It’s that moment again – or maybe it’s the first time you’re experiencing it: buying a women’s ski jacket. Has the ski season started yet?
I am hard to satisfy when it comes to gear and clothing, but I know what I want, so it’s easier to follow those elements and pick a product that ticks all the boxes.
Other women are different; maybe some wish to try the jacket on or go for a specific color. The snow skirt may not be important to a woman, but it is the most important for another woman.
What about waterproofness, breathability, and ventilation? That ski pass pocket or those extra-long sleeves with adjustable cuffs? We’ve got a lot of things to go through, apart from size. That includes an adjustable hood, too.
Does it always come down to the price? It shouldn’t. In my opinion, it’s all about quality. Remember that Norwegian saying — ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!’?
Product
Details
Friendly Ski Jacket
Arc’teryx Sentinel AR JACKET
- Length:Hip-length
- Material:GORE-TEX, Nylon
Best Performance
Arc’teryx Incendia
- Length: Thigh-length
- Material: GORE-TEX, Nylon
Premium Choice
Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket
- Length:Hip-length
- Material:GORE-TEX, Nylon
Lightweight Ski Jacket
Norrona Lofoten gore-tex jacket
- Length:Hip-length
- Material:GORE-TEX, Nylon
Most Versatile Option
Flylow Lucy Jacket – Women’s
- Length: Hip-length
- Material: Polyester
Stylish Ski Jacket
Flylow Billie Coat
- LENGTH:HIP-LENGTH
- MATERIAL:POLYESTER
Most Breathable
Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket
- Length: Hip-length
- Material: Elastane, Nylon
Best Backcountry ski jacket
Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 Jacket
- Length:Hip-length
- Material:Polyamide, Polyester
Basic ski jacket
Columbia Women Mount Bindo Jacket
- Length:Hip-length
- Material:Polyester, Recycled Polyester
Affordable ski jacket
Armada Castine Anorak Jacket
- Length:Hip-length
- Material:Polyester, Recycled Polyester
Best Women’s Ski Jackets – Top 10 Picks
There are many jackets out there: some are adequate for snowboarding and split-boarding, too, but in this article, we’ll look at ski-specific jackets.
All the above elements (and more!) should be considered before buying the best women’s ski jacket. Here are the mini-reviews for some of the best ski jackets in the market.
1. Arc’teryx Sentinel AR JACKET
The GORE-TEX 3L membrane will keep you dry and comfy on the slopes, with a 28000 mm waterproof rating and a 20000 g breathability.
It isn’t an insulated jacket, but it is fully taped, which will also contribute to your good spirit on the slopes, with the waterproofness of the jacket, and its breathability. The WaterTight™ pit zippers will also keep you from hyperventilating on more challenging ski days.
If pow days are ahead, you need not worry. There are large cuffs that fit over ski gloves, and the jacket comes equipped with a snow skirt with a stretch panel and gripper elastic.
The ski helmet-compatible StormHood™ is designed for complete weather protection during cold days.
The jacket is a regular fit and has many pockets. There are two hand pockets with zippers, an inside pocket with a zip, an inside mesh pocket, and a sleeve pocket with a zip (perfect for your pass!). What’s missing? A chest pocket!
Downsides? It seems unsuitable for short girls – the sizing is weird. Plus, the color selection isn’t that great.
High price tag aside, you will wear this jacket for many seasons, and it is great as a regular jacket, too!
Arc’teryx Sentinel AR JACKET
The price of “Arc’teryx Sentinel AR JACKET” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Arc’teryx Incendia Jacket
Looking for a good ski jacket while you head out for the mountains? Well, look no further! With the Arc’teryx Incendia Ski jacket, best suited for resort skiers, you can not go wrong.
With excellent performance and 100D 3 Layer Gore-Tex, this jacket will provide weather resistance and breathability unlike any other. It is bound to keep you dry and warm against the harshest weather.
It is not an insulated jacket; however, the waterproof hard shell and taped zippers, a high collar, helmet-compatible hood, and ventilation features like large pit zips and powder skirt attached by stretch mesh offer enough insulation against strong winds.
