Men's Blue Ski Jacket Buying Guide

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or it’s been a minute since you hit the slopes, you might be wondering what to wear. Having the right set of gear makes a big difference. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to enjoy yourself as much.

Dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable outside since you can add and remove layers as the weather changes. Skiing and snowboarding also combines stints of activity, like skinning uphill or skiing bumps, with less active periods, like standing in a lift line. You’ll typically want a base layer, mid layer and outer layer any time you hit the slopes. Here’s what each layer offers.

How to Layer Clothing for Skiing and Snowboarding

• Base layer
• Mid layer
• Outer layer

Base Layer

Also known as long underwear or thermal underwear, your base layer (usually a thin top and pants) helps wick sweat away from your skin. The REI experts we spoke with love merino wool base layers for their lightweight, wicking, and odor-resistant properties.

Mid Layer

This insulating layer helps you retain body heat and protects you from the cold. On a warm day, you can remove the mid layer and stuff it in your pack or a locker at the lodge. A mid layer can be a lightweight fleece pullover, a puffy vest or a lightweight wool sweater.

Outer Layer

Your jacket or shell shields you from wind, rain and snow. Pick a shell if you want more layering versatility. Choose an insulated jacket like the REI Co-op Powderbound if you want waterproof protection and added warmth.

Read also: Dope Snow Jacket: A Comprehensive Review

Dedicated ski and snowboard jackets often offer the following features:

• Waterproof: Most dedicated ski and snow jackets have a membrane that deflects rain and snow while allowing sweat to escape. Waterproof ratings range from below 5,000mm to above 25,000mm, with anything above 25,000mm considered completely waterproof. This rating system comes from testing in a lab how many millimeters of water a fabric can withstand in a 24-hour period before soaking through, but it mostly just means that higher numbers are more waterproof.
• Powder skirt: An inner gasket that prevents snow from creeping inside during a fall and on powder days. Some jackets allow you to detach the powder skirt for comfort and weight savings on less deep days.
• Insulation: This can be helpful when skiing in resorts, where you might spend up to 10-plus minutes on a cold chairlift. Backcountry skiers and splitboarders often prefer an un-insulated shell they can remove when climbing uphill.
• Lots of pockets: This is helpful if you aren’t carrying a ski pack. You can use the pockets to stash your ID, snacks and handwarmers.
• Specialized pockets: Many ski or snowboard jackets come with a ski pass pocket on the sleeve, or a pocket with a soft liner for goggles, or an extra set of lenses.
• Helmet-compatible hood: Some jackets allow you to adjust the hood to fit over a helmet, or remove the hood altogether.
• Zippered vents: Pit or core vents let you adjust ventilation.
• Back length: The back length on jackets can vary; many are hip-length or thigh-length. Some snowboarders prefer a jacket that’s longer to protect their backside when sitting in the snow.
• 3-in-1 design: Jackets with this feature let you detach the outer shell from the inner insulating layer. You can ditch the inner piece on mild days, or leave the outer shell behind if the inner jacket is wind resistant and the skies are clear.

Snow Pants or Bibs

Your outer layer on the bottom also protects you from wind, rain and snow, and adds warmth if they’re insulated. Some people prefer snow bibs because they offer torso protection and storage. Others prefer snow pants for their ease of use and familiarity. A key consideration: Some bibs have a side and/or rear zipper that lets you make a bathroom stop without much hassle. For others, you have to take off your jacket and pull down the shoulder straps.

Some prefer bibs for fuller coverage and warmth, while others pick snow pants for ease of use and familiarity. No matter what snow pant style you choose, look for the following features:

• Waterproof: "When you’re wet, you’re cold,” Allen says. This is especially true when you’re learning and spending some time on your butt in the snow.
• Insulated: For extra warmth, consider snow pants that are insulated.
• Snow gaiters: Built-in internal cuff gaskets that help seal out snow.
• Thigh vents: These let you add and adjust ventilation when you work up a sweat.
• Reinforced inner ankles: Patches to protect your pant cuffs from sharp metal edges and parking lot debris.

Don’t Forget Accessories

It’s important to protect your hands, head, eyes, neck and feet when you’re skiing or snowboarding, since wind and snow can cause your extremities to get cold.

