for an insulated jacket could save you money on insulating mid-layers, which alone are often as expensive as any of these jackets. Many insulated jackets today tend to cost less than shell jackets. The Patagonia Powder Town is our favorite insulated model and is reasonably priced. For further savings, the versatility and price-point of The North Face Thermoball Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 or Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 are both appealing bargains to cover your bases adequately, adding and removing layers as you like. The Wantdo Mountain Hooded and Moerdang Hooded both come in under $100 (half the price of most lift tickets these days!), but performance, durability, fit, and versatility all suffer in both of these jackets. However, for the less-frequent skier, or if you're just looking for a jacket for one trip, these will do just fine.
The Moerdeng hooded jacket comes with decent features for the price.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Warmth
How warm you are while skiing – especially on sub-zero days – can definitely make or break your day. During our test, we rated each jacket on how well they kept cold at bay for frigid, windy, stormy laps on the mountain. We skied fast and sat on slow chairlifts to check for drafts in strange places. We tested all special features designed to help retain heat, like storm hoods and fleece liners. We assessed different types and degrees of insulation and how effectively the materials kept the cold out.
The Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 uses a proprietary foil-like lining called Omni-Heat that is designed to reflect heat back towards your body. This design, in combination with the removable synthetic insulation, effectively retains warmth. We were skeptical about this flashy material but found that the Whirlibird is one of the warmer jackets in this review. The North Face Triclimate 3-in-1 is also super toasty, albeit a bit slim fitting.
Consider the winter climate where you typically ski and your average level of exertion on the ski hill. Intermediate to advanced skiers in warmer, maritime climates might not want to opt for the warmest model, as the outside temps and generation of body heat are already warm enough.
Another of our favorite top-performing products is the Patagonia Powder Town. With 80 grams of Thermogreen recycled and eco-friendly polyester insulation in the body and 40 grams in the sleeves, this jacket has plenty of insulation for most cold days skiing. We were initially a little skeptical of this insulation due to the overall extremely light weight of the jacket, but we found that this lofty insulation kept us warm enough.
We loved the insulated warmth of the Powdertown.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The uninsulated shell jackets we tested all provide a similar, but not equal, level of warmth. The weight of the face fabric and the backer material contribute to their overall warmth. Notably, the Arc'teryx Sentinel has a flannel backer and a 70-denier face fabric. This design, along with the extremely weatherproof three-layer Gore-Tex, made it the warmest of the shells we tested. With these jackets, layering appropriately underneath is the best way to manage warmth. While not incredibly warm on their own, these jackets provide the added benefit of helping you manage your temperature based on exertion, which is a key element to staying dry inside your jacket and consistently warm all day.
Staying warm (and dry!) in the Sentinel on a cold powder day.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Other design factors that contribute to warmth are wrist gaiters to keep the drafts out of your sleeves like in the Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft Insulatedl, Moerdeng Waterproof Hooded, and Wantdo Mountain Hooded, chin guards that can zip up over a neck gaiter, and baffles around your neck to keep drafts from creeping down your spine like on the The North Face Triclimate. The Moerdeng and Wantdo are also lined with plush fleece for an extra bit of warmth and coziness.
The fleece lining of the Moerdeng will keep you reasonably warm -- but the boxy fit wasn't a favorite of our test team.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance can be one of the most important factors in a ski jacket, depending on when and where you're skiing. In wetter coastal climates, heavy snow can quickly seep through a jacket without solid waterproofing. Once you're wet, you get cold fast—potentially cutting your ski day short.
We evaluated all jackets on how well they protect you from the elements. Hardshell jackets like the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro, Flylow Billie Coat, and Arc'teryx Sentinel score high in this metric because of their super durable and water-resistant shell materials and large storm hoods.
Good snow resistance in the Columbia Whirlibird Interchange!
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Many jackets we tested are made with a waterproof/breathable shell material such as Gore-Tex. The Arc'teryx Sentinel, Norrona Lofoten, and REI First Chair GTX feature Gore-Tex. Like the Black Diamond Recon Stretch, some models we tested also have a highly rated, proprietary waterproof/breathable material like BD.dry. Nearly everything we tested has a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, but our test proved some repelled water better than others.
Waterproofness is rated on an industry-standard test in which labs determine how many millimeters of water in a square-inch tube it takes for a material to start leaking. As a general rule, something with a 15K waterproof rating will work for most resort use, but if you live in a maritime climate or go on a lot of all-day tours in stormy weather, look for something closer to the 20K+ range.
Breathability, on the other hand, is not so simple. Water vapor behaves differently in different climates, and there is no standard test for breathability. Manufacturers will want to report the highest number here, so taking this information with a grain of salt is important.
Along with field testing, we spray each jacket with water to carefully evaluate how well water beads off the surface and how long it takes to soak into the material, if at all. The spray test largely assesses the DWR coatings on these jackets, not the overall waterproofness of the materials. Every jacket we tested did well at repelling moisture during our shower and spray tests, at least initially. Some jackets did allow water to seep into the exterior fabric, but none let water into the interior of the jacket.
