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Dec 20, 2023

The 10 Best Ski Jackets of 2023, tested by PEOPLE

Our winner was the Stio Environ Jacket Michelle Rostamian is a freelance beauty, wellness, and lifestyle writer with nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and bylines at PEOPLE, Byrdie,

Our winner was the Stio Environ Jacket

Michelle Rostamian is a freelance beauty, wellness, and lifestyle writer with nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and bylines at PEOPLE, Byrdie, Real Simple, InStyle, and more. She began her career in the beauty industry as a publicist and content writer representing makeup and skincare brands as well as industry professionals. She formerly was a social media marketer. Michelle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communications.

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People / Erin Johnson

Whether you're a snow sport enthusiast or are just dipping your toes into this world, the gear you choose for your ride can make or break your experience — starting with a good ski jacket. A quality ski jacket provides warmth but is breathable and fits snugly, and still allows for movement while on the slopes — not to mention, it should repel water and keep you dry. With all of this to keep in mind, Mike Humphrey, a level 3 ski instructor and race coach, also says it's important to think about the layers you plan to wear underneath, which can affect the size you choose for your ski jacket. (As a good rule of thumb, it should fit comfortably over your mid and base layers.)

We know how integral it is to have a solid ski jacket on deck, so we set out to find the best ones on the market, putting 39 of them to the test and eventually narrowing it down to our top 10. All 10 of these ski jackets passed the fit, comfort, warmth, and waterproof tests on the slopes — with one of them, the Stio Environ Jacket, standing out the most. This jacket took the spot as our Best Overall for its ability to layer without contributing to bulk, its slew of stunning color options, and its three-layer waterproof design that ensures warmth.

After three weeks of testing via snowboarding, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and any other outdoor winter activity we could think of, these 10 ski jackets got our PEOPLE Tested stamp of approval.

Stio

Durable

Allows for layering

Compatible with helmets

Built-in powder skirt

Built-in lift ticket pocket

Available in both women's and men's sizing

Uninsulated shell

The Stio Environ Jacket was our clear Best Overall winner. Five of us took this jacket for a spin on the slopes, and we all raved about its design, durability, and clever features.

Made out of recycled polyester, the jacket received high marks all around when it came to durability and sustainability. We found the shell to be heavy-duty and able to perform well in most mountain conditions. In terms of fit, it allowed for multiple layers without feeling constricting (a good thing, since the shell isn't insulated, and we found that we had to put on a few insulated layers underneath for maximum warmth). Either way, we were able to have a full range of motion with this jacket, even while wearing base layers and an insulated jacket underneath.

Snow sports enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that the Stio Environ Jacket features a helmet-compatible hood (that's detachable, might we add), a built-in powder skirt, and a unique PeakProof™ three-layer fully seamed waterproof fabric, which kept us warm and comfortable during different situations, including while snowshoeing and downhill skiing as well as exploring the city in brisk temperatures. The jacket comes with armpit vents (for adequate ventilation) as well as plenty of accessible pockets (which held our lift pass, phone, two-way radio, and extra hand and foot warmer packs with ease). Overall, this is a high-quality investment piece that should see you through all but the coldest days of skiing.

Our official tester wore the men's version of the Environ jacket, and on a recent trip with the brand, three of us tested the women's version, and one wore the women's anorak version (pictured below).

While we loved that this jacket is a shell, allowing us to customize our warmth level underneath, we understand that some may prefer a more traditional insulated ski jacket, so if that's you, consider one of the other options on our list.

Price at time of publish: $395.25

Sizes: XS-XXXL | Colors: 6 | Material: 100% recycled polyester

People / Erin Johnson

REI

Lightweight

Forearm ski pass packet

Easy-to-adjust hood

Pit zips for ventilation

Windproof and waterproof

Available in both women's and men's sizing

The length of the jacket is a tad too long

If you need a ski jacket that's flexible enough for inbound and backcountry skiing alike, Outdoor Research's Carbide jacket is for you. It features a three-layer Pertex Shield waterproof fabric that remained impressively lightweight and comfortable during testing. It also offers a 100 percent range of motion and the ability to layer up underneath. During testing, we found that only a small amount of water stayed on the exterior of the jacket — most of the water slid off right away.

