There are downsides to the first few months of the year (it’s cold, dark and everyone’s spirits are lower), but finding the best women’s ski jackets to add to your ski clothes and ski wear collection should give you the motivation you’ve been seeking. You know, it being peak ski season and all.
Whether you’re a fully-fledged snow bunny or are travelling to the mountains for your first foray, the current weather conditions have us in the skiing mood more than ever. Top of our list of priorities (after booking our lift passes, of course)? Planning our ski lewks. Thankfully, we happen to know a regular snowboarder, Shei Mamona, and she has already been testing a few out.
Skip to: Shop the best ski jackets for women | Is an expensive ski jacket worth it? | How we tested/chose | Our ski jacket buying guide | What kind of jacket is best for skiing? | What ski jackets are the warmest? | Should you size up or down?
Best women’s ski jackets at a glance:
- Best overall ski jacket: Chloe Kim Technical Snow Jacket for Women, £400, Roxy
- Best overall snowboarding jacket: Presence Parka Technical Snow Jacket for Women, £270, Roxy
- Best plus size ski jacket: Threadbare Plus Ski Belted Coat with Faux Fur Hood, WAS £58 NOW £46.50, ASOS
- Most affordable ski jacket: Liquorish Ski Waterproof Jacket, WAS £233 NOW £99, ASOS
Is an expensive ski jacket worth it?
Yes. If you really want to get your money’s worth, you’re better off investing in a decent ski wardrobe from the start (that includes a good pair of ski boots, ski trousers/ski pants and a ski helmet and goggles). That said, actually shopping for it all can be a bit of a minefield, with so many options across sports, specialist and high street brands, often coming in at quite steep prices, which is why we’ve done our research and reviews below.
The best ski jacket for women is, after all, the key to keeping warm, staying dry and looking like you know what you’re doing (even if you don’t). And whether you’re hitting the slopes this year or not, these jackets are so good you’ll want to wear them in the city too. Since the puffer coat trend is still very much in, you won’t look out of place doing so either.
How we tested/chose the best women’s ski jackets:
We’re by no means pros in the skiing or snowboarding field, but Shei does know a fair bit to pass judgement on the equipment, and while she’s not tested all the products within this buying guide (just a fair few), we have thoroughly researched everything she hasn’t so that you don’t have to. We’ve scanned the customer reviews, product specifications and key technical features of each piece, bringing them all together along with Shei‘s own experiences to curate a list of styles we truly believe are worth your money. If there’s a fault we’ll let you know, and you can rest easy feeling like you’ve got a broad overview of each product, with all those FAQs answered, before you head to the checkout.
Our five-step guide to buying the best ski jackets for women:
- Consider where you’re going to where it: Is it more appropriate for resorts, off-piste or backcountry skiing?
- Is it waterproof? If no, re-think your choice.
- Is it durable and sustainable? Don’t buy something that’s only going to last you one season as you’ll end up buying again (which is bad for both you and the planet).
- Can you wear things beneath it? You’re going to want layers (a fair few of them), so make sure its big enough for everything from high-performance ski suits/snowsuits to T-shirts, hoodies, snow boots and ski gloves underneath.
- Compare the features of each jacket you look at with each other to find out which one has exactly what you’re looking for and need.
What kind of jacket is best for skiing?
A waterproof and breathable ski jacket is the best form of outerwear you can don on the slopes, not just for the weather-appropriate features but also for nifty details like pockets, snow skirts and hoods.
What ski jackets are the warmest?
Down jackets and insulated ski jackets are the best for the warmth, but you could always slip a gilet or puffer vest on beneath a thinner design to make it cosier. Chances are you’ll need base layers/thermals and mid layers (pullovers) anyway – layering is key.
Should you size up or down in ski jackets?
Your ski jacket should be snug enough to keep you warm, but not so tight as to restrict your movements while you ski or snowboard. They generally fit true to size, though you may want to size up if you’re planning on wearing thick layers underneath. Think like Goldilocks; it needs to be just right, so we recommend trying one on in store if you can beforehand.
What ski jacket brand is best? Keep scrolling for the 17 best women’s ski jackets 2024.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. For more from our tester Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona.