Looking for the best snow jackets for women, winter coats, or unisex jackets for skiing or snowboarding?
Since so many jackets look nice nowadays, we’ll help you find one that will really keep you warm and comfortable, while preserving your ability to move freely.
Table of Contents
Important Features Every Ski Or Snowboard Jacket Needs
When you are out snowboarding or skiing, your body is exposed to all sorts of extreme conditions. Your jacket is one of the few pieces of equipment that stands between you and the harsh effects of cold conditions. It is very difficult to choose the right snow jacket because there are so many different factors that can play a part in its ability to protect your body.
Let’s take a quick look at the most important features to look for when you are out shopping for a suitable jacket.
A suitable exterior layer
The exterior of the jacket should be made from waterproof materials that also offer good wind protection, yet will allow sweat or moisture to escape from your body at the same time. Plenty of snow gear is made from fabrics like Gore-Tex because this durable fabric offers all the qualities you need. The fabric is lightweight and features a 16,000 – 20,000mm waterproof rating so you can stay dry. At the same time, it is a breathable material because it consists of 1.4 billion pores per square centimeter.
Taped seams
Taped seams are an important quality for wet snow conditions because these types of seams enhance a garment’s waterproof qualities. Without taped seams, water will travel straight through your lightweight jacket. With taped seams, snow jacket will hold up much better as you perform extreme moves since water won’t be able to saturate your base layer clothing.
A high collar
Look for a jacket with a high collar so you can pull the collar over your chin or perhaps even your lips or nose. This high collar will keep the icy winds out of your neck and keep the lower part of your face protected.
A large hood
The hood of the jacket should be large enough to fit over your ski helmet. At the same time, you might want to find a hood that is adjustable so you can pull it closer for a better fit and keep the hood from restricting your view.
Long sleeves and snow cuffs
Ski jacket sleeves can vary quite a bit. It is a good idea to find a ski jacket with extra long sleeves so your forearms won’t be exposed when you hold your ski poles. A stretchy inner cuff that hooks over the thumb can also be a very handy feature in snow jackets because it will keep the cold wind out and ensure extra warmth.
Underarm ventilation
Underarm vents are a great feature to look out for if you are planning to use your jacket in warmer conditions. These vents usually have a zipper closure and sure do come in handy when you start to sweat.
Adequate pockets
Most snow jackets are designed with plenty of pockets. Standard hand pockets can be very useful for storing your gloves or warming your hands. But an additional inner chest pocket can be very handy for storing sensitive goods, and you might want to keep an eye out for a jacket with a lift-pass pocket on the left arm. This little pocket offers plenty of additional comforts.
Padding or an insulative layer
For the snowy mountains, you should avoid a puffy jacket that is going to restrict movement. The jacket should still have some base layers to keep your body insulated and warm. Jackets with added stuffing like a thin layer of goose down will keep you much warmer on chilly winter days.
Best Snow Jackets for Women: Skiing and Snowboarding
Choosing the best snow jackets, women’s and men’s alike, may seem like an easy task. However, when you see a jacket in a store or online, how do you know if it will give you good protection from low temperatures, wind, rain, and snow? A good snow jacket has to pass several tests. It must keep you dry, which means that the outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. At the same time, you’ll be sweating, so the excess moisture has to evaporate somehow. Of course, a good women’s jacket has to be well-designed, fashionable, and make you look good. Keeping all that in mind, we picked five of the best snow jackets, women’s figure-friendly, warm, and comfortable, that offer reliable protection against weather conditions!1. MOERDENG Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket – Best Overall
The MOERDENG Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket is one of the hottest items on the market – and there’s a good reason for that. It provides superb protection against rain, snow, and wind, and keeps you warm and dry in wet and snowy weather. It’s our top pick, and we’ll tell you why. Sizes are regular, so you don’t have to measure everything. Just pick the size that you usually wear, and it will suit you well. On top of that, you can adjust the cuffs and hood. The glove hole is elastic, for additional comfort. Outer fabric and coating are selected for maximum heat preservation. Both are waterproof and the jacket dries quickly. Outer textile is made of a new type of high-density polyester, which protects you from water, wind, and stains. It’s also durable, so you can wear it for years. Thanks to its ergonomic design and fluffy inside layer, this jacket is comfortable and suitable for all kinds of winter sports, from snowboarding to downhill skiing, and other winter outdoor activities. Not to mention, the jacket has a fuzzy lining and 3-structures cutting, made to make you feel comfortable. Warm, comfy, and fashionable – this is our favorite women’s ski jacket for this season. Product Features- Type: Ski jacket
- Product Weight: 3 Pounds (on average)
- Purpose: Skiing, Snowboarding, Hiking, Any outdoor winter sports
Pros
- Fabric and lining are resistant to the windbreak
- Layer of DWR polymer and a PU transparent film makes it completely waterproof
- Really warm and lightweight
- Allows your skin to breathe
- Excess moisture from sweat is released through the fiber-like micro-pore structure of the polyester fabric
Cons
- Label advises to “hand wash only”
2. SUOKENI Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket Warm Winter Snow Coat – Best Budget
The SUOKENI Waterproof Ski Jacket is very similar to the previous one mentioned, and it offers fantastic value for the price. The key difference between the two is in the design details. The basic shape is the same, but the pockets have different finishing touches.