In terms of functionality, we love that this jacket features plenty of useful pockets. It has a two-way YKK AquaGuard zipper in the front as well as two YKK AquaGuard zippered hand pockets. This type of water-repellent zipper ensured our hands remained dry during skiing. There are also several storage options on this jacket, including two exterior chest pockets, one interior chest pocket, an internal mesh pocket, and a forearm pocket that came in handy for carrying a lift pass. We're also a fan of the pit zips, which helped to release the heat build-up while skiing. We also found the adjustable cuffs to be helpful when it came to putting on ski gloves. Overall, the jacket has a sturdy construction and was comfortable throughout the duration of testing. It's also available in a top-rated women's version.

Price at time of publish: $299

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 3 | Material: 40-denier nylon with tricot knit backer

People / Duangkaew Randall

Amazon

Lightweight feel

Adjustable powder skirt

Several pockets for personal belongings

Thermal insulation

Zippers aren't easy to maneuver

At under $200, Wildhorn's Dover Jacket is a steal considering its durability, functionality, and ergonomic design. Unfortunately, it only comes in men's sizing, so you'll have to order accordingly. Its 12K waterproof rating and DWR coating means it can withstand a moderate amount of rain for a long period of time, which our tester confirmed during a six-hour skiing test on a cold day (about 25 degrees) with high-wind gusts. The water stayed on the outside of the jacket, and he felt dry all day.

The Dover Jacket features six pockets total, all of which easily fit our belongings while on the slopes: one on the wrist for a ski pass, two exterior on the lower, one exterior on the chest, and two on the interior. There are long vents underneath each armpit for breathability, and on each cuff, there's a fabric compression sleeve that extends over the wrist with a hole around the thumb for additional warmth. Like most ski jackets, this comes with an adjustable powder skirt, but what sets this feature apart from others is that when the powder skirt is not in use, there's a small pocket on the interior of the jacket that helps keep it tucked away. Even though this jacket has layers of interior insulation, it did not feel heavy or unwieldy during testing.

One design flaw we noticed was related to the zippers. When it came to the main zipper, we found it difficult to maneuver — the teeth of the zipper and the bottom latch didn't align perfectly, which caused the sides of the zipper to separate. It required some readjusting during testing, and we used extra care and caution to ensure that all parts of the zipper were aligned. Another zipper-related issue was when the front zipper was pulled all the way up — the fabric on the sides didn't sit flush and ended up rubbing up against our tester's chin.

Price at time of publish: $149.99

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 7 | Material: 100% polyester

Stio

Underarm stretch-mesh venting

Windproof and waterproof

Helmet-compatible hood

Available in both women's and men's sizing

Not too breathable

No exterior chest pocket

Stio's Shot 7 Down Jacket may seem pricey at first glance, but if you're a real ski lover, it's definitely worth the investment. Perfect for those seeking ultimate warmth, this jacket features 800 fill power down for maximum insulation fit for dipping temps — no matter the mountain condition. In fact, our tester wore this jacket multiple ways: with just a long-sleeved shirt underneath to take the dog out and with two base layers and a wool sweater when going skiing in Canada in 0-degree weather. In both cases, the jacket proved to be comfortable, even in bulky layers, and it was easy to regulate temperature thanks to the underarm zippers and water-resistant zippers.

Another functional advantage is that the pockets are well-placed: The interior pockets are great for holding sunglasses as well as glove liners and a backup neck gaiter. There's also an upper arm pocket on the left sleeve (great for things like lip balm or a ski pass). We only wish there were an exterior pocket on the chest for easy access to our cell phones.

One thing to note: This jacket is waterproof with Gore-Tex 2L, so we found it wasn't too breathable, which is expected from this type of material. It did, however, withstand moisture, and water beaded up immediately on top of the exterior material, leaving us warm and dry. Even though this jacket provides all-over insulation (really, even the hood is insulated), we like that it has a smooth exterior. It also comes in a men's version.

Price at time of publish: $649

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 4 | Material: GORE-TEX® 2L, 75 Denier Dobby, 100% Polyester

People / Frances Crouter

Amazon

Balanced warmth and breathability

Detachable, adjustable helmet-compatible hood

Detachable powder skirt

Insulated pocket to preserve phone's battery life

Available in both women's and men's sizing

Slimmer cut may not be ideal for all body shapes

If you're the type who's all about the bells and whistles, you've met your match in Helly Hansen's Alphelia LifaLoft Jacket. Aside from the standard features like a detachable helmet-compatible hood, a detachable powder skirt, pockets galore, and water-resistant zippers, this jacket features longer sleeves with thumb cutouts to serve as an extra base layer, increased down/puffiness placed thoughtfully on places you'd need extra warmth (like around the collar), and a special pocket that's outfitted with Aerogel insulation, which protects and preserves your smartphone battery. We were huge fans of this feature — not only is it useful for taking photos and videos while you're on the top of the mountain, but it's a good way to ensure you have contact with others in case of an avalanche or sudden change in weather.