The shell has an oversized, relaxed fit, allowing room for another layer underneath when those degrees drop. Although large, the jacket doesn’t lose the feminine touch. It is compatible with all Arc’teryx pants.
The pockets on this jacket are appropriately located so as not to interfere with the hip strap of a harness or a backpack. It has a pocket for the pass, two internal mesh dump pockets, a mesh zip pocket, and two chest zip pockets on the outside.
The downside to this shell is the high cost that is common with most Arc’teryx products. But the durability and performance it provides make the price worth it.
You can also check out ski jackets for kids to help your little one stay safe and warm.
Arc’teryx Incendia Jacket
The price of “Arc’teryx Incendia Jacket” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket
The GORE-TEX membrane of the jacket provides a waterproof rating of 28000 mm and breathability of 20000 g. A good start for a day of resort riding or backcountry skiing!
It isn’t an insulated jacket, but it is fully taped, adding comfort and warmth to your rides. Moreover, there are pit zips to balance your body temperature if more effort is needed on a specific day. The hood is helmet-compatible.
There are four pockets— a secure media pocket, an inside zippered pocket, a forearm pocket (your ski pass could go there), and an inside drop-in pocket.
The jacket is a regular fit and has a snow skirt and snow cuffs, which are especially good on powder days. The powder skirt is adjustable, and the jacket connects to all Patagonia ski pants.
On the downside, the sleeves are too long; it seems like it could be a men’s jacket, not a women’s ski jacket. Will the more petite ladies enjoy it?
To me, owning a Patagonia jacket is a great investment, as it is a very versatile jacket. I would dare to ride anywhere, in all conditions, wearing it.
Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket
The price of “Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Norrona Lofoten gore-tex jacket
Who doesn’t like a light jacket? This one’s a regular fit. Norrøna’s lightest and most breathable freeride shell is optimal for backcountry skiers!
Thanks to the 3L Gore-Tex fabric (waterproof rating 28000 mm, breathability 20000 g), underarm ventilation, and fully-taped seams, it is a very technical non-insulated jacket.
Add to all these a removable snow skirt and asymmetric snow cuffs to keep powder outside and a helmet-compatible hood to keep warmth inside, and you’ll be sold.
It is a regular fit. You can carry women’s ski goggles or sunglasses in an inside pocket. You’ll find one much-needed chest pocket, a keycard, and a radio pocket on the overarm.
Would you buy it? There are things to ponder, like the price and the 5-year (only) warranty, but the scales will ultimately tilt in the jacket’s favor.
Norrona Lofoten gore-tex jacket
The price of “Norrona Lofoten gore-tex jacket” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Flylow Lucy Jacket – Women’s
The versatile Flylow Lucy jacket combines the softness and stretchability of a soft shell with the durability of a hard shell. Who wouldn’t want that?
Made of a 3-layer Stormshell Intuitive fabric, the jacket doesn’t provide the waterproofness of the Gore-Tex but works well against little precipitation, keeping you dry. The DWR coating, waterproof zippers, and sealed seams add to this ability.
Wanna know just how versatile it is? This shell comes with a detachable powder skirt to keep snow out, Velcro cuffs, an adjustable hem, hood compatibility with ski helmets, and a collar high enough to reach your nose and protect your face on windy days.
It is lighter and thus more breathable. The large pit zips add more to the breathability of this shell. The jacket falls below the hip, keeping the snow out and not riding up when you bend.
Having a regular fit, the jacket provides enough dexterity and allows you room for movements like removing skins, adjusting bindings, etc. Great news for backcountry goers!
For fashion-conscious people, this is one of the most stylish jackets you can get your hands on. When done skiing, you can take it out for a spin around town, and would look just as good. Fleece-lined hand pockets and chin area are just the icings on the top!
Talking about pockets which are a must with ski shells, Flylow Lucy has two large hand pockets, a pass pocket on the left forearm, a mesh chest, and one internal mesh pocket.
The pockets are not large enough to even hold your smartphone and I would’ve liked a more trimmed and sleek fit.
Flylow Lucy Jacket – Women’s
The price of “Flylow Lucy Jacket” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Flylow Billie Coat
Style comes with a higher price tag (aah! the colors! sigh). The waterproof rating of the jacket – 20000 mm – and its breathability – 20000 g – recommend it for long days of riding, mainly because it is fully taped.
We are dealing with OmniBloq DWR, a coating that keeps your gear drier three times longer than the industry-standard DWR, requiring less frequent reapplications.
It isn’t insulated, but it has a removable snow skirt – which allows you to use this great ski jacket while riding a bike or hiking and keeps snow away from your skin if you happen to fall – and no-bulk cuffs – which don’t let snow enter your sleeves.
Another aspect that keeps you warm during your chairlift rides? The helmet-compatible hood. The underarm vents also help to keep you dry throughout the day.
This regular-fit jacket is a joy for all those who love pockets! Why? Because there are plenty: two hand pockets, one chest pocket, one pass pocket on the lower sleeve, and three inside pockets.
Can anything go wrong with this jacket? There is inconsistent sizing; apparently, the sizes have decreased compared to older models.
Is it time to see if the jacket really fits you?
Flylow Billie Coat
The price of “Flylow Billie Coat” varies, so check the latest price at
7. Outdoor Research Skytour Ascent Shell Jacket
Suitable for Backcountry skiers and those who spend long hours hiking, this three-layered hard shell jacket is one of the most breathable shells you will ever find!
This jacket has a waterproof shell that works almost as well as the Gore-Tex. The fully sealed seams, waterproof front, and hand pocket zippers add to the shell’s water-resistant capacity.
It also comes with a hood that doesn’t fully cover the helmet. Unlike other hard shell jackets, this is slightly stretchable and soft, and the inner fabric feels gentle against the skin.
Additional features offer more storage with many pockets. It has two outer chest pockets, two hand pockets, a pass pocket on the left arm, one mesh stash pocket, and a zippered chest pocket on the inside.
But even with these versatile options, the jacket has a lightweight construction.
This Outdoor Research jacket is an extremely breathable shell. But more breathability means less warmth. As it is not an insulated shell, it is more suitable for dry weather or skiing in the resort and backcountry in good climates.
This affordable jacket comes at a great price compared to other three-layered shells, making it pocket-friendly and helping you save a few bucks.
However, when it’s snowing outside, I recommend you go for Gore-Tex shells or wear an insulated mid-layer underneath for more protection. This jacket could also do more in terms of style, but as it depends on personal preferences, I will let you judge it.
Outdoor Research Skytour
The price of “Outdoor Research Skytour” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 Jacket
A regular fit, designed to get you ready for backcountry skiing, this jacket is practically fully waterproof, at a 36000 mm waterproof rating. It is fully taped and has synthetic insulation.
More features that support off-piste adventures? The snow skirt, the underarm ventilation zippers, and a hood compatible with the women’s ski helmet.
What about pockets? There is one pass pocket for resort skiing, dual hand-warming pockets, and internal pockets for goggles and media.
One of the best features of the jacket? The Life Pocket technology will stay three times warmer than a regular pocket, which is fantastic for backcountry skiers!
It may have issues with the zippers, the sleeves may be too long, and the jacket may get dirty fast, but I’m sold on the pocket that extends the battery life of your electronics.
Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 Jacket
The price of “Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 Jacket” varies, so check the latest price at
9. Columbia Women Mount Bindo Jacket
This jacket is quite basic and suited for riders who love simple things. Omni-Tech™ makes it waterproof and breathable.
Further contributing to good venting and an overall good experience on the slopes, it comes with underarm ventilation. The snow skirt with grippers and the adjustable sleeve cuffs keep snow away and the rider dry.
The ‘critically taped’ aspect is tricky because you’d expect to get a fully-taped jacket, thus complete protection on a day on the slopes, for the price you pay.
The jacket is an Active Fit and has a hood with helmet compatibility. It is also an insulated ski jacket.
The pockets also recommend it for sporty rides – it has a pass pocket, a goggle pocket, and a media pocket, plus large front chest pockets.
However, some riders claim that this jacket has some weird sizes. It seems too small for some women who regularly wear a specific size and too large for others. Moreover, it doesn’t seem to keep riders as warm as advertised.
Will you research more or trust your gut and buy it?