Snow Headwear

• Snow helmet: A ski helmet is a nonnegotiable piece of gear, Zebrowksi says. It protects your head in the event of a crash, and keeps your head warm and dry. Many ski resorts rent helmets.
• Ski and snowboard goggles: These protect your eyes from wind, snow and glare. Check that they work with your helmet, your face shape, and that they fit over glasses, if you wear them. You want goggles to fit without gaps. Also, make sure your goggles have the right lenses for the light conditions you’ll be riding in. Dark or mirrored lenses are often most suitable for bright, sunny days, whereas yellow, gold, copper and rose lenses are better for low-light conditions. Some come with interchangeable lenses for varying conditions.
• Neck gaiter or balaclava: Most skiers and snowboarders carry a neck gaiter; many ride with one every time. You can pull a neck gaiter up over your nose in icy temps and a balaclava offers even greater coverage.

Other Snow Clothing

• Gloves or mittens: Choose waterproof or water-resistant gloves or mittens and look for insulated ones to keep your hands warm. Generally, greater thickness equals greater warmth, and mittens tend to be warmer than gloves. Some may prefer split-finger gloves or so-called “lobster gloves” which strikes the balance between warmth and dexterity. Some gloves and mittens have pockets to hold handwarmer packets.
• Ski and snowboard socks: Warm, moisture-wicking socks help prevent your feet from getting sweaty and cold. Ski and snowboard socks tend to be taller (knee-length) and thinner than hiking socks, to integrate seamlessly with your boots. Choose from different levels of cushioning.

What’s the Difference Between Clothes for Riding at the Resort Versus the Backcountry?

Clothing for backcountry skiing and snowboarding is similar wear at the resort, but it may be more durable and breathable and designed with features for uphill travel uphill on skis or a splitboard using climbing skins (also called touring). A jacket for ski touring might skip a pass pocket but include zippered vents so you can dump heat when you start getting sweaty. Jackets for backcountry skiing or mountaineering sometimes also have pockets placed higher up to accommodate a pack’s hip belt.

Read also: Stretch Slim Jacket Performance

Some backcountry pants and bibs include a dedicated clip and pocket for an avalanche transceiver, a critical piece of safety gear. (Read more on How to Choose an Avalanche Transceiver.)

Buying and Dressing Tips for Skiing and Snowboarding

• Dress for your climate: Skiers and snowboarders in wetter areas like Pacific Northwest might want fully waterproof coverage (think GORE-TEX) and a little less insulation. Those in Rocky Mountain states, where conditions tend to be drier and colder, might need more warmth during the early season and lighter layers on sunny days.
• Use what you already own: If you're on a budget, existing outdoor clothing can do in a pinch, though it will lack some specific features found on skiwear. You might already own wool socks and base layers for hiking, or a down or synthetic puffy you can repurpose into a mid layer.
• Invest when it makes sense: There’s no need to splurge if you’re new to skiing and snowboarding, or if you only plan to go occasionally. Renting or borrowing gear at first is a great way to save money and figure out what you might want to invest in sometime in the future. This is especially true when it comes to skis, snowboards, poles and boots. Once you are ready to buy, Allen recommends investing first in a pair of ski or snowboard boots since you’ll be more comfortable and confident riding in a pair that fits.
• Waterproof and synthetic is a winning combo: Choose jackets, pants, gloves and mittens that are waterproof and have synthetic insulation, a combo that ensures that damp conditions or your own sweat don't compromise warmth. The only exception? When conditions are frigid, opt for a down layer with a high fill power, since these layers tend to be both warm and packable.
• Add handwarmers and footwarmers as needed: Many skiers and snowboarders pack handwarmers and footwarmers as an insurance policy for when conditions turn frigid. Both Chandler and Zebrowski like to place a footwarmer on the upper interior of their boot, above their toes. This way, the footwarmer doesn’t interfere with their toe grip and comfort in their boots.
• Avoid cotton: Cotton absorbs sweat, dries slowly and loses insulation, increasing chill and blister risk. This includes T-shirts, jeans and your favorite hoodie.
• Don’t forgo goggles for lifestyle sunglasses: Lifestyle sunglasses offer less protection than goggles. Plus, “if you fall and your glasses shatter, the cracked lenses can hurt you,” Chandler says. If $200 seems like a lot to drop on goggles, consider borrowing a pair from a friend.
• Wear sunscreen: Sunlight is more intense at higher altitudes, and snow glare reflects the sun and intensifies sunburn and skin damage. Slather it on exposed skin and don't forget the undersides of your chin, nose and ears.

Ski and Snowboard Clothing FAQs

Do I need a dedicated ski/snowboard jacket or can I use any rain jacket?

You can use a rain jacket for skiing and snowboarding, especially when you’re just getting started. Just be aware that, “if you fall, you don’t have a snow skirt to prevent snow from getting up your back,” Chandler says. Ski and snowboard jackets are typically made to withstand falls and brushes with debris, as well. Make sure your rain jacket is breathable and that the waterproofing still works so you don’t end up cold and wet.

