Now that it’s time to hit refresh on your kit, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve combed through hundreds of customer reviews to bring you the best-loved jackets from tried and true brands. Whether you’re a backcountry enthusiast looking for a versatile shell or a resort-only ripper who prioritizes insulation, we’ve found something for you.
How We Choose Our Jackets
Since we won’t be sold on head-turning looks and good deals alone, here are the 3 categories we use to make our decisions:
- Fit – Size range, comfort, cut, length, helmet accommodation
- Material – Weather resistance, durability, breathability, type of insulation
- Features – Pockets, vents, zippers, thumb holes
After trying on plenty of jackets ourselves, we know that one size does not fit all. When we talk about fit, we won’t just tell you what fits us, but what real customers have said about the fit. Maybe one jacket is better for petite women with wide hips, while another is better for taller women with wide shoulders. With this in mind, we came up with a range of options.
Here are the best women’s ski jackets of the 2023 season.
1. Norrøna Lofoten Insulated Gore-Tex Jacket
Highlights: Hefty insulation and GORE-TEX protection without the Michelin Man effect. Norrøna also offers a non-insulated version, so if you split your time between resort and backcountry, be sure to check it out.
Fit: Fans applaud Norrøna’s ability to make a technical shell with a “feminine,” or subtly curved, cut. Some report that it fits a bit slim and long, so consider sizing up if you’re in between sizes. The helmet easily accommodates a helmet and is easily adjustable for sideways-snow days. The Norrøna Lofoten is offered in XS - XL.
Material: When it comes to insulation, Norrøna’s “loaded minimalism” approach is in full effect. Rather than padding every nook and cranny, the Norrøna designers added warmer insulation where you need it most. It’s most important to maintain a warm core, which is why this jacket has extra insulation in the torso and shoulders. Add a 2 layer GORE-TEX shell, and you have a coat that accomplishes its central goal: keeping you warm and dry. We’re also happy to see that more than 50% of the material comes from recycled fibers, adding another climate-conscious product to our lineup.
Features: All the features you could need for a day on the hill. Fans especially love the leashed goggle wipe, pass pocket, and cozy hand-warming pockets. “Hand gaiters,” aka sleeves with thumb holes, and a removable powder skirt are nice additions for keeping out snow, while large side zips let out the heat.
Shop the Norrøna Lofoten Insulated Gore-Tex Jacket >
2. 3-in-1 Powder Town Jacket by Patagonia
Highlights: This versatile 3-in-1 system can be worn as a shell, light insulation or as a waterproof, insulated jacket.
Fit: Now featuring a 31-inch center back length, you get great coverage and modern styling. The Powder Town’s redesigned articulated fit allows better freedom of movement when ripping turns in the resort.
Material: Patagonia’s Powder Town jacket features 3 separate and distinct layers. The outer shell’s 2-layer, 75-denier polyester with durable water repellent coating keeps you warm and dry. The lightweight and breathable zip-out jacket consists of a plain weave with stretch and a PFC-free DWR finish. The zip-out jacket is insulated with 40-way stretch polyester to keep you warm on the coldest winter days.
Features:
- Durable, 2-layer 100% Recycled Fabric
- Zip-Out Insulated Jacket
- Helmet-Compatible Hood
- Easy-Access Pit Zips
- Powder Skirt
- RECCO® Reflector
- Fair Trade Certified™
Shop the Patagonia 3-in-1 Powder Town Jacket >
3. Stella Jacket Classic by Trew
Highlights: With a long list of features and a burly outer construction, the Stella has everything you need for backcountry or lift-service adventures.
Fit: The Stella Jacket has Trew’s signature ‘modern freeride fit’ which offers a relaxed style that tapers slightly at the waist. The longer length keeps your backside covered even on the wettest days. The looser fit gives this jacket plenty of room for layering underneath.
Material: The Stella’s PNW 3L material is extremely durable and features Trew’s highest level of waterproof protection. With multiple vents and a membrane rated at 20,000gr/m2, this jacket is highly breathable - perfect for warm days inbounds and working up a sweat on the skin track.
