Insulated, shell or all-in-one? We round-up the best ski jackets of the year to help you find the perfect one.

A ski jacket is your first line of defence against the cold, harsh winter elements, whether skiing pistes in Meribel or backcountry touring in Colorado.

We've picked out the best ski and snowboard jackets this season and then further whittled down our selection to the stand-out performers of the year from the best brands. From great value piste jackets to high end technical jackets designed for backcountry skiers and snowboarders, there's something here to suit everyone.

Best for: Cruisy piste skiing.

Roxy’s Ritual is an insulated ski jacket that’s as much about comfort as it is slope performance. It’s luxuriously appointed with synthetic insulation, mapped to 80g in the body and 40g in the hood and sleeves. This is enough to keep you warm in seriously frigid weather but it has also proven to be reasonably breathable when cruising the pistes.

The lightweight polyester taffeta lining is silky smooth and there are areas of fleecy brushed tricot for extra comfort on the neck and chin. 

Seam taping on critical zones is complimented by 10k waterproofing and storm flaps to protect zips and pockets from water ingress. The adjustable hood is comfortable and effective and there are further adjusters on the cuffs and hem, as well as a powder skirt to keep snow out.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, warm ski jacket with enough performance for cruisy piste skiing the Ritual could be the answer.

Best for: Backcountry ski touring

As softshells go, the Shashka Stretch is excellent. It’s as technical as it gets, so is recommended for serious ski touring duties, it might otherwise be a wasted purchase. It’s water resistant rather than waterproof, which is beneficial when waterproofing isn’t a priority but you want top layer protection in a breathable package.

Highly wind resistant Gore Infinium is super breathable and handles a surprising amount of rain or snow, with light drizzle beading up and rolling off the surface. The Shashka also surprised us with its taped seams, something you rarely see on a softshell.

With 4-way stretch and Arc’teryx’ anatomical shaping the Shashka feels awesome to wear. It fits perfectly and moves with you, making it well suited to backcountry performance. On the skin up it performs as you would expect, feeling protective but breathable and the massive pit zip vents help dump excess heat quickly. Other features include everything you would expect of a fully-fledged waterproof ski jacket, everything from powder skirt to helmet compatible hood is there.

Both hand pockets are map compatible and there are two internal mesh dump pockets making for plenty of space to stash your kit and gadgets.

Overall, a solid performer, one of the best ski specific softshells money can buy.

If you want the absolute best in ski gear, then look towards Salomon’s S/Lab range which offers no-compromise performance. Obviously, this comes at a price, if you’re looking for bargain kit this isn’t the ski jacket for you, otherwise read on.

The S/Lab QST jacket uses Gore-Tex Pro 3L, this is one of the best materials for a ski jacket thanks to a balance of top-of-the-line waterproofing, breathability, and bombproof durability. As a result, the material feels thick, stiff and crinkly but that’s no different to most other high end ski jackets.

Look past that and the S/Lab QST impresses on every level. Fit is baggy enough for layering with excellent coverage over the bum and wrists and great, anatomical shaping. All the adjusters are easy to use, and the side vents help you cool down quickly. The pockets are in the right places and big and plenty enough to fit all your kit. The helmet compatible hood fits well and is truly storm ready with coverage over most of the face and a wide, wired peak.

All the seams are of course taped and the YKK Aquaguard zips won’t let any wet through. In our experience Gore-Tex Pro is ridiculously reliable in terms of waterproofing as well and doesn’t need a lot of looking after.

If you’re looking for a storm ready freeride jacket the S/Lab QST should be on your list.

Best for: Taking it easy on the slopes with a retro vibe

With a retro vibe, the Live Wire jacket can bring you right back to the good old days of shredding in the 90’s.

The technology is bang up to date, if not massively high spec. Quicksilver’s DryFlight membrane offers decent enough 10k waterproofing and critical seams are taped. The 40g Warmflight eco insulation takes the chill off but overall, the Live Wire isn’t the most breathable jacket so is best reserved for cruising rather than slaying.

With a stow away hood you can quickly switch up the look of the Live Wire, in use it’s only 1-way adjustable and quite frankly isn’t very good so is best kept stowed. 

The hand pockets are small but are complimented by a lift pass pocket, internal chest pocket and a mesh dump pocket, altogether just enough for phone, wallet and other bits and pieces.

Overall, a soft and comfortable ski coat with a retro look. If you’re not going full send then the Live Wire could be worth considering.

Best for: Extrovert skiers and snowboarders

The Bellion jacket from North Face is about as bold as ski jackets get. Bright contrasting block orange and purple colouring isn’t for the faint hearted, but if you like to stand out on the piste then the Bellion should be right up your street.

It’s made from a tactile, soft (for a ski jacket anyway) material using North Face DryVent membrane which is highly waterproof and breathable.

