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10 Fresh New Women’s Ski Jackets to Fend Off the Flurries
Whether you’re a backcountry powder hound or a weekend resort rider, gear up for this skiing and snowboarding season with one of these stylish, high-performance ski jackets for women.
Whether you're an expert skier or are just learning the ropes on the bunny slopes, you'll need a jacket that's waterproof, windproof, warm, and, of course, super fly. Some casual jackets are great for the weekend resort skier, while some high-performance (and more expensive) options will protect you from the harshest conditions while crushing that well-earned backcountry line — even above 10,000 feet.
When picking your ski jacket, it’s important to think about what type of skier you are: Are you a casual rider in a dry, moderate climate who only hits the slopes a few times a year? Or do you ski every chance you get, no matter how cold and snowy the forecast? We believe that the most important factors in your choice should be the type of jacket (insulated or shell), level of waterproofing, and fit.
Insulated Versus Shell: Ski jackets fall into two main categories: insulated jackets and shells. An insulated jacket offers, as the name suggests, some insulation or padding, i.e. extra warmth for colder climates, which is especially beneficial on the chairlift. But insulated jackets can make it harder to control your body temperature when you heat up, which is why we mostly prefer shells. A shell has no insulation, so they are much more breathable and make it easier to regulate temperature. When paired with appropriate layers underneath, a shell is much more versatile than an insulated jacket. But we understand that layering can be a lot of work, so shells may not be for everyone.
Waterproofing: Generally speaking, the more waterproof a jacket’s fabric is, the more it will cost. Jackets are rated on a scale: 5,000g/m2 at the low end to 20,000g/m2 or higher. Of course, many companies bypass this rating scale with proprietary technologies. For example, Gore-Tex operates under its own set of rules, with no rating scale but rather a general promise to “keep you dry.” We usually recommend a jacket with a higher waterproof rating, but we understand that not everyone needs (or can afford) the utmost protection from the elements. DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings add an extra layer of protection, but DWR isn't enough by itself for a ski jacket, as the coating eventually wears off over time. Taped seams and zippers are additional features that keep water from penetrating vulnerable spots.
Fit: “Athletic-fit” jackets are a bit more form-fitting and shorter around the waist, and could also be considered “standard” or “classic.” Alternatively, freestyle-oriented jackets run longer and baggier, which leaves space for extra layers underneath and is less restrictive on your mobility. The correct fit can be a fashion statement, too, so be sure you choose something that makes you look and feel untouchable for your next trip down the snow.
Additional features: A wide range of additional features can make or break your ski jacket. A hood is a necessity for windy chairlift rides. Underarm vents let out heat when you're working overtime. Powder skirts keep snow from getting into your backside. Wrist gaiters keep snow from getting under your gloves. A lined collar feels soft on your face, while an offset neck zipper keeps it from chafing your chin. The list goes on.
How We Chose
So far, we've had the opportunity to personally test many of these ski jackets (in the men's equivalent). We wore them on multiple days with variable weather conditions — from warm and sunny to cold, wet, and windy. No matter where you ski or how hard you charge, pick up one of this year's best new women's ski jackets so you'll ride with confidence, have more fun, and crush new terrain in warmth, comfort, and style.
Highly weatherproof without sacrificing comfort and stretch
Costs nearly as much as a season pass
If you're the type of skier who lives for early-morning powder laps — no matter how early the wake-up call, how difficult the ascent, or how blustery the conditions — you'll need a jacket that's as hard-working as you, and it should be made for high-energy skiing with ventilation like an exhaust fan, stretch like your favorite pair of pajamas, and weather protection like a warming hut, such as this killer shell from Black Diamond.
Built with Gore-Tex's Pro three-layer membrane, this jacket provides some incredible protection from wind and snow without sacrificing the comfort that you need from an all-day, everyday jacket, or the stretch and packability that you require from a backcountry touring shell. The nylon micro-grid backing provides an extra level of comfort, too, without getting sticky when you start to perspire.
To help justify the price, the Sharp End shell boasts a Bluesign approval for sustainability in the primary fabric, underarm gussets that maximize range of motion, fully-sealed seams and zippers, brushed microsuede around the collar to minimize abrasion, and an abundance of zippered pockets. If you need one jacket for every winter adventure, make this a top contender.
