18 Of The Best Ski Jackets To Chase Powder And Rip All Winter Long

Sigh—it’s been a slow start to ski season here in the Lower 48. However, winter can roll in at a moment’s notice, so it pays to be geared up. Of course, you can also take the proactive approach and chase powder overseas, like a couple of our lucky gear testers who scored world class conditions last month in the Alps (envy inspiring evidence from a bluebird day out in Eleven Experience ’s beautiful backyard pictured below).

Regardless whether you’re praying for snow at your local resort or planning a dream trip across the pond, the best ski jackets will help you make the most of every minute on the mountain. Case in point? The recently overhauled Patagonia Untracked Jacket that we analyzed in the Alps, which handled bell to bell storm days and bucketloads of powder.

Below, you’ll find our thoughts on this Patagonia piece, as well as a slew of tried and true options for every powder lover, no matter your budget, skill level or discipline. Author Drew Zieff mid test of Patagonia's Untracked Jacket (and the Arc'Teryx Sabre Bibs), during an ... [+] incredibly deep trip to Eleven Experience's Chalet Pelerin in the French Alps last month.

In addition to the Patagonia Untracked Jacket —our recommendation for eco minded skiers due to its 100% recycled fabrics and new Gore Tex ePE membrane—you’ll find 17 of our team’s favorite jackets. Chief among them, our pick for the best overall ski jacket—the popular, powder proof Arc’teryx Sabre (men’s) and Sentinel (women’s).

Of course, the Sabre and Sentinel family is now bigger than ever, and we’ve also included our impressions of the Arc’Teryx Sabre Insulated Jacket and Sentinel Insulated (Women’s) —both toasty options for skiers and riders who run cold. Plus, we introduce you to the new Sabre SV , which is a more durable, weatherproof and longer cut of the Sabre, making it ideal for taller skiers (or anyone who hates snow in their pants, for that matter).

Beyond those top notch options from the heavyweights at Arc’Teryx and Patagonia, you’ll find our go to pick for the resort (the all new Mountain Hardwear First Tracks ), the best value ski jacket (the REI Powderbound ), our favorite freeride shell (the updated Mammut Haldigrat ), our top picks for style (the Oyuki Goshiki and Nimi and the Burton Analog Hardpack ) and more.

If you’re every shopping for a ski or snowboard jacket down the line, remember to revisit this article, as it’s an ever evolving record of the best ski and snowboard jackets that money can buy. Our gear team lives and breathes for snow, and we’re constantly chasing powder around the globe, researching newly released products from brands big and small, adding new favorites and updating our gear guides.

Finally, we’ve got our PhDs in ski and snowboard jackets, having tested countless options over the last decade. Best Ski Jacket Overall Arc'teryx Arc'teryx Weight: 705 grams (men’s M), 640 grams (women’s M) | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (men’s); XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (women’s) | Fit: Regular | Insulation: None | Shell: N80p X 3L Gore Tex | Best use: Resort and backcountry Why we picked it: These jackets are bombproof shells for sending both backcountry lines and resort runs.

Consensus amongst top ski gear review blogs and skiers who have spent hard earned cash on this Arc’teryx hardshell is that the Sabre—and Sentinel (Women’s) —is the best ski jacket on the market right now. The shell earns awards, five star reviews and frequent “sold out” status thanks to Arc’Teryx’s alchemical formula: Keep in mind, the Sabre and Sentinel are not insulated—these are “hardshell jackets,” designed to protect you from precipitation and wind, but they won’t keep you warm.

You’ll find that both of our overall top picks for skiing and snowboarding are hardshells. Why? Simple: While hardshells aren’t warmer than insulated ski jackets, they’re much more versatile. You can wear a hardshell in extremely cold conditions and reasonably warm conditions alike, so long as you layer underneath accordingly (for example, you may want a midweight insulated puffy underneath the Sabre on stormy mid winter days, or just a base layer on sunny spring days).

