Travel Products Style Apparel Outerwear The 12 Best Ski Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed We had one of our most competitive product tests to date and selected the best ski jackets for all users. By Lydia Price Lydia Price Instagram Lydia Price is the commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and edits reviews about outdoor products. You can also read her articles on red carpet soirees, pop culture history, and health news in People magazine. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 14, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price If you’ve yet to use a ski jacket that you absolutely love, you’re seriously missing out on the best days the sport has to offer. Top-notch jackets keep you bone-dry through heavy snowfall, perfectly warm on the chilliest of hills, and flexible enough to dance around tight moguls and trees with ease. In one of Travel + Leisure’s most competitive tests to date, we evaluated 36 ski jackets on the mountains after months of market research. With decades upon decades of ski experience under its collective belt, our team carefully assessed the quality of each garment’s warmth, weatherproofing, design features, durability, and overall value. (Read more about our testing process below.) While numerous jackets earned perfect scores across the board, in the end, our favorite ski jacket overall is Helly Hansen’s Alphelia Lifaloft, which goes by Alpha Lifaloft for men. In addition to all the standard must-have attributes like impenetrable waterproofing and effective yet slim insulation, the Lifaloft includes ingenious features we never knew we needed on the slope, including a battery-protecting pocket and goggle shammy that will never get lost. There are plenty more jackets we can’t stop gushing about, from a weatherproof coat that left testers stunned to the best ski jacket you can find on a budget. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Helly Hansen Alphelia LifaLoft Ski Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-up: Stio Shot 7 Down Jacket at Stio.com Jump to Review Best Shell: Outdoor Research Carbide Jacket at REI Jump to Review Best for Speed: Sync Headwall Stretch Shell Jacket at Syncperformance.com Jump to Review Best Budget: WildHorn Men's Dover Ski Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Weatherproofing: Arc'Teryx Sentinel Jacket at REI Jump to Review Most Unique Features: Patagonia Powder Town Jacket at REI Jump to Review Best Style: Picture Organic Track Jacket at REI Jump to Review Most Breathable: Stio Men's Environ Jacket at Stio.com Jump to Review Best Pullover: Strafe Women's 3L Lynx Pullover at Colesport.com Jump to Review Best Overall Helly Hansen Alphelia LifaLoft Ski Jacket 5 Helly Hansen View On Amazon View On REI View On Evo.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It The Norwegian brand thought of it all when it comes to features that make your ski day run as smoothly and comfortably as possible. What to Consider The cut is fairly slim and short, so skiers who prefer more room or coverage may find their perfect jacket elsewhere. The Alphelia Lifaloft (available for men as the Alpha Lifaloft) blew away our expectations when it comes to how warm a lightweight jacket can be. Despite keeping us toasty no matter how far temperatures dropped, it had us looking sleek and svelte on the hill. Helly Hansen has been making cold-weather apparel for well over one hundred years, but this jacket proved it still has innovation up its sleeves. The company’s proprietary LifaLoft fabric is worthy of its hype, providing our testers with incredible heat retention and moisture-wicking abilities in a featherlight package. A buttery-smooth cuff with thumbholes also helps to keep things warm, and when it’s time to cool down, armpit vents have you covered. Pockets are important real estate for a skier, and the Alphelia Lifaloft seemingly provides all the space you could ever need: an internal zip pocket; two spacious hand-warming pockets; a ski-pass sleeve pocket; two chest pockets, one of which includes a goggle wipe; a pocket specially lined to protect your phone’s battery from the cold; and a mesh dump pocket. It’s also adjustable in all the right places, including at the detachable hood, powder skirt, and wrists. For peace of mind during backcountry excursions, the jacket is outfitted with Recco reflectors that make it easier for rescuers to locate skiers in an emergency. We were also huge fans of Helly Hansen’s Alphelia Infinity Jacket, which has many of the same features as the Alphelia LifaLoft plus some upgrades like stylish accents and the brand's latest hydrophobic technology — at a higher price point. Price at time of publish: $500 The Details: XS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit Travel + Leisure / Kaitlin Clark Best Overall, Runner-up Stio Shot 7 Down Jacket 5 Stio View On Stio.