9 best ski jackets and snow gear for women
We’ve rounded up the warmest yet most breathable women’s snow jackets that cater to a range of budgets.
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Buying the best snow jacket isn’t as simple as picking the one that looks the most aesthetically pleasing or the warmest.
There are a plethora of types of snow jackets on the market, each one offering a different cut, additional features and new technologies.
Plus, they all come at varying price points, which only makes the decision process more overwhelming.
So, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best ones that cater to a range of lifestyles, needs and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for warmth, protection, style or value, you’ll find your perfect fit here. And remember: good quality snow gear is always worth the investment.
BEST RATED WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
MOERDENG Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket, Amazon Australia, from $242.87
Amazon has some pretty great products at even better prices but this ski jacket has to be one of their very best. The Moerdeng snow jacket is a number one bestseller on Amazon, boasting over 18,500 five-star reviews. What has really shocked most customers is the fact that the jacket is made from high-quality materials, is incredibly warm and comes with all the additional features an expensive snow jacket would have (deep outer and inner pockets, a detachable hood, fleece lining and thick waterproof material, just to name a few) but for half the price.
“Wow!! I am very impressed with this jacket, especially for the price,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “It fits wonderful and such great quality heck yeah! It’s warm and soft inside!”
Another person commented: “Was kind of hesitant upon buying this jacket in regards to if it would really keep me warm … let me tell you so far this jacket is AWESOME … Wore it out in the rain the other day and it stood up great with that. Really have no complaints with this jacket.”
It’s available in 14 different colours and sizes run from small to XX-large, so no one has to miss out on this great snow jacket.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
Suokeni Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket, Amazon Australia, from $119.02
The more you pay for a snow jacket, the better quality you can expect it to be, right? Well, if you’re not willing to fork out a few hundred dollars on a jacket you’ll only be using a handful of times, this Suokeni coat is a great buy. This waterproof and windproof jacket features an anti-scratch and wear-resistant shell, an adjustable and detachable hood, four pockets in total and is filled with 2,400 needle cotton to lock in heat while still being breathable.
As one of the 5,390 five-star reviewers wrote: “Bought this Jacket for my upcoming ski/snowboard trip and HOLY COW! It’s super warm, super waterproof and also very breathable!! Love it!!! … Not Bulky and not overly loose to the point where you’re getting a cold draft up your jacket. Highly recommend it, and with that price – it’s well and beyond worth it! Will be getting only this brand of jackets from now on- nothing else compares, really.”
BEST SUSTAINABLY MADE WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
Picture Fresya Snow Jacket, THE ICONIC, $549
Picture is the brainchild of three best friends who wanted to create high-quality sustainably-minded outdoor gear that fuses form, function and flair, which is exactly what you get with their Fresya Snow Jacket. It’s crafted from repurposed sugarcane waste that has been converted into bio-based polyester. It also features a 20K/20K Teflon EcoElite PFC-free durable water repellent treatment, which, in layman’s terms, basically means the best of the best waterproof-breathability you can get.
BEST BACKCOUNTRY WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
Macpac Womens Sabre V3 Jacket, Rebel Sport, $279.99
A softshell jacket will be more breathable and because the material has better stretchiness compared to a hard shell, it’ll provide more flexibility and movement. This one from Macpac is a top contender for long tours in mild conditions thanks to its lightweight construction, performance-fit and comparably affordable price. The fabric has a smooth outer face with a DWR finish and a soft fleece backing for extra warmth. Moreover, it has a breathability rating of 5000g and a water resistance rating of 10,000mm.
BEST INSULATED WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
Roxy Womens Quinn Snow Jacket, THE ICONIC, $449.99
For the ultimate insulation, you’ll want a jacket like the Quinn from Roxy, which is designed with the highest performing synthetic insulation. It’s also fitted with hand-warmer pockets, is 10K waterproof to keep you dry and warm at all times and has a 3/3 WarmFlight Rating for even more insulation.
BEST DESIGNER APRES-SKI WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
Fendi Reversible FF-embossed Ski Jacket, Farfetch, $4065
While certainly not within everyone’s budget, this luxurious Fendi Ski Jacket will make you look and feel like a celebrity on the slopes (or while sipping mulled wine back at your resort). It’s adorned with an all-over FF motif and detailed with a detachable hood, belted waist and a signature logo plaque. It’s also fully reversible – one side flaunting a more subtle black print and on the other, Fendi’s iconic brown – so if you need a reason to splurge, tell yourself you’re basically getting two jackets for the price of one.
BEST 3-IN-1 WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
The North Face Arctic Triclimate Waterproof 3-in-1 Down Jacket, THE ICONIC, $700
Look, it’s really quite hard to look past The North Face when buying any snow gear and that especially goes for their best-selling Artic Triclimate 3-in-1 Down Jacket. As the name suggests, this jacket has three purposes — it consists of a waterproof and breathable outer jacket as well as a warm, detachable inner layer jacket for adjustable warmth. They can be worn separately or zipped together, giving you three possible configurations. The waterproof outer layer is perfect for staying dry in wet conditions when it’s not too cold and when the inner layer is worn alone, it provides a practical alternative to a jumper. Basically, this genius jacket will help reduce your luggage load when heading to the snow.
