The Finest Girls’s Ski Jackets of 2024-2025

How We Tested the Best Women’s Ski Jackets

In addition to our life experience on skis and wearing ski jackets, the GearJunkie team has heavily researched and field-tested women’s ski jackets for this guide for several winter seasons since it was published in 2021. Since then, this guide has received seven updates.

Our Expert Testers

Gear tester Heather Balogh Rochfort is a Colorado-based writer and editor based outside of Aspen. Other contributors include gear tester Mary Murphy and professional ski guide and avalanche instructor Kaylee Walden, who are also both based in Colorado.

Leading the team, GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton specializes in snowsports and grew up skiing in the mountains of Southwest Colorado. She’s been a gear journalist for more than a decade including reporting at nearly 16 outdoor industry trade shows for the Outdoor Retailer Daily and Snow Show Daily, and serving as Snowboard Editor at Teton Gravity Research.

Our Testing Grounds

Based in the blustery heart of Gunnison Valley, Tilton tests ski jackets in Crested Butte. In 2023, Tilton tested women’s ski jackets for 198 hours and 70 days in the backcountry and frontcountry. To date in 2024, she tested women’s ski jackets for 215 hours across 60 days. Those numbers exclude shoveling massive amounts. Her field days entailed blizzards, sub-zero temps, harsh wind, heavy and wet snow, plenty of perspiration, and sunshine.

In the Roaring Fork Valley, Rochfort logged more than 60 days on skis during the 2023-2024 season in an effort to put women’s ski jackets to the test.

The GearJunkie team has gathered twice annually for a ski week at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 2022 and 2023.

Our Testing Process

We test women’s ski jackets in a range of conditions and across many days while considering the overall fit, waterproofness, breathability, density, comfort, sustainability, durability, functionality, hand feel, quality, and value. We take note of the details, including the quantity, arrangement, and style of the pockets, as well as the zippers, zipper pulls, hood, brim, cuffs, wrist gaiters, collars, and liners. We also dive into finding the jackets with the top accolades, new technologies, and legacy designs. 

The final selection has been chosen by our team as the best options that are currently on the market. While these jackets are multipurpose across a variety of winter sports, these pieces serve a wide range of downhill skiers.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Women’s Ski Jacket

The pool of women’s ski jackets can seem endless. Choosing the best ski and snowboard jacket is based on where you ski most, the climate and weather conditions, your goals, and what fits well, as well as the product’s granular details — like where pockets are located and if the powder skirt is removable — plus your preferred aesthetic and style.

A couple of significant dividers: Maritime-based folks in the Pacific Northwest should consider options with a higher level of waterproofness. Skiers that frequent a sunnier, drier climate like Colorado, with a continental snowpack, can typically opt for less waterproof, more breathable jackets. Another major factor is if you prioritize riding ski lifts inbounds or head in the backcountry, which influences the design of the jacket.

Within those goals and parameters, you can nail down other features you value like insulation, a larger hood, or underarm vents. The time commitment and demands of your skiing can inform how durable your gear needs to be and an appropriate budget.

There’s no getting around the fact that we also want our jacket to look good. Consider all the technical factors as well as the style to find the best option for you.

Insulated vs. Non-Insulated

Many dedicated women’s ski jackets offer no insulation and simply act simply as an exterior waterproof, windproof shell. Shell jackets are the most versatile option to use across a variety of conditions. You can pull on this outer layer to stay dry and protected from the sun, wind, precipitation, surrounding vegetation like tree branches, or abrasive snowburn if you slide out.

Designs without insulation typically have enough room to add a midlayer in addition to a base layer beneath for colder days. This type of jacket works best for climates with a range of temperature conditions as well as spring days (with cold mornings and warm afternoons) at the resort or powder days where you’re working harder and potentially building up more heat.

Skiers who spend time on hike-to terrain, or in the sidecountry or backcountry, will want a shell jacket so that they can maximize control over their layering system and temperature regulation. An option like the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket would work well.

Other designs are insulated. If the temperatures are consistently cold, windy, or if you generally get chilled, an insulated jacket might be a good choice. Insulated ski and snowboard jackets can be prime for sub-zero or blustery conditions, long lift rides (especially with hair-raising gusts) and lift lines, or frequent breaks while going downhill. Photographers, teachers, instructors, guides, and parents might find value in a jacket with insulation while taking stops.

