Coolest Men’s Ski Jackets For Protective On-Mountain Style

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 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.

The Snowshot series of jackets comprises a few models, but we've picked out the 3-in-1 for its versatility. Not only does its outer layer benefit from a powder skirt to prevent snow seeping into your pants, but it also gets the company's H2No waterproof technology to keep moisture out and warmth in, but an inner insulated layer can be removed, leaving you with a weatherproof shell for when conditions improve. You could instead choose to wear the insulated layer on its own. No matter which variation, you get hand and chest pockets, and a removable hood that's helmet compatible provides further protection.

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.

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.

We know we said you probably don't want to be seen reviving the 80's jumpsuit trend, but the Dukes jacket is more in the style of ski instructor/Norwegian national team . We love it, and so should you. It might not have quite the hardcore weather-protecting credentials as some other jackets on this list, owing to its 2L construction, but it will still keep wind and water at bay, while remaining breathable. And who can argue with the colour scheme? You'll be getting pestered for lessons all day.

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.

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.

Jack Wolfskin is a giant within the outdoor adventurer industry. The German company has managed to successfully penetrate both the outdoor specialist market and the more lifestyle-focused consumer, since its founding in 1981.

The Mount Benson jacket utilises the company's proprietary Texapore technology on the outer layer, designed to effectively protect against wind and water, while offering optimum breathability. Inside you'll find a fully lined interior to keep you warm as you make your descents, and a detachable hood can fit over your helmet and your mouth, to ensure you're completely dry during downpours.

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 Copper GTX jacket benefits from myriad fabric technologies to provide ultimate performance. You've got stretch Gore-Tex, PrimaLoft Black ECO Insulation and AquaGuard waterproof zippers. Continuing with the "go all out" method of design, Spyder has given the Copper 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.

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 Goldmill Parka is the ideal all-rounder that can seamlessly transition between ski and snowboarding disciplines, thanks to its snug fit, but longer length. The company's DryVent 2L fabric makes an appearance to provide a waterproof and windproof layer, coupled with another proprietary technology: Heatseeker Eco insulation, for the lining. You also get an internal goggle pocket, external pockets, including one specifically for a lift pass.

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 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.

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 QST GTX is the company's top-of-the-range jacket. 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. With the QST you're cocooned in a jacket designed to fit incredibly well, thanks to MotionFit 360 patterning. This sees the jacket being made from a single piece of fabric designed to follow your body's natural motion. It's a jacket that will withstand falls and abrasions too, due to a heavyweight Gore-Tex Pro outer layer. Other features including a powder skirt, helmet-compatible hood and a high collar keep snow, wind and rain out and warmth in.