Ski Jackets
The lift is going up, the slope is ahead of you, and the snow is glistening in the sunlight. That feeling starts with the right gear. A good ski jacket keeps you warm, dry, and free to move, so you can focus on what really counts: enjoying the slopes. The Rehall range offers ski clothing for every level and budget. Whether you are going on a winter sports holiday for the first time or have been flying down the slopes for years, you will find a jacket here that suits you. View the full range of women's ski jackets and men's ski jackets and head off well-prepared.
What makes a good ski jacket?
Not every jacket is suitable for the snow. A ski jacket needs to do more than just look good. It protects you against wind, rain, and cold, while giving you the freedom of movement you need during an active descent. Read on below to learn which features really matter and what they mean for you on the slopes.
Waterproofing and breathability
Waterproofing is expressed in a water column. This figure indicates how much water pressure a fabric can withstand. A water column of 10,000 mm protects you during normal snowfall and dry skiing. Do you head to the slopes more often in changeable weather or heavy snowfall? Then choose a jacket with a water column of 20,000 mm or higher. This will keep you dry for a long time, even in wet snow and rain. Ski jackets must be waterproof to provide protection against rain and snow. In addition, a ski jacket must offer sufficient freedom of movement to ski comfortably.
But waterproof alone is not enough. During an active descent, you sweat, and that heat and moisture need to go somewhere. A breathable jacket allows moisture to escape from the inside without letting water in from the outside. Breathability is important to prevent the inside of the ski jacket from becoming damp due to sweat. The K-factor of a ski jacket indicates how many grams of water vapor can escape per square meter of fabric in 24 hours. You remain comfortable, dry from the inside out, and protected from the outside. The higher the breathability score, the better the jacket feels during intense skiing.
Ventilation openings, such as ventilation zippers under the arms, help to shed excess heat while skiing and improve the jacket's breathability.
Insulation: warm without being heavy
Insulation determines how warm your jacket keeps you. Rehall ski jackets use synthetic insulation or a fleece lining. Synthetic insulation is lightweight, retains its warmth even when damp, and dries quickly. A fleece lining provides a soft feel and is ideal if you are less intensely active. Ski jackets can also be used as winter coats because they are designed to keep you warm in extreme conditions.
How much insulation you need depends on how you ski. On a groomed slope at moderate temperatures, a jacket with light insulation and a good mid-layer underneath is sufficient. Wearing a mid-layer, such as a ski turtleneck, under your ski jacket provides extra warmth, especially on the coldest days. For freeriding at high altitudes or in severe cold, you need more warmth. Choose a higher insulation value in that case. This way, you stay comfortable all day long, from the first lift to the last descent. Softshell ski jackets are breathable, windproof, and water-repellent, and often have a fitted shape.
Practical details that make the difference
Besides waterproofing and insulation, there are details that make your day on the slopes a lot more pleasant. These are the features you only truly appreciate once you use them:
- Hood: a well-adjusted hood protects your head and neck against wind and snow without obstructing your vision.
- Snow skirt: the inner snow skirt connects to your pants and prevents snow from getting under your jacket during a fall. This is a useful feature, especially for freeriding or deep snow.
- Ski pass pocket: a separate outer pocket with RFID permeability so you can pass through gates without unzipping your jacket.
- Goggle pocket: a special pocket on the inside of the jacket where you can safely store your ski goggles when you are not wearing them.
- Pockets: multiple well-placed pockets give you room for gloves, phone, and snacks, so you have everything at hand on the slopes.
- Cuffs: adjustable cuffs close tightly around your wrists and keep cold and snow out, even during a hard fall.
- Ventilation openings: zippers under the arms let you regulate air circulation if you get hot during a tough descent.
Choose the style that suits you
In addition to technical functions, the fit and type of jacket play a major role in your comfort and freedom of movement:
- Anorak: A popular choice among both skiers and snowboarders. You pull an anorak over your head, and it often features a large kangaroo pocket on the front. Thanks to side zippers, it is still easy to put on and take off.
- Baggy / Wide fit: For those who love a relaxed look and maximum freedom of movement. These jackets are looser and longer, which not only gives a cool look but also offers extra space for protective layers (such as a back protector).
