Further, the shells extra zippers can be unsightly when worn alone, and the additional materials add weight and bulk. For technical performance with polished street style, we really like the Volcom Fern Insulated Pullover. Hoods Finally, an option like the Arcteryx Sentinel AR lands in the middle and aims to balance backcountry and resort needs. Its worth noting that some manufacturers do not provide this specification, but you can make some safe assumptions based on intended use: expect a thicker build with a resort shell and a bit less durability for active and touring designs. But for a purpose-built budget piece that ticks the right boxes for season-long use, the Powderbound is well worth checking out.See the REI Co-op Powderbound. Further, dump pockets are a practical choice for backcountry skiers who want to store their climbing skins on a short descent (also great for thawing skins out). One downside of the build is that its pretty heavy for a jacket that lacks insulation, so we wouldnt recommend hauling it on any significant backcountry adventures (you can bump up to the more premium and lighter-weight Stella for an additional $100). Finally, youll see a number of resort-ready models include a sleeve pocket on the left arm, which allows for both easy access to your ski pass and compatibility with RFID passes and electronic gates. But we think the AR is the most well-rounded of the bunch, and youll be hard-pressed to find flaws with Arcteryxs exceptional build quality and fit.See the Arc'teryx Sentinel AR. and do-everything nature, but Norrnas backcountry offerings are well worth a look for committed riders.See the Norrna Tamok Gore-Tex Pro. Its DWR coating sheds snow effectively, but its not as well-equipped for particularly wet and nasty days (those who get out on storm days in the Pacific Northwest likely will want more protection). The light fleece backer is a nice touch, but youll get a lot more warmth with an insulated piece like the Helly Hansen Alphelia or Patagonia Insulated Snowbelle below (Arcteryx also offers the Coreloft-insulated Sentinel IS). Its a tall order and requires ponying up a large sum of money, but these pieces, including the Arc'teryx Sentinel AR and Patagonia PowSlayer, are among the most versatile and high-performing here. That said, before opting for the One-Piece, its worth considering the downsides to the design, including limited versatility for aprs use and tedious bathroom breaks (the Incendia does include a quick-release at the thighs, which is a nice touch). Powder skirts are most common on resort-specific shells and burly backcountry shells but are one of the first things to go when shaving weight is a priority. Skiing can be a high-exertion activity, and waterproof jackets, no matter the quality, restrict airflow. But the main event here is the ThermoBall synthetic midlayer, which we've found does a pretty good impression of a lofty down pieceall while continuing to insulate when wet. TNF ThermoBall Snow Triclimate isn't excessively heavy for the typical ski day). The essential duties of a resort jacket are to keep you warm and protected from moisture and wind and provide enough storage for the basics. Within their impressive lineup of ski-specific outerwear, the Sentinel AR is our favorite all-around jacket for those who split their time between the resort and the backcountry. Also look for a hood to be plenty adjustable to cinch down and stay pinned to your head while skiing. Best for: ResortType: 3-in-1 (11 g/sqft ThermoBall)Waterproofing: 2L DryVentWhat we like: 3-in-1 value and quality ThermoBall insulation.What we dont: Zip-in design is cumbersome and midlayer pockets lack zippers. Dynafits Beast Hybrid stands out in this category thanks to its lightweight construction, trim and performance-oriented fit, and competitive price. While you can absolutely work up a sweat on your way down the mountain, its easy to dump heat with pit zips or by dropping a layer at the car midday. Featuring Hellys 2-layer Tech waterproof shell along with a moderate level of LifaLoft insulation, the jacket offers great weather protection and a nice boost in warmth compared to a non-insulated shell. For more on midlayers along with our top picks, see our article on the best midlayers. Its really hard to overstate the robust and bombproof feel of this jacket, which has become our go-to choice for storm days at the resort. Powder (Snow) Skirts For resort skiers, the weight of your ski jacket isnt usually a deciding factor. In addition, the AscentShell fabric doesnt have the batten-down-the-hatches feel of the Gore-Tex jackets here, but it hasnt let us down even in high winds and heavy snow. Below is a quick breakdown, and for a deeper dive, check out our article on ski jacket types. Whereas the Insulated Snowbelle above is tuned for the resort and the SnowDrifter is a lightweight and mobile option for backcountry skiers, the PowSlayer is all bombproof protection, all the time. Obermeyer used to be synonymous with ski jackets, but with street style being the new norm on the slopes, their more traditional offerings have grown long in the tooth. Starting with 2-layer jackets, these are popular among resort riders as they offer solid weatherproofing and durability at a good value. An insulated jacket typically combines a weather-protective shell with built-in synthetic fill, resulting in a great defense against both moisture and cold. On the other