Features:
- Removable powder skirt
- 16” pit vents
- Large hood with built-in elastic and single-point adjustment
- Water-resistant construction
- Fully-seam taped with 3L tape
- Water-resistant zips on all exposed openings
- Internal mesh skin pockets
- RECCO® reflector
- 22 oz. (Medium)
Shop the Trew Stella Jacket Classic >
4. PowSlayer by Patagonia
Highlights: Bombproof weather protection for hardcore backcountry skiers.
Fit: Patagonia describes the PowSlayer’s fit as “regular”. The jacket has a slightly looser and more relaxed fit, allowing for increased range of motion and easy layering.
Material: With 3L Gore-Tex Pro, this shell gives ultimate weatherproofing in all conditions. The PowSlayer’s outer construction makes this jacket perfect for high-alpine endeavors or long expeditions where top-notch breathability and waterproofing is a necessity.
Features:
- 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell Fabric
- Adjustable Hood
- Watertight Zippers
- Quick-Venting Pit Zips
- Adjustable Powder Skirt
- Pocket Details
- Built-In RECCO® Reflector
Shop the Patagonia's PowSlayer >
5. Lucy Jacket by Flylow
Highlights: Softshell-like comfort and stretch in a waterproof, 3-layer design.
Fit: With an adjustable waist and stretchy outer material, the Lucy Jacket is built to fit most body types. This year’s model sports a high collar and helmet compatible hood, keeping you warm and dry even when the wind is whipping. This jacket is tough and waterproof enough for inbound laps but light enough for the skin track, making it perfect for those who split their time between the backcountry and resort.
Material: The Lucy Jacket is made with Flylow’s Tactic 3L and high-performance Durable Water Repellent (DWR). The Tactic 3L by Intuitive is a stretchy, supple 100-Denier softshell that moves with you on the mountain. Think ultra-waterproof but with pliable mobility for high-output activities. Flylow’s high-performance Durable Water Repellent, a polymer coating added to fabric that makes it hydrophobic, meaning moisture beads up and rolls off, like marbles on glass.
Features:
- High performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
- Fully seam taped
- Helmet-compatible hood
- 3 exterior pockets, 1 inner pocket w/ media port
- Removable powder skirt
- Sleeve pass pocket
- 12-inch pit zips
- No bulk cuffs
- Adjustable waist
- YKK waterproof zippers
6. Powderbound Insulated Jacket by REI Co-op
Highlights: The Powderbound feels like a classic shell with a bit of insulation - making it perfect for those who split their time skiing on and off piste.
Fit: The Powderbound sports a relaxed, looser fit and a REI’s highly inclusive sizing.
Material: REI’s Peak 2-layer nylon shell is abrasion resistant, waterproof, and windproof while still remaining breathable. With 80g synthetic insulation around your core and 60g synthetic insulation in the sleeves, this lightweight jacket will keep you warm in the resort without overheating while skinning.
Features:
- 2-layer nylon shell.
- bluesign®-approved nylon is abrasion resistant, waterproof, and windproof.
- 80 g synthetic insulation
- Helmet-friendly hood
- High collar
- Pit zips
- Articulated elbows
- Removable powder skirt snaps
- Media port and plenty of pockets, including a lift pass pocket, a key clip and drop-in goggle pocket
Shop the REI Coop's Powderbound Insulated Jacket >
7. Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell by Black Diamond
Highlights: A backcountry shell designed for the ultimate weather protection while remaining breathable on the uphill skin.
Fit: The Dawn Patrol Hybrid shell features slim fit, making it the most fitted and tapered jacket on this list.
Material: The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell features a breathable softshell fabric in certain places for thermal regulation, while the chest, shoulders and hood remain waterproof. All fabric is treated with an environmentally friendly DWR that has a high level of durability and performance.
Features:
- Built with BD.dry™—Black Diamond’s engineered waterproof/breathable/windproof solution
- GTT’s Empel Breathable Water Protection Technology
- 4-way stretch softshell fabric and 2-way stretch BD.dry™ laminated fabric
- Adjustable, ski-helmet-compatible hood
- Underarm gussets for added range of motion
- Two harness-compatible chest pockets that hold skins
- Center front zipper features a built-in mesh panel for ventilation
- Interior chest pocket with media cord entry
- Internal lightweight stretch wrist gaiter
- Internal RECCO® technology in hood
Shop Black Diamond's Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell >
8. ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket by the North Face
Highlights: Versatile 3-in-1 system makes this jacket protective, warm, and good-looking, all in one package. More affordable than buying each layer on its own.