Some skiers can wear an insulated jacket over a base layer without as much consideration for what midlayer to bring along. The type and warmth level of insulation varies across each jacket from flannel to down-filled panels or synthetic materials. The Helly Hansen Women’s PowChaser 2.0 Ski Jacket is a great option for a warm yet versatile resort skiing jacket, as is the Halfdays Lawrence Jacket.

For some skiers, though, insulated jackets can pigeonhole them into donning too much warmth. To decide which type of jacket is right for you, consider the climate where you usually ski or snowboard, if there is frequent windchill, and your body temperature on the lift.

Two-Layer vs. Three-Layer Waterproof Membranes

A two-layer jacket has a face fabric — often polyester or nylon — connected to an inner liner that protects the fabric, which adds comfort and breathability. These jackets usually feel less hefty than a three-layer jacket.

Some have an insulation layer, and the outermost surface is usually treated for waterproofness. The price is generally more moderate compared to three-layer jackets.

Dialing up the durability, a three-layer jacket is a waterproof/breathable membrane — often made by GORE-TEX or a brand’s in-house tech, like The North Face’s DryVent or FUTURELIGHT — sandwiched between a tough face fabric and liner. Sometimes the outer fabric is treated for waterproofness. These jackets offer more protection for fierce weather conditions, which the price tag reflects.

Broadly, you’ll want to scrutinize how robust you need your jacket to be for the conditions you’ll ski in as well as budget needs.

Waterproofness

A waterproof jacket is ideal for skiing because weather can change in an instant, and you don’t want to run the risk of getting wet from snow or rain. The top-tier standard for waterproofness is GORE-TEX, a membrane integrated into various jacket designs.

The material is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Some brands have a proprietary version of waterproof/breathable fabrics.

Often, waterproofness is measured by the amount of water that a fabric can withstand before it leaks, from 5,000 to 20,000 mm or greater. The latter end of the spectrum leads to a less breathable fabric.

• 0-5,000 mm: Resistant to light rain, dry snow
• 6,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof for light rain and dry, non-heavy snow
• 11,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof for moderate rain and dry, non-heavy snow
• 16,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof for heavy rain and wet snow
• 20,000 mm and greater: Waterproof for heavy rain and dense, wet, heavy snow

For many locations, a waterproof range of 8,000 to 10,000 mm works well for mild to moderate precipitation. If you generally ski in a wetter climate with heavier snow (meaning, the snow water equivalent, or the water content in the snow, is higher) or you want to use your ski jacket for the backcountry, a jacket with more waterproofness is a good call.

Among the most waterproof ski jackets on our list are the Arc’teryx Women’s Sentinel Jacket and Norrona Women’s Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Jacket, which both provide 28,000 mm of water protection and are great options for the backcountry.

Face fabric treatments, which can be eco-friendly formulas or chemicals toxic to the environment, can also make a jacket waterproof. And some ski jackets have sealed seams and waterproof zippers to help block moisture.

Breathability

A jacket’s breathability is the ability of the fabric to allow your body heat or perspiration to pass through from the interior to the exterior.

Generally, breathability is measured by the grams of water that can pass through one square meter of fabric over a 24-hour period (written as g/m² or an abbreviated g). However, there’s no industry standard for testing a jacket’s breathability, so the methods vary across manufacturers.

• 5,000-10,000 g/m²: Not the most breathable, suitable for inbounds alpine skiing
• 10,000-15,000 g/m²: Moderate breathability
• 15,000-20,000 g/m² and higher: Super breathable, good range for inbounds uphill workouts and backcountry tours

For high-output resort skiing or on powder days, aim for a jacket with a breathability rating of 10,000 to 15,000 g/m². Backcountry skiers and uphill athletes should look for even more breathability — 20,000 g/m² or more.

Ventilation

Ski jackets often offer ventilation by way of underarm zippers, which help regulate body temperature. This feature is great for warm-blooded folks or those who ride or ski in warm conditions and for powder days when your body works hard to make turns (on powder days, remember to close your vents before your descent!).

Some underarm zippers are longer than others. One of the most generous designs in our guide is offered in the Outdoor Research Women’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket, which stretches from the hem past the entire armpit and to the underside of the arm.

One innovative ventilation design is in the Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell, which has a front-facing and closable mesh vent that parallels the front zipper. In terms of quality, YKK brand zippers are the toughest.

