Top Picks for the Best Men’s Ski Jackets in 2023
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You’ve come to the right place if you’re in the market for a new ski or snowboard jacket. This blog post will showcase some of the best ski and snowboard jackets for 2023.
Whether you’re looking for something stylish, functional, or both, there’s sure to be a jacket on this list that catches your eye. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the year’s best men’s ski and snowboard jackets!
What Are the Best Men’s Ski / Snowboard Jackets?
The best ski jacket will have effective waterproof shell material backed by waterproofed taped seams that protect you from the elements. At the same time, breathability helps regulate your body temperature to stay comfortable on the slopes.
If it is the warmth you’re after, then an insulated jacket is what you’ll want to go after.
Additionally, jackets should feature vents to help move air as your activity levels change – pockets also play an essential role and come in handy when you want to bring along small items.
Lastly, a quality jacket should be durable enough to last several snow seasons without losing waterproof quality.
- Best Overall Ski Jacket – Arc’teryx Sabre
- Best Runner-Up Ski Jacket – Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft
- Best Warmth Ski Jacket – Arc’teryx Macai
- Best Resort Ski Jacket – Helly Hansen Swift Infinity Jacket
- Best Budget Ski Jacket – Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket
Arc’teryx Sabre
Best Overall Ski Jacket
Overview
The Sabre jacket meets all your needs, offering protection from wind and wetness with its N80p-X 3L GORE-TEX fabric. Other features such as its StormHood™ and RECCO™ reflector. Ultimately, the Sabre continues to provide exceptional protection and performance necessary for confidently taking on the harshest conditions.
Features
- Style: Hardshell
- Material: N80p-X Gore-Tex
- Insulation: Thin synthetic layer
- Waterproof Tech: Gore-Tex
- Vents: Yes
- Powder Skirt: Yes
- RECCO™: Yes
MSRP $700
It is an expensive coat, but you get a lot of bang for your buck in this one. The pit vents are fully open, so you cool down quickly. The waterproofness of this coat is fantastic; however, the powder skirt is not removable.
This coat is a go-to for any adventure, regardless of the weather. Great for resort or backcountry skiing. One downside is that there is no natural chest pocket.
Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft
Best Runner-Up Ski Jacket
Overview
The brand-new Alpha jacket is enhanced with LifaLoft™ insulation for increased warmth and reduced weight. It offers underarm vents to regulate body temperature, PFC-free water-repellent protection, and RECCO® Advanced Rescue system, including helmet compatibility, a LIFE POCKET+™ to keep your phone battery alive in cold climates, and a ski pass pocket for added convenience.
Features
- Style: Insulated
- Material: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane
- Insulation: LifaLoft™ synthetic
- Waterproof Tech: HELLY TECH® Professional fabric
- Vents: Yes, pit zips
- Powder Skirt: Yes
- RECCO™: Yes
MSRP $550
Our Take
Helly Hansen’s line of products is second to none. This ski jacket further proves this point. Warm and waterproof, but why is the powder skirt not removable? This coat is well deserved to hang in your closet.
Did I forget to mention the removable hood? Yes! It has one. This would be an excellent backcountry ski jacket if it were a hardshell.
Arc’teryx Macai
Best Warmth Ski Jacket
Overview
Bitterly cold days don’t stand a chance with the Macai. Crafted with premium European goose down and GORE-TEX to keep out wind, rain, and snow, it makes every on-hill adventure an absolute cozy affair. When it’s too toasty, drop the insulated DropHood™ or use venting PowderGuard™ mesh pockets to regulate your temperature without taking on fresh powder.
Features
- Style: Insulated
- Material: N40p-X Gore-Tex
- Insulation: Down insulation
- Waterproof Tech: 3L Gore-Tex Pro Shell
- Vents: Yes, pit zips
- Powder Skirt: Yes, and removable
- RECCO™: Yes
MSRP $999
Our Take
Oh, oh, so expensive! But a very excellent jacket, this one will tick all the boxes and a removable powder skirt! It does have pit vents, but they are mesh and not fully open to the environment.
As far as men’s ski jackets go, this is up there in cost, but this coat has a lot of tech. The price for me is keeping it out of the top spot. Oh, and its powder skirt is removable. How cool is that?
Helly Hansen Swift Infinity Jacket
Best Resort Ski Jacket
Overview
Crafted while keeping the Norwegian Ski Federation Alpine Team’s needs in mind, this high-performance ski jacket features innovative HELLY TECH® PROFESSIONAL and LIFA INFINITY™ technologies. The shell is crafted from 100% recycled materials, making it waterproof and breathable without harming the environment. It’s also insulated with PrimaLoft® BLACK Eco for light warmth without sacrificing breathability or mobility. Strategically placed stretch panels on the exterior allow dynamic movement when resort skiing, while interior vents encourage temperature regulation during rigorous physical activity.
