If you’re looking for some suggestions on what to add to your winter wardrobe or give as a gift to that taller framed individual this season, look no further.
Whilst ski fashion does change, we have researched in to the absolute best and timeless 9 big and or tall ski jackets on the market.
Here’s how we’re rating our snow jacket picks:
- Fit
- Price
- Features
- Warmth
Any notes about fitment, price, features, or warmth will be noted. Minimal features do not mean the jacket is a poor performer, it simply means the jacket is geared at the skier who needs just enough and nothing extra. I highly recommend a modular or layered system or a 3-1 jacket system to make the most possible use of your jacket(s) over the widest weather range and I’ll make some recommendations about that in our list!
Let’s get to it!
9. Columbia Antimony IV Jacket
FIT: Size Up For Layering
PRICE: Low
FEATURES: Minimal
WARMTH: Cooler
Columbia, as you might know by now, is a great company to look for value versus performance. We’re not looking for anything high performance here, just warmth, and reliability. Not a waterproof jacket, but then again when all the rain is frozen as snow, there’s no need for a waterproof coat. We think this value minded coat is great for the recreational skier.
8. Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Jacket
FIT: As Expected
PRICE: High
FEATURES: Minimal
WARMTH: Hot
Patagonia makes apparel for longer frame people so this one is perfect for the taller skier. This down jacket is a perfect under layer to pair with a hard shell jacket. Don’t get caught in the rain with it though – down loses function when wet. One of the best layering jackets on the market! This jacket is for the coldest days of skiing or staying toasty warm when enjoying an afternoon beer or après ski on a cold night.
7. Spyder Men’s Leader Jacket
FIT: As Expected
PRICE: Moderate
FEATURES: Robust
WARMTH: Hot
Spyder is delivering a jacket with waterproof shell, warm insulation, and a full hood. This is a great fitting jacket with moderate insulation. Order a size up and use a base layer (such as the Patagonia Down Sweater above) for maximum sizing and warmth options. Look for the “Long” option when buying this jacket for the taller skier. We think you’ll find this jacket covers all the bases for most skiers!
6. Mountain Hardwear Men’s Dynotherm Down Jacket
FIT: Long
PRICE: Moderate / Low
FEATURES: Minimal
WARMTH: Hot
Mountain Hardwear is known for being a long torso fit, their gear fits tall and slim guys perfectly! If you’re skiing in dry conditions, I.E. mid-winter mountain West, this is the perfect jacket. With enough down warmth for any ski day, put a waterproof shell over it when the mercury really drops or when the wind and rain kicks up. Like the Patagonia Down Sweater, this jacket will make a perfect partner for those icy cold days and late après nights.
5. Mountain Hardwear Men’s Finder Jacket
FIT: Long
PRICE: Moderate
FEATURES: Minimal
WARMTH: Cold
Pair this great long torso jacket with our previous pick, the Men’s Dynotherm Down Jacket, for an all-season, all weather solution! I love layering with insulation and waterproof layers as separate jackets. It leaves so much more versatility in choosing the right jacket(s) based on the conditions. This windproof / waterproof jacket is light and just the right addition to a layering system. This would be a great jacket to use during the off-season as well for a hiking rain coat if you need something to pull double duty!
4. Spyder Men’s Squaw Valley Jacket
FIT: Size Up
PRICE: Moderate
FEATURES: Robust
WARMTH: Moderate
Compared to the last Spyder jacket we reviewed, this one has a little less insulation but rocks some great waterproof features. We suggest a size up to make room for a layer underneath due to minimal insulation in this jacket. If you’ll be skiing mid-winter conditions, you’ll want that! Aesthetics are sleek, modern, and cutting edge. For the price, it’s a pretty good buy!
3. Columbia Men’s Powderkeg Interchange Jacket
FIT: As Expected
PRICE: Low
FEATURES: Robust
WARMTH: Hot
Packing some serious tech, this jacket has a modular 3-1 system for layering, waterproof shell, and reflective inner lining to max out the heat level inside your coat. This is a great solution for the price and since it’s available in many “tall” sizes, we’re sure you’ll find what you need. Columbia knows how to make a jacket and this modular down insulated jacket is going to keep up with your skiing.
2. Salomon Men’s Supernova Jacket
FIT: Slim
PRICE: Moderate
FEATURES: Robust
WARMTH: Hot
Detachable hood? One of my favorite (and oft overlooked) ski jacket features!!! Salomon knows the ski industry, they’re a leader in ski equipment and have been for years. Beware this jacket runs slim and athletic so if you’re tall and bigger, this may not be your jacket. Moderate insulation should be more than enough to keep you warm in all but the coldest conditions! Salomon rarely misses with a ski product and they usually focus on the hard-charging aggressive skiers who never turn down a run.
1. North Face Arrowood Triclimate Jacket
FIT: Large
PRICE: Low
FEATURES: Moderate
WARMTH: Hot
The North Face has a tendency to be a bit pricey but this nice modular jacket is coming in low on the budget with some great features. Adjustable layering system allows up to three different settings for different weather conditions. Due to the slightly long and large size, it should be easy to find a fit for that taller framed individual. Waterproof shell is a good feature for the price and if it’s available, well… why not take it!?
Finally… What to Pair Your Big Winter Jacket With?
No matter what layering system you want, or what conditions you’ll be heading in to, there’s something in our list for every type of tall skier.
What’s our top pick?
Pair the Patagonia Down Hoodie with a sized-up Mountain Hardwear Finder jacket for the perfect all-season, all weather combo with extreme performance! If you’re shopping for a shell, pair it with one of our long sleeve tees that are longer length and will also help to keep the snow out of your pants.
Looking for ski pants for that taller guy or gal? Check out our recent article about the best ski pants for tall people!
