Most Recommended Ski & Snowboard Jackets

Updated

Every day, Curated Winter Sports experts recommend ski and snowboard jackets to riders and skiers gearing up to head out on the slopes. This list brings together their top ten most recommended jackets. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists here at Curated – everyone is different and we believe in finding the best gear for you and not generally for the masses. Want to make sure you find the perfect jacket for your next trip? Talk to a Winter Sports Expert here on Curated to receive personalized recommendations on the right jacket for your needs. Looking for more recommendations? Check out the Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Jackets and the Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Jackets.

Chuck Schembre, Snowboarding Expert
Ryan Fitzgerald, Ski Expert
Erik Eisenbarth, Snowboarding Expert
By Jacket ExpertsChuck, Ryan, Erik and others
The 686 Men's SMARTY 3-In-1 Form Jacket is a versatile and durable choice for winter sports enthusiasts and those braving colder months. Its 3-in-1 design offers layering options for changing weather, and its 20K waterproofing ensures you stay dry. The jacket also features a warm 160g insulation and a phone heater pocket. However, it's not recommended for backcountry and touring.
Ideal for
  • Versatility throughout the season
  • Changing weather conditions
  • Cold weather
  • Winter sports
  • Everyday use during colder months
Not ideal for
  • Backcountry and touring
Travis Gerhardt, Ski Expert
Mariah Wear, Ski Expert
Matthew Kaminski, Snowboarding Expert
by Curated experts Travis Gerhardt, Mariah Wear, Matthew Kaminski

686 Women's Hydra Jacket

$202.97
$289.95
30% off
4.67(89)
The 686 Women's Hydra Jacket is a top pick for the 2023-2024 ski and snowboard season. It's designed for performance across a range of terrains and temperatures, with a 20K waterproof rating and insulation for colder days. The jacket's unique features, like the Comfortzone Body Mapping System and Vader™ vents, ensure comfort and breathability. It also boasts an asymmetrical zipper and plenty of pockets for functionality and style. It's perfect for those who prefer a bit of extra warmth and a stylish silhouette on the slopes.
Ideal for
  • Skiing and snowboarding in various terrains and temperatures
  • Those who prefer a stylish and functional jacket
  • Individuals who value breathability and comfort
  • People who need plenty of pockets for storage
  • Those who prefer a bit of extra warmth on the slopes
Not ideal for
  • Those looking for a shell jacket
  • Warmer weather conditions
Rachel D., Snowboarding Expert
Sarah Caldwell, Snowboarding Expert
Patrick Kintz, Snowboarding Expert
by Curated experts Rachel D., Sarah Caldwell, Patrick Kintz

686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket

$202.97
$289.95
30% off
4.81(171)
The 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is a versatile, durable, and warm choice for the 2023-2024 ski and snowboard season. Its 3-in-1 design offers adaptability for changing weather conditions, with a waterproof hardshell and a separate zip-up puffy jacket with 160g insulation. The jacket also features underarm vents for temperature regulation, a phone heater pocket, and glove hooks. It pairs well with the Smarty 3-in-1 cargo pants and is ideal for all conditions, from Alaskan cold to mid-west spring.
Ideal for
  • Versatility throughout the season
  • Layering options for changing weather
  • Durable and warm wear
  • High waterproofing needs
  • Comfort in cold conditions
Not ideal for
  • Those seeking a slim fit
  • Those preferring a lighter shell
  • Those needing high breathability in inner puffy layer
Leo Cocchiara, Ski Expert
Logan Kirby, Snowboarding Expert
Taylor H, Snowboarding Expert
by Curated experts Leo Cocchiara, Logan Kirby, Taylor H

Which type of gear are you shopping for?

686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket

$258.97
$369.95
30% off
5.00(3)
The 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a top pick for the 2023-2024 ski and snowboard season. This jacket is a dependable, lightweight, and waterproof shell that's perfect for layering. It features a GORE-TEX 2L membrane and a durable water-resistant finish, ensuring comfort in all conditions, from peak winter to spring slush. The jacket is packed with pockets for tech and passes, and it's easily packable for travel. The lining material is a merino wool blend, providing warmth on cold snow days. It also connects to 686 bibs and has venting for warmer days. However, its length may limit mobility for some, and the large front pocket may not be practical for all users.
Ideal for
  • Layering in varying weather conditions
  • Storing tech and passes
  • Traveling
  • Keeping warm on cold snow days
  • Connecting to 686 bibs
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer a shorter jacket
  • Those who need more practical pockets
  • Those who prefer arm vents over a chest vent
Claire Rogers, Ski Expert
Teron Tucker, Ski Expert
Kat Miller, Snowboarding Expert
by Curated experts Claire Rogers, Teron Tucker, Kat Miller

