When you’re on the slopes, you need to look and feel the part.
Whether you’re planning on having a crack at the tricky black runs or are simply making your way to La Folie Douce, something every mountain-goer needs is a quality ski jacket which shields you from the harsh elements - not to mention making you look great in the meantime.
What type of ski jacket should I buy?
According to Helgi Oskarsson, CEO of skiwear expert 66°North “Mountains are changeable environments so adaptability is key, and dressing in layers means you can respond to changing conditions quickly. Your outer layer is your lifeline – you need it to be lightweight, waterproof, windproof and breathable – with enough room to move well and to be able to layer up underneath.”
Hardshell ski jackets versus softshell ski jackets
There are two main categories to choose from: hard shell and soft shell. The former always hits the mark when it comes to weatherproof credentials but is not always the warmest, whilst the latter is more breathable yet can be easily padded with down or synthetic insulation for a cosy, comfortable finish.
Oskarsson breaks it down: “For winter skiing in the colder months when it’s likely to snow more with wetter conditions, I’d always choose a hard shell as the outer layer. For spring skiing, you can’t beat a soft shell which is ideal for sunnier days. Our Snaefell, for example, can be worn directly over a t-shirt but also provides you with a decent level of warmth if you get caught on a chilly chair lift.”
How much should I spend on a ski jacket?
Ski jackets can be expensive, but if you’re planning on heading to the snow-capped mountains more than once, they’re worth the up-front cost. Oskarsson’s top tip? “Buy the best you can afford - a decent jacket is an investment in your future skiing career, after all. The more comfortable you are, the better your experience will be, plus a great jacket will see you through season after season which is more cost-effective in the long run.”
We’ve rounded up our favourites from luxury labels, high street stores and outerwear experts alike - with options for every price tag.
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Boss X Perfect Moment Hooded Down Ski Jacket With Special Branding
For the second time, Boss has collaborated with cult favourite ski label Perfect Moment on a collection of mountain-ready RTW. For 2023, the understated taupe jacket with down insulation and a water-repellent outer shell is our favourite piece - now all you need is the salopettes to match.
Buy now £1295.00, BOSS
66°North Hornstrandir
66°North’s bestselling jacket - the Hornstrandir - is an advanced shell design which ticks all of the boxes. From the Gore-Tex Pro membrane to the strategically placed reinforcement at the shoulders and elbows, the four oversized pockets to the weather-resistant zips, not to mention the hood that allows for a helmet or the stretch panels for ease of movement, it’s a design that does it all.
Buy now £625.00, 66°North
Helly Hansen Men’s Alpha Lifaloft Insulated Ski Jacket
Technicality is at the heart of Helly Hansen’s expert-informed performancewear. As the official jacket of the Swedish Ski Alpine Team, we’re sure this insulated jacket will perform and then some when you’re braving the mountains. Light, warm and comfortable, with state-of-the-art details like a ‘life pocket’ which preserves your phone battery in cold temperatures, it’s hitting all of the snowy sweet spots.
Buy now £480.00, Helly Hansen
Moncler Grenoble Brizon Ski Jacket
Freedom of movement is key to a successful run down the mountain, so a jacket with a four-way stretch should be at the top of your list - making Moncler Grenoble’s a stellar choice. Add that to all of the hi-tech features you could ask for, including heat-sealed seams, a waterproof zip, dedicated pockets for your ski pass and goggles, stretch jersey cuffs and an adjustable hem, and you’ve got yourself one of the finest designs on offer this season - and we love the alpine colourway.
Buy now £1465.00, Moncler
Fusalp Yoni quilted ski jacket
If you’re in the market for both style and substance (and why wouldn’t you be?), Fusalp is the sophisticated skiwear label that should be at the top of your list.
Balancing modern innovation with timeless design, it’s loved by casual skiers and professionals alike - and any of the brand’s jackets would be the envy of the crowd at après. This one in particular prioritises warmth thanks to the deep quilted design, snow skirt and storm cuffs.
Buy now £750.00, Matches
The North Face Men’s Summit Verbier Gore-Tex Jacket
A label that’s famous for quality outerwear, no ski jacket round-up would be complete without The North Face. Waterproof, breathable and windproof, with underarm vents for temperature regulation and a helmet-compatible hood, there’s no shortage of reasons to choose the Summit Verbier design. If you’re partial to a pop of colour, green’s for you - if not, it’s available in black, too.
Buy now £630.00, The North Face
Bogner Egon Quilted Padded Corduroy Ski Jacket
The soft corduroy finish of Bogner’s ski jacket may give you the impression that it’s not quite as weatherproof as the other styles in this edit - but you’d be mistaken. What you can’t see is that it’s water repellent, breathable, boasts pockets in all the right places, a snow guard and even a two-way zip. Paired with the coordinating corduroy trousers, you’ll be the most stylish chap on the slopes.
Buy now £1695.00, Matches
Columbia Roaring Fork down ski jacket in stone
You don’t need to spend a fortune to guarantee a technically sound jacket. ASOS offers a great range of ski jackets at a more affordable price, with brands like Columbia, The North Face and Topman stocked on the site. This design hits all of the fundamentals, and then some. It features a helmet-compatible hood, a fleece-lined chin guard, taped seams and ski pass and goggle pockets, not to mention a snow skirt, arm vents and over-the-thumb cuffs. All for just £270.
Buy now £270.00, ASOS
Perfect Moment Gus Parka Jacket
Hypey ski label Perfect Moment design chic ski collections that will last you season after season, so it’s no wonder it’s loved by celebrities and influencers alike. Cut from a waterproof yet breathable fabric with sealed seams and insulation, it’s a hardshell jacket that will keep you cosy, too. Featuring the label's signature stripes, worn with the matching white pants, it’s a surefire way to guarantee jealous stares as you glide down the slopes.
Buy now £1015.00, Perfect Moment
Arc’Teryx Macai Jacket Men’s
A celebrity favourite, spotted on the likes of Virgil Abloh, Drake, and Frank Ocean, Arc’Teryx is a label that creates premium technicalwear for an elevated outdoor experience.
Crafted using goose-down insulated GORE-TEX, this jacket will deliver serious warmth and weather protection, as well as a good dose of minimal ski-chic. Featuring a removable hood, mesh-backed vents and taped seams, it’s got all the bells and whistles a good ski jacket needs. Keep it understated by pairing it with black ski pants.
Buy now £800.00, Arc’Teryx