Also, some cuts and stitches are at different parts of the jackets. We recommend taking a look at the manufacturer’s photos and choosing the jacket that you think looks better.
Other features are mainly the same. This jacket has a zipper closure and is made of waterproof breathable fabric to keep the rain away but still eliminate sweat.
Most importantly, it keeps you warm and cozy even during extreme weather conditions. The windbreaker jacket shell has a high-density fabric and a detachable, adjustable hood. It’s also filled with a cotton coating that insulates body heat.
The polymer blending material of this ski coat’s outer layer is strong enough to protect you from scratches and other accidental injuries.
This winter jacket also has four practical pockets. The sizing is true to the standard US size chart, so you can simply choose the size that you normally wear.
If you’re looking for quality similar to the Best Overall at a lower price point, this is the jacket for you.
Product Features
- Type: Ski jacket
- Shell: 100% Polyester
- Lining: Soft fleece lining
- Seams: Fully sealed
- Special Features: Quick dry, Durable, Warm, Multiple pockets, Breathable, Removable hood
Pros
- Strong fabric makes you feel protected
- Warm and comfortable
- Waterproof and windproof
- Breathable
Cons
- Hand wash only
3. Pooluly Women’s Ski Jacket Warm Winter Waterproof Windbreaker – Best Runner Up
The Pooluly Ski Jacket is another well-designed skiing and snowboarding jacket with a removable hood, handwarmer pockets, and synthetic insulation to keep you warm in cold temperatures and protect you from all the unexpected elements.
Its quality and features are close to the MOERDENG jacket that we reviewed above, which makes this jacket a great buying choice. We’ve made it our runner-up pick because, while it still has excellent ratings, it has fewer of them than our top pick.
It’s made of durable materials, so you can rest assured that it’s resilient to extreme weather. The adjustable hood is designed to keep your head protected during storms and heavy rain.
Just like the previous models of ski jackets, this one isn’t machine washable. The manufacturer recommends hand wash only.
This waterproof jacket has a soft fuzzy lining for better heat retention and coziness. Overall, the material dries quickly, and any rain or mud stains can be easily cleaned with a wet towel.
You can wear this jacket while snowboarding, skiing, hiking, or during any activities that involve being outside in cold weather.
Product Features
- Outer Fabric Material: 100% Polyester
- Special Features: Fluffy lining, Adjustable/Removable hood, Multifunctional pockets
Pros
- Made from high-density polymer materials
- Doesn’t restrict movement
- Zipper closure, buttons, and adjustable neckline and cuffs provide premium comfort
- Soft, cozy, and warm
Cons
- Hand wash only
4. ZSHOW Women’s Winter Coat – Best Under $40
The ZSHOW Winter Coat is one of the most affordable options you’ll find on the market today. Its price is considerably lower than the rest of the jackets on the list. At the same time, it offers full protection from harsh weather conditions and is suitable for all kinds of snow activities.
The outer layer is made of 100% polyester honeycomb. The mid-layer consists of a water repellent coating and 1200g cotton padding. The inner layer is made of soft fleece fabric.