Aside from these features, we found the longer armpit vents to be useful in customizing how much air circulates through (for instance, you can zipper it 3/4 of the way up while you're stationary on the ski lift, but then zip it back down for maximum airflow while you're skiing down the mountain).

This jacket has a slimming cut, so it may not fit some body shapes and bust sizes. That being said, there are several adjustable features on the sleeves, hood, and powder skirt we love: The sleeves have a velcro design, which is easy to tailor to your wrist, the hood has bungees on either side that easily slide up and down, and the powder skirt features three sets of snaps to adjust its tightness. We also found the fabric to be lightweight during testing, and it didn't add bulk or unnecessary heat despite layering. It's also available in men's sizing.

Price at time of publish: $500

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: 89% Polamide, 11% Elastane

People / Damla Ercan Heard

People / Lydia Price

Evo

Spacious pockets

Drawcord adjustment on the helmet-compatible hood

Extreme waterproofing

Second-skin-like feel

The interior chest pocket is small

Pricey

Arc'Teryx is known for their reliable, durable construction and premium technical features. Whether you're backcountry skiing or freeride touring, the Sentinel Jacket proves that no weather condition is a feat for it. It features three-layer Gore-Tex fabric with a softshell construction and boasts an extremely featherlight feel (which is impressive given its functionality). When it came to its resistance against water, this jacket passed the test with flying colors. Water rolled off the jacket during testing, and the fabric remained bone-dry to the touch afterward. Our tester even ran one of the pockets containing Airpods underneath the faucet, and the pocket remained dry. Thanks to the jacket's fully taped seams and insulated fabric, we found it did a great job of keeping the cold air and snow out.

This jacket also got high rankings when it came to fit. Our tester wore a merino wool base layer, a thin sweater, and a lightly insulated jacket underneath, and the Sentinel still felt perfectly roomy, if not a little long. The fabric is also extremely stretchy, so even though it provides extra coverage, we found that it didn't impede mobility.

Of course, Arc'Teryx didn't skimp on features on this jacket. This comes with a powder skirt, velcro wrist closures, a drawcord along the rim and middle of the back of the hood, and armpit vents, all of which were easily adjustable. During testing, we enjoyed that the vents are slightly larger than other models and that they have dual zippers, which meant we were able to customize airflow.

Price at time of publish: $700

Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: Gore-Tex

People / Lydia Price

People / Lydia Price

Outdoor Research

Roomy fit

Large pockets

Good amount of stretch in the arms

HoodLock keeps hood in place if helmet is removed

Available in both women's and men's sizing

Won't provide maximum warmth

With a 3L stretchy membrane and a unique AscentShell™ technology, Outdoor Research's Skytour AscentShell is a great option if you plan on skiing in mild conditions. Because this is just a shell, it features ample room for several layers without ever constricting movements or feeling bulky. It's also incredibly versatile, and can be worn for more than just winter sports, making that nearly $400 price tag worth it.

Functionality-wise, this jacket passed our test. It comes with several handy pockets (including two roomy interior pockets that are big enough to fit ski goggles and a small water bottle) along with easy-to-use zippers that are waterproof (and easy to use while wearing gloves). We also found the pit zips were great at offering breathability and reducing heat buildup while skiing. Overall, the jacket had a nice fit and moved along with the body while skiing beautifully (even the arm length offered maximum mobility and stretch while holding ski poles). Aside from being lightweight, this jacket boasts impressive water-repelling properties. During testing, it successfully kept water out — all while remaining breathable. It's also available in men's sizing.