Columbia Women Mount Bindo Jacket
The price of ” Columbia Women Mount Bindo Jacket” varies, so check the latest price at
10. Armada Castine Anorak Jacket
The first aspect you’ll notice about this jacket is that it’s affordable and… different. It looks like a quarter-zip pullover and keeps in the body heat thanks to its 60 grams of synthetic insulation.
The face fabric is, of course, DWR treated, and it has, overall, a waterproof rating of 10000 mm and breathability of 10000 g. (It’s the lower limit, but it’s enough to keep you warm and dry.)
We are dealing with a fully-taped jacket, which keeps water and snow outside but helps remove perspiration, too. The pit vents also contribute to this end.
It is a standard fit and has an adjustable snow skirt and cuffs, which prevent snow from building up around your waist and wrists.
It has plenty of pockets – an interior mesh pocket and an external-access music pocket with a headphone port, and then there are microfleece hand warmer pockets. Media and functionality-wise, they are perfect!
Even the colors in which this jacket comes are very attractive – and there is also a helmet-compatible hood. In my view, there are very few downsides. The only one I can think of is that the jacket is more suited for those looking for freeride snowboard jackets than skiing jackets. Will you hold this against it?
Armada Castine Anorak Jacket
The price of “Armada Castine Anorak Jacket” varies, so check the latest price at
What’s the Difference Between a Ski Jacket and a Normal Jacket?
A ski jacket and a normal winter jacket differ in the purpose that they are used for.
Where Ski jackets are mainly needed for days on the slopes, a regular jacket is used for daily casual wear. Skiing requires lots of movement, and a ski jacket is more flexible to allow that.
Since snow is a given during skiing, a ski jacket must also be weather and waterproof besides being warm. But winter jackets mainly focus on keeping the user warm and may not always be completely waterproof.
Skiing requires high activity levels; therefore, skiing jackets need to provide breathability and ventilation, while everyday jackets focus more on insulation.
Due to heavy insulation, winter jackets are bulkier and heavier, while ski jackets are lightweight. Skiing jackets also have other features suited for skiing, like pass pockets and pockets for storage.
Talking about style, normal jackets come in many different lengths and patterns, while ski jackets are more practical and offer less variation
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Women’s Ski Jacket?
Micro-adventures, I’ve read, are at risk because most of us work too much and have no time left to enjoy nature or the sport that we love.
If we look at things from this perspective, it is worth investing in quality gear that is going to keep you protected even in the most extreme conditions and help you complete your snow day.
I hope the following ski-specific features will be helpful and considered when purchasing the jacket of your dreams. In the end, it also depends on your skiing style.
P.S. You will probably wear/choose an outer jacket, called a ‘shell,’ while wearing an insulating layer, which can be a merino blouse or a fleece jacket. We’ll ‘dissect’ them below, as we’ve already assessed the best women’s ski jackets of 2022.
Waterproofness
In my opinion, this is the most essential feature because it keeps snow and rain out (yes, it can also rain, not only at the beginning and end of the season but also when the slopes are hit by warm air!).
Don’t compare these features with the features of rain jackets.
I’d go for anything above 10000 mm in terms of waterproofness, but 16000 mm is the threshold for extreme conditions.
How are the tests performed? By placing a square tube over the fabric and then determining how high (we’re talking millimeters here), one should suspend a column of water over it before the tested ski jackets start to leak.
Another aspect to consider is the pressure that a ski backpack can exert on the jacket and could force moisture into gear with a low waterproof rating. Choose wisely!
Face fabric (the outer layer) is usually made of polyester and nylon, and then there is also a laminated membrane made of Teflon or polyurethane.
The face fabric is supposed to look stylish but is not waterproof. Consequently, it is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) solution so it doesn’t soak up water. The membrane is ultimately the one that keeps liquid out while eliminating vapors.
DWR treatment wears off after a while. It can be refreshed by cleaning the gear, reapplying DWR, or both. DWR sprays should be applied to a garment after washing, and a thorough rinse should be heat activated using a medium dryer or iron before use.
Another question arises. What does seam sealing do? It covers the tiny holes punched by the needle in the sewing process so they don’t leak. Sometimes seams are bonded together using glue or heat, but they are regularly sewn and taped.