How do I dress for really cold weather?

Add a down mid layer when conditions are frigid. Down does a better job of trapping heat than synthetic fibers do. Zebrowski also suggests picking a garment with an articulated fit and a high down fill power. These features create a streamlined silhouette to give you more mobility on the slopes even when everything feels a little frozen. His trick? He adds a baggy pair of fleece shorts or fleece pants between his wool base layer and snow pants or bibs on the bottom in cold temps.

What do I wear under ski pants?

Wear a moisture-wicking base layer made from synthetic materials or merino wool under your snow pants or bibs to keep you warm and protected while riding.

Can I ski in jeans?

There’s no rule saying you can’t ski in jeans, just like there’s no rule saying you can’t ski in a swimsuit, bra or tutu. However, “wet jeans might be one of the most uncomfortable things on the planet,” Allen says. (Remember advice about wearing cotton?) Denim is heavy, stiff, gets wet easily and stays wet or freezes. If jeans are part of your closing day pond skim getup, sure. Otherwise, we don’t recommend it.

Read also: Snow Jacket and Pants by Dimito

Are RECCO® Reflectors worth it?

If your clothing or gear comes with a RECCO reflector, it can help rescuers equipped with a RECCO detector to locate you after an avalanche. It’s a nice-to-have feature, but not an essential, according to the experts we spoke with.

Arc’teryx GORE-TEX Ski Jackets: Performance Picks

For years, Arc’teryx and GORE-TEX have collaborated to create the best ski jackets with maximum durability, breathability, and of course, waterproofing. Depending on your ski style, you’ll want a distinct balance of insulation, ventilation, and fit.

For outerwear in all seasons, GORE-TEX has set the gold standard when it comes to balancing waterproofing and breathability. At its simplest, GORE-TEX is a waterproof membrane that keeps water out (think snow, sleet, and rain) but also allows water vapor to escape (think sweat). At its simplest, GORE-TEX is a waterproof membrane that keeps water out (think snow, sleet, and rain) but also allows water vapor to escape (think sweat).

For the best performance in any winter conditions, skiers need this combination of waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability. It’s also important to consider whether you want a lighter shell or warmer insulated jacket (or a three-in-one hybrid), as well as how the jacket will move with you.

We make all Arc’teryx GORE-TEX gear with fully sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and durable water repellent (DWR) coatings to prevent moisture from getting in. While other brands only critically tape the main seams, GORE-TEX requires fully sealed and taped seams to prevent even the smallest leaks.

Along with water repellency and breathability, you also want to consider if you want full insulation or a shell. While insulated jackets keep you warmer, a lighter shell can be better for layering in different conditions. When considering insulation options, you have the choice between down and synthetic insulation.

We design our jackets with stretchy fabric to be flexible and adaptable. We know good ski jackets are designed by skiers, for skiers. That’s why all of our outerwear features a helmet-compatible hood and adjustable sleeve cuffs. From regular to relaxed and freeride, we also make our gear in a variety of fits for different skiing styles and personal comfort.

• Best overall men’s ski jacket - Arc’teryx Sabre: GORE-TEX fabric, adjustable hood, relaxed freeride fit, ideal for all-mountain & freeride skiing.
• Best women’s resort ski jacket - Arc’teryx Andessa Down Jacket: GORE-TEX shell, down insulation, stylish & functional, ideal for cold resort skiing & deep winter days.
• Best ski touring jacket - Arc’teryx Rush Jacket: GORE-TEX Pro shell, lightweight design, breathable, ideal for backcountry & high-output skiing.
• Warmest ski jacket - Arc’teryx Macai Jacket: Synthetic + down insulation, fully waterproof, high warmth, ideal for cold resort days & in-bounds skiing.

The Best Ski Jackets of the Year

Our team spent months putting skis, boots, and outerwear through the wringer to figure out what truly deserves a spot in your quiver or kit. Here's a list:

Jacket	Warmth	Weather Resistance	Comfort and Fit	Ventilation	Style	Features
Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft	9.0	8.0	10.0	8.0	9.0	10.0
Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket	5.0	10.0	8.0	8.0	9.0	7.0
REI Co-op First Chair GTX	4.0	8.0	8.0	7.0	6.0	5.0
GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining	7.0	7.0	6.0	3.0	4.0	7.0
Arc'teryx Rush jacket	3.0	10.0	8.0	8.0	10.0	7.0
686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated	8.0	7.0	7.0	5.0	8.0	8.0
Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0	7.0	8.0	10.0	8.0	9.0	9.0

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