Best Ski Jackets in the UK 2024

Skiing in the UK can be amazing fun, but staying warm is key. A good ski jacket is like a cosy hug on the slopes. It protects you from the cold wind, snow, and wet weather. With so many options out there, it can be tough to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best ski coats available in the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you find the perfect jacket to keep you comfortable and stylish on the mountain.

1. Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0

Fabric: 85% polyamide/15% elastane
Insulation: PrimaLoft Black Ocean Recycled polyester
Waterproof: HELLY TECH Professional
Weight: 1.1 kg

The Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 is a great choice for skiers who want a warm, comfortable, and versatile jacket. It’s made with high-quality materials and has lots of features to keep you comfortable on the slopes. The jacket is waterproof and breathable, and it has extra insulation to keep you warm even on the coldest days. It’s also very comfortable to wear, with a relaxed fit that allows for easy movement. The jacket has a stylish design and comes in several different colours, so you can find one that matches your style. Overall, the Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 is an excellent choice for skiers of all levels.

Helly Hansen has made some great improvements to the Alpha 4.0 for 2024. The jacket is now made with recycled materials, which is better for the environment. It still has all the features that made the previous version so popular, like the warm insulation and comfortable fit. The jacket is also very durable and will last for many winters. While it’s not as breathable as some other jackets, it’s still a great option for most skiers. The hood could be a little better, but it’s not a major issue. Overall, the Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 is a fantastic ski jacket that offers great value for the price.

What I like: Luxurious, insulated design with a perfect fit.

What I don’t: Overly warm for intense activity.

See the Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 See the Women’s Alphelia

2. Columbia Bugaboo II

Fabric: Dobby nylon
Insulation: Synthetic
Waterproof: Omni-Tech
Weight: Not specified

The Columbia Bugaboo II is a great jacket for winter. It has two parts: a waterproof outer shell and a warm fleece inner jacket. You can wear them together for extra warmth or separately for milder weather. The outer shell keeps you dry in the rain and snow. It has special features to let air out so you don’t get too hot. The fleece inner jacket has a special lining that helps keep you warm. It also has pockets to keep your hands cosy.

The jacket has a lot of good things. It’s comfortable and looks nice. You can adjust the hood and the bottom to keep out the cold. However, there’s a problem with the fleece jacket. The sleeves are too long and don’t stay inside the outer jacket. This is annoying and uncomfortable. Also, the fleece feels thinner than in my husband’s other Columbia jacket. It’s a shame because the rest of the coat is really good.

What I like: Versatile jacket with waterproof shell and warm fleece liner.

What I don’t: Fleece liner sleeves don’t stay put and feel thinner than expected.

See the Columbia Bugaboo II See the Women’s Bugaboo II

3. Mountain Warehouse Shadow

Fabric: 100% Polyester
Insulation: Synthetic
Waterproof: Yes, DWR coated
Weight: 1.09 kg

The Mountain Warehouse Shadow jacket has some good features. It keeps water out with its special coating. Snow cannot get inside thanks to a built-in snow skirt. You can adjust the jacket to fit well. It has pockets to hold things. The hood, cuffs, and bottom part of the jacket can be adjusted too. This helps keep the wind out and makes the jacket fit better.

However, there are some problems. The jacket only has three pockets. It does not have a way to adjust the waist, so it fits like a loose bag. The sleeves do not fit well when you raise your arms. The worst part is that the jacket does not dry easily. It gets wet with sweat and makes everything in the pockets wet too. The hood is hard to put on and stays up in the wind. But, the jacket is good at keeping water and wind out. It also looks nice.

What I like: Water-resistant, windproof, adjustable fit, multiple pockets, good value.

What I don’t: Poor ventilation, no waist adjustment, uncomfortable sleeves, hood is difficult to secure.