An insulated ski jacket, on the other hand, quickly becomes untenable in warmer spring conditions. So long as you layer appropriately, the Sabre and Sentinel crush everything from resort ripping to heli skiing. Bibs to match! For head to toe protection and fluid style, check out the matching Sabre Bibs and Sentinel Bibs .

We just tested the Sabre version on a two week shred trip through the Alps that involved both resort and backcountry riding, and they crushed every step of the way. Premium weatherproofing withstood thigh deep bootpacks and storm after storm, and after two weeks of heavy wear the bibs still look good as new.

We’ll continue testing them more and more this season and update this guide accordingly, but our first impressions are as solid as they come! Pros: Cons: Insulated Versions Of The Sabre And Sentinel Arc'Teryx Arc'Teryx Weight: 815 grams (men’s M), 790 grams (women’s M) | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (men’s); XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (women’s) | Fit: Regular | Insulation: Coreloft 80g Recycled Polyester | Shell: N80p X 2L Gore Tex | Best use: Resort and Mechanized Backcountry Why we picked it: It’s the award winning Sabre and Sentinel, but warmer.

If you love the freeride look and top of the line performance of the Arc’Teryx Sabre and Sentinel but want more warmth, check out these insulated versions. Just like the original Sabre and Sentinel, this insulated Arc’Teryx outerwear offers excellent defense against precipitation and powder turns.

The insulated jackets are crafted from burly two layer Gore Tex fabric, while a powder skirt, cinching cuffs and adjustable hood allow skiers to batten down the hatches when storms hammer the hill. Unlike the original Sabre and Sentinel, however, these insulated iterations come stuffed with 80 grams of synthetic insulation to boost warmth when the mercury drops.

For reference, at this level of insulation, most skiers will be comfortable rocking the insulated jackets with just a base layer on most winter days (especially a warm base layer like Arc’Teryx’s ultra snug heavyweight Rho ), adding a mid layer only in more arctic conditions. To increase versatility, Arc’Teryx outfitted the insulated jackets with pit zips, enabling you to dump warmth on warmer days.

Pros: Cons: Best Ski Jacket For Tall Skiers Arc'Teryx Weight: 595 grams (men’s M) | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Fit: Regular | Insulation: None| Shell: N100p X 3L Gore Tex | Best use: Resort and Mechanized Backcountry Why we picked it: A long silhouette and durable, weatherproof fabric makes this Sabre spin off the most powder proof option in this guide.

There’s one more member of the Sabre family worth meeting—the Sabre SV. Arc’Teryx’s SV designation stands for “Severe Weather,” and this Sabre earns that moniker by cutting through wind and weather with unparalleled poise. While the original Sabre has a three layer Gore Tex construction with an 80 denier face fabric, the SV’s three layer Gore Tex construction is wrapped in a 100 denier face fabric—meaning it’s even denser, more durable, and more weatherproof than our overall award winning jacket.

If you’re a dedicated skier tired of tearing through subpar jackets in a single year, this beast of a shell has your name on it. The SV also sports an additional exterior chest pocket compared to the Sabre, but the major difference in design is the cut itself. The silhouette is much longer, and the hem of the SV sits much lower on the thigh than the Sabre.

This cut makes this piece a solid choice for taller skiers and snowboarders, as well as powderhounds who want ample protection on powder days. Pros: Cons: Best Sustainable Ski Jacket Patagonia Patagonia Weight: 620 grams (men’s M) 600g (women’s medium) | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (men’s and women’s)| Fit: Regular | Insulation: None| Shell: Recycled 3L ePE Gore Tex | Best use: Resort and Backcountry Why we picked it: Eco friendly and high performance, this Patagonia ski jacket withstands the elements while treading lightly on the environment.

The updated Untracked Jacket is the crown jewel of Patagonia’s new line of eco minded, adventure ready winter gear that features Gore Tex’s ePE membrane—a PFC free iteration of Gore’s best in class waterproof and breathable membrane. Not only does the new ePE membrane eliminate perfluorinated chemicals from production, but it also boasts a smaller carbon footprint compared to Gore’s typical manufacturing processes.