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It Perfectly proportioned, this ultra-warm jacket is roomy where you need it and sports some of the most premium features around. What to Consider Some skiers may prefer a removable hood, and color options aren’t very extensive. Stio’s premium down jacket came in closely behind the Alphelia Lifaloft but ultimately failed to snag the top spot mainly because it has fewer pockets and is significantly more expensive. But, if you prefer a bit of extra length and a roomier fit on the slopes, this might be the perfect ski jacket for you. Available for both women and men, the Shot 7 Down kept us warm on the most brutally cold days. It’s loaded with 800-fill-down insulation plus Gore-tex for flawless waterproofing. We tried this jacket out both in whiteout conditions in Vermont and through zero-degree days in the Canadian mountains, and we stayed bone-dry and perfectly warm the entire time. Even the fixed hood is insulated to keep your noggin at an ideal temperature. Testers loved how spacious the zip pockets at the waist and the inner chest are. The jacket also has a pass pocket and sizable dump sleeves for your water bottle or spare gear. "The left upper arm pocket is perfect for ski passes using RFID (radio-frequency identification)," one tester said after regularly using the jacket for one month. "Rather than having to show your lift ticket to an attendant, these passes automatically open a gate to the chairlift and I feel much better having it safely zipped in the arm pocket rather than a hand pocket that I might be using during the day." We’re also obsessed with how soft the silky internal fabric feels, and another tester reports that the external shell is “deliciously smooth” as well. A removable powder skirt, dual zippers, and arm vents further up the Shot 7 Down’s value. Although color choices are somewhat limited (we would have especially liked a basic black), we love the design details on the existing options, like the electric pink lining of the misty cloud color and the printed interiors on the prickly pink and midnight hour hues. Price at time of publish: $649 The Details: XS to XL | Insulated | Regular fit Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter Best Shell Outdoor Research Carbide Jacket 5 REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Campsaver.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It This stylish, comfortable jacket provides moisture protection and everything else you need for a day at the resort and beyond—all at a relatively affordable price. What to Consider The fit is on the roomier side, which is great for layering but not every skier’s preference. Outdoor Research earned lifetime fans among our testers with its Carbide shell, which also comes in a women’s version. Although incredibly lightweight, it was sturdy enough to pass our waterproofing tests with flying colors. One T+L tester reported that this “extremely comfortable” shell has maximum versatility thanks to a spacious fit that allows for layering combined with a breathable feel and well-placed vents for warmer days and backcountry climbs. You’ll find the Carbide has all the necessary waterproof pockets, including one on the arm for your ski pass. After wearing this jacket on the slopes ten times, another tester said, "I'm warm but don't overheat, [and it has] excellent ventilation and is extremely comfortable. I wear size 2XL and its fit true to size over my bib." The wire-brimmed hood is also adjustable in two separate places, and our tester appreciated it staying put exactly where they wanted it. The jacket even allows for full range of motion, locks out snow with an adjustable hem, and comes in at a price point that’s very competitive in the world of high-performing ski gear. Price at time of publish: $299 The Details: S to 3XL | Not insulated | Regular fit Travel + Leisure / Duangkaew Randall The 10 Best Ski Jackets for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Speed Sync Women’s Headwall Stretch Shell Jacket 5 Sync View On Syncperformance.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It Designed with ski racers in mind, this slim-fit shell earns as many points for style as it does for functionality. What to Consider Not all of the zippers are watertight. Our tester couldn’t stop raving about this “super sleek” and “incredibly premium” jacket. “The fit of this is the most flattering of any ski jacket I've tried,” shared a T+L writer who’s a former ski racer herself. “It's packed with subtle features that make it truly stand out.” The award-worthy fit is achieved through the fabric’s impressive amount of stretch that lets it move with the body despite a slim cut, and we could easily see why Sync is a popular brand in the world of professional ski racing. The waist, hood, removable powder skirt, and wrists are all adjustable. Two pockets that are lined with fleece are perfect for warming your hands during downtime, and the unique, discreet vents provide airflow at the chest. The 20K/20K waterproofing kept us completely dry, though we did find that the side zippers aren’t completely waterproof. All in all, the Headwall (also available in men’s) is an excellent choice for a luxurious feel that’s backed by some of the best athletic performance out there. Price at time of publish: $549 The Details: XS to XL | Not insulated | Slim fit Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp Best Budget WildHorn Men's Dover Ski Jacket 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Wildhornoutfitters.