See the Mountain Warehouse Shadow

4. Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft

Fabric: 89% nylon, 11% elastane
Insulation: 80g LifaLoft
Waterproof: Helly Tech, 20,000mm
Weight: 1.2 kg

The Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft Jacket is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who want a lightweight and warm jacket. It’s made with high-quality materials that keep you dry and comfortable in any weather. The jacket fits well and doesn’t restrict movement, so you can enjoy your time on the slopes without any worries. It has features like underarm vents to keep you cool, and a powder skirt to keep snow out. The jacket also has a stylish look, so you can look good while you’re having fun.

However, the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft Jacket has one major downside: it’s very fragile. The outer shell is thin and tears easily, which is a big problem for a jacket that’s meant to be worn in the mountains. I’ve only had my jacket for a few days, and it already has a big tear in the sleeve from hitting a tree. This is really disappointing because the jacket fits great and is very warm. If you’re looking for a jacket that will last for many years, you might want to choose a different option.

What I like: Lightweight, warm, breathable, and stylish with good features.

What I don’t: Fragile outer shell prone to tears.

See the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft

5. CAMEL CROWN Mountain Snow

Fabric: 96.8% polyester 3.2% nylon
Insulation: Yes
Waterproof: Yes, 10,000mm
Weight: 1.2 kg

Looking for a winter jacket that can handle anything the mountain throws at you? Look no further than the Camel Crown Mountain Snow Jacket. This cheap jacket is packed with features that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable all day long.

Made with a waterproof fabric rated at 10,000mm, the Mountain Snow Jacket will keep you dry in even the heaviest snowfall. All the zippers are also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about leaks. Plus, the jacket is breathable, so you won’t overheat when you’re working up a sweat.

The windproof shell with a detachable hood blocks out the cold wind, while the 180g lightweight warm cotton filling keeps you toasty. The adjustable cuffs and stretchable glove holes with thumbholes help trap heat and keep your hands warm too.

What I like: Excellent waterproofing, windproofing, and warmth for harsh conditions.

What I don’t: Sizing inconsistencies.

See the CAMEL CROWN Mountain Snow See the Women’s Mountain Snow

6. KEFITEVD Ski Jacket

Fabric: Polyester
Insulation: Yes, fleece lining
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 1 kg

The KEFITEVD is a budget ski jacket that will keep you warm and dry in cold weather. It’s made from a waterproof and windproof material, with a soft fleece lining for extra warmth. The jacket has a detachable hood to protect your face and neck, and adjustable cuffs to keep out the cold. With multiple pockets, you have plenty of space for your belongings. I found the jacket to be very warm and comfortable, even in extremely cold conditions. It’s also lightweight, which is a plus. The fit is generous, allowing room for layers underneath.

While the KEFITEVD Ski Jacket is overall a fantastic product, there are a couple of small things to note. Firstly, although the jacket is advertised as having two inner pockets, I only found one. However, this didn’t impact my use of the jacket. Secondly, the hood cords can be a bit uncomfortable under the chin, but this is easily solved by not using them as the hood stays in place without them. Despite these minor issues, I would highly recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a warm and reliable winter coat.

What I like: Exceptionally warm and comfortable with practical features like multiple pockets and adjustable cuffs.

What I don’t: Hood cords can be uncomfortable and there’s only one inner pocket instead of two advertised.

See the KEFITEVD Ski Jacket

7. TACVASEN Ski Coat

Fabric: Fleece
Insulation: Yes, fleece lining
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 1 kg

The TACVASEN Ski Jacket is a solid option for those seeking a versatile, warm, and weather-resistant outer layer. Its fleece lining provides ample comfort, while the waterproof and windproof softshell fabric effectively shields against the elements. The detachable hood, adjustable cuffs, and collar offer added protection from the cold. Multiple pockets conveniently store essentials, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

The jacket’s fit is true to size for layering with a thermal top and shirt, but those seeking extra warmth in colder conditions might want to consider a larger size. The zipper functions smoothly, and the well-placed pockets are spacious. The detachable hood is a practical feature, and the adjustable drawstrings allow for a customized fit. While the jacket arrived with some creases from the packaging, these were mostly removed with washing and ironing. Overall, the TACVASEN Ski Jacket is a well-designed and functional piece of outerwear that offers excellent value for its price.

