When it's cold, it's cold. Facts are facts. Everyone that frequents any mountain and resort knows this.
They would also know that not having the proper outerwear to keep the wind, snow and cold temperatures out can be a buzzkilling, day ruiner.
In this article we are going to give you a breakdown on ten of the best winter jackets to keep you nice and cozy for this winter.
What Should You Look For in Ski Jackets?
What you're looking for in a ski jacket is much more than the obvious answer of being warm. While that is part of the process there are many other things that go into buying a ski jacket for the winter season.
Durability to keep you warm each and every time out there, something that's within your price range, comfort and style that fits your body type and ski technique and something that you can put on that gives you confidence.
Because as Deion Sanders would say, “you look good, you feel good, you play good”.
Precipitation and wind are two of the most important things that you're going to want your jacket to defend you from.
For this, jackets that have powder skirts to prevent snow from coming up are a key component of a jacket. On the outside, quality wind breaking material that will minimize the wind chill.
Your jacket should fit you well enough to the point where there is the possibility of heat being let out and the cold being let in. On the opposite side of that spectrum, you will still want a jacket that won't limit your ability to twist, turn, or restrict any motion needed to successfully manage your way down the slopes.
There are jackets that are more expensive than others but an option for everyone of all financial situations. And there are jackets at all price points that are well designed inside and out to keep you looking good and feeling good while you're out enjoying the snow.
The 10 Best Ski Jackets Today
This Helly Hansen best selling jacket is all you need for a long day on the mountain filled with powder turns and any condition mother nature might throw your way. Waterproof, weatherproof, and breathable all together combined with a nice adjustable powder skirt and hood. Could be yours right now for $450.
The Powderqueen jacket from Helly Hansen is high up to the chin and low down to the waist to protect as much as possible. This jacket is perfect for freeriders that are looking to stay warm on the chair ride up but cool on the way down. This 3.0 version is also listed at $450.
Versatility and mobility is the name of the game for this Patagonia designed ski jacket. The powder town model features a standard shell that will keep you dry, ventilated and free to move with whatever intentions you have. This jacket is durable and warm. For $350 this Patagonia classic could be yours.
Patagonia’s Insulated Storm Shift is designed for the ultimate female shredder. Wickedly warm on the inside and quality waterproofing lining on the outside creates an all around solid weather defense system. It has a two-way adjustable hood and plenty of zippers and is available for $549.
At a price point of $700, Arc’teryx offers a luxurious and stylish Men’s Alpha jacket. This GORE-TEX versatile jacket is designed to handle all the heavy impact while still being lightweight. A helmet compatible hood and well placed zippers for ventilation and storage are also included.
This jacket from Arc'teryx is their self proclaimed “iconic” backcountry ski jacket. The sentinel jacket for women is a big mountain skiing necessity.
Very durable and comfortable in order to keep every ride happy for days on end.
At a price point of $750, it is a little bit more of an investment.
Maybe the home to the most popular jackets and outerwear, Northface is a top of the line company and is providing the Chakal jacket for just $370. This is a bang for your buck jacket with their insulation and waterproofing tech, perfect powder skirt, and expert ventilation. North Face continues to deliver reliable products year after year.
The women’s Dragline jacket is beautiful on the exterior with two very stylish colorways available. This is a reliable powder day jacket ready to beat the conditions with its pants to jacket clip to minimize exposure as well as wrist loops ready to be tightened under your gloves. This jacket is $450 right now straight from Northface.
Columbia’s Shot Ski jacket is easily the best bargain deal that is on the market right now. It is just $180 and provides you with a solid, quality jacket to take out on the hill. Pockets for your pass and goggles, adjustable and detachable hood, and waterproofing are all included in this jacket. Nothing fancy, just a good deal for a jacket that will get the job done.
This jacket from Columbia is called the Ava Alpine. It is designed for the skier that wants a little bit more flare and style on them when they're heading to the mountain. This zip up jacket will keep you warm and it will keep you dry. It's got a helmet compatible hood with some extra fur on it to make a statement. At $200 this is a very affordable price.
The Bottom Line: Ski Jackets
Make sure you are referring back to this guide to know the ins and outs of all these jackets. We all want to be comfortable and warm while we ski and your jacket is the main player in that equation. And remember to look good, feel good, ski good!
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