It has a full-length zipper along with a row of buttons. On top of that, the jacket has a hook and loop fastener closure.
Most importantly, this jacket is warm, comfortable, and will protect you on a rainy, snowy, or windy day. It’s windproof and waterproof, and details such as elastic gloves that are attached to the cuffs help you retain warmth regardless of what’s going on around you.
This jacket has lots of functional zippered pockets, including a zippered chest pocket that’s ideal for a phone or a wallet.
If you’re interested in technical details about the material, honeycomb polyester is a lightweight long-chain polymer. It has a PU transparent membrane, which makes it resilient to wet conditions. In practice, you can wear this jacket during rain for 3 – 5 hours and stay dry. The fabric won’t absorb water during this time, and you can just shake the droplets off!
Product Features
- Waterproof: 10000mmH₂O
- Special Features: Windproof, Anti-static, Stain repellent, Breathable
Pros
- Affordable price
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight, warm, and durable
- Detachable hood and practical pockets
- Adjustable elastic cuffs with thumbholes and a removable powder skirt
Cons
- Hand wash only
5. Wildhorn Frontera Premium Women’s Ski Jacket – Designed in USA – Best Alternative
The Wildhorn Frontera Premium Women’s Ski Jacket is one of the best high-quality ski jackets and pieces of winter apparel on the market today. It has some advanced features that other models don’t necessarily have. Let’s check them out!
Thanks to its ergonomic design, this jacket allows you full range of motion, which makes it a great choice for winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. To enjoy this feature properly, make sure to pick the correct size. For a custom fit, use the manufacturer’s size chart and measure accordingly.
This premium jacket also has a 2-way stretch performance shell which makes it fully water-resistant. It can withstand up to 40 feet of rain. It’s fully insulated and breathable at the same time.
When it comes to special features, women’s ski jackets have a 2-way adjustable helmet-compatible hood. You can fully protect your head but your vision will still be unobstructed. There are also integrated thumbhole hand warmers and tricot-lined collars.
Other features that most other jackets don’t have include a ski pass sleeve pocket for easy access and zip heat release ventilation. Additionally, this jacket has a powder skirt that prevents snow layers from accumulating on your jacket. But, the powder skirt is detachable, so you don’t have to wear it if it’s not necessary.
While pricier than the rest of the reviewed jackets, it’s definitely worth it for the extra style and features!
Product Features
- Material: 2-way stretch DWR coated shell performance fabric
- Special Features: 12K water resistance, warm insulation, freedom to move, adjustable hood, and ergonomic design.
Pros
- Windproof and water resistant
- Breathable and fully insulated
- Detachable, adjustable, helmet-compatible hood
- Practical pockets
- Recyclable fiber packaging
Cons
- A bit pricier than the other jackets on our list
Buying Guide
The best snow jackets – women’s edition – have many things in common. They are warm and comfy; they provide you with protection against snow, rain, wind, storms, and overall bad weather conditions that you may experience in the mountains. At the same time, they must allow you to move your arms, legs, and head freely, as well as to observe the view around you. Additionally, great snow jackets for ladies should look good and fit well! When choosing the perfect snow jacket for yourself, make sure that you pick the correct size. Also, spend some time thinking about the features that you really need. For example, some jackets have helmet-compatible hoods, and these are usually pricier than those that don’t. So, if you’ll be wearing a helmet during your winter adventures, choose a jacket with that option. But if you don’t need a helmet, what’s the purpose of paying more for a feature that you won’t use? The outer material is very important, as it’s the first line of defense against rain and snow. You certainly don’t want to get wet on a mountain. However, some days will be sunny and unusually warm, so it’s important that your jacket’s fabric is breathable. Some jackets are filled with cotton, which offers great insulation, but it’s a bit heavier than synthetic insulation materials – which can be a lot thinner and lightweight while providing sufficient warmth.Final Thoughts
All the jackets on our list are good choices for active women who enjoy winter sports. Hopefully, with this buying guide, we’ve directed your attention toward some important aspects that you should consider when buying a snow jacket.We hope you liked the best snow jackets – women’s ski and snowboarding jackets that we prepared. If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our other reviews on Snow Authoritiesforski goggles for flat light, twin tip skis for women, women’s beginner’s snowboards, and more!