Fit & Sizing

Generally, ski jacket designs land in two camps: trimmer with a more streamlined, athletic fit or roomier and boxier with a more relaxed silhouette. Both can be comfortable. If you’re wearing a backpack in the backcountry, it can be better to wear a well-fitted jacket so extra fabric doesn’t get pinched up. A slightly longer jacket can provide extra protection from wind and snow, and keep you a bit warmer, but some skiers find the additional fabric cumbersome.

Each manufacturer has its own size charts. Ski jackets across the industry do not carry a universal size, so the measurements are unique to each brand. Plus, a brand can offer various fit styles across its lineup of ski jackets. Be diligent about checking your personal measurements and matching those with the size charts. Remember to consider the type of midlayer and base layer you’ll wear beneath your jacket, too. It might be better to size up, so the layering doesn’t feel restrictive.

A handful of companies deliver more size inclusivity with broader offerings in the women’s categories, including Columbia, Obermeyer, and L.L.Bean. Everyone’s body is unique, so check the exchange and return policy before you buy. Here are the size ranges for our favorite jackets:

• Rossignol Rallybird Jacket: 2XS-2XL
• Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket: XXS-XXL
• Arc’teryx Women’s Sentinel Jacket: XXS-XXL
• Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX Performance Shell Jacket: XS-L
• Picture Women’s Seen Jacket: XS-XL
• Rab Khroma Diffuse GORE-TEX Jacket: XS-XL
• Patagonia Women’s Untracked Jacket: XS-XL
• Flylow Charlie Coat: XS-XL
• Helly Hansen Women’s PowChaser 2.0 Jacket: XS-XL
• Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell Jacket: XS-XL
• Outdoor Research Women’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket: XS-XL
• ORTOVOX Women’s 3L Deep Shell Jacket: XS-XL
• Halfdays Lawrence Jacket: XS-2X
• Columbia Women’s Bugaboo III Fleece Interchange Jacket Plus Size: XS-XXL, 1X-3X

Weight

A jacket’s weight is an important factor for backcountry skiers who don’t want to carry extra grams uphill. Weight is also connected to density, which is essential when you need to stash a jacket in your pack and can’t sacrifice space. Uphill athletes completing a workout and creating continuous heat often want a light outer layer. Occasional resort skiers take laps with a backpack and store their jackets as the conditions warm.

Alternatively, not every skier wants a super-lean jacket. Some folks prefer a heavier weight and thickness, feeling that the layer protects them against cold and wind.

The lightest jackets in our top picks generally hover around 590 g, which is where the Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket tips the scale. Being both lightweight and tenacious is reflected in the cost, which some consider to be a long-term investment. In step, the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid is only 455 g and the Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Jacket is 642 g.

Slightly heavier but still relatively lightweight designs include the ORTOVOX 3L Deep Shell Jacket at 736 g.

Lighter isn’t necessarily better for every circumstance. Consider the tradeoffs of an increased price and a potential decrease in durability, and examine the waterproof rating, which could be lower on a lighter jacket. Here are the weights of our favorite ski jackets:

• Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell Jacket: 455 g
• Rab Khroma Diffuse GORE-TEX Jacket: 573 g
• Outdoor Research Women’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket: 576 g
• Arc’teryx Women’s Sentinel Jacket: 590 g
• Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket: 595 g
• Patagonia Women’s Untracked Jacket: 595 g
• Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX Performance Shell Jacket: 666 g
• ORTOVOX Women’s 3L Deep Shell Jacket: 736 g
• Helly Hansen Women’s PowChaser 2.0 Jacket: 900 g
• Halfdays Lawrence Jacket: 930 g
• Picture Women’s Seen Jacket: 1,031 g
• Columbia Women’s Bugaboo Fleece Interchange Jacket Plus Size: Unavailable
• Rossignol Rallybird Jacket: Unavailable
• Flylow Charlie Coat: Unavailable

Collar & Hood

An ergonomic collar and hood are significant features for face, head, and neck protection against sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or rain. Pulling up a hood can help you retain heat in chilly conditions.

Jacket collars vary in height and ideally have a fleece-backed interior chin guard that feels snug against the face — a key component on a gusty chair lift.

Many ski jacket hoods are helmet-compatible, which is a priority if you need extra protection and warmth around your face and neck while riding a lift or skiing during a snowstorm. Some hoods are adjustable via elastic pulls, like the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket. And others have an integrated visor so they don’t collapse beneath moisture. Occasionally, hoods are removable, but most of the time they are permanently fixed on the jacket.