BEST BUDGET 3-IN-1 WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
Result Women’s 3 In 1 Softshell Journey Jacket, Catch, $162.05
For a more affordable option than The North Face’s jacket, look no further than this one from Result. While it won’t match the same quality as more expensive options, it can still be worn three different ways and will get the job done (that is, keeping you toasty and dry in snowy weather conditions).
BEST WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET FOR LAYERING
2XU Women’s Form Jacket, Rebel Sport, $119.99
If you’re simply looking for a compact layer to wear on top of lighter layers and under heavier coats, the 2XU Women’s Form Jacket should be your go-to. This form-fitting mid-layer provides that perfect extra layer of warmth and the high-stretch fabric allows you to move freely. Although it’ll definitely keep you cosy, it’s also breathable thanks to the mesh panels that have been strategically placed to provide airflow in areas you need it the most. It’s really an essential winter piece whether you’re heading to the snow or going for walks around your block.
BEST PERFORMANCE WOMEN’S SNOW JACKET
Volcom Aris Ins Gore Jacket, SurfStitch, $400
If your goal is to make skiing an actual hobby rather than a yearly holiday destination, you’ll definitely want to invest in a proper snow jacket. This one from Volcom is a great mid-range priced option to get you started — it’s GORE-TEX Guaranteed (the best-in-class waterproof and windproof technology), provides low loft insulation and comes with all the bits and bobs like handwarmer pockets, a goggle pocket, a suede chin guard, mesh lined zippered vents and a two-way cuff system. The looser fit also allows you to easily layer clothing underneath if you need more warmth.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SNOW JACKET AND A WINTER JACKET?
The key difference between a snow (or ski) jacket and a winter jacket is the purpose. As the name suggests, a snow jacket is suitable for skiing or other outdoor winter sports and is designed with a certain level of water resistance to keep you dry and warm. A standard winter jacket – which includes a plethora of different types of jackets within itself – is a jacket made specifically for insulation and protection against the cold.
The cut and thickness of a snow jacket is also something to point out. They’re designed to provide some level of insulation while also being breathable and weather-resistant, and should fit snug to maximise performance. On the other hand, winter jackets can span from being lightweight and compact to heavily insulated. They can be made from a variety of different materials and are generally cut looser so you can wear additional layers underneath.
SHOULD A SNOW JACKET BE TIGHT OR LOOSE?
Ideally, a snow jacket should fit just right — it should be tight enough so that it keeps you warm in snow conditions and you’re able to perform at your absolute best while gliding down those slopes. However, it should also be loose enough so you don’t feel restricted and can wear light layers underneath if needed.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST SNOW JACKET?
Below are some key features to consider when deciding on the best snow jacket for you:
Waterproof
All snow jackets should feature a level of water resistance since it needs to protect you from the snow and rain elements. The more extreme the weather, the more water resistant your jacket needs to be. Take a good look at the waterproof rating of the fabric to determine if it’s enough for you and your needs. The lightest resistance would be between 0-5,000mm, which will protect you from light rain, dry snow and no pressure, while a jacket with a 20,000mm+ waterproof rating will protect you from heavy snow, wet snow and high pressure.
Breathability
It’s safe to say that when you exercise and move around, you lose moisture through sweat (yes, even in cold temperatures). If you’re wearing thick layers, this moisture will be trapped inside and pass through the tiny pores, leaving you cold and wet, which is definitely not what you want in snowy conditions. So, if you want to avoid humidity forming inside of your snow jacket, you’ll want to opt for a jacket with a higher breathability rating.
Type
There are different types of snow jackets including simple shell jackets, insulated jackets, puffy down jackets, soft shell jackets and 3-in-1 jackets (a combination of a shell outer jacket with a removable fleece jacket inside).
Additional features
There are a plethora of additional features that come with snow jackets. Do you want thumbholes, velcro cuffs or articulated elbows for free range of motion? Do you require Durable Water Repellant Coating for extra waterproofness? What about fleece lining or a hood for more warmth? How many pockets do you need? Some jackets even come with RECCO Reflectors, an advanced rescue technology that is sewn into the fabric and enables a rescue team to pinpoint a person if they are ever caught in an avalanche or other danger.
Again, these are just some of the additional features snow jackets come with so choosing which ones are essential to you will help your decision process.
Price
Snow jackets vary in price points. A high-quality snow jacket can set you back quite a lot of money. Rest assured, there are plenty of more affordable options available.
To help keep you warm in style this winter, we’ve also rounded up the best winter dresses and the cosiest women’s winter jackets that’ll last you years.
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