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Weatherproofing 4.8/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It This affordable jacket proves staying warm on the slopes doesn’t have to run you dry. What to Consider More expensive jackets have better waterproofing. If you’re on the lookout for more affordable skiing, the Wildhorn Dover will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. This incredibly comfortable insulated jacket includes thoughtful touches like a powder skirt that can be tucked away in its own pocket when not in use, armpit vents, and compression sleeves with thumbholes. However, we did find it to be a bit on the heavier side, and the zipper was finicky at times. Also keep in mind that this has a 12K waterproof rating, which means it will keep you dry during a moderate amount of precipitation but won’t stand up to heavy rainfall for a prolonged period of time. Still, with a great range of motion, ample pocket space, and an impressive amount of warmth for the price, this is a jacket worth considering. For a women’s option, we recommend checking out Wildhorn’s Frontera ski jacket. Price at time of publish: $160 The Details: XS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit Best Weatherproofing Arc'Teryx Sentinel Jacket 4.9 View On REI View On Arcteryx.com View On Evo.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 4.8/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It Snow and wind don’t stand a chance against this shell, which also has an impressive amount of stretch. What to Consider The interior pocket was too small for an iPhone. We were immediately smitten by this jacket’s featherlight feel and polished look, but we were truly in for a treat when we took it up to the mountains. The Arc’teryx Sentinel repelled water like nothing our tester had seen before, and they loved the way it seamlessly moved with them while they shredded. Basically, Gore-tex has never felt so good. “It's a bit longer than many ski jackets I've owned, which was great for sealing in warmth and also made for a very flattering silhouette,” a T+L editor added. “The fabric is also extremely stretchy, so even though it provided extra coverage, it didn't impede any mobility since it moved with my hips and glutes like a second skin.” The jacket’s interior is lined with a thin flannel that helps keep things cozy. Although Arc’teryx warns that the Sentinel’s zippers are highly water-resistant but not waterproof, our tester had no problems even in snow. "It kept me completely dry no matter how much it was snowing, I fell in the snow, or I skied through snow guns," they said after regularly using the jacket for one month. "It also did a great job of trapping in heat to keep me warm and I still love how it moves with my body." It also has some of the best arm vents we’ve seen, as they’re extra long and sport dual zippers so you can increase airflow precisely. Arc’teryx’s Sabre Jacket for men boasts similar features. Price at time of publish: $700 The Details: XXS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Most Unique Features Patagonia Women's Insulated Powder Town Jacket 4.9 REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Patagonia.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It Produced with environmental impact in mind, the Insulated Powder Town Jacket has a soft feel in addition to unique features. What to Consider It runs a little big. It was no surprise to us that the outdoor pros at Patagonia created a jacket with all the skiing essentials. Hand-warming pockets, full waterproofing, Recco reflectors, and arm vents lay the foundation for a smooth day of skiing. You can even make on-slope adjustments to the hem through clever access points in the front pockets, and another unique pocket features a place for cable routing. We appreciated that the two-way adjustable hood includes a visor for extra protection from the elements and the loops on the rear of the jacket that can secure it to snow pants. Meanwhile, we always admire Patagonia’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and reliable customer service. "It's lightweight and super breathable, but comes with quality you expect from Patagonia," one tester said after regularly using the jacket for one month. "It's held up beautifully and looks the same as when I pulled it out of the package." On top of it all, the Insulated Powder Town Jacket manages to be lightweight, warm, and so flexible and sweat-wicking that we wore it on a 3-mile run. Do note that it has a bit of extra length compared to most ski jackets and is particularly roomy, so you may want to size down if you prefer a fitted feel. Price at time of publish: $399 The Details: XXS to XXL | Insulated | Regular fit Travel + Leisure / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm Best Style Picture Organic Track Jacket 5 REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Evo.