8 Best Ski Jackets of the Season: Tested for Comfort, Warmth & Value

Last updated: 23 October 2026

 

If your social media feed looks anything like ours right now, ski season is very much still alive and kicking. Families are out there; making the most of the final weeks on the mountain, and even some celebs have been spotted enjoying the slopes! 

Getting kitted out with great ski wear is part one of any successful trip, and we know lots of you have been checking out our collections to pick up some new favourites. 

So in the usual Avenue 85 spirit of helping you get more from every adventure, we've pulled together eight of the best ski jackets for the 26/27 season and put each one through its paces, so you can find your perfect match and make the most of every last run.

How to Choose the Best Ski Jacket

A ski jacket is one of the most important pieces of clothing you'll pack, and it needs to certain things, such as protecting you from the cold weather while helping you to retain movement as you physically ski. 

So before we get into our top picks, here are a few things to look out for.

 

What Waterproof Rating Do You Need for Skiing?

Ski jacket waterproof ratings are measured in millimetres (mm). The higher the number, the greater the fabric's resistance to water pressure under standard test conditions.

Waterproof Rating	What It Means for Skiing
5,000mm	Basic protection for lighter snowfall and shorter periods outdoors
10,000mm	A popular option for recreational resort skiing in typical winter conditions
15,000mm	Extra protection for longer days in snowy or wet conditions
20,000mm+	Higher waterproof protection for demanding mountain weather

 

For most recreational skiers, a waterproof ski jacket with a 10,000mm rating is usually a great starting point. The fabric ratings are also only part of the picture too; fully taped seams and water-resistant finishes affect how well a jacket performs in wet conditions.

If you're keen to learn more about the terminology, our guide to the difference between waterproof and water resistant explains it out in more detail.

 

Ski Jacket Features

Waterproofing (and warmth, of course!) is important, but a few extra features can make your skiing experience much more enjoyable:

• Powder skirt: Helps prevent snow from getting inside your jacket
• Ski pass pocket: Keeps your pass handy, often located on the sleeve for ease
  
• Helmet-compatible hood: Provides additional weather protection while accommodating your ski helmet
• Underarm ventilation: Allows excess heat to escape when you're working up a sweat
• Adjustable cuffs: Help seal out cold air and snow around your gloves

So now with all this in mind, let's take a closer look at some of the best jackets you can buy for ski season.

 

Best Men's Ski Jackets

There's a lot to love in our men's ski jacket range this season. Whether you're after serious performance or exceptional warmth, we've found the best options for every type of skier.

Here's a quick overview of the picks:

Ski Jacket	Waterproof Rating	RRP	Best For
Dare 2b Apex 3Layer	20,000mm	£220	Active skiers wanting weather protection and freedom of movement
Dare 2b Roving III	20,000mm	£220	All-round performance with strong eco credentials
CMP Ski Jacket	10,000mm	£240	Skiers wanting extra warmth and smart colour-block styling

 

1. Dare 2b Mens Apex 3Layer Ski Jacket

Best For: Active skiers who want excellent weather protection and freedom of movement

 

Key Features:

• ARED 20/30 rating: 20,000mm waterproofing and 30,000 gsm breathability
• AEP Kinematics technology for 360-degree stretch and articulated movement
• Helmet-compatible hood with wired peak and adjusters
• Underarm ventilation zips
• Fully taped seams and water-repellent zips
• Available in Navy and Fragile Sprout, sizes Small to 3XL
• RRP: £220

 

Why We Like It:

Comfort and warmth both get a big tick thanks to the exceptional weather protection and stretch fabric combo, plus you've got further carefully thought out features with the adjustable hood and ventilation zips, all-in-all rounding up to a fantastic ski jacket at a respectable price point.

 

 

2. Dare 2b Mens Roving III Waterproof Ski Jacket

 

3. CMP Mens Breathable Waterproof Ski Jacket

 

Best Women's Ski Jackets

From high-performance picks to seriously stylish buys, our women's range this season is full of jackets we love recommending. 

Here's a quick overview of the picks:

Ski Jacket	Waterproof Rating	RRP	Best For
Dare 2b Glamorize V x Swarovski	10,000mm	£220	Stylish skiers wanting reliable protection and ski-ready features
Dare 2b Assert II	20,000mm	£220	High-performance skiing with a modern, sporty look
Rip Curl Anti Series Anorak	10,000mm	£151.99	Skiers wanting great value and versatility beyond the resort

 

4. Dare 2b Womens Glamorize V x Swarovski Ski Jacket

 

 

5. Dare 2b Womens Assert II Waterproof Ski Jacket

 

 

6. Rip Curl Womens Anti Series Anorak Ski Jacket

 

 

 

8. Roxy Kids Free Jet Waterproof Ski Jacket

 

Comfort, warmth and value are three of the things that matter most when you're choosing a ski jacket, and every one of the jackets in this list delivers on all of them in its own way. From the luxury feel of the Dare 2b x Swarovski collab to the fantastic warmth of the CMP jacket, there really is something here for every skier and every budget.

So which one has your name on it? Well, to finish off, we've gathered up our "winners" below.

This is just for a bit of fun, of course - we love all the ski jackets in our range!

Ski Jacket FAQs

It might be your first winter jacket for skiing or maybe you're upgrading your kit for the season ahead - either way, here are the answers to a few commonly-asked questions, to help you shop with confidence.

 

What is the difference between a ski jacket and a regular waterproof jacket?

A ski jacket is specifically designed and developed to be worn for skiing, so the features will naturally complement the movement and logistical needs of a skier. 

For example, you will often find a high amount of stretch fabric that helps with easy movement; plus hoods that fit neatly over your helmet and with your goggles, alongside a fixed snowskirt and ski pass pocket. 

Your regular waterproof jacket will likely not include those types of features, so if we’re thinking solely about fit-for-purpose outdoor clothing, you’ll want to make sure you go for a ski jacket when heading out onto the slopes.

 

Which brands make the best ski jackets?

For most families, Dare 2B is an easy recommendation. Their ski wear range covers men's, women's, and kids' in a wide spread of styles and price points, so there's something for every type of skier.

CMP is a favourite too, especially if strong insulation and a stylish look on the mountain are high on your list. And if you love a brand with real surf and snow heritage, Roxy and Quiksilver bring fantastic performance with a style that's hard to beat.

We stock all of the above at Avenue 85, so you can kit the whole family out in one place.

 

How should a ski jacket fit?

Your jacket should be roomy enough for your base and mid layers underneath, but not so baggy that it starts interfering with your movement.

The hem should sit at or just below your hips so it works properly with your ski trousers, and the hood should sit comfortably over your helmet without dropping down over your goggles.

And if it arrives and the fit isn't quite right? No stress at all. Our 60-day return policy means swapping for a different size is easy and straightforward.

 

What else do I need for a ski trip?

A great jacket is a fantastic starting point, but you'll also want to think about your ski trousers, a warm base layer, a fleece mid-layer, hat, gloves, and ski socks.

To take the stress out of packing, we've put together a full Family Ski Gear Checklist that covers everything you need for a ski trip.

Explore Our Best Ski Jackets for 2026/27

Eight jackets, tested for comfort, warmth and value, and every single one of them a worthy pick for the season!

We hope you've found something you love in this list, and if you'd like to keep browsing, our full ski jacket collection has plenty more fantastic options waiting for you.

 

 

About the Author

Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.