Factor in a 100% recycled nylon face fabric, a solution dyed flannel backer that’s also recycled, origins in a Fair Trade Certified factory and overall durability that suggests this jacket will last for seasons to come, and the Untracked is our top recommendation for sustainably bent skiers. While the backstory is certainly an admirable one, that hardly matters if the jacket can’t hang on the hill.

After two weeks of use and abuse in the French and Swiss Alps, a Tahoe based tester confirmed that the Untracked Jacket performs on par with top of the line jackets. “Weatherproofing was on point,” he reported after back to back warm, wet powder days in the French Alps. “On wet, long days of bootpacking and traversing, the ePE membrane did its job and kept me warm and dry.” He also loved the ample pockets and helmet compatible hood, the latter of which was easy to operate with gloved hands in whiteout conditions.

Our tester also appreciated the pit zips when hiking and skinning in the Untracked Jacket, but he did acknowledge that the coat is on the bulky side for dedicated human powered backcountry pursuits, especially longer, multi lap tours and hut trips. That said, he called the jacket a “heavy duty, quiver killing jacket that can handle in bounds powder bonanzas one day and moderate tours or serious mechanized backcountry missions the next.” He continued: “If I can only bring one jacket on a resort to backcountry trip, this is a strong contender.” And the sustainable story line? Well, that only adds to the allure.

Pro Tip: Pair with the Patagonia Untracked Bibs for the full kit! A Note On Sustainability: While we gave the Untracked Jacket a nod for its responsible roots, it isn’t a perfectly sustainable jacket—and Patagonia would be the first to corroborate that statement. While the updated Untracked Jacket is a step in the right direction, the most sustainable ski jacket is the one that’s already in your closet.

If sustainability is a cause close to your heart, shop used or repair your existing coat. Pros: Cons: Best Insulated Ski Jacket Patagonia Patagonia Weight: 870 grams (men’s), 764 grams (women’s) | Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Fit: Regular | Insulation: Thermogreen 100% recycled polyester insulation (80 grams in body, 40 grams in sleeves) | Shell: 2 layer H2No | Best use: Resort and mechanized backcountry Why we picked it: Warm, but not too warm, this insulated jacket is well suited for most winter days on the hill.

If you’re looking for a one way ticket to powder town, Patagonia’s got you covered—literally. The Insulated Powder Town Jacket, available in both men’s and women’s styles and sizing, is our ideal insulated ski jacket thanks to the waterproof and breathable two layer H2No fabric, soft against the skin taffeta liner and zonal insulation.

While many resort ski jackets are stuffed to the brim with insulation, Patagonia used restraint, padding the Powder Town with 80 grams of recycled, synthetic Thermogreen insulation in the torso and half that in the sleeves. The result is a jacket that’s warm enough for most winter days, yet lightweight and agile enough for hardcore skiers and riders who demand full mobility.

On warmer days, pit zips help you dump heat. Of note: This is a lightweight insulated ski jacket, not an expedition parka—on frigid, record shattering cold snaps, you may want a lightweight insulator, like the ever popular Nano Puff , underneath. Pros: Cons: Best Backcountry Ski Jacket Patagonia Evo Weight: 490 grams (men’s M), 428 grams (women’s M)| Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Fit: Regular | Insulation: None | Shell: 3 layer H2No | Best use: Non mechanized backcountry touring, splitboarding Why we picked it: As lightweight as it is breathable, this alpine armor is ready to climb and crush backcountry ski and splitboard tours.

Backcountry skiers and splitboarders require outerwear that fits and breathes well on the way up and defends against precip and powder on the way down. Patagonia’s Stormstride kit, available in both men’s and women’s styles and sizes, ticks these boxes in a well balanced fashion. The three layer H2No fabric is stretchy and comfortable.

While it’s not as bombproof as some more waterproof membranes, the fabric is extremely breathable. The Stormstride can hang when storm skiing, but it also wicks well on the uphill. If you overwhelm the breathable fabric pushing hard on the skintrack for one last lap before sunset, Patagonia equipped the Stormstride with easily engaged pit zips.

The chest pockets fit climbing skins—a major requirement of backcountry travelers—and the hem sports a minimal powder gasket, which is preferable to bulkier powder skirts for weight conscious skiers and splitboarders. Between the fabric and the features, this is our top pick for ski touring. It’s also a smart selection for weight watching splitboarders.

Pros: Cons: Best Splitboard Jacket Backcountry Moosejaw Weight: 730 grams (men’s M), 760 grams (women’s M) | Sizes: S, M, L, XL (men’s); XS, S, M, L (women’s)| Fit: Regular | Shell: 100% recycled polyester 70D 4 way stretch face fabric with 100% recycled 20D polyester backer, Dot laminated 30K/30K hydrophilic membrane and PFC free DWR| Best use: Resort and backcountry Why we picked it: While it’s on the heavy side for a touring shell, this bomber yet stretchy shell can handle serious precip and all out tours in remote ranges.

Jeremy Jones, the godfather of modern splitboarding, literally wrote the book on shralpinism. His new book, The Art of Shralpinism: Lessons from the Mountains , is worth picking up if you’re serious (or even curious) about backcountry boarding. For those unfamiliar with the term, shralpinism is a playful combination of “shredding” and “alpinism.” It refers to the art of climbing up mountains and ripping back down—the lofty goal of every splitboarder.

The Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket, a tried and true shell from Jones’ eponymous snowboard brand, is purpose built for such big mountain missions. There are several features of the Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket that make it well tuned to the needs of splitboarders. Among them are a minimalistic powder skirt that isn’t bothersome on the uphill and offers protection from snow on wallowing bootpacks and deep descents; capacious chest pockets that are accessible while wearing a backpack and easily accommodate splitboard skins; and pit zips that let you roll down the windows and get the breeze flowing on steep and strenuous climbs.

There were other aspects of the jacket that caught our eye, too—namely the clean, snowboarder specific styling and the muted, tonal colorways—but the main draw of this kit is the 100% recycled three layer fabric itself. While there are more waterproof materials on the market, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more waterproof and breathable one than this three layer sandwich of 70D polyester face fabric, Dot laminated hydrophilic membrane and 20D backer.

The stretch fabric is rated 30K/30K—extremely high on the waterproof and breathable scale—meaning it can handle heavy snow on powder days and fast paces on long climbs. Pros: Cons: Best Value Ski Jacket REI REI Weight: 822 grams (men’s M), 709 grams (women’s M) | Sizes: XS, S, M, M Tall, L, L Tall, XL, XL Tall, XXL, XXL Tall, XXXL (men’s); XS, S, M, L, XL, 1X, 2X, 3X (women’s) | Fit: Regular | Insulation: 60 grams polyester sleeves; 80 grams polyester body | Shell: 2 layer Peak nylon | Best use: Resort Why we picked it: Affordable, insulated and trusted by thousands of first timers and veteran skiers alike, this REI jacket is a slam dunk pick.

If you’re skiing or boarding on a budget, REI’s Co op outwear is always a wallet friendly pick. For $200—what might get you a single sleeve of the pricier, more technical options listed above if you’re lucky—the Powderbound kit delivers the perfect balance of functionality and affordability.

Plus, it’s available in both men’s and women’s styles and more sizes than any other jacket in this guide by a frontcountry mile. A two layer nylon shell, equipped with a proprietary waterproof and breathable laminate, keeps you dry in all but the heaviest of storms (it also keeps the price low, as REI doesn’t have to pay for the licensing fee for a name brand laminate).

Beneath that outer shell, 80 grams of synthetic insulation keeps the torso toasty, while 60 grams in the sleeves enables better range of motion—the latter of which is boosted by the articulated cut in the elbows. This is an insulated resort piece, not a streamlined backcountry shell, and REI decked it out accordingly with all the bells and whistles.

Among them: a pronounced collar, helmet friendly hood, wide, glove accommodating, cinch able cuffs, easy to operate pit zips, a nifty lift pass pocket and snap away powder skirt. Pro tip: If you’re looking for premium waterproofing and want to nix the insulation, check out REI Co Op’s Gore Tex equipped First Chair line.