The jackets fit is as bold as it’s colours, with a baggy, oversized vibe that’s fashionable if not wholly practical (showing my age!). You get a couple of chest pockets and two tiny hand pockets on the outside; we can forgive the size of them as they’re complimented by an additional two bellows pockets above. There’s also the usual sleeve lift pass pocket with a handy goggle wipe inside. Inside the jacket you get the usual powder skirt and mesh dump pockets, and the material feels fairly comfortable against the skin. Obviously, there’s tons of room for layering and articulation is great, more a function of the size than any particularly clever stitching.

The hood is style over substance, not being volume adjustable from the back so it flaps around a bit in the wind. Any exposed zips are treated with a water repellent finish and the rest have effective storm flaps over them, including the pit zip vents which let you quickly cool down.

If you’re looking for an oversized ski jacket with bold styling, then the Bellion could fit the bill. It offers decent performance on the slopes and comes in at a reasonable price.

Best for: All mountain cruisy riders who like to wear their ski jackets out and about too.

Klattermusen come out of Sweden, and although that doesn't guarantee decent outdoor clothing, they do have skin in the cold weather game so it tends to ring true. They're also a mountaineering focussed brand, with a small line of ski and snowboard jackets and pants, which gives us more confidence that they know how to protect you from the elements. 

The Brage 2.0's 3-layer shell make-up is high end with fully taped seams and 20k/20k waterproofing and breathability. It's a proprietary fabric made of 100% recycled materials (Pertex Revolve) and it's relatively soft and stretchy. The jacket has a few aesthetic adornments like the metal fastener at the top of the main zip, webbing strap cuff adjusters and storm flap zip coverings. These help give the Brage 2.0 a look that's not out of place on the streets, where the removable function of the powder skirt comes in handy. On the mountain though the Brage 2.0 performs impeccably well, offering the right mix of protection, durability and comfort. The fit is just right, with coverage over the bum and wrists and room for layering underneath. The adjustable hood moves with your head and cinches down over helmet or bare head equally well. 

We have never quite understood the benefit of an offset zip but it doesn't offend in any way. We found the Brage 2.0 breathable when picking up the tempo and it has easily grabbed pit zip adjusters for when the going gets tough. 

Pockets are plenty, with hand, chest and lift pass as well as a tall, thin mesh dump pocket inside - which is much more useful than the floppy wide ones you would usually find in a ski jacket.

Overall a top notch ski jacket that offers performance on the mountain and has the looks for the streets.

Best for: Demanding park skiers

Picture’s U11 jacket is about as cool as you can get. It’s a half zip, hoody style jacket that’s got the spec to be used all over the mountain and not just the park on spring days. Picture’s Dryplay fabric is well proven, with a soft and supple finish and 20k/20k waterproofing and breathability. It’s a 2 layer shell which means it has a loose taffeta lining. This is simply warmer and more comfortable than a 3 or 2.5 layer shell but a little heavier as a result.

One downside to the U11 is the fact it only has critically taped seams, this means that if you’re out in a snowstorm all day you will get a bit of moisture creeping past the seams that aren’t taped. Thankfully though any exposed zips are water resistant.

There’s a massive kangaroo pocket at the front and two big bellows pockets on the chest, plenty of space to store your bits and pieces. A lift pass pocket might have spoiled the clean lines of the U11 but would have been handy, nonetheless.

The hood, is really good, it’s volume adjustable and covers most of the face with the main zip done up. Little touches like the lycra wrist gaiters and shovel zip puller make this jacket feel premium and shows that Picture really understand their target audience.

Best for: Demanding resort skiers

Mix Gore Tex and Primaloft into a stylish ski jacket and you’re onto a winner. The Leader LE is about as fully featured as it gets so will perform like a beast out on the slopes, protecting from the elements and keeping you sweat free, but it’s also built with comfort in mind. You’ll find stretch panels sewn in as well as a removable hood and powder skirt. 

Best for: Downright frigid temperatures

If you’re looking for maximum warmth for deep winter days this is quite possibly the jacket for you. Filled with 600 fill-power Track My Down goose down and finished with stonking 20k/20k outer fabric the Arctic Down will not fail in keeping you warm and dry this winter. Styling is perfect for use as an everyday wear jacket too, which bumps up the value over and above a one week a year ski jacket.

Best for: Skiers who want a reliable all-rounder

Black Diamond have aimed the new Boundary Line Mapped jacket squarely at the genuine all-mountain skier. The unique selling point of this jacket is the use of wool insulation, which offers great moisture management. Rounded off with 20,000mm of waterproofing and fully taped seams, the Boundary Line takes Black Diamond’s big mountain ethos and applies it to a great all-rounder of a jacket. 

Best for: Minimalist ski tourers

Built for dedicated ski tourers, the Stormstride has everything you need and nothing you don’t. This has the distinct benefit of keeping the weight down to just 490g, perfect for stuffing in your pack on the uphill. The 3-layer shell uses all the best in material technology, with a highly waterproof but stretchy ripstop outer for great freedom of movement and durability and a soft polyester knit backer, which gives a lovely next to skin feel and a touch of warmth.