During the shower test, the Whirlibird Interchange didn't let us down!
Credit: Kaylee Walden
It is important to note that DWR coatings will wear off over time from washing and use, but garments can be re-treated. The Arc'teryx Sentinel and Norrona Lofoten have Gore-Tex shells with DWR coatings that held up the best and beaded water quickly, whereas the Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft and Obermeyer Tuscany II Insulated absorbed some water into their exterior shells over time. The Billie Coat has an OmniBloq Durable Water Repellent coating that is said to be even more protective than the standard DWR used in the industry — we can't say if that's for sure true, but we can say that it's very effective.
Incredible water resistance from the Sentinel on a relentless powder day with 10" throughout the day.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
We also considered other factors in this metric: How wind-resistant is the jacket's construction? Do we feel drafts through zippers or seams? The Sentinel, Lofoten, and Billie Coat performed highly in this regard, effectively keeping out stiff winds. Additionally, we evaluate if hoods are adjustable, insulated, and will fit over a ski helmet to protect you from high winds and non-stop snow while sitting still on the chairlift or powder day storm skiing. We love the technical performance of the oversized hoods on these three jackets and how well they protected our chins and faces with or without a helmet underneath. All of the shells have non-insulated hoods, while the fully insulated jackets all have some degree of insulation in the hood. For example, the Powder Town and the HH Alphelia Lifaloft each have a tall baffled hood for extra buffer on storm days.
The fleece-backed storm hood of the North Face Freedom Insulated also has extra insulation around the face.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit contribute to your mobility on the mountain; if you feel restricted, your jacket might hold you back from skiing and riding the way you want. In our experience, two main things make the biggest differences in comfort and fit are the tailoring and the mobility of the jacket material itself. For example, burlier shells like the Arc'teryx Sentinel and Norrona Lofoten feel stiff out of the box since they do not have any stretch. But, what sets these excellent shells apart is superior cut and tailoring to ensure freedom of movement.
We especially like how the Arc'teryx Sentinel has articulated elbows, a fold of fabric that allows you to bend and grasp poles without pinching or shortening the arm. The Sentinel and the Norrona Lofoten are tailored with ample room in the shoulders, leaving us free to move, and a taper at the waist to limit the jacket from shifting around and rubbing or pulling uncomfortably. Some jackets have stretchy shell materials that flex with movement, like the Flylow Lucy, Outdoor Research Carbide, and Black Diamond Recon Stretch. Some insulated models also incorporate stretch to counteract the bulk of insulation.
The OR Carbide allowed us the freedom to move, even for dynamic climbing in the backcountry.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
You won't be as comfortable if your jacket is too snug and you're prevented from adding extra layers for those sub-zero, frigid days. On the flip side, if your jacket is too baggy and lets in wind, it will also be less warm and comfortable. We like the extra room all the hard shells in this review left for layering without adding open space for wind to sneak in. For insulated models, the Patagonia Powder Town and Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 are notable for their “just right” fits, verging on slightly large. On the low end of the spectrum, the Moerdeng Hooded and Wantdo ran very large, allowed cold air to enter at the baggy bottom hem, and had poor fits on most of our testers.
The long hem of the Powdertown is protective and comfortable.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Ventilation
It's easy to break a sweat when working hard, making turns in deep powder, or hiking in-bounds. If you get sweaty, it's easy to get wet and cold, quickly causing an early end to your ski day. You want a jacket that breathes well or can let air pass through using underarm vents and other features. A jacket's materials and the incorporated ventilation features effectively release heat and moisture, keeping your temperature regulated.
With an easy-to-open vent, you can immediately get airflow, allowing you to quickly regulate your temperature. Some jackets, like the Norrona Lofoten, feature central and chest zips for ventilation. The Outdoor Research Carbide also has mesh backing on the chest and hand pockets, and the Arc'teryx Sentinel has notably long pit zips. Since many of the contenders in this review are thick and insulated (meaning not very breathable), ventilation features are essential for staying comfortable in varying conditions on the ski hill. The uninsulated shells we tested had the best ventilation of the bunch.
Despite its insulation, the Powder Town has decent breathability thanks to it's easy access underarm vents.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Almost all of the jackets in this test have underarm vents, allowing air to circulate inside the jacket on warmer days, with some allowing more air than others. Some of the jacket's pit zips are mesh-backed to keep snow out, but the pit zips can open up wider for maximum ventilation without mesh. That said, they can allow snow inside the jacket if you tumble. Unless you're new to skiing, we recommend open pit zips without mesh liner. All 3-in-1 styles have pit zips on the exterior shell but not the interior insulating layer, making them useful when worn as a single layer. The only jackets we tested with no underarm vents are the Moerdeng Hooded and Wantdo.