Features
- Style: Insulated
- Material: 100% Recycled polyester
- Insulation: PrimaLoft® Black Eco
- Waterproof Tech: Helly Tech® Professional and Lifa Infinity™
- Vents: Yes, pit zips
- Powder Skirt: Yes, and removable
- RECCO™: Yes
MSRP $500
Our Take
Helly Hansen is continually elevating the game in the outdoor arena. If you want an insulated jacket with superior waterproofing and breathability, this ski jacket should be your go-to.
With the Life Pocket™ technology, you can rest assured that your phone battery will last longer in frigid temperatures.
The downside is it is spendy, but you are getting a lot for your money in this fantastic resort skiing-designed jacket.
Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket
Best Budget Ski Jacket
Overview
The Skytour AscentShell™ Jacket is perfect for backcountry skiers. This ride and ski jacket, featuring a 3L stretchy membrane, offers lightweight protection without sacrificing airflow – keeping you warm without overheating. Includes an adjustable hood with HoodLock™ for additional coverage once your helmet is removed and pit zips so you can easily regulate your body temperature as needed. Also, waterproof zippers combined with internal stash pockets keep your belongings safe.
Features
- Style: Hardshell
- Material: 93% Nylon, 7% Spandex
- Insulation: No
- Waterproof Tech: AscentShell™
- Vents: Yes, pit zips
- Powder Skirt: No
- RECCO™: No
MSRP $379
Our Take
I like this one for backcountry skiing. Plenty of pockets, including two chest pockets. It’s lightweight and less expensive than other jackets with equal or lesser features.
The adjustable hood is excellent for skinning up when I only want to wear a ball cap or beanie, and the hood can cinch down around it. Great jacket, great price!
If you need a new backcountry ski jacket, this is for you, but just as capable as a resort jacket.
The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate
Overview
The Men’s ThermoBall™ Eco Snow Triclimate® Jacket from The North Face is a high-performance jacket packed with features that are sure to protect you no matter the weather—crafted with a waterproof, breathable DryVent™ 2L shell fabric and 11g/ft² ThermoBall™ Eco insulation for maximum warmth and comfort, helmet-compatible hood, underarm vents, and more.
Features
- Style: Insulated and hardshell
- Material: 100% recycled nylon
- Insulation: 11 g/ft² ThermoBall™ Eco insulation
- Waterproof Tech: DryVent™ 2L
- Vents: Yes, pit zips (only the hardshell)
- Powder Skirt: Yes
- RECCO™: No
MSRP $360
Our Take
If you need an insulated jacket for resort skiing but have the option to remove the inner jacket, then The North Face has your answer. Indeed an all-season jacket. However, there is a lot of material here to keep you warm.
Too bulky for me, and if I get too hot, there is only the outer shell with pit zips. Reasonable price, though, The North Face is typically known for its expensive ski jackets. Still, for all the features, it is a seriously warm insulated jacket with an outer waterproof shell.
Flylow Gear Malone
Overview
The Malone Jacket is constructed with recycled Tactic 3-layer softshell. This jacket is light and stretchy, perfect for backcountry tours yet still substantial enough to hold up at the resort. The quick-drying fabric blocks wind and sleet. Just zip out the powder skirt if you need to shed some weight.
Features
- Style: Softshell
- Material: Recycled Tactic 3-layer softshell fabric
- Insulation: No
- Waterproof Tech: DWR
- Vents: Yes, pit zips
- Powder Skirt: Yes, and removable!
- RECCO™: No
MSRP $400
Our Take
Not a bad coat at all. I’m just not a fan of the soft shell fabric. The DWR does an excellent job keeping you dry, and the fully taped seams are a plus for this waterproof jacket. I like the pit zips, adjustable hood, removable skirt, and single chest pocket.
If you are a fan of softshells, you’ll love the stretchiness and feel of this ski jacket. This is another great option for backcountry skiing.
What Do I Look for in a Ski or Snowboard Jacket?
When it comes to my jackets, I’m mainly looking for comfort. Nothing is worse than a ski jacket that is too tight and restricts movement or loose and bunches up in the turns. Beyond comfort, though, I’m looking for a handful of features.
The basics are going to be a waterproof jacket and breathable. After that, I’m looking for a removable powder skirt. No need for an extra layer at the waist if it is not in use. I’m also a fan of the ski pass or sleeve pocket, or at least for resorts that utilize RFID passes. Chest pockets are great, two are preferred, but one chest pocket will do.
