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InStyle / Marcus Millan
As an Austrian girl, I grew up visiting the Alps every winter just to whizz down the massive mountains with my family. Needless to say, I know a thing or two about ski wear and gear — it’s our national sport after all!
The best place to start when planning a ski trip is finding the right ski jacket to brave the cold. Of course, a great one has to do more than just look cute; it needs to serve several functions as well. For snowboarding influencer Talia Komaike, a jacket without pockets that zip or, worse, without pockets at all “serve no use.” Therefore, she looks for options with interior and exterior zip pockets, on top of offering proper insulation and breathability. And in the search to compile this roundup, the InStyle team did, too. Keep reading to see which ski jacket you should pack on your next winter getaway.
Best Overall
Halfdays Lawrence Jacket
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Halfdays
What We Love: Everything from its warm insulation to its smart pocket designs and soft wipe attached.
What We Don’t Love: Although there is a phone leash in the chest pocket, the pocket is too small for some of the larger phones to fit in.
Halfdays combines the expertise of an Olympian, product designer, and visionary storyteller to create well-rounded skiwear.
This jacket has everything you could need in a ski jacket — a large hood, Primaloft insulation, underarm vents, pockets on the inner and outer sides, a powder skirt, and a thumb cuff. It fits a little oversized so that you can layer thick sweaters underneath. As a bonus, you’ll find a soft wipe attached to the left forearm pass pocket for easy access, meaning you can get as many runs in as possible without needing to rinse off any slushy residue or fog. We love its versatility too, like that it's designed for temperatures as low as zero and comes in 14 colors beyond your usual neutrals, like bright yellow and pink, and a wide size range just makes this a clear winner in our eyes.
Size: XS–2XL | Colors: 14 | Material: Primaloft, recycled polyester
Best Splurge
Mackage Elita Down Ski Jacket
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Mackage
What We Love: The shearling hoodies and powder skirts are removable.
What We Don’t Love: It runs small, and the brand recommends sizing up.
This Mackage Elita jacket is a favorite of Tania Motuzas. It has a unique (and removable) 360-degree shearling trim around the hood that elevates the overall jacket but also serves to protect you from excessive winds. We also appreciate the functional powder skirt on the inside of the jacket (this is an elastic waistband that blocks snow from entering the interior). Combined with the weather-proof outer, these details make this jacket a fully functioning performance piece, not just eye candy.
You’ll also find a hidden sleeve pocket (ideal for lift tickets), underarm vents, thumb loops, and even complementary goggle cleaners and key holders. Should a hefty encounter with tree branches occur (no judgment — accidents happen), Mackage offers complimentary repairs to the jacket as well. The brand does recommend sizing down, however, as it looks to run a little large.
Size: XXS–2XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon, elastane, sheep skin, duck down, duck feathers
Best Budget
Skieer Waterproof Ski Jacket
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Amazon
What We Love: You’ll find all the functional details needed to remain warm and cozy, despite its affordable price tag.
What We Don’t Love: The sleeves are a little short, so if you know yourself to have long arms consider wearing wrist warmers underneath.
Skiing is in no way a cheap sport, so we don’t blame you if you want to save some coins wherever you can. Luckily, Amazon has noteworthy ski gear at more affordable price points. This jacket is a great example of that, retailing at around $70. Despite its humble price tag, it boasts functionality (and five-star ratings). The exterior is both wind and waterproof, while the interior is lined with a warm and fuzzy fleece, even in the hood portion — a hood, which by the way, can be adjusted to fit snugly around your face through its drawstrings. You get extra warmth through its down cotton padding, making this a great option for those who fear the cold. And of course, it doesn’t lack zipped pockets for all your valuables. Some have complained, however, that the sleeves run a little short. If you know yourself to have long arms, perhaps grab some wrist warmers to go with the jacket.
Size: S–XXL | Colors: 11 | Material: Cotton, elastane
Best Everyday
Reformation x Canada Goose Mila Puffer
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Reformation
What We Love: It’s reversible, allowing you to have two looks in one jacket, both of which can be worn in everyday settings.
What We Don’t Love: It’s a little short, which might not be ideal for extremely cold winter days.
Reformation and Canada Goose’s collab was the biggest talk of the town last winter, offering functionally warm winter jackets in classic Reformation style — aesthetic, sustainable, and made to last. Luckily for us, they’re still available this year. Their line of parkas, puffers, and vests feature eye-catching designs intended to make a splash on the slopes, with the most notable feature being that they are reversible, giving you two style options in one jacket.