The pit vents on the Alphelia are lined with a thick mesh that kept out snow but keeps in some heat.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Style
Style is highly personal, but it matters to most skiers and riders. The right jacket doesn't just keep you comfortable — it can also boost your confidence on the mountain. Plus, with your face hidden behind a helmet and goggles, your jacket and pants become your alter ego, making it easier for friends to spot you on the slopes. Choosing a jacket that reflects your personality is just as important as finding one with the right insulation and ventilation to keep you comfortable all day long.
Color-blocked designs with different colored hoods, bodies, and sleeves continue to be the latest style on the slopes, as is found on the Norrona Lofoten and the Arc'teryx Sentinel. We also love contrasting zippers like on the Sentinel and the super-stylish Flylow Billie Coat.
We dig the look of long but streamlined drop hems like on the Arc'teryx Sentinel, Norrona Lofoten, and Black Diamond Recon Stretch. These jackets, along with the Outdoor Research Carbide, taper at the waist and extend back out, creating a look that flatters natural contours (although the Carbide hem hits most testers around the waist, rather than a drop hem). We also think that the more traditional, straighter cut of The North Face Triclimate 3-in-1 looks nice and clean for those who prefer a more understated style.
We felt pretty stylish in the Sentinel -- especially when paired with the matching pants.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Features
Most ski jackets come equipped with the same key features: Pass pockets, goggle stashes, YKK zippers, adjustable hoods, and good adjustability. It's clear that manufacturers have dialed in what skiers need for a great day on the mountain. Nearly all ski-specific jackets also include a powder skirt, designed to keep snow from sneaking up your back on deep days or down your pants after a tumble. We evaluated these features on all the jackets in the lineup and determined which ones were the best for functionality on the slopes.
We particularly love the powder skirts on the Black Diamond Recon Stretch and Norrona Lofoten because they're removable when not needed, like for around-town use or when there isn't deep snow on the mountain. Many brands' powder skirts are compatible with the same ski pants, and you can attach them together so they become impenetrable to snow. This compatibility is the most efficient way to wear a powder skirt, but it's not very helpful if you have different brands of jackets/pants. The North Face Freedom Insulated features a quick access mesh stuff pocket as well as a goggle wipe to keep you fog-free on the slopes.
We love the quick convenience of a good mesh stash pocket.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
There are many convenient and unique features on all the different models in our test. Features we look for in our favorites are:
Pockets
We need lots of places to stash our stuff. We particularly like it when jackets have media pockets with headphone ports, like in the Arc'teryx Sentinel and Patagonia Powder Town so we can listen to our tunes while we ski. More jackets have been incorporating this feature, although, with the popularity of wireless earbuds, we wouldn't be surprised to see this feature vanish as quickly as it appeared. We also appreciate big mesh goggle pockets and fleece-lined hand pockets like those on the Powder Town. A zippered interior or chest pocket is essential for keeping important things like credit cards and car keys safe and sound. The Flylow Billie Coat has a great variety of pockets we love.
Convenient pass storage on the OR Carbide.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Wrist Gaiters
These help keep drafts out of your sleeves and warm your hands before you slip your gloves on. Wrist gaiters made of thin, sleek materials are better for wearing beneath gloves. These can cut off circulation or be just downright uncomfortable if poorly designed. The Norrona Lofoten, Wantdo Mountain, Moerdeng, and Helly Hansen Alphelia Lifaloft all feature effective and comfortable wrist gaiters.
Wrist gaiters on the Wantdo provided a bit of extra comfort and protection from wind and snow.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
RECCO Reflector
This feature is a growing trend and is becoming an industry standard for all ski jackets. If caught in an in-bounds avalanche, the RECCO system could potentially aid ski patrol in finding you faster (note that this is not a replacement for avalanche rescue equipment in the backcountry). The Arc'teryx Sentinel, the Patagonia Powder Town, the Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0, and Alphelia Lifaloft all have a RECCO reflector.
The Norrona Lofoten is the only jacket in this review with a “Rescue Pocket.” This pocket is not actually a pocket, but more an access port with a mesh backer velcroed to the body of the jacket. The intention is to reach a transceiver on a body harness beneath your shell without having to undo a chest strap on a backpack or fully unzip your jacket. When practiced extensively, this innovative feature could improve efficiency in a search. Our only warning would be not to use it as a real pocket.
A good ski jacket can help take you there!
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Conclusion
A well-made and reliable ski jacket is one of the most important pieces of gear for a day on the slopes. It should keep you warm, dry, and ready to ride all day long. Consider the features that matter most to you—and, of course, choose a jacket that looks good, feels great, and matches your style.
Choosing ski gear can be daunting, especially if you're building a full kit. You'll want to start with a great, comfortable pair of ski boots, and the right pair of skis. For the protection you need, check out the best ski gloves and [ski goggles] – then you're ready to hit the slopes and have some fun. For other ski equipment we love, check out our favorite ski gear to see our top-rated products across all ski categories. We hope our testing has helped lead you towards the perfect ski jacket for you.
—Kaylee Walden, Jacqueline Kearney, Betsy Welch and Jessica Haist