Two-layer shell fabric isn't as waterproof or breathable as a three-layer Gore-Tex
No, style won't actually make you ski better, but it might give you the confidence to try new things and challenge yourself. This jacket has that super-fly style that lady rippers adore, with a long, semi-tailored cut that keeps snow off of your backside — because long tees aren't just for guys.
This is a waterproof shell (10,000/m2) without insulation, with fully-sealed seams and a DWR finish, plus adjustable hems, cuffs, and hood for the utmost weather protection when it's snowing sideways.
With a few warm merino-wool layers underneath, you'll be ready for winter's nastiest days. And when the sun comes out mid-afternoon, shed your mid-layer, unzip the pit vents, and let some cool air in, no matter if you're lapping the park or the sidecountry.
And did you notice the cost? It's rare to find this strong performance and style at such a competitive price.
Best 50/50
Outdoor Research Women's Skytour AscentShell Jacket
We are huge fans of a shell over an insulated jacket because of a shell's versatility with a good layering system. But many high-performance shells can cost an arm and a leg, making them nearly unattainable for the average skier, until now: Winner of the 2022 Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice Gold Award and one of the best shells for the money is Outdoor Research's Skytour AscentShell jacket.
What makes this jacket so special is the electrospun production process, which spins fabrics into a crystalline structure. This results in a jacket that defies the odds — it stretches further, blocks water better, breathers more easily, and moves moisture more efficiently than traditionally woven fabrics — all while being lighter in weight and costing less to produce. Sounds like magic, right?
To complete the package, this jacket offers pit zips, a wire-brimmed Halo hood, a brushed chin guard to reduce irritation, a forearm pass pocket, large pockets for other essentials, and sealed zippers. It truly is a wonder that this jacket, with such high quality and performance, doesn't cost at least $100 more.
Best Active Shell for Busy Bodies
Backcountry Women's Notchtop Gore-Tex Active Jacket
More venting options than any other shell, which is ideal for hiking and skinning
No powder skirt
For anyone who’s not up to speed, Backcountry — the online gearhead’s paradise — now has their very own self-branded line of outerwear, including some seriously badass winter jackets for skiing and snowboarding.
The Notchtop is this year’s stretchiest and most waterproof and breathable piece from Backcountry. We’ve skied a few early-season days in this jacket and have been singing its praises from the first lap to the last.
The three-layer Gore-Tex Active membrane is lightweight but still begs to be tested in tough conditions at your home mountain. It’s the bomb for backcountry riders who build up body heat when skinning uphill, with a slim (but not tight), articulated fit, unmatched stretch, and incredible breathability.
It’s stuffed with thoughtful features, too, such as wrist gaiters (we swear by these) and adjustable cuffs that keep snow from sneaking under your gloves, pit zips to dump heat, and front pockets that double as vents so you don’t sweat then freeze on your most active endeavors. If you couldn’t tell, we recommend you give this baby a serious look.
Most Well-Rounded Resort Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Women's Cloud Bank Gore-Tex LT Insulated Jacket
Thoughtfully created for comfort, style, and weather protection
Spendy for the occasional skier
The Cloud Bank is a solid resort jacket with comfort, technicality, and style at a relatively affordable price point. The two-layer Gore-Tex membrane is plenty waterproof (28,000/m2) and breathable for all but the harshest of conditions. It also features a light amount of recycled insulation that’s thermally reflective to trap heat when you need it without building up moisture.
Other highlights include mesh-lined pit zips, fleece-lined hand pockets and chin guard, a helmet-compatible hood, a powder skirt, wrist gaiters, and much more.
For the skier who spends all of their time in bounds at the resort, this jacket has more than enough comfort and protection from the elements. Its sleek styling, with a relaxed, mid-length cut, will add just enough class and sass to your getup.
Pertex Air material is softer, lighter, stretchier, and more breathable than most
Expensive
Whether you're an experienced backcountry skier or just getting your feet wet out of bounds, a high-performance shell is non-negotiable to maximize your enjoyment on skis. Put this non-insulated jacket from Mammut on your radar — it's a small price to pay to perfectly round out your touring setup, relatively speaking.