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It After one month of regularly wearing this jacket, we found it to be roomy, warm, and comfortable to wear. What to Consider It’s on the longer side. Our tester couldn’t say enough good things about the Track Jacket’s unique colorblock look. They reported that several people stopped them on the mountain just to ask about the fashion-forward jacket, giving them a chance to talk it up so much that they “felt like a brand ambassador.” More importantly, this 20K/20K waterproof jacket has all the ski necessities. Our tester loved that it has “tons and tons of pockets, both inside and out.” Riding up chair lifts was no problem at all since the extended hem kept things warm. Wrist gaiters helped create a snug feel, while vents ensured we weren’t too snug after rigorous runs. We also applaud Picture Organic for using 100 percent bio-sourced and recycled polyester along with a PFC-free DWR finish. “This jacket showed me you can have it all with no compromises at a reasonable price,” our tester concluded. For a women’s jacket with a similar look and attributes, check out Picture Organic’s Fresya or its Haakon Jacket, which also performed extremely well in our testing. Price at time of publish: $330 The Details: S to XXL | Insulated | Relaxed fit The 10 Best Ski Jackets for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Most Breathable Stio Men's Environ Jacket 5 Stio View On Stio.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It It kept us shockingly warm for how light it is. What to Consider It's water resistant but not waterproof, so after one month of regularly wearing the jacket, our tester found it could be warmer in wet conditions. Despite keeping our testers dry in the rain, Stio’s Environ manages to nail a breathable feel that prevents you from getting swamped in sweat. Also available in women’s sizes, the jacket has two zippers on the underarm vents so you can open up at the perfect spot. We found it’s a great pick for any winter sport given its lightweight, powerful waterproofness, ideal range of motion, and removable hood. Our tester shared that it also kept them warm during an entire day skiing in zero-degree weather. You’ll find all the pockets you need in the Environ, including interior stash sleeves, a pass pocket, and internal storage space with a zipper for extra security. Aquaguard zippers ensure that not even a drop of snow makes it to you and your belongings. Vibrant color options like wild lettuce and beehive mean you can make a splash on the mountain and be easy for companions to spot, while a 100 percent recycled polyester construction earns eco-friendly points. Price at time of publish: $465 The Details: XS to 3XL | Not insulated | Regular fit Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter Best Pullover Strafe Women's 3L Lynx Pullover 4.9 Strafe View On Colesport.com View On Moosejaw.com View On Strafeouterwear.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 4.8/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It It’s highly versatile for a number of snow sports. What to Consider Some skiers find pullovers inconvenient to take off and on, and the large brand logo on the arm is a little obtrusive. If you love pullover ski jackets, you’ve found your match in the Strafe Lynx Pullover for women or Cham Shell Pullover for men. The kangaroo pouch was the hero of the day when we simply had to bring four slices of pizza on the Utah trail for a midday snack. Thumbhole cuffs, 20K/20K waterproofness, and extra length also helped this jacket win us over. We gave it lots of bonus points for having vents that span almost the entire length of the arm, which is perfect for spring skiing. Although it’s designed to have an oversized fit, we didn’t find it bulky in the slightest. It also strikes the perfect balance between breathability and warmth, and T+L’s tester raved about the range of motion and protection from snow it affords. “The way water and snow rolls off of the jacket is really impressive,” the tester said. They added that this harsh-weather-ready pullover is a wise choice “especially if you're a skier and a boarder — you get a two-in-one style jacket for fitting both gear styles of the two winter sports.” Price at time of publish: $499 The Details: XS to XL | Not insulated | Active fit Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp The 10 Best Ski and Snowboard Pants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Extra-long Flylow Gear Men's Malone Jacket 5 REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Flylowgear.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It We’re confident it will stay like new for years. What to Consider It’s form-fitting and not big enough for more than about two layers. At 6 feet, 2 inches tall, our tester found the perfect fit in Flylow’s “very comfortable” Malone Jacket. The form-fitting shell is equipped with a removable powder skirt, arm vents, and 20K/20K waterproofing. Superior mobility also helped this jacket make it to the top. Whether we were navigating through tree-filled glades or going off of jumps, we didn’t feel any restriction whatsoever. Apart from its superb functionality, we were excited to see the Flylow Malone Jacket is available in a trendy range of colors. “This jacket feels like something I would wear season after season and it'd still feel like new,” our tester said. While the Malone is only available in men’s sizes, the Flylow Lucy Jacket has similar specs. Price at time of publish: $400 The Details: S to XXL | Not insulated | Relaxed fit Travel + Leisure / Frank Corona Best Two-in-one The North Face Women's ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket 4.9 North Face View On Zappos View On REI View On Curated.