Price at time of publish: $379

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: 93% nylon, 7% spandex

People / Duangkaew Randall

REI

Waterproof and breathable fabrics made from recycled materials

Fully PFC-free

Can be traded in through their Worn Wear program

Handwarmer pockets

Available in both women's and men's sizing

The hood isn't adjustable

After multiple years of testing and revision, Patagonia has removed persistent PFC chemicals from 100 percent of their versatile all-mountain styles, including this Insulated Powder Town Ski/Snowboard Jacket, which rightfully earned the title of Best Sustainable on our list. Aside from being fully PFC-free, the jacket is made of 100 percent recycled materials and features a two-layer shell with waterproof, breathable, and windproof construction.

There are several things about this jacket we fell in love with during testing. For one, the fabric is soft, flexible, and allows for easy movement. Our tester touted the fact that they had a full range of motion when they wore this — even on a three-mile run. We also enjoy the slew of storage pockets (including one that allows you to stash your phone and route the cord up) as well as the pit zips for breathability. The jacket also features a tall hood that allows for a ski helmet as well as a powder skirt and two extra-lined pockets to cozy up your hands.

During testing, we found that it was extremely comfortable to wear: It was lightweight yet warm, breathable yet insulated. The fabric is soft, yet it repels moisture effectively (even when we tested it in the rain). And, unlike other jackets in this price range that may skimp on closure quality, this one features zippers that are easy to pull up and down without getting caught in the fabric. The hood isn't adjustable (though we still found its size large enough to accommodate a helmet), and neither is the powder skirt (it does, however, have a bungee waist and two buttons for some adjusting). Overall, this performed well in all conditions it was tested in (rain, snow, and sweat) — plus, it comes in a men's version.

Price at time of publish: $399

Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 6 | Material: H2No® Performance Standard shell, 100% recycled polyester taffeta lining

People / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

People / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

REI

Removable powder skirt

Forearm pocket

DWR coating repels water

The sizing is inconsistent

If you're looking for a good-looking ski jacket that doesn't skimp on performance, the Flylow Gear Malone is a solid option. Designed with a three-layer softshell fabric, this jacket has a figure-hugging construction that still allows for multiple base layers without restricting movement or adding a bulky look or feel.

But this jacket doesn't just look the part — it successfully passed all of our tests with no issues. For one, the fit was impressive, and we found that it was extremely versatile to wear. During testing, we were able to keep it fully zipped during the day while skiing with no obstruction but were also able to leave it unzipped for aprés ski activities while still maintaining a streamlined look. There also wasn't too much friction in the arms when moving them back and forth during skiing, and we were able to go off of jumps and navigate tree trails with a full range of motion. Our tester, who usually wears split-finger mittens for easy pocket access, noted that the pockets on this jacket were easy to access without feeling like they'll fly around or get snagged on something while moving.

In terms of its reaction to water, the jacket is fully seamed and wicked away moisture immediately. It kept us completely dry during testing.

Price at time of publish: $399.95

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: Recycled Tactic 3-layer softshell fabric

People / Frank Corona

People / Frank Corona

REI

PFC-free

DWR waterproof finish

Pit zips

Full-taped seams

Limited color options

A lightweight ski jacket can be hard to come by, but Picture Organic's Track Jacket proves it's possible. While it's roomy enough to have a goose-down mid-layer during days of extreme cold, it never feels baggy or bulky. During testing, we enjoyed the slim insulation layer — it provided just enough warmth on northeast winter days, yet remained breathable and didn't contribute to excess sweat. Our tester felt that the inner insulation layer wrapped the body nicely. As for the outer layer, it definitely felt protective, thanks to the DWR fabric, fully taped seams and zippers, and velcro straps along the wrists.

This jacket features a hardshell crafted from recycled polyester and a PFC-free design all around, making it a good option for those looking to be more sustainable with their purchases. And while not exactly the same, there is a similar women's version of this jacket.

Price at time of publish: $330

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 2 | Material: 58% biosourced polyester, 42% recycled polyester dobby

A ski jacket's outer shell is usually made from tightly woven nylon or polyester yarns and backed with some form of a waterproof and breathable component — also known as a membrane. Chris Curtis, Senior Product Manager at Mountain Hardwear, expands on this: "This construction allows for three performance attributes that you need in snowsports environments: waterproofness, windproofness, and breathability, as well as the ability of the material to release excess heat and moisture vapor."

Ski jackets also need to have some element of repelling water, which is often found in a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that gets applied to the exterior of a jacket. "This prevents the outer layer of the coat from becoming saturated with water," says Humphrey. DWR is often combined with a waterproof breathable fabric like Gore-Tex to enhance performance.