Every helmet-compatible hood fits a bit differently. The shape of each hood is unique and helmet sizes vary — not every size small is the same circumference, for instance — so it might even be best to try a hood on with your helmet and make sure they fit together well, and that there’s enough room to move. We do our best to share our field experience with ski jacket hoods in this guide.

Sleeve Cuffs & Powder Skirt

Powder skirts can be a great addition to a jacket to prevent fluffy flakes from flying up and soaking your base layers or lower back (which isn’t an issue if you prefer women’s ski bibs over ski pants). Some powder skirts are removable, and some have attachment points to connect to your ski pants.

Sleeve cuffs generally have a Velcro closure, though some designs have additional snaps, and cuffs vary in width and length. Some sleeve cuffs have an inner wrist gaiter, which is also known as a storm cuff: a stretchy fabric for warmth and to block wind. A cuff-within-a-cuff sometimes has thumbholes to help secure the fabric over the top of the hand.

Wrist gaiters can help block out wind but they can also be too bulky for some folks especially if they like to wear a watch or tuck their glove gauntlet into their sleeve cuffs.

Pockets

Most jackets, like the Rossignol Rallybird Ski Jacket, include two exterior hand pockets with zip closures, which can be low or placed higher for compatibility with a backpack belt or harness for ski mountaineering. Other exterior pockets can include small pouches on the arm or chest, such as for an ID or ski pass.

Deep, wide, higher-placed exterior pockets, like a chest pocket, can be nice for stowing a smartphone or notebook in the backcountry or on the lift, such as in the Halfdays Lawrence Jacket. In contrast, putting heavier or bigger items in the lower-placed hand pockets can sometimes smack against the upper thigh while uphilling, sitting on the ski lift, bending over to reach your ski boots, or making aggressive downhill turns.

Interior pockets often have a zip closure (these can be great for storing a credit card or ID), ports for headphones, or a mesh construction with an elastic band at the top. Deep, wide interior mesh pockets with an elastic closure can be essential for holding backcountry skins (especially in particularly cold and snowy conditions when you need to prevent the glue from freezing between laps) or gloves or goggles, like the interior pockets featured on the Helly Hansen Women’s PowChaser 2.0 Ski Jacket. Occasionally, a zippered pocket is insulated to help extend the battery life of your smartphone.

Examine what you’ll need to carry, the adequate pocket size, and if the pockets are located in the most comfortable place for you.

Sustainability

Choosing sustainable, environmentally friendly outerwear can help support brands putting in the extra work to make sure their manufacturing practices aren’t generating excess waste, pollution, or putting harmful chemicals in close contact with your body.

Eco-centric apparel helps protect wildlife, workers, natural resources, and the beautiful places where we recreate. No longer a huge minority, today’s sustainable designs are generally stout, comfortable, and shield well against the elements.

Toxic Chemicals: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Traditional DWR (durable water repellent) treatments contain various fluorocarbons, which are extremely resilient chemicals that extend a product’s durability and life. Fluorocarbons, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals are toxic and don’t biodegrade. They have become so pervasive in the environment that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirms we all have PFAS in our bloodstream.

These harsh chemicals pollute water, and air, and are carcinogenic for humans, according to The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Fluorocarbons can lead to infertility, reports researchers from the University of Oxford. PFAS harm the environment and wildlife, such as dolphins and porpoises, according to the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

It’s no surprise the European Union banned perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of fluorocarbon, and related compounds, in 2019. Large retailers like REI have also taken a stance, refusing to partner with brands who still use PFAS. And beginning in 2025, California has banned all PFAS in textiles while 36 other states are considering hundreds of additional bills on toxic-related policies. This has dramatically changed the landscape for outdoor brands making waterproof apparel since California is a massive market. 

While some outdoor brands have been working on phasing out PFAS for years, others are now scrambling to hit this goal before the new policy takes place. In particular, zippers continue to pose a problem for many apparel brands since they are typically made by a third party and not in-house with the outdoor brands. There will be a lot of change in this category over the next calendar years as the entire outdoor industry adjusts to the new normal.

Alternatives to PFCs

Pushing the benchmark, the 3-layer Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket is made with 100-percent recycled materials that are PFAS-free including the fabric and membrane — new GORE-TEX ePE — in addition to the DWR face treatment. At this time, pieces of apparel are able to tackle some of those variables but this was the first time all three have been addressed.

Now, the Arc’teryx Sentinel uses a PFAS-free fabric and the Flylow Charlie uses a PFAS-free DWR. The Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell also now boasts a PFAS-free construction.

