But on easy resort days coast to coast, this is all the jacket that most weekend warriors need. Like Flylow above, Trew Gears jackets look best in their tri-color layouts, although the Astoria is available in a range of both solid and multi-colored options. For those who havent been introduced, Trew Gear is an Oregon-based company that excels in the mid-range and high end of the resort and backcountry markets. Active resort and backcountry skiers often choose a 3-layer build for its improved range of motion, comfort, and lighter weight. By our definition, these jackets are not insulated, so youll want to pair them with a midlayer and/or baselayer for warmth (for more, check out our tips on How to Layer for Backcountry Skiing). In the end, we prefer the versatility of separating our shell and midlayer, with the main downside being the need to make a decision on two jackets rather than one. All told, if you stick to the resort, either a 2- or 3-layer build can do the trick, but we recommend a 3-layer option for the ski touring crowd. Best for: BackcountryType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L DynashellWhat we like: Excellent breathability and stretchiness.What we don't: Not completely waterproof. Finally, for the most serious winter conditions, it's hard to beat a high-end hardshell with thick face fabric and premium tech. Shell (Non-Insulated) Jackets Stepping up to a 3-layer design usually means a price tag north of $400. Below we break down the best women's ski jackets for the 2022 season. For resort skiers, the weight of your ski jacket isnt usually a deciding factor. Outdoor Research touts the Carbide as a do-all jacket for both the front- and backcountry, but we hesitate to recommend it as a dedicated resort design. In addition, they feature a long cut with a drop-tail hem for protection from frozen chairlift seats. Read more about us. In addition, REI incorporated cheaper fabric flaps over the zippers for waterproof protection, which lack the high-end feel you get from coated zippers. Perfect for wintery days on the slopes, you get a good deal of warmth with a fleece zip-out jacket and Columbias signature (and somewhat polarizing) Omni-Heat reflective lining. Patagonias Snowbelle is a true looker of a jacket and has the performance specs to back it up. Ski jackets can be broken into three main categories: shell, insulated, and 3-in-1. 2 oz.) Most modern ski jackets feature a built-in RECCO reflector, a passive unit that doesnt require batteries and can be picked up by RECCO detectors often carried by resort search and rescue. Combining a 80-denier face fabric with a 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, you get a hardwearing and bomber shell, and the soft flannel backer adds a little extra protection for frigid chairlift rides. These jackets give you the flexibility to add a midlayer if the mercury really drops without overheating when the sun comes out and temperatures rise midday. Bargain designs will keep you dry in cold conditions when precipitation falls as snow, but theyll be the first to soak through in rain and slush. In-house fabric technologies often fall short, but Outdoor Researchs AscentShell is an exception. Regardless of the type of insulation, keep in mind that these jackets are inherently heftier, less breathable, and offer less range of motion than shells, which isnt a big issue for inbounds use but can be a deal-breaker for most backcountry skiers. In this category, be sure to also check out Arc'teryx's new touring-ready Shashka Stretch, which utilizes a 4-way stretch softshell backed by Gore's windproof Infinium membrane.See the Dynafit Beast Hybrid. Merino is more expensive but excels in temperature regulation and odor prevention. But its hard to beat the added warmth for cold chairlift rides, and the Alphelia comes with some nice touches, including a snap-out powder skirt, RECCO reflector, and Helly Hansens Life Pocket, which uses an additional layer of insulation to keep your electronics warm. and do-everything nature, but Norrnas backcountry offerings are well worth a look for committed riders.See the Norrna Tamok Gore-Tex Pro. Built for resort skiers and snowboarders alike, the Fern has a proven 2-layer Gore-Tex laminate along with a PFC-free durable water repellent finish for shedding wet snow, and the Ferns Low Loft insulation adds a nice dose of warmth without too much bulk. But the SnowDrifter still is their most well-rounded and versatile jacket for uphill enthusiasts, earning it our top backcountry pick for 2022Read in-depth reviewSee the Patagonia SnowDrifter. Generally, a jacket's weight will also correlate with its packed size, which is an important consideration for backcountry skiers as well. For long tours in mild conditions, a softshell jacket is more breathable and has better stretchiness than a traditional hardshell. Baselayers and their next-to-skin warmth are also important in keeping you toasty and dry. Top it off with a powder skirt, hand gaiters, and water-resistant zippers, and the Volcom is a solidand decidedly fashionableoption for inbounds riders. Insulated jackets are ideal for inbounds skiing in deep winter, while 3-in-1 jackets are a good choice for budget-seekers and those just building their kit. The light fleece backer is a nice touch, but youll get a lot more warmth with an insulated piece like the Helly Hansen Alphelia or Patagonia Insulated Snowbelle below (Arcteryx also offers the Coreloft-insulated Sentinel IS). Some designs even feature pit zips that extend all the way to the hem (we saw this in the now-discontinued OR Skyward II), which offer standout ventilation but aren't particularly practical. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex ProWhat we like: Premium all-around performance.What we dont: Crinkly and stiff; overkill for most backcountry and resort skiers. Second, it does not feature pit zips, and with heavy insulation, it can really build heat during mild days on the slopes. The Tuscany II, however, has stood the test of time and remains a nice choice for casual resort skiers. The best womens ski jacket combines technical performance with a fun styling and a classy fit, and year after year, no one nails the equation better than Arcteryx. In addition, 3-layer jackets breathe reasonably well, and high-end Gore-Tex-equipped models are market leaders in protection in the harshest conditions. It's nearly impossible to keep snow completely out should you ski through some really deep powder or take a serious tumble, but a powder skirt nevertheless is a great extra line of defense. Ski jackets are expensive and theres no denying that the Alphelia is an investment, but its still a good value for what you get. Obermeyer used to be synonymous with ski jackets, but with street style being the new norm on the slopes, their more traditional offerings have grown long in the tooth. If you spend more time in the backcountry than at the resort, its worth taking a look at Arc'teryx's Sentinel LT, which sheds a little weight with a soft C-Knit liner and features a slightly longer yet trimmer cut. For one, the jackets HydroBlock Sport laminate lacks the quality of membranes like Gore-Tex and will wet out in sustained moisture. For ski touring, mountaineering, or even sidecountry exploration, a non-insulated and lightweight design takes precedence. But for those particularly nasty days either in and out of bounds, its a nice feature to have to seal up the area between your helmet and collar and hunker down for those blustery lift rides. Insulation is optional for resort-goers but especially nice for chilly lift rides in cold areas like the Northeast and Colorado. For most resort skiers, breathability is not the first consideration when looking for a jacket. And when the mercury rises, simply remove the fleece and don the shell over a light baselayer. Most hoods go unused for downhill skiinga helmet is a fine source of protection and insulation. Popular outdoor retailer Backcountry has entered the apparel world with a surprisingly complete line of outerwear, insulation, and more. A properly adjusted hood should not interfere with your field of vision as a good safety measure. The Hybrid in the name relates to its two fabric types: a waterproof 3-layer shell covers the upper body, arms, and hood, while a thinner 2-layer softshell around the lower body lets out hot air and provides excellent mobility. Specifically, a shell built for inbounds use should be durable, wind- and waterproof, and have a fit that can accommodate layers of varying sizes underneath. Its outfitted with Gores top-of-the-line Pro construction, which is hard to beat in terms of both breathability and weatherproofing, and in our experience offers a tangible defense against the elements. Compared to a standard hardshell jacket, its noticeably less rigid and restrictive, which is great news for the demands of uphill travel. But for a purpose-built budget piece that ticks the right boxes for season-long use, the Powderbound is well worth checking out.See the REI Co-op Powderbound. For this reason, we dont recommend it for backcountry use (its also a hefty 1 lb. All that said, 3-in-1 jackets do add bulk and weight with the extra zippers, and integrating the shell and insulating layer negatively impacts range of motion. Added up, the Sentinel AR is a well-balanced jacket that excels in most conditions and looks good doing it. They accomplish this via waterproof laminates and DWR (durable water repellent) coatings, which help shed wet snow to keep moisture from sitting on your jacket and wetting through the outer fabric. That Napoleon pocket is great for stashing smaller items like a phone, camera, or wallet, where your body heat can help keep everything functioning properly (the Life Pocket on the Helly Hansen Alphelia is specifically insulated to limit battery drain on your electronics). For comparisons sake, lets take a look at how the Fern holds up to Helly Hansen's Alphelia above. Best for: BackcountryType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L AscentShellWhat we like: Great value; AscentShell is stretchy and breathable yet still fully waterproof.What we dont: Lacks some ski-specific features. One exception is a backcountry-specific softshell, which does not use a laminate and will eventually let in moisture (for this reason, the Dynafit Beast Hybrid above patterns its softshell fabric with 3L hardshell in areas most prone to moisture). Its when you start hiking or venturing off-trail that a lighter jacket starts to make a lot of sense. Best for: ResortType: Insulated (150g & 40g Thermore Classic)Waterproofing: 2L HydroBlock SportWhat we like: Womens-specific fit and that classic resort style.What we dont: Not particularly waterproof and middling breathability. But as expected at this price point, the Powderbound isnt meant to be pushed too hard. That said, before opting for the One-Piece, its worth