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.8/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Love It This versatile jacket can be worn as two separate coats, and features like an included goggle wipe and 100 percent recycled insulation pleased our skiers. What to Consider The fit was smaller than expected, and it soaked up a small amount of water. Savvy skiers will appreciate that they can put the ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate to use in more than one season. The outer shell can be worn on its own to protect you from wind and light precipitation, while the soft and plush inner layer makes for a great puffer. Together, they’re a dependable ski jacket that’s loaded with storage space and other essentials like a powder skirt, arm vents, and a goggle wipe in the wrist pocket. Although it did soak up a small amount of water when we rubbed it in, we believe this would keep you dry during most levels of snowfall. Our tester also found it ran smaller than other North Face products they’ve worn, so carefully look at the measurements and consider sizing up. Having known gear from The North Face to last for years on end, we still back this as a solid choice for a ski jacket. The Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket is also available for men. Price at time of publish: $360 The Details: S to XXL | Not insulated | Relaxed fit Travel + Leisure / Danielle Yersin Other Ski Jackets We Liked Among the 36 jackets we tested, far more than the 12 winners above earned our admiration. Our guides to the best ski jackets for women and the best ski jackets for men include more of the cream of the crop, while the three jackets below represent options that almost made our lists but ultimately fell short due to minor flaws. Nevertheless, one of them may be the perfect jacket for you. REI Co-op First Chair GTX: We were impressed that the First Chair GTX has a high-end look at a more accessible price, and it demonstrates the attention to detail and weather-readiness we’ve come to expect from REI. However, other shells stood out more in testing when it came to features and style. Trew Men's Cosmic Primo: The hood on this jacket felt abnormally large, and we found it somewhat lacking in overall features. However, it did excel in terms of style and maneuverability and is especially suitable for snowboarding. Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket at Ortovox: This is a durable, warm, and undeniably cool-looking jacket, but we wish it had hand pockets and a bit more room in the chest. Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers Our Testing Process After our research team and outdoor gear experts picked 36 must-try ski jackets, we sent them out to a group of eagle-eyed skiers to put them to the test. Each jacket was evaluated on comfort, warmth, weatherproofing, durability, and design. We asked testers to refrain from looking up the price of their jackets until the other attributes had been evaluated. When it was time to reveal the prices to judge the coat’s overall value, more affordable jackets earned high scores if their performance far exceeded expectations set by their price range, and jackets on the expensive end of the spectrum only earned high-value scores if testers could thoroughly defend their cost. At ski resorts across the country, we paid close attention to how each ski jacket held up against snow and cold. We further tested waterproofness by putting their sleeves and pockets under faucets to see how the fabric reacted to water. Jackets that earned perfect scores in weatherproofing repelled water and completely protected testers from the wind. Jackets were carefully examined before and after wear to assess durability. To judge warmth, testers reported the number and types of layers they wore under the jackets and the temperatures they encountered in them. Whether they were shells or insulated options, jackets with the best scores for warmth found the perfect balance between heat retention and breathability. When determining a jacket’s level of comfort, we considered things like the texture of the internal and external fabrics, pocket placement, fit, the number of adjustable features, and whether they moved well with our skiers as they carved out the slopes. Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson With so many exceptionally warm and waterproof jackets out there, many of our winners were chosen because of innovative design features that made them stand out — not only in the group of jackets we tested but also as some of the best jackets our testers had encountered over decades of skiing. Thoughtfully placed and generously sized pockets, goggle shammies, extra adjustability, and luxurious material were some of the perks that helped our favorite ski jackets make it to the top of the pack. Tips for Buying a Ski Jacket Decide whether you prefer a shell or insulated jacket The merits of shells versus insulated jackets are hotly debated topics in the world of winter sports. Shells are typically favored by those who most prioritize breathability, agility, and lightness. Slim garments are fundamentally more versatile than insulated jackets that will always provide a greater degree of warmth. Backcountry skiers tend to stick to shells for these reasons, while someone who often finds themselves chilly or skis in harsh climates would probably be best served by an insulated jacket. Insulated jackets also have a leg up on shells in that they generally require less planning and packing fewer layers to wear underneath. When shopping for insulated jackets, look out for the listed fill power, which is a measurement of the loftiness of the down used inside of it. Jackets in the 800- to 900-fill range are made with premium down that’s excellent at providing warmth without bulk. Waterproofing is key Whether you opt for a shell or insulation, waterproofing is an essential element to have in a ski jacket. For the best waterproofing possible, look for the material listed as 20K/20K, which means the fabric can withstand 20,000 millimeters of water before any dampness seeps through. How your jacket handles internal moisture should also be a consideration. If you’re someone who tends to sweat a lot or seeks the most heart-pounding runs out there, you’ll definitely want a jacket with sweat-wicking ability. Travel + Leisure / Duangkaew Randall Consider your biggest ski-day hurdles Some skiers can’t stand a cold booty on the chair lift, while others would sooner spend the entire winter in Florida than take to the slopes without a powder skirt to spare them from the sting of snow. Whether it’s room for a water bottle or extensive venting options, think about your personal pain points and must-haves to help narrow down your search. If you’re new to skiing, springing for basic features like hand pockets and an adjustable hem is a good place to start after, of course, making sure you get a jacket that is warm and waterproof. Frequently Asked Questions How do you wash a ski jacket? Always, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to wash your ski jacket. Your jacket washes should be few and far between since your base and mid-layers prevent your body’s bacteria from making their way to your outerwear. Most insulated jackets should be washed in lukewarm or cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble-dried in low heat. One thing you will almost certainly not want to do is use fabric softener on a ski jacket, as it can compromise waterproofing. Skipping the detergent may also be recommended for your jacket. What should you wear under a ski jacket? The best ski outfits start with a moisture-wicking, body-hugging base layer. Merino wool is a popular choice because it’s naturally temperature-regulating and is great at keeping wearers dry. Skiers who tend to get damper may prefer a base layer made of synthetic material that’s even better at slaying sweat, such as polyester. Something mixed with a flexible fabric like spandex is also a great idea. Next up is your mid-layers, which could be anything from a ski sweater to a fleece or an insulated puffer. On warm days, you may find that a single base layer gets the job done. If you’re heading out on one of your first ski adventures (welcome!), be sure to bring plenty of layering options that you can play around with to figure out what works best for you. How should a ski jacket fit? This also depends on your personal preference and style of jacket. Slim-fitting, standard, and loose ski jackets are all available and worth some consideration. Generally, you’ll want a jacket that’s snug and aerodynamic but not so tight it leaves you cold — insulation only works if there’s room for air to be warmed up — or unable to fit your desired number of layers underneath. But do keep in mind that, at the end of the day, skiing is a sport, and anything too oversized may prove cumbersome and restrictive. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Writer and editor Lydia Price manages T+L’s outdoor gear beat. A lifelong skier herself, she personally tested several jackets on the slopes to help name the best of the season. At the moment, her favorite shell is the Arc’teryx Sentinel, while she prefers to suit up in the Stio Shot 7 Down on occasions that call for insulation, such as frigid days on her hometown mountain, New York's Whiteface. Always searching for the latest in outdoor innovation, Lydia thoroughly reviewed testing insights from T+L’s other snow pros, conferred with the editorial team of gear experts, and worked with our product researchers to find the best ski jackets you can buy. The 10 Best Ski Gloves of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit