With keen skiers and snowboarders able to chase seasons around the globe, making sure you have the best gear to not only keep your warm and dry but looking fly, is paramount. Whether you’ve already got a ski trip booked or are planning to make the most of the next snow season to dump a bucketload of the white stuff at your favourite resort, you’ll want to make sure you don’t head out rocking a years-old jacket that has seen better days.
With snowsports becoming ever more popular, there’s no shortage of brands producing some great quality ski and snowboard jackets, and ones that look good too. You could always opt for an all-black number, but where’s the fun in that? We’re not saying you need to bring back the 80s trend of retro-looking jumpsuits, but injecting a bit of colour on the snow and mountains not only gives you a unique look but will make it easier for your fellow group members to spot you.
You will also find when browsing for some new winter jackets, that there are both ski and snowboard jackets. But what’s the difference? Predominantly, it comes down to fit. Snowboard jackets tend to be looser than ski jackets, as well as being slightly longer to protect your backside when you’re sitting down and strapping your snowboard boots into your bindings.
However, since both are designed to protect against wind, rain, snow and whatever else the mountain can throw at you, you’re safe to wear a snowboard jacket for skiing, or vice versa. More importantly, ski jackets (like all technical outerwear) can feature a range of various fabric technologies, all with a similar aim of keeping you warm and dry.
Here are a few key technologies to look out for.
Jacket Type
Ski jackets can come in various styles. The main three you’re going to see when searching are shell, insulated or 3-in-1. Each offers something different so determining which ski jacket style is best for you will come down to personal preference – if you already have a good mid-layer, you may just want to invest in a shell, for example – and cost.
Shell jackets literally provide a shell outer layer. They usually come without any real insulation, instead, offering a solid outer layer to protect you from wind, rain and, with regards to ski jackets, snow. You will, however, need to source base and mid-layers to provide extra warmth. Within shell jackets, you can get hard and softshell, which have varying levels of breathability. If shell is the route you choose, be sure to dig a little deeper into what’s around.
Insulated jackets are the style we suspect most skiers and snowboarders will choose. They offer the best of both worlds: a tough outer layer that protects from the elements, with a warm inner layer that’s breathable and comfortable. The insulation material can range from jacket to jacket, with some manufacturers continuing to use down, while others have chosen to go down more sustainable routes by developing their own synthetic fabrics.
3-in-1 jackets provide a solid outer layer, with a removable warm inner layer. This gives you versatility, meaning you can wear the full package on particularly cold days, just the shell on days that just require some protection from a bit of rain or just the inner layer to accompany you on chilly but dry winter evenings.
Fabric Technologies
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is the brand of weatherproof fabric technologies that signifies something you can trust to provide the best protection. However, within the Gore-Tex range are multiple different variations.
Gore-Tex Pro is the creme de la creme, the fabric that even comes with a “guaranteed to keep you dry” promise, no matter how harsh the downpour you find yourself in. It also provides superior breathability to keep you sweat-free, yet warm at the same time.
Gore-Tex Paclite jackets are, as their name implies, packable. This means they’re more shell-like jackets that offer a protective layer, requiring you to layer up underneath, as opposed to do-it-all jackets that will protect you from everything. Gore-Tex Paclite jackets are still breathable, windproof and waterproof, they’re just perhaps less rugged.
Gore-Thermium hails from the same umbrella company as Gore-Tex, but relates more to an internal insulation layer, as opposed to offering outer protection. It still has waterproof qualities, keeping rain and snow at bay from seeping inside a jacket, while offering a soft and cosy fabric to keep you warm and comfortable.
Men’s Ski Jacket FAQ
Should my ski jacket be tight or loose?
The correct answer will be, just right. Your ski jacket must fit you well and not too tight that all the layers underneath make you feel bulky and stuffy. It should be snug while allowing you full range of movement.
What do you wear under a ski jacket?
You may wear a sweater, a fleece jacket or a turtleneck under your ski jacket. Pair them with insulating pants under your snow pants, plus winter gloves and you will be warm enough in the slopes.
How much should I spend on a ski jacket?
Prices for ski jackets can be as low as $100 and as high as $1,000 or more. If you want to get good discounts, buy one during an end-of-season sale.
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Bogner
If the most luxurious brands are important to you when out on the slopes, you can't skip past Bogner. The German ski and snow brand has been at the height of luxury athletic wear for over 85 years, thanks to a combination of iconic designs, exceptional quality and some of the finest materials around. The company has two ranges: Bogner Sport and Bogner Fire + Ice. The former is highly functional, while Fire + Ice is designed to be a little more fashion-focused.
Part of the Fire + Ice collection, the Lasse ski jacket can be worn on the slopes and in the city and is designed to keep you incredibly warm no matter where you are thanks to Thermore padding. The camouflage print offers a stylish twist and wrist cuffs provide an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Arc'teryx
Arc'teryx was born in the Canadian mountains, so it's safe to say it knows how to make ski jackets that combat the cold weather elements, but still offer performance when you're bombing down a run.
The Alpha SV is just that, proving capable of providing protection in the harshest of environments. A Gore-Tex Pro hardshell fabric keeps wind, rain and snow at bay, while also being durable, so it will happily accompany you on run after run after run. Outer pockets won't be covered up if you put a harness on, and if you find yourself in a downpour of rain or snow, the StormHood will fit over a ski helmet for added protection.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a brand closely associated with outdoor clothing, and clothing made in sustainable ways at that. Not just a company to provide you with clothing for hiking adventures, Patagonia also has a range of ski apparel that is well-suited to protecting you from the coldest of temperatures.
Patagonia's Powder Bowl jacket is a versatile little number that is prepared for anything the mountain can throw at you. A two-layer Gore-Tex build means you remain high and dry no matter how much snowfall you experience, a helmet-compatible hood adds extra protection and an adjustable powder skirt ensures you don't get any seepage into your ski pants when the powder gets deep. An array of pockets and a mesh lining to help regulate your body temperature make this the perfect all-rounder.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond was founded in 1989, although its extended history can be traced back to the late 1950s. At that time its offices were moved from California to Utah, so it could surround itself with climbing and skiing culture.
The Mission Down Parka has been designed to provide superior warmth and all-weather protection, which it does so via Gore Thermium. Fully taped seams add to its protection credentials, but your body is still able to breathe to prevent sweat building up. A removable powder skirt prevents snow seepage, while allowing the jacket to be used when on the slopes. The helmet compatible hood can be adjusted using just one cord, and pockets both inside and outside give you space to store your on-slope essentials.
Helly Hansen
Norwegian brand Helly Hansen has its mitts in apparel for use on the mountain and out at sea, and has been producing gear since 1877. It's fair to say the company has amassed some serious knowledge in the 140+ years since.
Helly Hansen's years of expertise have allowed the company to develop jackets such as the Steilhang, which benefits from a new H2Flow Air Force Vent System which uses air pockets to store and retain heat generated by you to keep you warm. Want to cool down? Open the zippers and allow air to flow in. The Steilhang is also fully waterproof, has a helmet-compatible hood and rocks 4-way stretch for free and easy movement. It's possibly the best ski jacket money can currently buy.
Salomon
French-based Salomon was founded in heart of the Alps in 1947 and has since cemented itself as the European leader in outdoor sports equipment. Not only does the brand have a complete range of outdoor apparel, but also produced all manner of Alpine ski, Nordic ski and snowboard equipment.
The S/Lab GTX Pro 3L is one of the company's top-of-the-range jackets. It's part of the S-Lab series of products that meet exceptionally high standards, so you can trust it will deliver the best possible performance. This 3L shell jacket has been developed in partnership with Salomon's freeski team, and now rocks a Gore-Tex membrane and three-layer shell construction for optimal warmth and wind protection, as well as breathability to keep you cool. The shell design means you can add in your own base and mid-layers as you see fit, while safe in the knowledge that you'll be well-protected on the outside.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research thrives on creating products designed to help you tackle the great outdoors. Founded by adventurer Ron Gregg in 1981 after a glacier ascent went sour, Outdoor Research is committed to making the best gear around.
The Furio jacket, which is available in a range of eye-catching colours (and with matching pants), uses Gore-Tex Paclite technology to seamlessly glide over your base and mid-layers. OR has also employed a hybrid-mapped construction for improved durability around the shoulders, hood, seat and knees (on the pants). Fully taped seams and waterproof zippers further help to banish water and melted snow away.
Columbia
Columbia has been in the outerwear game for more than 80 years. Founded in Portland, Oregon, the brand quite literally has a playground within which to try, test and use everything it creates on its doorstep, so you can be sure clothing can withstand harsh conditions.
Columbia has a great range of ski jackets on offer, but we love the Bugaboo 1986 Interchange jacket. It shouldn't need many guesses as to why, just look at it. Unbelievably retro and cool (all colours are hits in our book), this 3-in-1 jacket comprising a shell and inner-liner and benefits from Omni-Tech for waterproofing and breathability. Suitable for on and off-mountain use, this could be the perfect ski jacket.
Burton
Burton Snowboards is, by and large, a snowboard-focused brand, and is one of the brands that can be thanked for bringing snowboarding to the masses in the late 1970s.
The Dunmore jacket is, therefore, a jacket designed for snowboarding. But skiers want to look good too, so we're championing it for the dual-gliders out there as well. The Dunmore rocks a heavyweight design, but a silhouette that could easily be worn off the mountain too. The tough exterior provides protection against water and snow, while an inner Thermolite insulation layer, coupled with Burton's Living Liner, regulate airflow to keep your body breathing. It's essentially a three-in-one jacket without having separate pieces. Pockets for your goggles and phone keep them well-protected and microfibre pockets keep your hands warm when at the bar for some Après ski action.
Spyder
Colorado-based Spyder confidently claims it is the world's largest ski specialty brand. Founded by David Jacobs, a member of the Canadian National Ski team, Spyder initially sold race sweaters specifically for skiing, before expanding into other areas. Today, Spyder is the official supplier of teh US Ski Team, the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and the Jamaica Ski Team.
The Leader GTX jacket benefits from myriad fabric technologies to provide ultimate performance. You've got stretch Gore-Tex, PrimaLoft Eco Insulation and Aquaguard waterproof zippers. Continuing with the "go all out" method of design, Spyder has given the Leader GTX interior stretch panels for added mobility when making turns down the mountain, underarm vents for increased airflow and cuffs with thumb holes to keep your hands extra warm.
The North Face
Being named after one of the demanding sides of any mountain, The North Face knows how combat the climatic conditions you're likely to face when shredding powder.
The Chakal jacket serves up a simple, no-frills looks (available in a choice of colours) along with PrimaLoft's Black Insulation to provide warmth in the exact areas you need it, while a breathable DryVent fabrics prevents you from sweating and overheating too much. Fully waterproof and lightweight and with a detachable powder skirt, The North Face Chakal could be your next mountain companion.
Moncler Grenoble
Named after a mountainous village near Grenoble, Italian company Moncler came to be in 1952, starting life producing quilted sleeping bags. Moncler is regarded as being the first company to champion the down jacket, kitting out the Italian expedition team who successfully scaled K2.
You can therefore be guaranteed superior warmth with this hooded down ski jacket. Not only will look the swankiest guy on the slopes, showing off your superiority, it will gladly assist you in the transition to après ski.
Napapjiri
Napapjiri may have a Scandinavian sounding name, and even the Norwegian flag as its logo, but it is, in fact, Italian. The company has been in business since 1987 and was founded in a town near Mont Blanc, so ideal inspiration for creating an outerwear clothing and equipment brand. Napapjiri jackets can almost always be seen on the slopes thanks to their bold colours and large branding.
The company's jacket range is nothing short of extensive. Select models, such as the Rainforest Winter can also be used on the slopes, but for ultimate protection, the Skidoo is your best bet. It was the first ever jacket designed by the brand, introducing its iconic kangaroo front pocket design. Side zip fastenings help you slip it on and off while Thermo-Fibre insulation not only keeps you warm and snug, but is good for the environment too. The outer shell will more than hold its own against "moderate" rain, with taped seams to provide greater protection.
