These ski jackets will take you from the streets to the slopes in style
On or off the piste, these warm wintery wonders have got you covered
Words: Charlie Thomas
When it comes to skiing in style, your regular, everyday parka isn’t quite up to the job. Sure, it might be both warm and waterproof, but chances are it’ll weigh you down and restrict your movement as you cut through the white stuff. What you need is a jacket that’s thoughtfully designed, and made especially for the slopes.
Think hidden compartments, taped seams, waterproof zipped pockets and high-tech fabrics engineered specifically for performance. The best ski jackets are designed for function first and foremost, but find the right one and it’ll look as sharp on the streets as it will halfway up a mountain.
Salomon Brilliant Hooded Ski Jacket
While more well known for its high-tech trail running shoes, Salomon does a fine line in jackets too, specialising in performance styles such as this aptly-named Brilliant model. Designed to be both water, snow and wind resistant while remaining breathable, the jacket is fully seam-sealed, and comes complete with numerous zipped pockets.
You can also expect to find a few handy features. The chest pocket has a nifty hole for headphones, while the cuffs have thumb tabs to ensure the arms don’t ride up. In classic navy with subtle red accents, it’s as easy to wear off the slopes, too.
Arc’teryx Macai Jacket
Arc’teryx doesn’t mess about when it comes to its outerwear. The Canadian brand has thrown everything into this Macai jacket, which might just be the ultimate blend of function and form. Designed with protection and movement in mind, it’s crafted from a breathable Gore-Tex outer layer, a fabric much lauded for its light weight and fierce ability to keep out wind and rain.
The jacket’s natural down insulation provides outstanding warmth for when the temperatures drop, while innovative design features offer remarkably practicality. Arc’teryx’s signature DropHood can be easily removed on warmer days, while its mesh-lined PowderGuard vents keep you from overheating.
Black Crows Ferus Jacket
French skiwear brand Black Crows knows a thing or two about crafting high-performance mountain wear. Founded in 2006 by pro skiers Camille Jaccoux and Bruno Compagnet, it prides itself on its incredibly functional, useful designs that perform as well as they look. The Ferus ski jacket is a case in point, and with its understated, minimal look, it would be just as at home on the streets of London as it would the slopes of Andermatt.
A lighter weight jacket than many on this list, its shell is unlined, making it perfect for warmer days or layering over chunky knitwear when the mercury drops. Multiple zipped, water-resistant pockets combine with reflective branding and adjustable cuffs, while its pared back design and solid olive green colour make it incredibly easy to wear.
Moncler Grenoble Villair Shell Ski Jacket
At the more luxurious end of the spectrum, Moncler is known for combining luxurious craft with state of the art fabric innovation. The French brand was one of the first to realise the potential of ski clothing as everyday wear, favouring understated, well thought out design and subtle branding.
This shell jacket is part of its Grenoble sub-line, and is a good example of what Moncler does best. Working closely with Gore-tex to develop a lightweight, breathable fabric, it’s completely waterproof and comes with multiple zipped pockets for storing phones, ski passes and other small goods. The deep blue colour contrasts perfectly with the black taped zips, and the built in harness allows you to wear the jacket on your back should things get too toasty.
The North Face Fourbarrel Zip-In Triclimate Jacket
In a short space of time, The North Face has gone from being a relatively unloved mountain-focussed brand to one of the most hyped sportswear labels around. It mainly achieved this through carefully chosen collaborations with the likes of Supreme, Gucci, Dover Street Market and Vans. But it only got to that point because its core products have always been designed with function and craft in mind.
The American brand has largely stayed true to its roots since its founding in 1966, letting its collabs gain traction while continuing to produce top-notch hiking, trail running and skiwear for its mainline collections. This Fourbarrel jacket demonstrates everything that’s great about The North Face. At an incredibly competitive price point it offers complete water, wind and snow protection, and is essentially two jackets in one. It comes with a zip out inner jacket with the brand’s Heatseeker technology, so whatever the weather, it’s got you covered.
Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket
Renowned for its sustainable credentials and refusal to shy away from political issues, Patagonia is a great place to start if you’re on the search for a responsibly-made ski jacket. This lightweight, breathable SnowDrifter model is made from a 70% recycled stretch fabric, specifically engineered for ease of movement on the slopes.
Available in a range of colour ways and with contrasting panelling at the chest, it’s easy to wear with its minimalist design and subtle, hidden pockets. Featuring the brand’s H2No Performance Standard tech, and with Fair Trade Certified sewn construction, this jacket is about as sustainable as it gets.
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