At $300, the First Chair jacket is as cheap as it gets (discounts and sales aside) for a Gore Tex ski jacket. Pros: Cons: Freshest Ski Jacket Evo Evo Weight: N/A | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL (men’s); XS, S, M, L, XL (women’s) | Fit: Standard | Shell: 3 layer YamaPro| Best use: Resort and backcountry Why we picked it: Oyuki’s still new to the outerwear game, but this Hokkaido based up and comer is already competing with the big dogs.

The men’s Goshiki and women’s Nimi are both stylish, waterproof and purpose built for powder. If you haven’t heard of Oyuki before, it’s high time you get educated. The Niseko based brand is best known for its world class, Japan inspired gloves and mittens, but they make some of our favorite base layers, too (we just dubbed the ultra soft Hitatech our favorite synthetic base layer of 2023).

And after only two seasons in the outerwear game, Oyuki is already crushing it. Case in point? The Goshiki and Nimi YamaPro 3 layer jackets. Named for a legendary Japanese backcountry zone and built for the deep powder that Hokkaido is known for, the Goshiki is super stylish, with a layer accommodating relaxed fit and an asymmetrically cut, orange and white colorway that reminded our tester of a “dreamy creamsicle.” Form isn’t the only thing that impressed our test team–the jacket is startlingly functional, too.

The YamaPro three layer fabric earns a 20K/20K waterproof/breathable rating–on par with some of the best outerwear in the game–and we tested it while touring and bootpacking in Japan’s bottomless powder last winter. “The jacket never wetted out, and the breathability was crucial while hiking pillow lines,” commented our smitten tester.

Features were similarly on point, among them pit zips, a helmet compatible hood, powder skirt for those classically deep days in Japan, sealed seams that sport custom artwork from Japanese artist Toshikazu and a slew of pockets. Pros: Cons: Freshest Snowboard Jacket Burton Snowboards Burton Snowboards Weight: N/A | XS, S, M, L, XL (men’s and women’s) | Fit: Oversized | Shell: 3 layer Gore Tex | Best use: Resort and backcountry Why we picked it: The asymmetrical style and backcountry ready performance of these Analog jackets will have snowboarders drooling.

Analog—an under the radar arm of Burton that’s cutting edge both in terms of tech and style —is a go to for snowboarders who appreciate the finer things. So much so that product can sell out within days of a release. If you value looking fresh as much as you do riding in comfort, both the men’s and women’s Hardpack shell jackets are worth checking out.

We just recommend that if you do fancy one of these Analog pieces, don’t sleep on it—we don’t anticipate they’ll be in stock for long. Crafted from a three layer Gore Tex fabric, these Analog shells are on par performance wise with Burton’s ultra high end, backcountry ready Burton [ak] line.

But while [ak] gear generally speaks more to the big mountain rider, these Analog kits have roots in streetwear, too, with asymmetrical zips, modern silhouettes and oversized swagger. While the style is obvious, Analog didn’t skimp on features, either. Shaped cuffs and hems are adjustable, pit zips let in a welcome breeze while bootpacking, a storm flap and an easily cinched contoured hood keep powder at bay and a plethora of pockets help riders organize essentials (and extras, too).

“My favorite feature was actually the dual front zip,” reported a Tahoe snowboarder. “With two zips on either side of the chin, you don’t get the irritation you might get with a traditional front zip. Not to mention, it’s stylish as hell, too.” Pros: Cons: Best Resort Ski Jacket Backcountry Weight: 1028 grams (medium) | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Fit: Relaxed | Shell: Dry.Q® 70D 2 Layer, solids: 100% recycled nylon; prints: 100% polyester.

Best use: Resort and mechanized backcountry Why we picked it: This warm, stylish and storm ready jacket has a comfortable interior and a durable, waterproof exterior that handled some of the deepest powder days we’ve ever experienced. Do you remember reading about the record breaking snowfall that buckled roofs and shutdown ski resorts in Tahoe last winter? Well, we were living and ripping through it, collecting countless first tracks in Mountain Hardwear’s aptly named First Tracks jacket.