Best for: Out and out off piste action

You know when a ski jacket uses Gore Tex Pro it means business. The king of the crop in the Gore Tex family offers the very best protection and durability money can buy. A true off piste jacket, the Vassi Pro has a roomy, long cut for maximum coverage, freedom of movement and of course style. A helmet compatible hood, pockets that don’t interfere with pack straps and a built in RECCO reflector arm you with everything you need for a day in the powder.

Best for: The most demanding female rippers

It’s official, one-piece ski suits are back. Arc’teryx have put their own spin on the genre, with this, which is new for the 2021 season. Top of the line Gore-Tex fabrics are used for protection with a heathered look and soft feel. Clever ventilation at the thighs doubles as a ‘quick-release’ system answering one of the main problems with a one-piece ski suit – toilet breaks. If the price tag makes you gasp, don’t forget that you don’t need to buy ski pants!

Best for: Inbound skiers who prefer a trim cut

The new Ride Free range from Rossignol is a market disrupter, blending resort styling with freeride performance. With 20k/20k waterproofing and breathability the Fonction ticks the right freeride boxes but also has mapped insulation to keep you warm while cruising the resort slopes. Styling probably won’t appeal to die hard backcountry rippers but if you’re bored of the usual boxy ski jacket silhouette then the Fonction is worth a look.

Best for: Comfort seeking eco warriors

Stretch isn’t something you typically see on a ski jacket but the Goods offers it in 4 ways. This means it’s likely to be much nicer to wear than the crinkly equivalents. It’s also lined with a cosy but eco-friendly recycled insulation and the eco goodness doesn’t stop there as the Goods also uses a Bio-sourced outer fabric. Fully sealed seams, waterproof zips and an inner snowskirt make sure the snow stays where it belongs.

Best for: All mountain skiers wanting excellent bang for buck

This 3-in-1 jacket from Protest offers versatility for all types of skiing. The removable inner is filled with an eco-friendly bamboo blend and the hard shell outer can be worn on its own on warmer spring skiing days. Fully taped and with 20k waterproofing staying dry is pretty much guaranteed and the pit zips and laser cut ventilation holes help excess heat and moisture escape.  

Best for: All-mountain fun on a budget

The Chakal is the type of ski jacket that earns its place in your wardrobe by offering everyday wear versatility, thanks to its great looks. Under the exterior you get dependable, warm, and breathable PrimaLoft insulation as well as a number of pockets to store your kit. North Face’s own DryVent fabric is as waterproof as the competition and AquaGuard zips make sure no moisture creeps through from the outside.

Before buying a ski jacket ask yourself these questions.....

Get the basics right first, make sure your jacket is waterproof. We would suggest a minimum level for skiing and snowboarding of a 10,000mm hydrostatic head, this information can be found on the tag of the jacket or on the manufacturers web page. If you're really putting the jacket through its paces in all weathers then you should aim for a higher level of 20,000mm or above.

Taped seams are important to stop the gradual creep of moisture past small holes created when the various panels of the jacket are sewn together. Some only have critically taped seams usually above the shoulder and in the hood but most dedicated ski jackets have fully taped seams i.e. every seam on the jacket has a layer of waterproof tape bonded over the top of it.

Any zips will need to either have storm flaps - a flap of material over the top of the zip - or preferably be water tight. If they don't have either eventually moisture will creep through. You can tell if a zip is watertight by looking at the area either side of the teeth, if it has a rubbery looking coating then you're good to go. Also make sure that all zips run smoothly and have chunky pullers so you can easily use them with gloves or simply with cold hands.

Make sure you have enough for your needs, look for a jacket with a lift pass pocket on one of the sleeves as this will save a lot of hassle in busy lift queues. If you're going to be doing a lot of high intensity skiing or ski touring then pit zips are a must for ventilation through the body without having to remove your jacket.

Whether you go for shell or insulated depends on if you prefer to layer up or not. Shell jackets (jackets with no insulation) are more versatile as long as you have a wardrobe full of technical layers to go underneath. You can vary these layers depending on conditions, from a light baselayer underneath on warmer days to a full compliment of base and mid layer for deep winter days. It also allows you to vary layers through the day for better temperature regulation overall. Some prefer insulated jackets for their simplicity and the fact that you don't have to buy expensive extra layers to go underneath them.

As a general rule synthetic insulation is better than down for ski clothing as it retains most of its insulating properties when wet. Although tempting be careful not to buy overly insulated jackets as they will quickly get hot and clammy when you're skiing.

Other features that skiers and snowboarders find useful, but aren't necessarily vital, are a powder skirt, which is designed to keep snow from going underneath your jacket, and thumb loops which keep your sleeves down and tucked under your gloves.

All our reviews are independent and unbiased. We may earn a commission when you buy from links to Amazon and other affiliates on this page.