Hitting the piste this winter? A warm, waterproof jacket is a must for all skiers and snowboarders if you want to make the absolute most of your time on the slopes. Here we've collected our top six ski jacket picks for men and women which will keep you cosy on bluebird days and in blowing snowstorms alike.
How to pick the best ski jacket for you
A snowsports jacket is a must-have for the mountains. There are tons of different designs on the market, but there are just two two key factors to keep in mind when picking the right jacket: a good winter outer layer should be warm (yet breathable), and waterproof. Your new coat should keep you cosy on cold ski lifts, cool on the pistes – and dry if you take a tumble into a snow drift.
Ski gear tends to be pretty expensive, with most jackets priced at upwards of £100. We’ve got some great options at lower prices, but it’s worth investing in something well made and comfortable. You might even want to get more wear out of it on cold days in the city and on winter hikes.
How important is waterproofing?
In the freezing snow, it’s vital. Avoid any garments which claim to be “water-resistant”; look for a jacket which is made with a waterproof fabric such as Gore-Tex, or that has a hydrostatic rating. A jacket with a rating of more than 1,500mm should withstand rain and snow, but we’d recommend going for 3,000mm or above to be on the safe side. 10,000mm or more should keep you completely dry in any weather. Taped seams and a snow skirt will also help keep snow out and warmth in.
What other factors should I look out for?
Snowsports-specific jackets tend to have a host of features that you won’t find in a regular winter jacket. Look for a warm fleece lining, a snow skirt (a tighter inner layer to stop snow seeping in if you fall), a Lift-pass pocket on the jacket’s sleeve, an inner pocket for valuables and inner sleeves with thumb holes (to stop your sleeves from riding up). A hood is also a useful plus, especially if you aren’t wearing a helmet. Ski jackets often come in bright patterns and colours, and that’s not just a fashion statement – a bright outer layer makes you easier to spot on busy pistes.
The best ski jackets to buy
1. Roxy Wildlife snow jacket for women: Best all-rounder
£250, Buy Now from Amazon
Roxy’s stylish Wildlife jacket packs in all the design features you want in a ski outer, including a comfortable snow skirt, a Lift-pass pocket, a well-designed hood that fits nicely and excellent waterproofing (it’s rated at 15,000mm). It’s also warm and comfortable to wear, with a longer, snowboard-style cut that means it doesn’t ride up when you’re skiing hard or trying out tricks in the park. While it’s not cheap, the Wildlife is definitely worth the spend – it’s a jacket you can wear day in, day out.
Key details – Waterproofing: 15,000mm; Snow skirt: Yes; Material: Recycled polyester blend; Lift-pass pocket: Yes; Hood: Yes
2. Protest Giggile jacket for women: Most versatile snowsports jacket
£150, Buy Now from Amazon
The clever Giggile features a removable, zipped-in inner layer. With this in place, you’ve got a ski jacket that’s lovely and warm, and highly waterproof – it’s rated at an impressive 20,000mm. Unzip the inner layer and you have a lightweight waterproof shell that’s ideal for warmer weather, or for wearing on spring and autumn walks, along with a serviceable down jacket you can wear on its own. Both layers are rather slim-fitting and include intelligently placed pockets, a comfortable snow skirt and a flattering hood. Great stuff.
Key details – Waterproofing: 20,000mm; Snow skirt: Yes; Material: Polyester; Lift-pass pocket: Yes; Hood: Yes
2. Arc’Teryx Theta jacket for men: Best for professionals
£460, Buy now from Cotswold Outdoors
It’s eye-wateringly expensive, but if you’re a ski instructor spending the winter working in cold climates, this excellent jacket will do you proud. It’s fully waterproofed with Gore-Tex and is deceptively light – it feels almost flimsy until you stick it on and discover how much instant warmth it generates. The helmet-compatible hood makes it a great all-rounder for other winter sports too, such as mountaineering and ice climbing. If you’re just looking to spend the odd long weekend in the Alps then it’s definitely overkill, but if you need a jacket that won’t let you down, look no further.
Key details – Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Pro; Snow skirt: Waist drawcord; Material: 40D and 80D; Lift-pass pocket: Yes; Hood: Yes
3. Mountain Warehouse Chamonix ski jacket: Best budget jacket for women
£50, Buy now from Mountain Warehouse
If you’re on a tight budget, look no further than Mountain Warehouse’s bestselling Chamonix jacket. The 3,000mm of waterproofing on the shell outer is plenty for beginner and intermediate ski trips, and the cosy inner lining keeps you reliably warm even in sub-zero conditions. Unlike a lot of cheaper models, the Chamonix looks great, too, with a longer, boxy cut – the dark blue hue makes it smart enough to wear to work in bad weather. We also like the many handy pockets and the hood and cuffs, which are easy to adjust to fit.
Key details – Waterproofing: 3,000mm; Snow skirt: Yes, detachable; Material: Polyester; Lift-pass pocket: Yes; Hood: Yes
4. Decathlon Wed’Ze Free 500 jacket: Best value for men (and pretty good for women, too)
Despite the low price, Decathlon’s Free 500 is a well-performing, reliable and good-looking snowsports jacket that compares well with more expensive models. The waterproof outer, longer-length cut and thick, padded inner layer mean it’s warmer than most jackets we tested, so it might not be the right choice if you tend to work up a sweat quickly. But with plenty of pockets, a snow skirt and good adjustability, it’s a well equipped jacket. It comes in two colourways, which both look pretty slick when worn with contrasting salopettes. If you’re learning to ski this is a great, pocket-friendly option. The men's version is currently going for a bargain £50, but you can pick up a women's specific version for around £80.
Key details – Waterproofing: 10,000mm; Snow skirt: Yes; Material: Polyester; Lift-pass pocket: Yes; Hood: Yes
5. Oneskee ski suits for men and women: Best for long days on the pistes
£399 and upwards, Buy Now from Amazon
Why buy a jacket when you could go for an entire outfit? Oneskee’s fun ski suits are a great alternative to a jacket and salopette combo. They offer great waterproofing, with fewer points where snow can seep in, and come in myriad colour combinations for both men and women. We love the warm lining and the baggy cut, which makes them extremely comfortable to wear all day, while internal adjustable braces ensure the perfect fit. The only slightly odd design element is that the hood zips all the way up – not recommended when you’re bombing down the slopes.
Key details – Waterproofing: 10,000mm; Snow skirt: N/A; Material: Nylon SnowSense shell; Lift-pass pocket: Yes; Hood: Yes