They tested these lightweight puffers on numerous influencers in the dead of winter in Aspen, Colorado, and not only did everyone stay cozy and warm but also superbly stylish. Made of recycled feather-light ripstop and chevron quilting, this jacket features many practical details, like a hidden drawstring on the interior lining of the hem that blocks out some of the cold seeping in from the bottom. While the shorter hem might not make it ideal for extreme weather conditions, it’s perfect for wearing out in your everyday life as well.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Recycled nylon, duck down
Best Water-Repellent
We Norwegians Myrken Lavalan Jacket
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We Norwegians
What We Love: Even the wool-filling will stay dry and warm.
What We Don’t Love: The sleeves are a little short.
We Norwegians’ winter jackets are so lightweight. Does this keep you warm in a snowstorm? The salesperson, with a proud Norwegian accent, confirmed that the laval filling (thick wool) and water-repellent fabric protect you even from Nordic winters. Wool naturally repels water and does not absorb moisture like other fabrics do, which makes it the ideal material to keep you warm even when you find yourself kissing the snowy bed too many times. Of course, the lack of a hood and the somewhat short sleeves might not make it suitable for extreme winds, however. Just keep that in mind as you shop.
Size: XS–L | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester, viscose, lavalan
Best Sport
Dope Puffer
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Dope
What We Love: It comes with a multitude of features, like side zips, large pockets, and a heavily insulated interior, that makes this perfect for snowy adventures.
What We Don’t Love: It’s recommended to size up if you wish to layer underneath.
Komaike has a wide range of experience with snow gear and finds this Dope Puffer to be the warmest option of them all. “Despite being in the snow almost every day, I’m a baby in the cold. I’ve worn the Dopesnow puffer in minus 40-degree temperatures and been fine.” This jacket was truly crafted with warmth and functionality in mind — it’s one of their most heavily insulated jackets and has double water-repellent technology. You’ll find a storm guard hood that fits over helmets, a large front pocket to fit a multitude of essentials, an elasticated snow skirt, zipped pockets on the sleeves, underarm vents, and a soft micro-fleece chin guard. More notable, however, is the zipper that goes all the way up the right side of the jacket, allowing for a little extra movement or a breather when it gets too hot. Needless to say, this piece is made for some serious adventure on the slopes. Komaike does however recommend sizing up if you enjoy layering thick sweaters underneath.
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Not listed
Best with Hood
Rudask Lux Fitted Ski Jacket
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Rudask
What We Love: Combined with the high collar around the neck, you can completely airproof your head.
What We Don’t Love: If you’re picky about a silhouette, it’s worth knowing that the bungee cord at the waist isn’t adjustable and may feel too tight or rise up and down your body while moving around.
Having a hood on your ski jacket is a must, but not all will swath your face as finely or thoroughly as with this Rudask ski jacket. It’s a brand highly recommended by Motuzas.
More than just a perfect pocket for your noggin, there’s a high collar that wraps all around your neck to keep it nice and toasty as well. You’ll find no open space between your neck, ears, or head where air can seep in. And thanks to the drawstrings, the hood can be pulled tightly around your face as well — it can’t, however, be detached. And as cool as it is, the rest of the jacket is just as eye-catching, with four on-trend cargo pockets at the front that are extra roomy to stash chapstick or a wallet. Of course, the jacket is not just sleek but warm as well, as it’s jam-packed with an 800+fill duck down that's functional in temperatures as low as 13 degrees.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Recycled polyester, recycled nylon, certified duck down and feathers
Best Short
Perfect Moment Houndstooth Polar Flare Down Jacket
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Perfect Moment
What We Love: They offer matching pants.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t have thumb sleeves.
For all things après-ski fashion, Perfect Moment has what you need. This houndstooth jacket is just one example of their collection of slope styles, giving you fun prints and stylishly flared sleeves. They of course offer matching pants, both of which have this slopes-meet-street design to them. The jacket is filled with 700-fill power goose down and feathers, and the high-neck collar comes with an adjustable hood. While the hem is slightly cropped, it’s smartly hiding a powder skirt, so you don’t have to worry about it getting too breezy from underneath. It unfortunately doesn’t come with thumb sleeves, however, which invites snow to trickle in if you ever fall on your hands. But the zippered pockets will at least keep your valuables safe from falling out when you do.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyester, goose down, goose feathers
Best Print
Fusalp Clea Seventies Print Ski Jacket
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What We Love: The collar is lined with soft faux fur.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t have a hood.
Although minimalism seems to be preferred in the modern day, the 1970s and 1980s saw a lot more colors and prints against the white mountain backdrop. This jacket from Fusalk is a true showstopper with its funky red and black chain link pattern.
