The 14 Best Ski Jackets of 2022 Will Keep You Warm and Dry on the Slopes

Best Overall

We’ve long loved Patagonia for its eco-friendly and sustainable practices, all of which are incorporated into this super-warm, waterproof topper, like using mostly recycled materials and environmentally-friendly, ethical production methods. In fact, the outer layer is made from 100 percent recycled GORE-TEX, while the inner insulation layer is composed of 90 percent recycled polyester, making this one of the most eco-friendly ski jackets on the market. The hood, while not removable, is helmet compatible and comes with a laminated visor so you can pull it tight in truly bad weather without compromising your vision. It also comes with an embedded RECCO reflector which enhances radio signals from search-and-rescue RECCO detectors to help speed up recovery efforts in the event of an avalanche or if you find yourself lost in the backcountry.

Best Under $200

The combination of a super-durable, double-layer waterproof shell and super-lightweight PrimaLoft Sport insulation makes this parka incredibly warm, even if you’re stuck on the chairlift for half the day. Just how warm, you ask? L.L.Bean suggests the Rugged Ridge will keep you feeling comfortable doing moderate activity (like, say, downhill skiing interspersed with rest on the chairlift) all the way down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, although at that point we highly suggest you head indoors. This parka also features an easy media port for those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts as they glide down the mountain, a detachable hood and a pocket specifically made for your goggles, complete with a lens-friendly goggle wipe.

Best 3-in-1 Design

There is more than one multi-jacket design on this list, but Marmot’s Featherless Component coat is our top 3-in-1 pick for two main reasons: its (relatively) affordable price tag and eco-friendly design. Founded in 1971, Marmot was actually the very first outdoor apparel company to begin incorporating Gore-Tex into its designs—in addition to being one of the very first to introduce women-specific designs. And although it has remained a relatively small company (at least compared to competitors like The North Face or Burton) it has continued to experiment with new technologies and advanced fabrics—like the 3M Thinsulate Featherless insulation included in this jacket. The sustainable, animal-friendly material is as warm as 700-fill-power down feathers, but will continue to keep you warm even if it gets wet. And based on reviews, that cozy insulation really lives up to the hype whether you’re doing easy runs on a 10-degree afternoon or stuck on a chairlift in negative temps.

Best Women-Specific Design

This buzzy new brand set out to design outdoor adventure gear specifically for women with input from a network of hundreds of testers of all body types and skill levels. The result is a no-fuss, eco-friendly design that will keep you comfy, warm and stylish all day long. It comes with a handy cell phone leash in one of the exterior pockets so you can safely text on the lift, and a 10,000mm waterproof rating, which basically means it’s all set and ready for anything Mother Nature may have in store. Plus, it comes in nine gorgeous colors, all with matching snow pants for those who are looking for a whole new ski kit. As for warmth, the Lawrence is rated for temperatures between 40 and zero degrees Fahrenheit, but for those who want something a little cozier, the Georgie jacket is rated to keep you warm all the way down to -10 degrees.

Most Splurge-Worthy

No, this guy isn’t cheap, but it might just be the only winter coat you’ll ever need. It was designed to withstand Icelandic winters in comfort and style. So if you take most of your ski vacations in places where the temperatures tend to hover around zero degrees (hello, northern Vermont), this is an excellent investment to make. The minimalist, monochrome design is great for those who prefer a classic look over the flashy color-blocking and neon stripes so commonly spotted at ski resorts, and the 3-in-1 design—which features an outer waterproof shell and an inner insulated layer—gives you multiple options depending on how much warmth you really need. Of course, the Tvioddi also offers real practical value, with four easy-reach outer pockets for all your essentials and covert drawstrings in the hood, waist and hem for an adjustable fit. One thing to note: This is a unisex cut, so be sure to double check the size chart before you order.

Best for Backcountry Skiing

Unlike the names of many outdoor gear companies, Outdoor Research gets right to the point, describing exactly what founder Ron Gregg wanted his brand to be about. The scientist and adventurer once tried on, meticulously measured/weighed and tested every single pair of mountaineering boots that REI had to offer prior to a trip, and that’s exactly the kind of dedication you can expect from the OR team today. As for the Carbide jacket, it is particularly good for wet weather, no matter the temperature, and most of the reviews come from backcountry skiers (though it will also work wonderfully for resort skiing). It also comes with more pockets than you’ll probably ever need, including a resort pass pocket on the arm and multiple inner pockets to fit everything from your goggles to your phone or even a sandwich for those who don’t want to have to step inside to refuel. (P.S. This jacket was also one of the winners of SKI Magazine’s Gear of the Year Awards in 2021.)

