The Best Women’s Ski Jackets to Jump-Start the Winter Sports Season
Time to start packing.
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Winter is coming, as is ski season, which means it’s time to refresh your coat closet with the best women’s ski jackets for your upcoming trips to the slopes. With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the best time to secure a new piece of outerwear so you’re well prepared for that first weekend away.
Whether you’re looking for a more practical and sporty insulated shell or you’re hitting the slopes in style, there are countless ski and snow jacket options that can fulfill both needs. Not sure exactly what to look for? We break down what you should consider when purchasing your new snow jacket.
First, ask yourself this: What are you trying to achieve? The climate of where you’re going, as well as your personal preferences—whether they be for fashion, movement, or something else—will be the biggest priority when shopping for a ski jacket.
There are also different types of snow or ski jackets for different purposes—it’s not all ski suits and puffer jackets! And, at the end of the day, focus on whether or not the jacket will keep you warm and is made of quality materials. You want your jacket to be durable enough to last, and most importantly, you want to feel good wearing it.
Now that you have tips on how to find the best women’s ski jacket, shop our favorite picks on the market, below.
Pros
- Exterior chest pocket with phone leash
- 20,000 mm waterproof rating
- Underarm vents
- Pass pocket with goggle wipe
Cons
- Sells out fast
In our humble opinion, there is so much to love about the Halfdays Aston Jacket—or any of the brand’s pieces, for that matter. The company—which was co-founded by a former Olympic skier Kiley McKinnon—focuses on designs specifically meant for the modern woman’s body. On top of that, they come in undeniably stylish and punchy colors that are easy to spot on the mountain, like this vibrant pink. This jacket is a favorite among skiers for its removable belt and hood in addition to its fully taped seams, which keep any moisture from getting in. If you want to complete the look, be sure to get the matching bib pants, too.
Sizes: XS-2X
Colors: 8 options
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Insulation: PrimaLoft Black Insulation ECO 100% PCR
Pros
- Drawstring waist for a more form fitting look
- Chinguard
- Fleece-lined pockets
- Waterproof protection
Cons
- No thumbholes on the cuff
Rains creates lifestyle outerwear that combines function with conceptual design. This style in particular comes in the brand’s signature waterproof and breathable fabrics, insulated with featherless chamber technology for a warm and waterproof wear. The puffer silhouette has a slightly oversized fit, which is ideal for comfortably fitting those warm layers underneath.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Sonic, Black, Metallic Gray, and Candy
Material: 100% Polyester
Insulation: Performance Recycled Fiber Insulation
Pros
- Detachable hood
- Two-way zipper
- Internal snow guard
Cons
- Not Vegan
Why not hit the slopes in something that will stand out against the snowy white backdrop? Bogner’s new FIRE+ICE collection features bold hues in the form of a fitted puffer silhouette (thanks to the stretchy side panels) that is insulated without the extra bulk. A stand-up collar and elasticated thumb-hole cuffs will preserve heat, while the water-repellent recycled nylon fabric and snow guard protect from moisture.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: Orange/Dark Blue, Pink/Lime
Material: Recycled Nylon
Pros
- Detachable hood
- Powder skirt
- Adjustable cuffs and hem to keep the cold out
- Internal gel-lined pockets for phone
Cons
- Not as many pockets as other styles
Another go-to brand for backcountry skiers is Helly Hansen—and this Alphelia LifaLoft Insulated Jacket is a bestseller among those who hit the slopes regularly. Made with synthetic insulation, this will keep you warm, even when there’s some added moisture. And with its sleek design, it’ll have you feeling toasty without the added bulk as you glide down the mountain.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Navy and Snow
Material: Helly Tech Professional
Insulation: LifaLoft
Pros
- Made with recycled fabric
- Forearm RFID pass pocket
- Adjustable hood and powder skirt
- Underarm vents
- Handwarmer pockets
- Chest and internal pockets
Cons
- No insulation included
- Requires more layers if skiing or snowboarding in a colder climate
Speaking from personal experience, we love Stio’s snow products. This fully-sealed shell, which is completely waterproof, is essential for the spring season. Roomy enough to fit your insulation of choice and made with a flexible and durable recycled fabric, you’ll be able to move freely through anything, no doubt.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Kingbird Blue, Alpine Green, Autumn Red, Gray Fox, and Midnight Hour
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Pros
- Snow skirt inside
- Loose fit leaves room for layers underneath
- Fun pattern
- Faux leather detailing
Cons
- Not Vegan
- More cropped than other styles
This style is just as much for exploring the ski resort as it is for the sport itself. Channel your bolder side with this star-studded Goldbergh puffer, which has a waist-length hem and leather detailing. You can also commit to the full look with the matching salopettes.