‘Fully taped’ will mean that all seams are taped, while ‘critically taped’ will stand for gear where only high-exposure areas, e.g., the neck, the shoulders, and the chest, will be taped.
You’ll want a seam-sealed jacket versus one that is not, as this also contributes to waterproofness and breathability. Quality waterproof zippers are important, too, and will work best for you if they have a DWR coating applied.
Insulated vs. Non-insulated
Hardshell ski jackets are the outer layer of the jacket – they repel water, offer wind protection, and provide breathability, but they are not insulated jackets.
Most ski jackets come in 3-in-1 styles and are designed to combine the external shell (membrane included, of course!) with an insulating layer. The latter zips in and out of the shell so you can adapt to your skiing day’s conditions.
Yes, your ski jacket should feel light, but a softshell jacket – a stretchy, soft, and water-resistant garment – is only recommended for mild conditions on the slopes. They tend to provide less water and wind resistance compared to hard shells.
Two-layer vs. Three-layer
Of course, it depends on the weather, the time of the year, and the location of your ski run, but you can choose between a two-layer jacket and a three-layer jacket.
A two-layer jacket includes a shell fabric and a waterproof breathable membrane, with a polyester lining between you and the membrane layer.
On the other hand, in a three-layer jacket, the polyester lining is substituted for a lightweight polyester scrim bonded to the backside of the membrane. This creates more breathability and more comfortable rides.
The downside? Technical ski gear means higher manufacturing costs and an overall higher price to be paid by the end customer.
A 2L jacket will look and feel like a puffy jacket, as the lining is detached, while a 3L jacket will feel more ‘streamlined.’ There are also 2.5L versions, with a raised pattern screened inside to keep it off the skier’s skin.
Breathability
We’ve seen above that 3L jackets are more breathable. Of course, not all skiing activities – or even snowboarding ones! – require a high level of breathability.
Ski touring and splitboarding are two niches where athletes need more breathable gear, especially as the time spent outdoors increases (compared to downhill skiing). Hence, the rider is more prone to changing winter weather conditions.
In most regular piste runs, a breathability rating between 5000 and 8000 grams will do. For average effort, look for jackets with a 10000 to 15000 grams breathability rating, while regular ski tourers should look for garments with breathability in the 20000 plus range.
Ventilation
Again, off-piste skiing will make you overheat faster. Here comes help! Pit zips and chest vents will help. Consider buying a women’s ski jacket equipped with these features if hard skiing activity is on your mind.
They will allow you to cool down without unzipping your jacket’s front.
Fit & Sizing
What do you feel most comfortable wearing underneath your ski jacket? Do you like many layers, or will a merino blouse suffice?
Where are you heading on a specific day? What does the weather look like?
Moreover, it ultimately depends on your style, body, and general feel. Splitboarders and snowboarders may love baggier jackets and pants, but skiers tend to keep them fit.
Extra-long Sleeves and Snow Cuffs
Long sleeves will keep snow away from your sleeves. So will snow cuffs – stretchy inner cuffs that hook over your thumb. They will not only prevent snow from building in but also stop your sleeves from riding up your arms.
Snow Skirt
It’s also called a ‘powder skirt.’ In my opinion, not only snowboarders can benefit from this feature, but skiers, too. Waterproofness and breathability aside, the powder skirt is the feature that’s most important in my view.
Why? Because it allowed me to spend more time on the slope… and it was not a singular case. No rider is invincible; we also fall sometimes, and this useful jacket extension prevents snow from getting too close to our skin, especially on deep powder days.
Usually, the upper part of the skirt is sewn into the internal waist of the jacket, with the elastic lower part falling free. Detachable powder skirts also allow you to do some winter hiking or bike more comfortably during late fall or early spring.
Lift Pass Pocket (and other pockets)
Practicality is one of the things that has always drawn me to all aspects of life. Going through the pass readers in no time is a thing that is especially prized on hectic days.
Some of these pockets sewn onto the jackets’ sleeves come equipped with a detachable goggle wipe. Great, huh?
On the other hand, classic resorts have their charm, too. Ultimately, all that matters is the feeling you enjoy while riding.