When it comes to the warmth of your ski jacket, you should consider how it's insulated. Take down jackets, for instance. "[While they] offer superior warmth and are lightweight, they are not super breathable and lose all insulating power when wet," notes Kristin Ruud, founder of Northern Classics. An insulated ski jacket, on the other hand, typically relies on synthetic polyester insulation, which helps provide a good balance of warmth and breathability because they're engineered to have air pockets between the fibers, says Ruud.

"Ski and snowboard jackets come in many varieties, levels of performance, and offer different value propositions," says Curtis. "There is a lot of technology, design, and construction details that go into these products, and each of those attributes comes with a cost."

We found that most of the ski jackets on our list hover around $400, with some, like the budget-friendly Wildhorn Dover Ski Jacket coming in at $160, while others, like the weatherproof Arc-teryx Sentinel Jacket will set you back $700. If you're only going skiing once this year, opt for the budget pick, but if it's your new favorite hobby or you're looking to upgrade your old ski coat, consider investing a little more in a high-quality jacket.

Many brands offer various styles in a range of price points, and oftentimes you're able to find a warm, comfortable ski jacket at a reasonable cost. If you're serious about snow sports, you'll need a high-performance jacket that will provide you with warmth, durability, and protection against the elements for a prolonged period of time.

People/ Duangkaew Randall

Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 39 ski jackets in real life. For each jacket, we looked at comfort, weatherproofing, warmth, design, durability, and value. Eventually, we narrowed it down to 10 standout ski jackets. To start, our testers put on a typical ski or snowboard outfit (including the pants) and put the ski jacket on top.

Twice during the testing duration, our testers spent a minimum of two hours outdoors performing heart-pumping physical activity (such as walking, hiking, carrying gear, or participating in a winter sport like ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or sledding). After engaging in the physical activity, they returned home and passed their sleeve underneath a stream of slow-running water to test the fabric's level of water resistance and weatherproofing. They then took the jacket off and passed a closed zippered pocket through the stream of water. If the fabric and pocket remained dry after the first water test, our testers passed the sleeve and the zipper underneath the water a second time shortly after. They then gauged whether the fabric and the pockets remained dry after this second test.

When testing the ski jackets during skiing or snowboarding, our testers considered the fit of the jacket and their mobility while wearing the jacket, as well as the jacket's warmth and ventilation. They also analyzed how well the various features of the jacket (such as its zippers, seam, and fabric) repelled water while engaging in skiing and snowboarding. Finally, our testers took into account each jacket's storage options. In the end, 10 ski jackets stood out above the rest, with different ones boasting different notable features related to budget, design, and color options.

People / Lydia Price

There are several brands on the market — including Patagonia and Bergaffe — that can accommodate different types of skiing, including backcountry, alpine touring, and cross-country. In any case, Curtis notes, "A ski or snowboard jacket that is doing its job really well in protecting you from the elements, moving with you, keeping you warm, and looking good will make your skiing or snowboarding experience that much more enjoyable."

Aside from insulation, there are a couple of things to look for in a ski jacket if maximum warmth is the goal. For one, look for a ski jacket with a powder skirt — this will help keep snow and cold air from entering the jacket and keep you warmer on cold, snowy days, says Humphrey. To keep wind out, look for a ski jacket that features an insulated hood (that fits over your helmet) as well as fully taped seams and a wrist gaiter or velcro strap to keep your digits warm.

Other elements Humphrey recommends looking for are a high collar to protect your face from the wind and snow as well as sleeves with snow cuffs to prevent snow and cold air from getting inside your coat.

Canadian-brand Arc'Teryx is a well-known manufacturer of outdoor clothing, and its prices reflect the quality construction and ability to withstand cold, wet weather conditions. "They are a trusted brand with high-quality clothing meant for outdoor adventurers," says Humphrey. "If you are a dedicated skier who spends many days in the mountains, Arc'Teryx may be an excellent brand for you."

Michelle Rostamian is an experienced freelance beauty, wellness, and lifestyle writer. To bring you this review, she spoke with our testers about a range of ski jackets, taking into account comfort, weatherproofing, warmth, design, durability, and value. While researching ski jackets, she spoke with Chris Curtis, Senior Product Manager at Mountain Hardwear, level 3 ski instructor and race coach Mike Humphrey, and Kristin Ruud, founder of Northern Classics.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

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