We've been able to spend a few days in the men's Mammut Aenergy Air HS jacket and we can’t sing its praises enough: It’s a fully waterproof (15,000g/m2), breathable, three-layer shell (without insulation) that's super effective at regulating temperature when paired with the proper layers underneath. We never found ourselves freezing or sweating, which means every day lasted a bit longer, and the stoke was always higher.
The Aenergy shell has all the little details and extras that you'd expect from a league leader like Mammut, including fully taped seams, two-way underarm vents, and easy-pull zippers. The Pertex Air material is lighter, softer, and more pliable than most shells, with less of a crinkly feel and sound.
So if, like us, you prefer to layer up over rocking an insulated jacket, this shell, with a flattering, articulated fit, is ready for nearly any condition and adventure that winter may bring.
Three-layer Gore-Tex construction is highly weatherproof
Not incredibly stretchy
If you crave the freshest pow turns, sometimes you'll have to venture out into howling winds, sideways snow, and subzero temps. To do that without getting frostbite and calling it quits after one run, you'll need a fearless companion, such as Dakine's top-of-the-line Stoker shell.
This uninsulated ski jacket has tons of features to keep the cold and snow out, like a three-layer Gore-Tex outer shell (rated at 28,000/m2), fully-sealed seams, a stretchy, removable powder skirt, wrist gaiters, and a helmet-compatible hood that adjusts two ways. With all of this protection from the elements, there's no excuse to ski anything less than from first to last chair.
And it has that long, not-quite-tailored fit that we skiers can’t get enough of and which looks killer from the slopes to the bar — especially on those knee-deep days that we all live for.
Simple yet kicky, this insulated jacket will keep you plenty warm for a day full of park laps and cruising 'round with your crew — with looks that kill. The DryFlight 10 membrane (10,000/m2) is a moderate amount of waterproofing but should be plenty for most skiers on most days.
The long cut and moderate amount of Primaloft insulation will keep warm on chilly days, while lined underarm vents shed excess heat before it becomes moisture, and the slight taper won't flap around in the wind like other relaxed-fit jackets.
Attention to detail for style points includes fancy drawcords, accent buttons, and a solid colorway that will complement nearly any pair of ski pants. And at this price point, you'll have plenty of coin left over for gas money, a hot cup of chili, and après-ski beverages.
Thermal insulation may start to feel tacky with sweat
The Glacier View insulated jacket is best described as practical, versatile, and slope-ready. It's loaded with weather protection and extras, but true to Columbia form costs a fraction of the price of top-tier offerings.
Columbia's Omni-Tech shell is seam-sealed and fully waterproof, so it can handle colder days on the mountain. Meanwhile, insulation is plentiful thanks to the Omni-Heat Infinity technology, with an expanded thermal reflective pattern that retains more body heat while somehow remaining breathable. The active fit and two-way stretch material also let you twist and turn without feeling restricted.
To top things off, Columbia stuffed this jacket full of thoughtful features, like a back venting system, two-way underarm vents, a helmet compatible hood, a powder skirt, and a plethora of well-placed pockets for your phone, goggles, ski pass, and whatever else you like to haul around the mountain.
RECCO Reflector provides peace of mind for in-bounds avalanche safety
Price is hard to swallow
Spend most of your days in the powder-filled back bowls? Lucky you! Be prepared with Patagonia's PowSlayer shell jacket. Its three-layer Gore-Tex Pro membrane is extremely waterproof (28,000/m2), windproof, and breathable, and it's the first nylon-face fabric made from 100% recycled material.
For extra protection from the elements, this jacket boasts a highly adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, fully taped seams and zippers, an adjustable powder skirt, and optional jacket-pant integration with Patagonia snow pants.
We love the slightly lengthened active fit of this jacket — it's not too short that cold air will infiltrate your backside on the chairlift, and not too long that your mobility will be restricted as you're straight-lining mogul fields.
For those who venture out of bounds, Patagonia has equipped the PowSlayer with a RECCO rescue reflector, giving you (and your mother) more peace of mind. The RECCO also sends a signal to ski patrollers for faster rescue in the event of an avalanche. The RECCO should not take the place of proper education and training for backcountry travel, of course, but this feature could save your life in case of a freak accident.
Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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