Helly Hansen created the Lifa Infinity Pro, a waterproof-breathable and wind-resistant textile that nixes the need for a toxic chemical DWR treatment. The brand’s proprietary hydrophobic Lifa fiber, which it’s been using for 50 years, is paired with a polypropylene membrane that has microscopic holes, allowing vapor out yet prevents water from seeping in. The waterproof qualities are permanent.

Recycled Materials

Norrøna, a Norwegian company that makes the Women’s Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Jacket, implements more than 50% recycled synthetic fibers into the jacket.

In 2023, Picture launched the Circular polyester made from upcycled fabric from factory scraps and used jackets (in a 60/40 ratio), to replace the brand’s bio-sourced polyester, because the upcycled textile offers a significant reduction in emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Launching in 2023/2024, 80% of Picture’s winter outerwear is now made with Circular polyester including the Picture Women’s Seen Jacket, which has 100% Circular Polyester in the fabric.

Likewise impressive, the Helly Hansen Women’s PowChaser 2.0 Jacket boasts Ocean Bound recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles, which are collected within a 31-mile radius of coastlines and central waterways that face a high risk of plastic pollution. For the certification process, the brand partners with OceanCycle as a credible global third party.

Another arm of the brand’s Ocean Bound program creates a polyamide using a minimum of 50% repurposed, abandoned fishing equipment: Nearly 10% of marine waste comes from the fishing industry’s ghost gear, reports Helly Hansen. Currently, the polyamide is sourced from buoys, turned into recycled nylon yarns, and utilized in Helly Hansen’s sailing apparel. In the future, snowsports products might incorporate the polyamide, too.

Third-Party Health Certifications

The Picture Women’s Seen Jacket meets the Global Recycled Standard to verify the content of recycled materials, as well as the efficacy of the entire process down the supply chain, as well as the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, meaning the textile was tested and clear of harmful substances. The Global Recycled Standard is provided by NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), a team of global scientists that assess health risk and certify products.

In addition to Oeko-Tex-certified fabric, the Norrona Women’s Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Jacket is also Bluesign-certified. Bluesign examines the manufacturing process from the chemical suppliers to the production site to the brands and retailers. The human and environmental criteria includes chemical application, carbon emission, water and energy consumption, as well as worker health and safety. When a snowsports product carries a Bluesign label, that apparel meets the strictest requirements in the global industry.

Other options are made within a partnership with Fair Wear, a nonprofit that helps brands monitor conditions in their supply chains and adapt management practices to be healthier and safer.

Price & Value

Women’s ski jackets run a wide price range. Depending on how many days you ski each season and your goals, you might want to make more or less of an investment.

Budget

Quite a few options are available that are in the $300 range, and that’s about as much of a steal as we’ve been able to find. Our top budget pick is the Picture Organic Women’s Seen Jacket ($330), which offers plenty of protection against the elements, including insulation and waterproofing, as well as a roomy fit that you can put layers under. The jacket is also very sustainably made, setting an industry benchmark.

A few others in this rung include the Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell ($365), Helly Hansen Women’s PowChaser 2.0 Ski Jacket ($350), or other insulated options like the Halfdays Lawrence ($375).

Mid-Tier

If you spend a bit more time on the slopes, you might consider investing in a higher price point for more specialized and detailed jackets like the lightweight and durable Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket ($449), which is an excellent piece for in-bounds or backcountry days. You’ll see greater waterproofness and breathability at 20K/20K, as well as a more ergonomic fit and supple yet durable fabric. The hood on that jacket is also very articulated and one of our favorites.

This pool includes jackets like the Rab Women’s Khroma Diffuse GORE-TEX Jacket ($525) and Outdoor Research Women’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket ($429), both of which are among the favorites we’ve ever worn. These pieces are all built supremely well and with performance in mind while having an excellent fit. The Rossignol Rallybird is both durable and stylish ($425).

Premium

You’ll pay a premium for jackets with superior features, including the highest level of waterproofing, breathability, durability, packability, excellent pockets, and sustainable manufacturing and materials. This collection is best for dedicated skiers who venture inbounds and into the backcountry, which demands performance in all conditions.

Top-of-the-line options include the Norrona Women’s Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Jacket ($799), Patagonia Women’s Untracked Jacket ($699), and the Arc’teryx Women’s Sentinel Jacket ($750).