hand, skiers who like to earn their turns will place a premium on a well-ventilated jacket. And to complete your kit, see our article on the best women's ski pants. Designs dont vary significantly within the ski market, and most utilize a simple button on the powder skirt that secures to a corresponding piece on the pant (in the case of Patagonia, this is a fabric loop). Featuring a 3-layer Pertex Shield waterproof membrane, this jacket goes head-to-head with premium designs like the Patagonia SnowDrifter and Flylow Lucy above, all while checking in at a very affordable $299. Generally, a jacket's weight will also correlate with its packed size, which is an important consideration for backcountry skiers as well. Those looking for a tastefully feminine design will find a lot to like here, with a form-fitting shape and cozy faux-fur trim on the hood, along with a soft face fabric thats available in a number of classy colorways. Among waterproof options, there is a spectrum of performance. This balanced design excels for springtime use and in areas like the Rocky Mountains that see a lot of dry powder throughout the season. Most ski jackets include a couple of hand pockets and at least one zippered Napoleon-style pocket at the chest. Weve worn a lot of jackets from both Patagonia and Black Diamond and at the same price point will almost always opt for the former. Downsides are that 2-layer jackets arent very breathable, and the extra liner adds both weight and bulk (these are fairly minor issues for inbounds use). In-house fabric technologies often fall short, but Outdoor Researchs AscentShell is an exception. The good news is that theres something for every female (or female-identifying) ripper, with stylish designs and colorways and great womens-specific fits. And the snug fit that's a boon on the skin track does make it challenging to layer underneath (it's not well-suited for accommodating a puffy jacket). Popular outdoor retailer Backcountry has entered the apparel world with a surprisingly complete line of outerwear, insulation, and more. On the other hand, the Sentinel AR is fairly heavy and bulky for extended uphill tours, and the liner inhibits breathability even with the pit zips opened up. In addition, the material quality isnt up to snuff compared with the options above and is more prone to wetting out (regular washing and reapplying the DWR does help). But its hard to beat the added warmth for cold chairlift rides, and the Alphelia comes with some nice touches, including a snap-out powder skirt, RECCO reflector, and Helly Hansens Life Pocket, which uses an additional layer of insulation to keep your electronics warm. Best for: BackcountryType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L DynashellWhat we like: Excellent breathability and stretchiness.What we don't: Not completely waterproof. Finally, for the most serious winter conditions, it's hard to beat a high-end hardshell with thick face fabric and premium tech. Top it off with a powder skirt, hand gaiters, and water-resistant zippers, and the Volcom is a solidand decidedly fashionableoption for inbounds riders. That being said, the fit and finish are up to their typical standards, and the recycled polyester is a nice touch. Best for: ResortType: ShellWaterproofing: 2L PNWWhat we like: Great coverage, durable, and functional feature set.What we dont: Pretty heavy for an uninsulated shell. Taken together, the Powderbound is a solid option for inbounds riders that will keep you dry and warm without breaking the bank. This is usually due to their cheaper face fabric, which absorbs moisture, as well as a lack of full seam taping. The Hybrid in the name relates to its two fabric types: a waterproof 3-layer shell covers the upper body, arms, and hood, while a thinner 2-layer softshell around the lower body lets out hot air and provides excellent mobility. Added up, the Sentinel AR is a well-balanced jacket that excels in most conditions and looks good doing it. Built for resort skiers and snowboarders alike, the Fern has a proven 2-layer Gore-Tex laminate along with a PFC-free durable water repellent finish for shedding wet snow, and the Ferns Low Loft insulation adds a nice dose of warmth without too much bulk. Similar to the Patagonia and Flylow, the Carbide is competitively lightweight at 1 pound 2.8 ouncesthanks in large part to its thin 40-denier shell and modest 29-inch center back lengthmaking it an excellent choice for minimalist backcountry-goers. RECCO Compared with the Arcteryx Sentinel AR above, the Patagonia has a bit less of a high-end feel, plus mobility and bulk suffer a bit with the 2-layer construction. When shopping for a ski jacket, make sure to get a hood that is large enough to fit over your ski helmetmost will do the trick, but it never hurts to try before buying. And finally, backcountry shells are often the thinnest for weight savings, with popular models hovering around 40D, including Patagonias PowSlayer and the Outdoor Research Skytour (40D x 65D). All told, if you stick to the resort, either a 2- or 3-layer build can do the trick, but we recommend a 3-layer option for the ski touring crowd. Ski jackets often are designed for a specific purposeresort, backcountry, or bothso weve included a best for listing in our specifications and table. Offered in a range of styles, we like the insulated model best: its quite warm with 80-gram synthetic in the body and boasts thoughtful touches