Best Minimalist Design

Another 3-in-1 option, this brightly-colored jacket earned The North Face’s highest wind and water resistance ratings, and is mighty warm to boot thanks to a cozy inner layer made from the brand’s proprietary Heatseeker Eco insulation. Though some reviewers wished the front pockets sat lower on the chest to more easily warm up their hands between runs, all agreed that this jacket was an excellent combination of cozy and flexible to allow for maximum comfort on the move. It also comes with two armpit zips for extra breathability when needed, and an internal goggle pocket complete with a goggle lens wipe. And, don’t worry, the Clementine Triclimate comes in more colors than the fruit-inspired name would suggest, including a gorgeous green-and-pink floral print.

Best for Long Torsos and Tall Frames

Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor goods brand that has gained a reputation for incredibly high-quality and innovative designs ever since its launch in 1989. Yes, this particular style is expensive, but you know you’re getting a top-of-the-line jacket that will last you for years and years. The Sentinel AR was specifically designed for freeride touring (aka, skiing or snowboarding out in the wilderness on ungroomed terrain, usually not next to a resort), but would definitely work for regular resort skiing, too. It features a totally waterproof Gore-Tex outer lining that will keep you dry in even the worst weather conditions, as well as a powder skirt to prevent snow from creeping up your back should you fall. It also has a longer cut, which makes this a great option for snowboarders looking for some extra bum coverage or those with long torsos. The Sentinal AR does come with some insulation, but those who find themselves skiing in frigid temps might want to size up in order to fit an additional puff layer underneath.

Best Compact Design

Eddie Bauer makes some of our absolute favorite winter boots, so it should comes as no surprise that the company also makes top-notch outerwear. What makes this jacket really stand out is the fact that it’s incredibly thin, with no quilting on the inner liner to beef up the insulation. Yet it also promises to keep you comfortable during moderate activity down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, which should more than suffice for whatever winter plans you have in store. It is, however, also roomy enough to fit a cozy mid-layer underneath (rather than a simple base layer) should you require additional warmth. It is also machine washable and the down used to insulate this sleek design, though real, meets the Responsible Down Standard set forth by Control Union.

Best for Downhill Racers

Hey, if Helly Hansen is good enough for the 2022 Canadian Olympic Alpine Ski Team, then it’s probably good enough for your weekend at Stratton. In fact, the Norwegian brand has become immensely popular among competitive skiers of all levels over the past few years, with all its products designed to minimize wind resistance and give you a super smooth ride down the mountain, whether that means a bunny slope or a mogul-covered trail. Plus, the longer silhouette, powder skirt, oversize cuffs and wrist gaiters on the Whitewall Lifafoft provide extra warmth and ensure no flying snow will sneak its way into your jacket.

Best for On and Off the Slopes

Obermeyer was founded more than 65 years ago by one of the very first ski instructors in Aspen, Colorado. Since then, the brand has focused entirely on high-quality clothing and gear for skiers and snowboarders, so you can take on whiteout conditions and bluebird days without worrying about your gear letting you down. This jacket in particular will fit right in both on the slopes slopes and wherever you end up for dinner that night, with a removable cozy faux-fur lining on the hood (which is also removable) and nine colors to choose from. The combination of a snowskirt and a drawstring adjustment at the waist pretty much guarantees no loose powder will find its way creeping up your back, and the collar is also lined with fleece to keep your chin and neck warm without any irritation.

Best Shell Jacket

We recommend this shell jacket more for downhill and resort skiing than backcountry or cross-country excursions. Why? The triple-layer Gore-Tex outer lining, while perhaps the most weather-resistant material on this list, isn’t all that flexible. However, for those who don’t plan to twist and jump in the trick park or hike out to remote locations, it definitely provides enough stretch for easy movements and gliding down slopes. While the Triolet does come with some insulation (enough to keep you warm on wet 30-degree days), you’ll definitely want to add another layer underneath if you plan to head out in cold rain, sleet or heavy snow. That’s why we recommend considering sizing up to ensure you have plenty of room to layer as needed. And, once again, Patagonia has included the RECCO reflector to aid in any search and rescue efforts, bringing us major peace of mind (though fingers crossed we never need to use it).

Most Fun Print

We think this under-$200 houndstooth beauty is quite a steal, especially considering it’s basically three jackets for the price of one. The inner puffer is made with Columbia’s innovative Omni-Tech thermal reflective lining which uses silver dots to reflect your body heat back to you, guaranteeing you remain toasty warm on even the coldest trails. It also comes with ski pass and goggle pockets for easy access and storage on the lifts. If you’re not into the Moira Rose vibes of this stark black-and-white pattern, there are also a number of rich solid hues to choose from.

Editor’s Pick

Best for more mild conditions rather than frigid icy weather, the Cottonwoods coat offers a ton in the way of waterproofing and wind resistance, but less in terms of super-cozy insulation. It does, however, earn high marks for its easy, intuitive design with both internal and external pockets placed exactly where you expect them to be. And the outer shell is made with an impressive triple layer of GORE-TEX, so you can basically guarantee no rain, sleet or snow will find a way to break through to your torso, even if you choose to get just one more run in that rainstorm.