“No matter how deep the snow or cold the temperatures, I was warm as could be in this jacket,” reported a Tahoe tester, appreciative of both the waterproof Dry.Q shell fabric and the comfortable, soft liner that adds extra warmth. The First Tracks also earned top marks for the features on tap, including: Last but not least, the First Tracks further impressed testers with its retro styling and button battened storm flap down the front zipper.

“It’s old school design, with new school tech,” commented our tester, judging the First Tracks one of the best jackets that resort skiers and boarders can buy. Yup, there’s an insulated option, too. Love the retro vibe but want a little more warmth? Check out the First Tracks Insulated Jacket .

It sports similar tech, features and styling, but it also has body mapped insulation, with 80gs of insulation packed around the core for warmth, and lighter 60g insulation in the hood and sleeves for mobility and range of motion. We loved the First Tracks Jacket so much we just got our hands on the insulated version, and we’ve only had the chance to get first impressions (not too much snow or stormy weather so far in Tahoe this season).

We’ll update this story soon once we’ve had the opportunity to push it on a few more powder days. In the meantime, pray for snow! Pros: Cons: Best Snowboard Jacket Overall Quiksilver Weight: N/A | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Fit: Relaxed | Insulation: None | Shell: 3 Layer Gore Tex Pro | Best use: Resort and backcountry Why we picked it: Style, materials and construction of T.

Rice’s go to shell are all, unsurprisingly, top of the line. Looking for the best snowboard jacket? Aim your gaze at the Quiksilver Highline Pro Travis Rice Gore Tex Shell. That’s right—this jacket is co signed by arguably the greatest snowboarder of all time. A mountain G.O.A.T. in its own right, the Highline Pro is crafted from Gore Tex Pro—one of the most waterproof, breathable and durable materials money can buy.

Tuned to the needs of powder chasing snowboarders, the lightweight shell features a bombproof construction with fully taped seams, brawny zippers, an adjustable, helmet compatible hood and removable powder skirt. The chest pockets are accessible while wearing a backpack—a welcome feature while touring in the backcountry.

While the shell is well suited to the needs of backcountry boarding, the Highline Pro is also resort friendly, with a layer accommodating relaxed fit and handy lift pass pocket. Factor in a killer style and it’s no surprise why so many snowboarders choose to follow Travis Rice’s tracks (at least when it comes to outerwear—not too many are following his lines in the backcountry).

Pair it with the waterproof, feature stacked Highline Pro 3L Gore Tex Pro Bib Pant , which blends the storm slaying style of a bib with the practicality and pockets of a vest—for a stylish, hard charging full kit. (Skiers, don’t worry—Quiksilver athlete and backcountry virtuoso Sammy Carlson regularly rocks a Highline Pro, too.

This shell isn’t reserved for the single plankers.) Pros: Cons: Best Insulated Snowboard Jacket Burton Weight: N/A | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Fit: Regular | Insulation: 800 Fill RSD goose down | Shell: 2 layer Gore Tex 70D ripstop weave fabric with 200D plain weave side panels | Best use: Resort, mechanized backcountry, around town Why we picked it: The rare combo of ultra warm and ultra waterproof, this jacket can handle serious weather.

Burton recommends the [ak] Gore Tex LZ Down for “arctic” conditions and calls it “snowboarding’s highest performance puffy”—and we’re inclined to agree. The ultra warm LZ is stuffed with lofty, 800 fill goose down, an insulating material usually reserved for premium parkas and lightweight puffies popular with mountaineers and backcountry skiers.

Not only that, but that prodigious insulating power is protected by a two layer Gore Tex fabric for ultimate defense against powder and precipitation. Plus, the adjustable StormForm hood has a collar gasket that blocks the elements and keeps your mug toasty. While it’s a niche jacket only suitable for extreme weather, the LZ absolutely annihilates the niche.

