Skiing: it’s one of the very best (if not the best) ways to get outdoors and get moving when the weather turns cold. But if you’re going to go skiing, then you need to have one of the best women’s ski jackets on the market! Here at the Adventure Junkies, we’ve compiled a list of the comfiest, warmest, most versatile, practical, and stylish women’s ski jackets money can buy. Take a look below and get reading on the most important piece of clothing you need to hit the slopes!
For more of our top ski gear recommendations, check out the Best Ski Jackets.
Quick Answer - The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro
- Columbia Alpine Action OH
- Patagonia Snowbelle
- Columbia Lay D Down II
- Outdoor Research Hemispheres
- PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING Apply
- Arc’teryx Beta AR
- Obermeyer Cosima
- Flylow Daphne
- Mountain Hardwear Boundary Line
Comparison Table - Best Women's Ski Jackets
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Length | Weight | Insulation | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro | Hip (28 inches) | 1 lb. 3 oz. | N/A (Shell) | $$$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Columbia Alpine Action OH | Hip (26.5 in.) | 2 lb. 9 oz. | Down | $ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Patagonia Snowbelle | Hip (N/A) | 2 lb. 9 oz. | Synthetic Material | $$ | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Columbia Lay D Down II | Hip (26.5 in.) | 2 lbs. 9 oz. | Down | $$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Outdoor Research Hemispheres | Hip (27 in.) | 1 lb. 2 oz. | N/A (Shell) | $$$ | 4.7 | Read Review |
| PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING Apply | Thigh (N/A) | 2 lb. 10 oz. | Synthetic Material | $ | 4.0 | Read Review |
| Arc’teryx Beta AR | Hip (27 in.) | 13 oz. | N/A (Shell) | $$ | 4.4 | Read Review |
| Obermeyer Cosima | Hip (26 in.) | 2 lbs. 7 oz. | Down | $$ | 4.7 | Read Review |
| Flylow Daphne | Hip (N/A) | 1 lb. 14 oz. | Synthetic Material | $$ | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Mountain Hardwear Boundary Line | Hip (29 in.) | 1 lb. | Synthetic Material | $$$ | 4.4 | Read Review |
| Name | Length | Weight | Insulation | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Women's Jackets for Skiing
Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro
Specs
- Insulation: N/A (Shell)
- Length: Hip (28 inches)
- Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.
- Liner: Nylon
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Gore-Tex
Features
- Updated Outer Layer Is Extra Breathable
- Hand Gaiters Prevent Snow From Entering The Jacket
- Adjustable Wrist and Hem Closures Keep Snow And Cold Air Out
BEST SHELL JACKET
This jacket kicks off our list with a little something different. The Norrona Lofoten is built to finish off a multi-layered ski outfit. It does not contain a thick layer of insulation, which means you’ll need to pile a few layers underneath. But for those who plan to hit the slopes in super cold temps, this shell is wind and waterproof and is guaranteed to be the ultimate cover up.
It scores high in all categories, from warmth to mobility. It also features premium temperature control: the fabric is breathable and the jacket contains pit zips so you can open up and shed extra heat when you’re burning up on the hill. If you’re looking for an all-in-one jacket, keep looking. But if you’re satisfied with your layering system and you need something to hold it all together, this jacket is the ultimate shell and will keep you warm in freezing cold conditions and extreme weather.
Columbia Alpine Action OH
Specs
- Insulation: Down
- Length: Hip (26.5 in.)
- Weight: 2 lb. 9 oz.
- Liner: Taffeta
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Polyester Satin
Features
- Completely Sealed Seams Ensure Waterproofing Does Not Fail
- Hood Is Removable And Adjustable To Work With Hat Or Helmet
- Thermal Reflective Lining Works To Keep You Super Warm
BEST VALUE
Checking out under $200, this jacket is one of the best buys on the market. It features trademarked “Omni-Heat” thermal reflective technology that works to redirect your body heat back towards your body instead of letting it escape the jacket (where it wants to go naturally). This jacket has a big collar and an even bigger removable hood to keep you warm in the windiest of weather. It also has soft wrist gaiters to ensure heat has no way to escape, unless of course you want it to! In that case, the jacket has pit zips so you can release the heat and cool off. You won’t find another jacket this reliable for the low price!
Patagonia Snowbelle
Specs
- Insulation: Synthetic Material
- Length: Hip (N/A)
- Weight: 2 lb. 9 oz.
- Liner: Polyester
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Polyester
Features
- Removable Layers Make For Three Ways To Wear (See Below)
- High Collar For Added Warmth And Protection Around The Neck
- Powder Skirt Is Compatible And Connectable To Any Patagonia Snow Pants
BEST LONG SEASON JACKET
How does three jackets for the price of one sound to you? It sounds pretty good to us, and that’s why we’ve included the Patagonia Snowbelle 3-in-1 Jacket on our list of best women’s ski jackets. This is our pick for Best Long Season Jacket because it can act as a shell, as a lightly insulated jacket, or as a full-on bundled winter coat. This versatility means there is no need to change your outfit as the months roll by – the Snowbelle will be your best friend on the slopes from your early-season runs to your spring skiing days. Though this jacket is slightly more expensive than some of our most budget friendly-options, its versatility means you can get more wear out of it than you would a normal ski jacket.