considering the downsides to the design, including limited versatility for aprs use and tedious bathroom breaks (the Incendia does include a quick-release at the thighs, which is a nice touch). The SnowDrifter remains our category favorite with a slightly better design, but the Flylow nevertheless hits a really nice middle ground of comfort and performance for mixed resort and backcountry use. Resort designs like Helly Hansens Alphelia have a roomy shape to accommodate a range of base- and midlayers underneath. When shopping for a ski jacket, make sure to get a hood that is large enough to fit over your ski helmetmost will do the trick, but it never hurts to try before buying. Its large enough to not feel restrictive when wearing a midweight down jacket but has excellent mobility for hiking and occasional uphill travel. The downside to this construction is that the Backcountry is among the stiffest and least comfortable jackets on our list, and considerably less supple and mobile than the 80-denier Arc'teryx Sentinel AR. Jacket-to-Pant Attachment Systems Every year, millions of skiers flock to the slopes to bask in the epic mountain terrain, abundant snowfall, and claimed 300+ days of sunshine (we havent counted, but that seems Patagonia offers a jacket for just about every type of skier and terrain, from insulated, resort-ready designs to lightweight hardshells built for the backcountry. Its not the most versatile option for resort usewed recommend a more durable and protective jacket for lift-served daysbut the Skytour is purpose-built to keep you cool and comfortable outside the ropes. To be sure, you can get away with the Tuscany in colder climates like Colorado and the Northeast, but we don't recommend it for the Pacific Northwest. A new entry last winter, the Flylow Gear Lucy Jacket combines the best attributes of softshell and hardshell designs into a well-rounded package. This balanced design excels for springtime use and in areas like the Rocky Mountains that see a lot of dry powder throughout the season. In general, the fit of a ski jacket corresponds with its intended use. TNF ThermoBall Snow Triclimate isn't excessively heavy for the typical ski day). The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate, The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate ($360), See the TNF ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate, Columbia Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange ($180), See the Columbia Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange, Back to Our Women's Ski Jacket Comparison Table. At the top of the food chain is a burly Gore-Tex Pro shell like the Norrna Tamok, which is an impressive performer in brutal wind and snowfall and will keep you protected even on multi-day expeditions. Best for: ResortType: Insulated (LifaLoft)Waterproofing: 2L Helly TechWhat we like: Stretchy shell fabric, high-quality and stylish design, and cozy feel.What we dont: Pricey for a 2-layer jacket and can be too warm for active use. But one pieces have been on the slopes for as long as folks have been surfing pow on two planks, and the Incendia is one of the most modern and high-performance offerings yet.See the Arc'teryx Incendia One-Piece. Weve tested this waterproof membrane on a number of jackets at this point, including the Skytours predecessor (the Skyward II), which performed flawlessly throughout a full season of backcountry use. And if youre a beginner or occasional skier looking to save some cash, check out the REI Powderbound below.See the Helly Hansen Alphelia LifaLoft. RECCO ), includes a tall collar and helmet-friendly hood, and does it all in a fresh, freeride style. On the other hand, skiers who like to earn their turns will place a premium on a well-ventilated jacket. While you can absolutely work up a sweat on your way down the mountain, its easy to dump heat with pit zips or by dropping a layer at the car midday. We also were a little disappointed by the organization: the jacket lacks an internal dump pocket for stashing goggles or climbing skins, and the chest pockets were too small to fit a large phone (in our case, an iPhone 11 Pro Max). As expected from the Seattle-based brand, this insulated shell is high on value: for $199, you get proprietary 2-layer Peak waterproofing, a moderate amount of synthetic insulation along with a quilted liner, and valuable features like a powder skirt, pit zips, and plenty of well-distributed pockets. Taking our top resort spot, Helly Hansen's Alphelia is an extremely comfortable and capable piece built to keep you warm and dry on the stormiest of days. We also see more liberties taken with both fit and style in the resort market: with less of a need to keep weight low, modern resort jackets often feature long hemlines (indicated by the center back length), roomy fits, and trendy, modern styling. Their Tamok Gore-Tex Pro Jacket is case in point: this beautifully crafted shell is built for deep days with Gores top-of-the-line laminate and an extended back length (32 in. Ski jackets often are designed for a specific purposeresort, backcountry, or bothso weve included a best for listing in our specifications and table. Our main hesitation is the 40-denier shell, which lacks the toughness required for day-long exposure and the rigors of inbounds use (for comparison, the Incendia below uses a burly 100D face fabric). 