…but while we’re still dealing with pockets, I’d like to mention some more useful pockets. Goggle pockets are especially nice for storing these away when you’re not using them. There are also handwarmer pockets, which save your hands from freezing because the riding temperatures are not always above zero.
Inside phone pockets are useful, especially in the case of extreme rainfall
What about the Hood and the Snow Pants?
The jacket should be hood-compatible and snow pant-compatible. While ski jackets are expected to snap into women’s ski pants, the hoods are designed to fit over ski helmets.
Beyond comfort, these aspects contribute to keeping the skier warm. Even if you’re not wearing a hood while skiing (because it affects your peripheral vision), you may want to wear it during those cold chairlift rides.
Also, ensure that your hood has drawstrings, allowing you to tighten the jacket collar independently. It also helps if the jacket has a high collar to protect your chin, lips, and top of the nose from the wind during the cold weather encountered on the piste.
Have You Made up Your Mind about the Best Women’s Ski Jackets?
After going through the best women’s ski jackets and dissecting their features, here are the questions to help you sum everything up.
Where will you use it? For resort skiing, over longer days off-piste but with quick access to a lodge, or will you be ski touring in the backcountry as a regular activity?
How long are your snow days? Just a few runs in the mornings or the afternoons in your local resort or dawn-to-dusk trekking and skiing?
Long periods outside mean long periods exposed to the elements. You’ll need a ski jacket that protects you from rain and snow while letting vapors (perspiration) escape from the inside. This is ultimately what a good active jacket does. It should provide extra warmth, too.
Prices may rise with more elaborate layering, but your comfort throughout the day is worth it. You shouldn’t feel that you are wearing a jacket. It should feel like a part of you, and you should be able to focus on your activities and not on the fact that you feel wet and cold.
GORE-TEX is one of the most known technologies working to maintain a very high degree of waterproof protection while staying breathable, thanks to the millions of microscopic pores that dump heat out while preventing liquid water from entering.
You should also study other technologies to see if they might work for you before buying a specific jacket.
Is it fully taped? Does the jacket come with extra pockets that you can use for goggles or gloves/mittens? Tissue comes in handy on the slopes (given that large temperature differences are possible and your nose might start dripping), and you’ll need a small pocket for that, too.
Does it have an inside pocket for your phone or your action camera? What about a lift pass pocket? Are there any chest pockets?
Does the jacket have a powder skirt? Is it a removable powder skirt? What about the hood and the pants? Is the jacket compatible with them? Are the jacket sleeves long enough to prevent snow from reaching you? Does it have pit zips? …so many questions.
The most important one ultimately is (well, it’s not the powder skirt one… sigh)—
Do/Would you feel comfortable riding in it? If so, it’s yours—your second skin. And the best ski shell jacket you’ll ever find.
FAQs
How Much Should I Spend on a Ski Jacket?
Ski gear tends to be pricey. But the greater the price, the better the performance. An expensive jacket will probably be more durable and last you longer.
However, you can cut costs by investing in a 3-in-1 jacket with an outer shell and a detachable mid-layer for different weather conditions.
Do You Really Need a Ski Jacket?
Yes! You should invest in a ski jacket if you plan to ski trip, as the primary purpose of ski jackets is to provide extra insulation, breathability, and water resistance to keep you comfortable and dry in the most challenging weather.
Normal jackets are not made to provide all this during high levels of activity like skiing.
Wrapping It Up…
Weather in the mountains can change fast; we all know it, and I always say it. Why ruin your days by wearing inadequate backcountry jackets? After all, you’ve probably tied many things together just to be able to escape into the wild.
To me, waterproofness is of utmost importance. That combined feeling of wet + cold is not a pleasant one. All that you’re craving at that point is a hot shower. So, a waterproof jacket is a must.
It helps to be able to open pit zips to balance your body’s temperature and moisture. Then again, it also helps if you’ve got no snow in your snow pants, up your sleeves, or down your neck (powder skirts, snow cuffs, and helmet-compatible hoods will help to this end).
Enough of me, though; I hope this article helps you to hunt down the perfect jacket for this skiing season!
If we are talking about practical aspects, a lift pass pocket on one of your arms (typically the left one) will make you fly through the pass readers.
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