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The best ski jackets and pants for 2025 reviewed by a ski expert, from The North Face to Helly Hansen
Ski jackets come in a vast range of styles, technicality and budgets, but their ultimate aim is the same: they must protect you from the elements when you’re on the mountain.
Sustainability initiatives continue to develop in 2025, with PFCs (long‑lasting industrial greenhouse gases) and PFAS (persistent “forever chemicals” used for water and stain resistance) now a rarity. This has a pleasing knock-on effect to both performance and longevity. Brands have drastically improved the lifespan of products, making it easier for skiers to repair their technical ski clothing, and brands are making their wares easier to recycle at the end of their life, too.
Away from longevity and sustainability, ski outerwear continues to progress, with enhanced stretch, comfort and incremental improvements in breathability and performance. The less time you spend worrying about gear, the more time you can devote to enjoying time in the mountains.
Before I get into the details, here’s a selection of the crème de la crème.
The best ski jackets and pants: At a glance
How to choose the best ski jackets and pants
It doesn’t matter if you’re cruising with the kids or crossing the Alps on skis: you want to be comfortable. Getting the correct fit is imperative, as it helps you to move freely while enhancing breathability.
Beyond fit, how effectively skiwear manages moisture, maintains temperature and deals with the elements are also key aspects to consider. For some, an insulated jacket will be fine, while others will favour a lightweight shell with layering tailored to the conditions.
Even if you wear an insulated jacket, correct layering will enhance its performance. When active, we produce heat and moisture. Ideally, we want to retain some of that heat while letting moisture escape. Doing this while keeping wind and rain out is no small achievement. Therefore appropriate technical base layers and, when relevant, insulated mid-layers will make a big difference.
Think, too, about the real-world side. If you take a backpack when skiing, then you won’t need as many pockets for your essentials, and you might find they interfere with the straps. If you want your jacket to multitask, consider one with a detachable hood and/or powder skirt. That way it can double as an everyday winter jacket when away from the mountains.