Columbia Lay D Down II
Specs
- Insulation: Down
- Length: Hip (26.5 in.)
- Weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz.
- Liner: Taffeta
- Ventilation: Core Vents
- Shell: Polyester Satin
Features
- Removable Faux Fur Trim Around Hood Adds Stylish Mountain Flair
- Adjustable Powder Skirt Comfortably Keeps Snow Out
- Oversized Removable And Adjustable Hood Protects Your Face And Neck
BEST STYLISH (BUT STILL TOTALLY PRACTICAL) JACKET
She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s… wearing the Columbia Lay D Down II Jacket! With its removable faux fur hood trim and trendy (yet warm) “puffy-jacket” look, the Lay D Down II is sure to have you looking and feeling great as you make your way all over the mountain.
Not only is it super stylish, it’s super warm, too! This jacket features adjustable wrist cuffs, hand gaiters, a powder skirt (to keep snow out), and a cinch cord around the hem to lock in warmth. It does have a slightly shorter back length than some of the other jackets featured here, so if you have a long torso or prefer a little extra length, you may want to steer your skis in a different direction.
Outdoor Research Hemispheres
Specs
- Insulation: N/A (Shell)
- Length: Hip (27 in.)
- Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
- Liner: Polyester, Nylon, and Elastane
- Ventilation: Core Vents
- Shell: Gore-Tex
Features
- Pockets Galore Mean There Is No Shortage Of Storage!
- Unique Core Vents Allow You To Ditch Excess Heat
- Named For 2018 Apparel Of The Year By Powder Magazine
BEST JACKET FOR MOBILITY
Take a nice, deep breath-because you can with this super breathable and flexible jacket! It features stretch-fabric to twist and move with you, and two side vents. You can completely unzip the vents from the bottom of the jacket to cool way down quickly on warmer ski days and longer, body-burning runs. There is also a slew of big and small pockets on this jacket, so you’ll always have a great place to store your sandwich, water, cell phone, tissues, or whatever else you need out there! This jacket also gets the seal of approval from Powder Magazine – they awarded it Apparel of the Year in 2018!
PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING Apply
Specs
- Insulation: Synthetic Material
- Length: Thigh (N/A)
- Weight: 2 lb. 10 oz.
- Liner: Polyethylene Knitted
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Polyester
Features
- Specially Designed Liner Uses Heat To Wick Moisture Away From The Body
- Sealed Seams Combined With Breathable Fabric Keep You Dry And Comfortable
- Pockets Designed Specially To Hold Hand Warmers And Ski Passes
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY JACKET
If you care about our planet, buy a Picture Jacket! Picture Organic Clothing is focused on producing quality winter apparel with a minimal impact on our environment. We love all of their jackets for that reason, but we especially love the Picture Organic’s Apply because of its unique moisture-wicking liner, waterproof shell, and wide array of pockets.
This jacket has a slightly longer back length than many (if not all) of the other jackets on this list, too. The extra coverage can make all the difference when it comes to staying warm! Not only does the Apply supply warmth, it also has a unique look to make you stand out on the slopes. Amongst so many similar-looking jackets on the mountain, it can be helpful to those in your group when you’re easy to spot from far away. Plus, who doesn’t like to be both sporty and fashionable?
Arc’teryx Beta AR
Specs
- Insulation: N/A (Shell)
- Length: Hip (27 in.)
- Weight: 13 oz.
- Liner: Unavailable
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Gore-Tex
Features
- Hood Features A Brim And Easy Adjustment System
- Internal Pocket For Safe Storage of Important Belongings
- This Lightweight Jacket Is A Great External Addition To A Layered Mountain Outfit
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET
For a lightweight, shell-style winter jacket, the Arc’teryx Beta AR certainly does a mighty job! It is super durable and boasts reinforcing fabric in the shoulder and elbow areas to ensure longevity. Its hood brim is super handy for protection from the elements, and its hem cord allows you to lock out the cold. Because it is lightweight, it’s perfect for layering and packing down in a tight bag. If you don’t want to feel bulky on the slopes, this is a great pick for you!
There is one thing to be wary of with this jacket: its zippers are merely water resistant. This should not be a problem for most days on the slopes, but if you are gung-ho for skiing in the rain, you need to prepare for a bit of moisture to find its way into this one.
Obermeyer Cosima
Specs
- Insulation: Down
- Length: Hip (26 in.)
- Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz.