686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

$202.97
$289.95
30% off
4.87(365)
The 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a versatile and high-performing addition to any winter sports enthusiast's wardrobe. It's praised for its 20k/20k wind and water proofing, 120g insulation, and underarm vents, making it an ideal choice for both warm and cold days on the slopes. The jacket's unique asymmetrical zipper design and adjustable snow gaiter make it stand out from the crowd. It's also appreciated for its lightweight feel and multitude of well-placed pockets, making it a top pick for the Most Recommended Ski & Snowboard Jackets of 2023-2024.
Ideal for
  • Winter sports enthusiasts who want a versatile jacket for both warm and cold days
  • Individuals who appreciate a unique design and high functionality
  • Riders who want a jacket that offers great warmth without the need for layering
  • People who value a lightweight jacket with a multitude of well-placed pockets
Not ideal for
  • Individuals who prefer a more tailored, fitted jacket
  • People who live in very wet and rainy climates
  • Those who prefer a longer cut in the back
Garrett Waliky, Snowboarding Expert
Cam Dean, Snowboarding Expert
Erik Eisenbarth, Snowboarding Expert
by Curated experts Garrett Waliky, Cam Dean, Erik Eisenbarth
The Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket is a top pick for the 2023-2024 ski and snowboard season. Its GORE-TEX fabric ensures excellent waterproofing and breathability, making it perfect for a variety of weather conditions. The jacket's insulation provides just the right amount of warmth without the need for excessive layering. Additional features like a helmet-compatible hood, wrist gaiters, and a powder skirt make this jacket a standout choice for resort riding.
Ideal for
  • Snowboarders seeking a reliable and durable jacket
  • Riders who prefer a regular fit that allows for layering
  • Those who value excellent waterproofing and breathability
  • Riders who want a jacket with a helmet-compatible hood
  • Resort riding in a variety of weather conditions
Not ideal for
  • Individuals who tend to run hot and prefer more flexibility with layering
  • Use without additional layers underneath
  • Those who prefer darker colors as brighter ones may stain easily
Jessica B., Snowboarding Expert
Dustin B, Snowboarding Expert
Michael Biasuzzi, Snowboarding Expert
by Curated experts Jessica B., Dustin B, Michael Biasuzzi
The 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a versatile piece that's perfect for any winter sports enthusiast. Its 2-layer infidry fabric and fully taped seams offer 20k/20k wind and water proofing, ensuring you stay dry in all conditions. The jacket's 120g insulation provides ample warmth, while underarm vents allow for cooling on warmer days. The jacket also features water-resistant zippers, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, and a snow gaiter at the bottom to keep snow out. Its asymmetrical zipper design adds a unique style element.
Ideal for
  • Winter sports enthusiasts
  • Riders seeking a versatile jacket for both warm and cold days
  • Individuals who prefer not to layer up
  • Those who appreciate unique design elements like an asymmetrical zipper
Not ideal for
  • Super hot days
Travis Gerhardt, Ski Expert
Taylor OShea, Snowboarding Expert
Billy Marcial, Ski Expert
by Curated experts Travis Gerhardt, Taylor OShea, Billy Marcial
The Mountain Hardwear Women's Firefall/2™ Insulated Jacket is the perfect companion for ski and snowboard enthusiasts braving the cold. Its insulation keeps you warm without the need for layering, while underarm vents and a breathable-waterproof membrane regulate temperature. The jacket's longer drop-tail cut and looser retro fit allow for range of motion and layering underneath. The waterproof shell, powder skirt, and adjustable wrist cuffs keep the snow out, and the jacket's roomy design and multiple zippered pockets add to its functionality. However, it may not be ideal for those looking for a more form-fitting style or a shell style jacket without insulation.
Ideal for
  • Ski and snowboard enthusiasts
  • Those who prefer a roomy, oversized fit
  • Those who need a jacket that can regulate temperature
  • Those who prefer a longer, drop-tail cut for extra coverage
  • Those who need multiple zippered pockets for storage
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer a more form-fitting style
  • Skiers looking for a shell style jacket without insulation
Matt Johnson, Snowboarding Expert
Mary B, Ski Expert
Wilhelm Nesterovic, Ski Expert
by Curated experts Matt Johnson, Mary B, Wilhelm Nesterovic
The 686 Men's GORE-TEX Core Insulated Jacket is a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts and snow sports lovers. Its durability, breathability, and high-performance quality make it a reliable choice for all-day adventures. The jacket is packed with features like a water-resistant chest vent, adjustable powder skirt, and helmet-compatible hood. It also boasts 85% recycled insulation for warmth, multiple pockets for storage, and fully taped GORE-TEX seams for added protection. This jacket is not just functional but also sustainable, making it an ideal choice for the eco-conscious adventurer.
Ideal for
  • Outdoor enthusiasts
  • Snow sports lovers
  • Eco-conscious adventurers
  • Individuals seeking a durable and high-performance jacket
  • Individuals who value functionality and storage in their outerwear
Spencer I, Snowboarding Expert
Jamie Houghton, Snowboarding Expert
Casey O., Snowboarding Expert
by Curated experts Spencer I, Jamie Houghton, Casey O.
The Mountain Hardwear Men's Firefall/2™ Insulated Jacket is a top pick for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Its modern style is packed with features like a two-layer waterproof shell, synthetic stretch insulation, and underarm vents for breathability. The jacket also includes a helmet-compatible hood, zippered arm pocket, and integrated RECCO avalanche rescue reflector. With 100 g/m^2 of synthetic body insulation and 80 g/m^2 of arm insulation, it ensures warmth and dryness in harsh weather conditions.
Ideal for
  • Ski and snowboard enthusiasts
  • People who prefer modern style jackets
  • Individuals who ski or snowboard in harsh weather conditions
  • People who value safety features like the RECCO avalanche rescue reflector
Everett Pelkey, Snowboarding Expert
Mary B, Ski Expert
Shannon Rooney, Ski Expert
by Curated experts Everett Pelkey, Mary B, Shannon Rooney

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!
Result Summary
  1. 686 Men's SMARTY 3-In-1 Form Jacket
  2. 686 Women's Hydra Jacket
  3. 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket
  4. 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket
  5. 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket
  6. Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
  7. 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket
  8. Mountain Hardwear Women's Firefall/2™ Insulated Jacket
  9. 686 Men's GORE-TEX Core Insulated Jacket
  10. Mountain Hardwear Men's Firefall/2™ Insulated Jacket
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