Finding the right ski jacket is about more than colour and fit – it's the difference between a day on the slopes full of joy and a day spent freezing or sweating through your clothes. In this guide, we'll cover what to look for when buying a ski jacket, whether you race down slalom courses, hit the slopes with the family, or mostly ride the lift for the view.
The first question to ask yourself is how you move and what you wear underneath.
A shell jacket is a thin, weatherproof outer layer with no insulation. It's perfect if you move around a lot, warm up quickly, or want to layer yourself with fleece or mid-layers depending on the temperature.
A padded ski jacket has built-in insulation, making it warmer straight out of the box – a great choice if you feel the cold easily, spend a lot of time standing still in lifts, or ski with kids who move around less than you do.
Whichever type you choose, pair it with a good base layer as your first layer – the foundation of any winter outfit.
A good ski jacket should handle both snow showers and sweat. Look for:
Waterproofing – the higher the water column rating, the better the protection against wet snow and rain.
Breathability – important if you move around a lot, for example during alpine skiing or off-piste.
Taped seams – prevent moisture from getting in through the seams, a detail that makes a big difference in wet snow.
The details often decide how happy you'll be with the jacket in the long run:
Powder skirt – keeps snow out during falls and strong wind.
Adjustable hood – should work both with and without a helmet.
Underarm vents for quickly regulating your temperature.
Ski pass pocket and pockets for lift passes, your phone, and boot keys.
Adjustable cuffs that keep snow away from your wrists.
Fit and features often differ depending on who the jacket is for.
Browse our range of ski jackets for women with a close, body-hugging fit designed for a woman's shape.
Explore ski jackets for men in a wide range of styles and colours.
For the youngest skiers, there are hard-wearing ski jackets for kids built to handle both riding the slopes and playing in the snow.
A ski jacket should be roomy enough to fit a couple of mid-layers underneath without feeling tight when you move – especially across the shoulders and arms, where you need full mobility. Check the sleeve length with your arms stretched above your head, a common position when using poles or riding a lift. If the jacket still fits well then, it'll fit well all day.
A regular jacket works fine for everyday use, but is rarely as waterproof, windproof, or functionally suited as a true ski jacket. The difference shows most clearly in wind, cold, and wet snow on the slopes, where a ski jacket is built to handle conditions a regular jacket simply isn't tested for.
A ski jacket works best paired with the right accessories. Take a look at our accessories – hats, neck warmers, and gloves – to stay warm even on the coldest days on the slopes.
Want more tips before the winter season? Check out our other guides and tips for outdoor life and winter sports.