- Liner: Nylon
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Polyester
Features
- Removable Powder Skirt Keeps Snow Out
- Stretchy Liner Gives You Freedom Of Movement
- Internal Cell Phone Pocket Contains A Protected Headphones Sleeve
BEST MEDIA LOVER’S JACKET
Do you love your music, podcasts, and radio shows as much as we do? Do you want to stay connected on the slopes? Well then, the Hemispheres Jacket from Outdoor Research may be the jacket for you! It features an internal media pocket with easy and protected routing from the pocket right up the collar of the jacket and to your ears, which means you don’t have to give up the tunes just because you’re skiing!
The Obermeyer Cosima is also super warm. It features down insulation (the very best kind!) and soft and stretchy liners to protect you from wind and weather and allow you full freedom of movement.
Flylow Daphne
Specs
- Insulation: Synthetic Material
- Length: Hip (N/A)
- Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz.
- Liner: Polyester
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Polyester
Features
- 5 Pockets Offer Generous Storage Space
- Wrist Gaiters Are Complete With Thumbholes To Keep Sleeves In Place
- Waterproof Zippers Lock Out Snow And Other Moisture
BEST BASIC JACKET
The Flylow Daphne Jacket doesn’t come with a whole lot of bells and whistles, but if you’re looking for something that will simply keep you warm and dry while skiing and has a good amount of pockets for storing your small must-haves, it works great! This jacket has a stretchy shell for wide range of motion. Its special Flylow insulation is designed for ultimate warmth. Its water-repellent finish will keep you dry in snowy weather. Its hood, powder skirt, and wrist cuffs are designed to keep snow out. And it has vents so you can release the heat when you get too warm. As far as a basic jacket goes, this is a high-quality pick!
Mountain Hardwear Boundary Line
Specs
- Insulation: Synthetic Material
- Length: Hip (29 in.)
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Liner: Polyester
- Ventilation: Pit Zips
- Shell: Gore-Tex
Features
- Looser Fit Is Designed For Layering
- Extra Long Pit Zips Means You Can Shed Extra Heat Fast
- Ski Pass Pocket Is Located On Arm For Easy Lift Access
BEST HEAVY DUTY JACKET
The Mountain Hardwear Boundary Jacket is the real deal. If you’re looking for something that’s heavy duty, this jacket is calling your name. Its extra long back is designed for an oversized feel, and so is its large collar/hood combo and its massive side pockets. Plus, this big fit is perfect for layering, so you can keep wearing all of your favorite winter shirts and fleeces. Go big or go home, as they say!
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A WOMEN’S SKI JACKET
There is one important thing you need to know before you make your decision about which jacket to buy, which is that ski jackets come ready to serve a few different purposes. Most ski jackets are made to be fairly self-sufficient, meaning they provide ample insulation on their own and require just a layer or two underneath.
Other ski jackets, though, are fit to serve as the outer layer to an already very warm and separate layering system. These jackets are known as shells. You’ll know which jackets on the list above are shells because the insulation spec will read “N/A.” Shells serve as the final wind and waterproof layer to seal in all the warmth. They are not necessarily better or worse than a fully insulated jacket. Shell versus full insulation is merely a matter of personal preference. Check out this article from REI Expert Advice for more information on layering and to help you decide if a shell or insulated ski jacket would better suit you. Happy Trails!
COST
Women’s ski jackets come in a variety of price points. While an expensive jacket often indicates high quality insulation and therefore guaranteed warmth, you do not need to spend a fortune to get a good jacket! After just a bit of time browsing this list, you should be able to find a jacket that suits your cold-weather needs, and your budget. We’ve even indicated the relative price level for each jacket, as well as our best value pick.
LENGTH
Length is a matter of personal preference when it comes to a jacket. Longer jackets often provide extra warmth, but some folks find the extra length bothersome while skiing. In this article, we’ve listed exact back length where available, and approximate length where exact length was not available.
INSULATION
Insulation is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a women’s ski jacket! Check out this article for more information on different types of insulation and choosing insulated clothing in general.
WATERPROOFING AND WINDPROOFING
All of the best women’s ski jackets are wind and waterproof, which means every jacket on this list is! Be sure that the women’s ski jacket you choose is water and wind resistant at a bare minimum.
WEIGHT
Heavier women’s ski jackets tend to provide greater warmth, but may sacrifice some mobility.
MATERIALS
Most women’s ski jackets have a few different layers: the liner, insulation, and outer shell. Each layer can be made up of a variety of materials. Be sure to read up on the specific materials used. Look for something that is flexible and breathable, waterproof, and warm.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
HAND/WRIST GAITERS
Short sleeves on the innermost part of the jacket that hug the wrist and often have thumb holes to keep them in place. The main purpose of gaiters is to lock out snow and cold air.
GORE-TEX
A synthetic fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. Invented in the 1960’s, Gore-Tex is now widely used for shell material.
SEALED SEAMS
Seams that have been treated to protect against both cold air and moisture leakage.
POWDER SKIRT
Most often closed with a snap, powder skirts line the bottom inner part of the ski jacket and hug the hips to keep snow and air out.
READ MORE
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