Frequently Asked Questions

Ski jackets are a more complex and technical piece of equipment than they appear. They’re built for protection in very cold conditions but also a high level of activity. They have a combination of waterproofing, windproofing,  breathability, and ventilation, as well as warmth, durability, and tailored features like a helmet-compatible hood and ski season pass pocket. Other sport-specific features include powder skirts to seal out snow, pockets built for avalanche transceivers, and RECCO reflectors.

With the best ski jackets, you should be able to wear them all day — on the skin in, on a windy chairlift, a sunny day, or a cloudy day with negative temps — all without changing or removing your jacket. Seemingly small elements, like zipper vents and insulation are really important here. Outerlayers like the Columbia Women’s Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange Jacket are great budget friendly options that will help you hit the slopes with the proper protection.

Somewhere in between. Not so tight that it restricts movement but not so loose that there’s extra space between the jacket and your body (you’ll lose heat and get cold more easily). Plus, extra material can feel bulky while going downhill or wearing a pack.

Especially if you are buying a shell (an uninsulated jacket), you may want to size up to leave room for a base layer and midlayer underneath. Always try on a ski shell with a sweater or fleece (a thicker layer) underneath — essentially, what you’d wear out in the cold.

You can usually tell if a jacket is too big by looking at the shoulder lines (as in, if the shoulders are too loose) and by zipping it up. If a jacket feels too tight, it probably is, and it won’t be comfortable to ski in.

Also, check a brand’s individual size charts for chest and length dimensions given each brand’s product sizes vary.

GORE-TEX is a waterproof, windproof breathable membrane that is part of the fabric. For a long time, GORE-TEX has been the gold standard in waterproofing.

However, there’s now a long list of other high performance, proprietary waterproof membranes out there. Many major brands have their own version of waterproof-breathable fabrics.

Whichever jacket you buy, make sure it’s waterproof. (Jackets have degrees of waterproofing, from 5,000 mm to 10,000 mm to 25,000 mm water column ratings.) Our Colorado-based gear testers, for instance, like to shoot for at least a 10,000-15,000 mm water column rating based on where they live and what kind of snow they experience.

However, the highest level of waterproofing will sacrifice a little on breathability. In mild to medium — not extreme — winter climates, you’ll want a balance between the two.

Also, see what its intended activity and usage are. If a jacket isn’t designed for skiing, and doesn’t have many of the features we listed in this guide, it won’t be the best choice.

Being too cold while skiing is a bummer. While we find that shell jackets provide the highest level of versatility to take us through every day of the ski season no matter the weather, the caveat is that they require a bit of layering finesse to keep you warm on the extra cold days. 

Generally, our preferred technique is to start with a quality wool base layer that fits close skin. On top, we’ll layer an insulated puffy down jacket, and maybe even a down vest, too, if the temperatures are sub-zero. For a moderately cold day, simply adding a fleece zip-up above your long underwear can make for the perfect system.

You’ll have to do a bit of experimenting to find out the level of insulation beneath is best for you. You also may want to consider an insulated ski jacket, like the Halfdays Lawrence Jacket or Picture Women’s Seen Jacket.

The answer to this depends largely on where you live, and what type of skiing you like to do. For backcountry skiing, a jacket with high breathability, like the Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell , enables you to wear the jacket during heavy exertion without trapping too much sweat. This can help prevent you from getting too cold from excess moisture when you transition to head back downhill.

The tradeoff of a super breathable jacket is, inevitably, they are more breathable both ways — meaning they don’t generally provide as robust protection from the wind. If you live in dryer mountains, like in Colorado or New Mexico, prioritizing breathability is likely a good option.

Highly waterproof jackets like the Norrona Women’s Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Jacket will keep you drier and more protected from the elements. Modern jackets with higher waterproof ratings also often maintain decent breathability.

Generally, the more waterproof a jacket, the less flexible and less packable it comes, compromising its utility in the backcountry. If you live in a wet snow climate, like the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, you should look for a high waterproof rating.

More brands are prioritizing sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods. Look for brands that use recycled materials in their production. In the product specifications, the brand will list if the jacket is made from recycled materials, as well as Fair Trade or eco-friendly ingredients. Manufacturers usually spotlight their sustainable methods wherever the gear is advertised. 

Our top sustainable apparel options in this guide come from Patagonia, Picture, Helly Hansen, and Norrona with the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket taking the cake for the most sustainable, eco-friendly, and all-around choice. Almost every jacket in this guide contains a portion of recycled materials, which is an exciting step in the right direction for the outdoor and snowsports industries.