Women's ski jacket: fit and style that moves with you
A good women's ski jacket is more than just a nice color on the slopes. A ski jacket for women is an essential part of your gear and is easy to combine with other ski clothing and accessories. It fits well, moves with you, and ensures you are comfortable all day long. Rehall women's models are specifically tailored to the female silhouette, with a waist that doesn't pinch and enough room to move freely.
How to choose the right size as a woman?
Measure three sizes before ordering: your chest circumference, waist, and hips. Compare these with the Rehall size chart and, if in doubt, choose the larger size. A ski jacket should not be tight. You wear layers underneath, and they need to fit comfortably. If you choose too small, the jacket will restrict your freedom of movement and your mid-layer will be pinched.
Popular styles in the women's range
Do you prefer a short or long model? A short jacket gives you more freedom during dynamic skiing and combines easily with ski pants for a sleek look. A longer model offers extra protection around the hips and is pleasant in cold weather or for more relaxed skiing.
Rehall ski jackets for women come in vibrant colors and subtle tones. Functional and beautiful on the slopes. Combine your jacket with matching ski pants for a complete ski outfit that looks good both on and off the slopes.
Men's ski jacket: function and freedom of movement
For men, a good ski jacket is all about two things: protection and freedom of movement. Whether you are descending blue runs calmly or taking the red slope at full speed, the right jacket makes all the difference. The men's ski jacket collection from Rehall offers models for every type of skier.
Fit for men: regular, slim, or relaxed?
The fit that suits you depends on how you ski. A regular fit is versatile: plenty of room for a mid-layer without the jacket hanging loose. A slim fit is tighter and is popular with piste skiers who want a sleek look. A relaxed fit provides maximum freedom of movement and is the favorite of freestylers and snowboarders in the park.
From slope to après-ski
A good ski jacket doesn't end at the last descent. Rehall men's jackets are designed for versatile use. Stepping straight from the slopes onto the terrace? Then you want a jacket that looks good and continues to provide protection. Combine it with matching ski pants for a complete look that works both on the snow and at après-ski. View the full men's ski clothing collection and put together your outfit.
The layering system: what do you wear under your ski jacket?
Your ski jacket is only as good as what you wear underneath it. By combining your ski jacket with other clothing layers and accessories, you provide extra warmth during winter sports activities. The three-layer principle, also known as the layering system, helps you always maintain the right temperature on the slopes.
Base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer
The layering system consists of three layers that work together:
- Base layer (first layer): directly on the skin. This layer ensures moisture wicking and keeps you dry.
- Mid-layer (second layer): for insulation and warmth. A mid-layer, such as a ski turtleneck or a fleece sweater, is essential for extra warmth.
- Outer layer (third layer): your ski jacket. It protects you against wind, snow, and wet conditions.
Buying a ski jacket: budget or premium?
Do you have to buy the most expensive model immediately? Not necessarily. The right choice depends on how often you go on winter sports holidays and what you expect from your ski jacket.
Are you hitting the slopes for one week a year and mostly skiing on groomed slopes in reasonable weather? Then a good entry-level model is perfectly sufficient. A jacket with a water column of 10,000 mm, light insulation, and a reliable zipper gives you everything you need for a week of winter sports.
Are you heading out several times a season, skiing in changeable weather, or do you like going off-piste? Then it pays to invest in a premium jacket with higher waterproofing, a better breathability score, and extra features such as a powder skirt and ski pass pocket. That investment pays for itself in comfort, dry clothing, and a longer lifespan.
Do you want everything in one package? Then also check out our range of ski suits. A ski suit combines jacket and pants into one design for an optimal fit and maximum protection.
Maintenance tips for a longer lifespan
A ski jacket can last for years, provided you maintain it well. Wash it on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees with a special detergent for technical clothing. Never use regular fabric softener, as this damages the waterproof DWR coating. Afterward, dry the jacket in the dryer on a low setting, as heat reactivates the coating. Is water no longer beading off but seeping into the fabric? Then it is time to re-impregnate the jacket.
Frequently asked questions about ski jackets
What is the difference between a hardshell and a softshell ski jacket?
A hardshell jacket is completely waterproof and windproof but has little to no insulation. A softshell is softer, stretchy, and more comfortable in dry conditions, but less waterproof.
What is the minimum water column a good ski jacket needs?
For normal use on the slopes, a water column of 10,000 mm is sufficient. Do you ski in changeable or wet weather? Then choose at least 15,000 mm to 20,000 mm.