Pros: Cons: Best Freeride Jacket Backcountry Weight: 651 grams (men’s M)| Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL (men’s) | Fit: Regular | Shell: Mammut DRYtechnology Pro| Best use: Resort, mechanized backcountry, touring Why we picked it: One of the most comfortable kits we’ve tested, the stretchy Haldigrat can handle full throttle freeriding and laidback pow laps alike.

Freeriders, by definition, don’t appreciate constraints. Mammut’s updated, lighter than ever, all terrain slaying Haldigrat speaks to those who shred the resort to smithereens one day, ski tour the next and might just throw in a heli day if the conditions are firing. Our favorite aspect of the Haldigrat is no doubt the stretchy yet waterproof Mammut DRYtech Pro fabric.

If you’re tackling an uncomfortable kick turn, or tweaking into a tendon testing grab, the Haldigrat can hang. Not only is the fabric exceptionally elastic and comfortable on the move, but it meets a whopping 30K waterproof rating, too, meaning it’s suited for storm skiing. Even better? The updated jacket comes in a beige colorway that makes this kit one of the most stylish we’ve ever tested, especially when paired with the matching bibs.

Factor in a few freeride specific features—backpack friendly chest pockets, helmet ready hood and XXL underarm vents—and this Mammut design is truly a Swiss Army Knife of ski jackets. Pros: Cons: How We Chose The Best Ski Jackets If hunting for the perfect ski and snowboard jacket were easy, articles like this one wouldn’t be remotely necessary.

However, given the seemingly infinite avalanche of options on the market—not to mention the dizzying marketing jargon in manufacturer product descriptions—it helps to have a discerning gearhead separate the wheat from the chaff. To that end, we tapped the expertise of Drew Zieff , a Tahoe based, globe trotting snowboarder and splitboarder.

In addition to being a regular contributor for Forbes Vetted, Zieff is the Rider in Chief and splitboard test director for Backcountry Magazine , where he also helps cover backcountry apparel—puffies, shells, bibs, you name it. For Outside Magazine , he’s the snowboard test director come winter and the shell test director come summer .

Needless to say, he’s a category expert who obsesses over the nuances of what takes gear and apparel from good to great. To pull together this round up, Zieff researched extensively, analyzing reporting from fellow gear testers and reviewers from respected ski, snowboard and outdoor publications. He cross referenced that data against hundreds of reviews from real world customers—folks like yourself who swiped plastic and dropped hard earned cash on ski and snowboard jackets.

Finally, he pulled from a decade of professional gear testing and firsthand experience with the majority of ski and snowboard outerwear in this guide. For instance: While we’re confident in Zieff’s picks above, keep in mind that our jacket testing and researching is an ongoing process. He, and the rest of our gear testing team, are constantly putting ski and snowboard jackets on the chopping block.

Likewise, they’re always on the hunt, just like you, for the best ski and snowboard jackets coming down the pipeline. As such, this article isn’t set in stone, but rather a living, breathing gear guide, and we update it every few months. Long story short? When we find jackets we like better than the ones you just read about, you’ll be the first to know.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted Vetted has served as a trusted source for winter gear for multiple years in a row. From meticulously testing and reviewing ski gloves that keep your fingers toasty in the most bone chilling temperatures, to scouring the market for the coziest thermal underwear that doubles as a second skin on the slopes, we've dedicated ourselves to helping winter lovers conquer the cold.

So when it came time to crown the best ski jackets for the season, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that you, dear reader, could embark on mountain adventures in style, warmth and comfort. Our quest for the finest ski jackets led us down a path paved with performance, functionality and innovation.

We examined each contender, scrutinizing features like pocket placement for seamless access to essentials, pit zips for temperature regulation during vigorous runs and the judicious use of materials and construction techniques to ensure durability and weatherproofing. To make the cut, a ski jacket had to combine cutting edge technology with a sense of style that doesn't compromise on performance.

And because ski jackets are constantly evolving, we revisit these recommendations to ensure they adequately serve you and your needs on the hill. It was last updated January 2024..