The 15 Best Ski Jackets for a Day on the Slopes (or the Streets)

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Here's the thing about ski jackets: What makes them great for barreling down a snow-covered mountain—while you kinda regret barreling down a snow-covered mountain—is exactly what makes them great for any old wintertime activity. At the very least: venturing outside when it's cold out. If ski jackets can protect the season-pass lovers amongst us, they can protect those of us who are just trying to get some coffee, too.

The expansive world of alpine sports equipment has its high-performing, tech-y credentials tested in the the coldest of cold conditions so that they know people wearing their stuff in the snow don't freeze. You could even argue that the ski jacket paved—or, ah, shredded—the way for the type of tricked-out outerwear stylish dudes are going wild for today.

In this lineup, we've collected ski jackets that are functional, first and foremost. You tell me how much you're thinking about how good your ski fit is when you're rocketing down a mountain in 5-degree weather. But, fair enough, if you think about that fit a lot, there are some higher-end takes that are warm and insulated but also make for an après look you'll actually want to wear. (Some ski pants to go with, too.)

Either way, you're going to need a layer that'll stave off the wind and keep out the cold while simultaneously ensuring you don't overheat while you're slaloming down the slopes and/or when that patio heater gets going in earnest. Opt for a super-sleek, streamlined number or lean all the way into the look and cop yourself the luridly colored ski jacket of your childhood dreams. See you on the slopes. Or at the bar after.

Alpha Lifaloft Insulated Ski Jacket

Real ski bums know that Helly Hansen is the master of all mountains. This classic shape jacket has been upgraded with lighter weight insulation, where you're still getting all of the warmth without feeling like you're stuck in an oven.

Stormstride Jacket

The outer shell of this Patagonia number is made from 54 percent recycled nylon. Think of it as the easy-on-the-environment, hyper-functional solution to all your cold weather woes. It has an easy slim fit and has years of winter life to give.

Chamonix II Jacket

Perfect Moment's jackets are pricey but they deliver on all the goods you might want that price to include. This one is insulated with PrimaLoft, has an inner balaclava for keeping your head and neck covered, and a hood meant to work around a helmet. The material is quick-drying and stretchy.

Whirlibird IV Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket

Columbia has a real knack for executing well-built outerwear that'll do its job without leaving you in debt. Case in point: The Whirlibird 3-in-1 jacket.

ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket

The North Face also makes a 3-in-1 layered set for taking off and bundling up as needed. The wintery color is not just for aesthetics—it also makes you easier for whoever you're skiing with to spot you.

Rush Jacket

Arc'tyrex makes jackets with specific movements and conditions in mind, but the truth is that a ski jacket like this one does the job of any winter jacket tenfold. It's lightweight and made with Gore-Tex shell to keep you shielded from the elements.

Standard Contact Jacket

With a removable and adjustable hood (which, by the way, is ski-mask compatible), shoulder padding, and thermal insulation, this ski jacket has everything you need to hit the slopes in style.

Ridgeline Insulated Jacket

For something more akin to your street-style winter jacket, this Obermeyer pick is easy to take to the slopes and out after. It's insulated but still easy to move in. Plus, it has a faux fur hood for the vibes.

Lhotse III Interchange Jacket

If you're only trying to ski a few times a year and don't want to spend an arm and a leg doing it, Columbia's jackets do wintertime work in a reasonable price range.

Montgetech Down Ski Jacket

Moncler Grenoble is for the guy who wants a luxury ski experience. Hot toddy after the slopes, and a fresh, sleek look on the slopes. With four-way stretch, technical proficiency, and a cool design, this is the perfect jacket for kicking your ski experience up a notch.

Cerniat Ski Jacket

Another (brighter) pick from Moncler Grenoble, this jacket has plenty of warmth but won't make you feel bulky for a second. It uses a four-way stretch fabric and is insulated with lightweight down. And skiing is always made better by a few heady shots of bright orange.

Atlas 3L Ski Jacket

Borden Bomber

For a short, stylish jacket that hits at the waist, Canada Goose has a warm bomber-style option designed with mobility in mind.

Edgar Softshell Ski Jacket

Fusalp's softshell ski jacket is pricey and the materials feel as pricey as they are. That outer membrane is solid protection against wind and water but it doesn't ever feel stiff or hard to move in.

Pertex Shiledair All Weather Jacket

With sleeves designed for mobility, a no-frills, no-fuss look, and an extra-warm, lined hood and body, this jacket has everything you need...minus the actual skis.

What To Look For

You don't want to be caught lacking anything when you're on the slopes and the nearest REI is miles and miles away, so you'd better make sure your ski jacket is up to the task.

All of the jackets listed here have features that'll come in handy, whether you're a pro on the Black Diamond or you're hanging around the ski lodge with a hot toddy. Make sure your ski jacket has the features you need as well as the ones you prefer, whether those be a removable and adjustable hood, faux fur trim, or perfectly-placed pockets to warm up your hands.

Depending on how warm you want to be, make sure you glance at our warmth ratings and the insulation of each jacket, too, as well as if your pick specifies having extra features like thermoregulating technology. Shivering on the slopes is never a good look, and you have more important things to focus on than hypothermia.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to tell you to buy something unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups are carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to ski jackets, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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