Constructed with wind and waterproof materials that are also surprisingly stretchy, you’ll be able to move all around without feeling constrained — a must for speedy runs where you’ll need your full range of movement. Meanwhile, the interior is padded with a lightweight and breathable Primaloft fill. You’ve got your handy dandy ribbed-knit storm cuffs, which are the bits sleeves that hug your wrists and palms, and snow skirt, or the elastic band around the waist that helps to keep wind and snow from entering your jacket as you cruise down the mountain. The only thing it doesn’t have is a hood. Instead, you’ll get a faux fur collar that wraps around your entire neck for extra warmth, although you may still want to pack a hat too, just in case.
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester, spandex, Primaloft
Best Cinched Waist
Helly Hansen Nora Long Puffer Ski Jacket
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Helly Hansen
What We Love: It has many adjustable features, including the belt, hem, and hood.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t have any interior pockets.
Let’s be real, ski jackets are not known for their slimming effect, and if you neglect to consider a jacket’s silhouette, you run the risk of looking like a big snowball. The key to keeping your curves intact is a coat that offers adjustable details that give your waist some definition.
This Helly Hansen jacket nails that important detail by providing an adjustable (and removable) belt — a delightful design detail that you don’t often see (bungee cords, while efficient, aren’t as pretty and tend to be the norm). An adjustable hem and drawstring cords around the hood ensure a completely customized fit to your body shape. With plenty of pockets, including one on your sleeve and your chest to store lift tickets and chapsticks, this beauty checks all our boxes except for one — an interior pocket to secure precious items like, say, a card case.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Polyester, recycled polyester
What to Keep in Mind
Material
If you’ve ever found yourself on top of a mountain in the dead of winter, you’re very familiar with the shocking freeze and whipping wind, making protection the paramount consideration when shopping for a ski jacket. With the right fabric and construction, your face will never need to go numb again.
Nearly every ski jacket is made with at least some level of water protection (be it water-repellent, waterproof, or water-resistant), you’ll want to make sure that the fabric itself will offer your body a strong defense against the elements, namely wind, rain, and frigid temperatures. All of the jackets on our list, with the exception of the Reformation x Canada Goose Mila Puffer and Mackage Elita Down Ski Jacket, are made of polyester, a superstrong material that is resistant to all the common foes, including stretching out and losing shape as well as rips and snags that quickly turn a cool ski jacket into an ugly one. Plus, it’s quick to dry, making it an easy choice for outerwear and athleisure, and a ski jacket is both.
Filling Type
A ski jacket is only as good as the warmth it provides. After all, if you’re cold, it’s not enjoyable, and you’ll never wear it again.
There are three main types of filling, particularly in a puffer jacket: duck down, goose down, and Primaloft. The first, duck down, is the most common and can be found in the Rudask Lux Fitted Ski Jacket and Reformation x Canada Goose Mila Puffer. Goose down is generally considered to be slightly warmer, simply due to their cluster size, and can be found in the Perfect Moment Houndstooth Polar Flare Down Jacket. Others have a Primaloft filling, like the Fusalk Clea Seventies Print Ski Jacket, which is a synthetic insulator made of polyester microfibers. Compared to down, it’s not as warm, but it’s much more water resistant.
Temperature Range
We asked several habitual skiers and snowboarders what the most important component of a ski jacket is, and they all answered “its warmth.” Most retailers list the temperature range in which the given jacket can be worn. The warmest option on this list is the Dope Puffer, which can be worn in weather as cold as minus 40 degrees. The Mackage Elita Down Ski Jacket which is as good in as low as minus 4 degrees, and the Reformation x Canada Goose Mila Puffer, which can be worn in temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees, are great second and third choices.
Your Questions, Answered
When is the best time to buy ski jackets?
Let’s be honest: Skiing is not a cheap hobby. Especially with après ski fashion trending right now, it’s hard to get your hands on cute yet functional ski wear at an affordable price. The best time to buy skiwear, therefore, is in the pre- and post-seasons — that’s fall (around September and October) and spring (March and April). Still, only those that were left behind will be discounted for sale. If you see anything you absolutely can’t live without, then we recommend not waiting around too long.
What type of ski jacket is best for me?
Depending on where you are, the weather conditions will require different kinds of jackets. “Some places are cold and dry in which you will need an insulated or puffy jacket,” Motuzas says.
Options like the Dope Puffer or the Halfdays Lawrence Jacket are great for these conditions. “Others are warmer and wetter, and will require better waterproofing and perhaps just a shell jacket.” she continues. The Skier Waterproof Ski Jacket, Fusalk Clea Seventies Print Ski Jacket and the Perfect Moment Houndstooth Polar Flare Down Jacket make excellent options for this.
Why Shop With Us
Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer for InStyle with three years of experience writing fashion and lifestyle content. She is Austrian and has spent almost every winter in the Alps, so skiing is natural to her. To write this article, she relied on her own lifetime of experience skiing and consulted snowboard and ski experts Talia Komaike and Tania Motuzas to get the full scoop on what to consider when shopping for the best ski jackets.
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