Some other essential necessities are pit zips for dumping body heat as needed and a handful of interior and exterior pockets. Exterior pockets for trail maps and a handheld radio, etc. The interior pockets are good for cash, ID, and credit cards. Sometimes I’ll keep my phone in an interior pocket.
All ski jackets will have hoods, but a ski jacket with a removable hood is fantastic. And most ski jackets these days have adjustable cuffs, but along with those, it is nice to have wrist gaiters. They’ll keep the snow outside your jacket arms where it belongs.
Insulated Ski Jackets, Hardshell Jackets, What’s the Difference?
Whether you are an avid ski enthusiast or just hitting the slopes for the first time, understanding the differences between insulated jackets and a hardshell jacket can be crucial to staying warm as you enjoy your day on the slopes.
An insulated ski jacket, suitable for resort skiers, features a thick inner material that traps air against your body, creating warmth; these jackets are usually padded with synthetic insulation or down feathers to provide additional warmth in extreme cold.
On the other hand, a hardshell jacket offers less insulation but more protection from wind and inclement weather – often featuring zippers and adjustable cinching at the wrists and the waist.
Both hardshell and insulated jackets provide essential waterproofing to keep you dry during wet snow days, making it necessary to decide which type of jacket best suits your winter activity level.
Then there is a softshell jacket. I’ll mention it only because the Flylow Gear jacket made our list. Think of softshell as a kinder and gentler hardshell. They are typically softer and have stretch to them but are not insulated. While a softshell can be thicker than its hardshell cousin, you’ll get minimal warmth.
Waterproofing Technologies
GORE-TEX
Arguably the most widely used material. It was created in 1969 by Wilbert and Robert Gore and has since been utilized not only for its ability to keep out external moisture but also to allow perspiration produced by the body to escape.
This breakthrough technology is used in various products, including winter apparel, camping gear, and footwear! Due to its clever design, the Gore-Tex membrane remains a staple in the outdoor industry as it protects from all sorts of elements while still giving you a comfortable experience.
DryVent
DryVent™ by North Face are fabrics engineered to provide the highest protection, performance, and comfort for users engaging in various activities and adventures. The waterproof, windproof, breathable multi-layered textiles are treated with a durable water repellant that helps form droplets and repel water from the surface.
In addition, each DryVent™ product is designed with performance features tailored to the user’s activity needs in specific conditions. Moreover, all pieces are fully seam-sealed and tapeless to ensure complete waterproofing.
All these characteristics make DryVent™ an ideal choice for individuals looking for clothing and accessories that will keep them dry and comfortable throughout their adventures with North Face products.
AscentShell™
AscentShell from Outdoor Research offers a unique and revolutionary fabric. This waterproof, breathable three-layer fabric lets you move freely without worrying about the elements.
The fabrication process is quite advanced, using a combination of electrospinning with charged polymers affixed to a grounded surface. Therefore, AscentShell equips you with the ideal apparel for tackling outdoor adventures in any weather.
Broadening your comfort zone during aerobic effort, it’s an optimal choice no matter where your journey takes you.
DWR
DWR is a game-changing coating used in the winter sports outerwear market. It enables apparel makers to manufacture snowboard and ski pants that use softer, more breathable materials that still repel water – something never possible before.
This means high-performance technical wear can now feel comfortable as they no longer need to be stiff and crunchy like a nylon shell. Wearers of such performance outdoor gear can stay warm and dry while not sacrificing comfort or mobility – making winter sports more enjoyable than ever!
What Is the Best Men’s Ski and Snowboard Jacket?
The Arc’teryx Sabre is the best men’s ski jacket because of its unique features. Built with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, this versatile jacket offers superior protection against snow and water with its critically taped seams while remaining lightweight and breathable.
It also has a Storm Hood, which is a helmet-compatible hood. It provides excellent weather coverage with minimal bulk, even when layered with a helmet.
All in all, the combination of these features gives you reliable all-weather performance, making the Arc’teryx Sabre the perfect choice for your next ski jacket for either resort or backcountry skiers.
Conclusion
Finding the right ski jacket can be a daunting task. With so many brands on the market, it can be hard to know what to look for and which jacket will suit your needs best.
Luckily, our review of the best ski jackets provides detailed information about each product’s features and performance levels, allowing you to decide which one is right for you.
Whether you plan skiing resorts or explore the backcountry, one of our recommended ski jackets will satisfy your needs. Not only are these jackets designed to keep you warm and dry, but they’ll also help ensure that your long days of skiing are as enjoyable as possible.
So please read our reviews before investing in a ski jacket, and then get ready to hit the slopes in style! If you need a great pair of base layers for your new jacket, check out our Best Base Layers of 2023.
Happy Skiing! And see you in the backcountry.