Fit: A flattering fit for those who prefer a slightly curved waistline. Best for people who dig a little extra length and rear coverage. Petite women report that the length is a bit much, but this is adjustable in the sleeves thanks to adjustable velcro straps to cinch down any extra fabric. True to size. Sizes range from XS to XXL.
Material: On the outside, this jacket rocks a 2 layer waterproofing system, a solid shell layer that’ll shield you on wet and windy storm days. The puffy is equipped with Thermoball™ Eco, synthetic insulation made from 100% recycled polyester. This layer will keep you warm with or without the shell – so warm that you may only need a base layer underneath.
Features:
- Waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed DryVent™ 2L shell keeps you dry
- Inner Jacket ThermoBall™ Eco insulation for warmth even when wet
- Fixed, helmet-compatible hood
- Secure-zip chest pocket
- Secure-zip hand pockets
- Internal goggle pocket
- Underarm vents
- Secure-zip wrist pocket with goggle wipe
- Outer and inner jackets are zip-in-compatible with complementing garments from The North Face®
- Exposed, PU-coated center front zip
Shop the North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket >
9. Alphelia LifaLoft Ski Jacket by Helly Hansen
Highlights: All the warmth without any stiffness, stuffiness, or extra weight. Plus, a pocket that saves your phone battery with NASA-engineered aerogel.
Fit: For those who prefer a slightly shorter fit, this is your jacket. While those of average height and taller might prefer a slightly longer tail, shorter women will be stoked to have this option. On the mountain’s more moody days, the hood and neck offer perfect coverage as the weather turns from heat to sleet. Sizes range from XS to XXL, but note that some reviewers say this runs small, so you may opt to size up.
Materials: Forget the bulky, stiff jackets of the old days. Helly Hansen’s LIFALOFT™ technology is 20% lighter than standard insulation, giving you more space to move around while keeping you plenty warm. One fan applauded the Alphelia’s coziness after snowmobiling on a cool 3 degree day with only a base layer underneath her jacket. For those who heat up on the down hill send, have no fear. The 2-layer, 4-way stretch material is also highly breathable.
Features:
- LIFALOFT™ insulation technology
- PrimaLoft® Aerogel Pocket to keep your phone fully protected from the elements
- RECCO® reflector
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Fully seam sealed
- Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment
- Slick and slide shoulder panels for added comfort
- Articulated sleeves for optimal mobility
- Helmet compatible detachable hood
- Ski pass pocket
Shop the Helly Hansen Alphelia LifaLoft Jacket >
10. Sentinel Jacket by Arc’teryx
Highlights: An elegant, sturdy, and versatile jacket that’ll keep you looking good and feeling dry on sunny and deep days alike.
Fit: Updated with a revised fit for 2023, we’re happy to report that the designers are listening to customers’ needs with this one. Fans report that updates to the Sentinel comfortably accommodate wider hips and larger bodies. One woman commented, “I find the jacket to be flattering and functional on my size 14 frame... something that is nearly impossible among technical brands today.” This fan noted that the Sentinel’s larger sizes are genuinely wider, not just slightly longer. Most women also really dig the length, which adds a little something extra between you and the chilly chairlift.
Material: The Sentinel Jacket boasts a 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric – making the shell sturdy, soft, and waterproof. This stuff is impressively strong, especially for its weight and soft texture. Enthusiastic Sentinel owners say that the jacket is light enough to tour in on chilly days without soaking in sweat, while also offering protection on the coldest, windiest, and snowiest days. Our Canadian neighbors tell us that this pairs well with the Cerium LT puffy, keeping them cozy on single-digit and sub-zero days.
Features:
- Patterning and features align to deliver optimal freedom of motion, breathability and protection.
- WaterTight™ pit zips
- Integrated powder skirt
- Many internal and external pockets
- Helmet Compatible StormHood™
- Slide’n Loc™ attachments link to the Sentinel Pant for a snowproof system
Shop the Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket >
Happy skiing! If you check any of these jackets out, let us know what you think.
Other articles you may be interested in...
- Best Ski Resorts in the Southern Hemisphere
- Best Ski Resorts in the West for the Perfect Vacation