like a drop-in interior pocket for goggles and a soft-touch taffeta lining. The majority of ski jackets feature synthetic fillcompared to down, it's cheaper, more breathable, and insulates even when wet. You dont get quite as high of a warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but synthetic jackets resist moisture, can breathe better, and are more Colorado is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Unites States. In one fell swoop, you get a standalone waterproof shell, insulating midlayer, andput togetheran insulated ski jacket. What are you giving up at the Skytours $349 price point? As a result, its a lot thicker than a jacket like the Patagonia PowSlayer above, which uses 40-denier fabric. But on easy resort days coast to coast, this is all the jacket that most weekend warriors need. Whether youre cruising the resort or earning your turns, a ski jacket is an important component of every skiers kit. Baselayers and their next-to-skin warmth are also important in keeping you toasty and dry. In addition, REI incorporated cheaper fabric flaps over the zippers for waterproof protection, which lack the high-end feel you get from coated zippers. In fact, 3-in-1s are more prone to drafts than standard insulated designs, and the connected midlayer limits access to your interior pockets (note: the ThermoBall jacket features open handwarmer pockets with no zips). Read more about us. Organization-wise, there are a grand total of seven pocketsfive along the exterior and two insidethat make it easy to distribute gear and snacks, and Backcountry nailed the basics with easy adjustments at the hood, cuffs, and hem, as well as soft hand gaiters for an extra dose of comfort. Wear the shell sans insulation on warm spring days, zip the two together mid-winter, and don the midlayer (most often a fleece or synthetic jacket) for everyday use. Finally, should you want to use your ski jacket for more than just skiing, ensure that your hood fits well when youre not wearing your helmet. For maximum versatility, Patagonia also offers it in a popular 3-in-1 version with a removable synthetic insulated jacket ($399) Read in-depth reviewSee the Patagonia Insulated Snowbelle. We understand the appeal of Gore-Tex Pro for high-alpine endeavors or long expeditions where you need the best waterproofing available, but its simply overkill for most (not to mention the price tag). For comparisons sake, lets take a look at how the Fern holds up to Helly Hansen's Alphelia above. Jacket-to-Pant Attachment Systems REIs 2-layer Peak membrane isnt a standout in terms of waterproofing or durability, and the polyester insulation adds both weight and bulk. Known for their affordable yet functional in-house designs, REI jumped into the ski outerwear market last winter with a small collection of resort-focused pieces, and the Powderbound is a great budget choice. Finally, reflecting Patagonia's strong environmental push, the face fabric incorporates 100-percent-recycled nylon without any impact on performance. On the other hand, Patagonias new Stormstride is an even stretchier and lighter design, featuring a woven shell and fewer features overall. Both are a considerable investment, but the price is fairly reasonable when you consider that Arcteryxs $675 Sentinel AR above uses a downgraded Gore-Tex membrane (no Pro). Columbias answer to these needs is the Bugaboo Interchange, a 3-in-1 ski jacket at a very attractive price point. For long tours in mild conditions, a softshell jacket is more breathable and has better stretchiness than a traditional hardshell. Its not the most versatile option for resort usewed recommend a more durable and protective jacket for lift-served daysbut the Skytour is purpose-built to keep you cool and comfortable outside the ropes. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex ProWhat we like: Top-end protection and durability in a fun mountain style.What we dont: Serious backcountry-goers will want a more streamlined piece. Insulated Jackets Both jackets feature stretchy face fabrics and proprietary 3-layer constructions, although we've found the BD to be heavier and bulkier-feeling, particularly when active (such as on a sidecountry hike). Versatility is unparalleled, and, unlike insulated models, you can leave behind the warming layer simply by unzipping it. Basic shells use thicker fabrics and cheaper waterproofing that doesn't breathe as well. Outdoor Research touts the Carbide as a do-all jacket for both the front- and backcountry, but we hesitate to recommend it as a dedicated resort design. Best for: ResortType: Insulated (80 & 60g polyester)Waterproofing: 2L PeakWhat we like: An affordable jacket with impressive warmth and ski-specific features.What we dont: Limited color options; 2L construction offers middling weather protection and breathability. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? The most popular is the shell, which is a versatile choice for everyone from casual resort skiers to backcountry adventurers in harsh, wet environments. In comparison to the stretchy SnowDrifter above, the PowSlayer's face fabric is noticeably crinkly and stiff, resulting in less overall comfort and freedom of movement. We also were a little disappointed by the organization: the jacket lacks an internal dump pocket for stashing goggles or climbing skins, and the chest pockets were too small to fit a large phone (in our case, an iPhone 11 Pro Max).