What I like: Warm, waterproof, windproof, multiple pockets, good value.

What I don’t: Inaccurate sizing chart, creases easily.

See the TACVASEN Ski Coat

Best UK Ski Jackets: Comparison table

How to Choose a Ski Jacket?

Choosing the right ski jacket is important for staying warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which jacket is best for you. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting a ski jacket.

Understanding Your Needs

The first step in choosing a ski jacket is to determine your specific needs. Consider the type of skiing you will be doing, the climate where you will be skiing, and your personal preferences.

If you are a beginner or primarily ski on groomed runs, an insulated jacket is likely the best choice. Insulated jackets provide warmth and protection from the elements. For more experienced skiers who spend a lot of time in the backcountry or prefer a more active style, a hardshell or softshell jacket may be a better option. These jackets offer greater breathability and flexibility.

Key Features to Consider

Once you have determined the type of jacket you need, it’s time to look at specific features.

• Waterproofness and Breathability: A ski jacket should be waterproof to keep you dry in snow and rain. However, it’s also important to consider breathability. A breathable jacket will allow moisture to escape, preventing you from overheating. Look for jackets with a high waterproof rating and a good breathability rating.
• Insulation: The amount of insulation you need will depend on the climate and the type of skiing you will be doing. Insulated jackets typically use down or synthetic fill. Down is warmer but loses its insulating properties when wet. Synthetic insulation is less warm but maintains its insulating properties when wet.
• Fit: A good-fitting ski jacket is essential for comfort and performance. The jacket should fit snugly but allow for layering underneath. You should be able to move freely without feeling restricted.
• Ventilation: A ski jacket should have vents to allow you to regulate your body temperature. Pit zips are common and effective for venting.
• Pockets: Pockets are essential for storing lift tickets, goggles, snacks, and other essentials. Look for a jacket with plenty of pockets in convenient locations.
• Powder Skirt: A powder skirt helps to keep snow out of your jacket. It is essential for deep powder conditions.
• Hood: A hood is a valuable feature for protecting your head and face from the elements. Look for a hood that is adjustable and compatible with a helmet.
• Cuffs: Adjustable cuffs help to seal out snow and keep your hands warm. Look for cuffs with Velcro or other closures.

Additional Tips

• Try on the jacket before buying it to ensure a good fit.
• Many stores in the United Kingdom have a facility to try outerwear.
• Consider the jacket’s overall quality and durability.
• Look for features that are important to you, such as reflective details for safety or media pockets for your phone.
• Consider the jacket’s style and whether it matches your personal taste.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a ski jacket that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes.

Choosing the Right Jacket Type

As mentioned earlier, there are three main types of ski jackets: insulated, hardshell, and softshell. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Insulated Jackets: These jackets are the warmest option and are ideal for cold climates and beginner skiers. They typically have a lower breathability rating, so they may not be the best choice for high-intensity activities.
• Hardshell Jackets: These jackets are highly waterproof and breathable, making them ideal for backcountry skiing and other demanding activities. They offer excellent protection from the elements but typically do not provide as much warmth as insulated jackets.
• Softshell Jackets: These jackets offer a balance of warmth, breathability, and flexibility. They are a good choice for a variety of conditions and activities.

Layering

Layering is an essential part of staying warm and comfortable on the slopes. By layering your clothing, you can adjust to changing weather conditions. A typical layering system consists of three layers: base layer, mid layer, and outer layer.

The base layer is worn next to the skin and should wick moisture away from the body. The mid layer provides insulation and warmth. The outer layer protects you from the elements.

By understanding the different types of ski jackets and the importance of layering, you can choose the right gear for your next ski adventure.

Additional Considerations

• Budget: Ski jackets can range in price from affordable to high-end. Determine your budget before you start shopping.
• Sustainability: If you are concerned about the environment, look for jackets made from recycled materials or with sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Warranty: Some ski jackets come with a warranty. Check the warranty information before making a purchase.

By following these tips, you can find the perfect ski jacket in the UK to suit your needs and enjoy your time on the slopes.