12 oz. And if youre willing to compromise on some wind and water resistance (we often do on bluebird spring days), softshell jackets or hybrids like the Dynafit Beast Hybrid are the all-around leaders, as they omit the waterproofing layer. Versatility is unparalleled, and, unlike insulated models, you can leave behind the warming layer simply by unzipping it. Best for: ResortType: Insulated (80 & 60g polyester)Waterproofing: 2L PeakWhat we like: An affordable jacket with impressive warmth and ski-specific features.What we dont: Limited color options; 2L construction offers middling weather protection and breathability. Similar to the Norrna Tamok above, this is the jacket you want to be wearing when Mother Nature is on the loose. All that said, weve found that the Columbias basic shell and lining do impact breathability, and a lack of pit zips means the Bugaboo can run hot. Organization-wise, there are a grand total of seven pocketsfive along the exterior and two insidethat make it easy to distribute gear and snacks, and Backcountry nailed the basics with easy adjustments at the hood, cuffs, and hem, as well as soft hand gaiters for an extra dose of comfort. While the in-house H2No waterproof membrane doesnt knock it out of the park in terms of breathability, this shouldnt be a primary concern for most resort skiers, and you do get underarm vents to dump heat on warm spring days. Finally, reflecting Patagonia's strong environmental push, the face fabric incorporates 100-percent-recycled nylon without any impact on performance. With an outer shell and zip-in insulated layer, 3-in-1 jackets are extremely popular for casual skiers. Their current collection covers everything from backcountry-specific shells to insulated resort pieces, and the Recon is our current favorite of the bunch. Additionally, we find internal dump pockets almost indispensable for days on the slopes. Pockets Similar to the SnowDrifter above, the emphasis on comfort and stretch does impact the Flylows bombproof feel. Choosing the right model depends largely on your skiing style and budget. Like the powder skirt, jacket-to-pant attachment systems are all about maximizing protection and warmth. For technical performance with polished street style, we really like the Volcom Fern Insulated Pullover. If youre putting together your kit from scratch or looking to save some money, a 3-in-1 jacket can be a really nice option. Theyre snug enough to move with you comfortably on the skin track but have just enough space to accommodate a puffy for transitioning and on the descent. The Tamoks combination of style and performance makes it a great pick for those double-dipping both in and out of bounds, but serious backcountry-goers might want to take a look at Norrnas classic Lofoten. We also think Flylow nailed the styling of the Lucyparticularly in the tri-color patternsand all of the materials impressed us from a quality standpoint. Its a nice safety measure for resort-goers who occasionally venture off-trail, but sidecountry and backcountry skiers should always go prepared with a complete avalanche rescue toolkit (including a beacon, shovel, probe, and the proper training and knowledge). Arcteryx threw out their design blueprints and started from scratch with the Incendia One-Piece. The SnowDrifter slots in as their affordable Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma,Washington. An all-rounder that excels both inside and outside of the ropes, the jacket combines Black Diamonds proprietary 3-layer BD.dry membrane with a four-way stretch shell, translating to full-on weather protection with little compromise in the way of comfort and mobility. But Patagonia did keep weight low at an impressive 1 pound 2.4 ounces, and the jacket packs up relatively small, which is great for stuffing in your pack on the skin track. It doesnt get much better for an all-rounder, but the Sentinel AR does come up short for particularly cold conditions or dedicated backcountry use. And to top it off, the Skytour is lighter than ever, dropping 2 ounces off the Skyward yet retaining a functional feature set, including plenty of interior and exterior pockets, pit zips, and a hood that adjusts to fit both climbing and ski helmets. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: Stretchy construction offers mobility and comfort for ski touring.What we dont: Youll get better weather protection with a rigid hardshell. Its worth noting that some manufacturers do not provide this specification, but you can make some safe assumptions based on intended use: expect a thicker build with a resort shell and a bit less durability for active and touring designs. We often have long-term concerns about brand-new products, but the Cottonwoods puts those mostly at ease with its combination of very durable materials and a proven Gore-Tex build. When a storm rolls in, the 3-layer waterproof build does a good job blocking wind and snow, and the extended collar covers all but your nose when zipped up. Its worth noting that in nearly all cases, youll need to purchase a ski pant from the same brand for the system to work and integrate properly. But its completely serviceable for the resort and delivers a great mix of warmth, weather protection, and durability for half the price. For a warm, stylish, and versatile design, its no secret why the Tuscany II remains popular year after year.See the Obermeyer Tuscany II. The essential duties of a resort jacket are to keep you warm and protected from moisture and wind and provide enough storage for the basics.