Sizes: US 2-16
Colors: Dark Brown
Material: Recycled Polyester
Pros
- Moisture protection
- Adjustable belt with buckle
- Slightly oversized fit leaves room for layering underneath
- Interior zipper phone pocket
Cons
- Smaller sizes might feel too oversized
For all my minimalist fashion girls out there—this one’s for you. In a rich ‘Timberwolf’ color with ruching on the sleeves, this jacket is stylishly understated and has the highest level of moisture protection. The adjustable belt provides a fitted look to a relaxed, oversized silhouette. Our favorite feature is the interior phone zipper pocket, so you can be hands-free and never worry about losing your belongings.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Timberwolf, Mountain Blossom
Material: Polyamide
Insulation: PrimaLoft Insulation
Pros
- Eye-catching print
- Removable buckle
- Drawcord hood
Cons
- Not a technical snow jacket
- More for style than performance
If you have the opportunity to garner attention on the ski lift (sartorially speaking, of course), why not take it? Farm Rio’s puffer jacket—which also has matching pants—is meant for the bold fashion lover who wants to stand out at all times—including her ski trips. Sure, it may not be the most technical of options on this list, but if you’re taking the more relaxing routes this season, it’s perfect.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Multi
Material: 100% polyester
Pros
- Waterproof GORE-TEX 3L fabric
- Seamless shoulder design for comfort when wearing a backpack
- Helmet-compatible hood with riveted cord-lock adjustment
- Underarm vents
Cons
- No insulation included
- Requires more layers if skiing or snowboarding in a colder climate
The North Face isn’t here to play. This durable and waterproof GORE-TEX jacket is built for performance and is practical for a long day of skiing and cold weather activity. Features include an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, a perforated chin guard, underarm vents, a zip chest pocket with cord routing, and so much more. With so many technical details, you’ll be able to embrace your inner Olympic athlete and stay sharp all day long.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: Almond Butter Pitcher Plant Print, Boysenberry/Misty Sage, TNF Black, and Radiant Orange/Almond Butter
Material: Recycled Polyester
Pros
- Cinching drawstring waist
- Covered front zip closure
- Removable sleeves
- Stand collar
Cons
- Cropped design
- More for style than performance
Ok, we’ll admit, this one isn’t the most practical ski jacket, but it is the most versatile, in my opinion. The cinched drawstring waist, stand-up collar, and removable sleeves make up for the lack of technical performance features. Available in this season’s hottest color—Bordeaux—you can style this pick as a coat or a vest, depending on your outfit, of course. The lacquered textile also creates a sense of luxury that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Mahogany
Material: 100% Nylon
Backcountry Last Chair Stretch Insulated Anorak Jacket
Pros
- Affordable price
- Adjustable hood
- Multitude of pockets
- DWR treatment prevents saturation
Cons
- Pullover design is less practical for easy on-and-off
This style gets brownie points for being affordable. Backcountry’s color-block pullover has a half-zip for easier on-and-off and a multitude of pockets, including a super accessible zippered kangaroo pocket. The face fabric is both stretchy and soft for maximum comfort while also featuring saturation prevention treatment. The adjustable hood traps heat and the relaxed silhouette leaves plenty of room for warm layers underneath.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Peach Whip/Brown Sugar/Bleached Sand, Goblin Blue Check Camo, Goblin Blue/Reseda/Turbulence
Material: Recycled Polyester
Insulation: PrimaLoft Black
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