The 9 Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets of 2021-2022

Sometimes adults get all crusty when they see kids out skiing and riding, fully kitted out in proper gear. They like to wag fingers and rant about how “back in my day didn’t need all this fancy gear! Kids are getting soft!” However just because it was rough in the past doesn’t mean that kids these days should have to go through the same thing. For parents who love skiing or snowboarding, and want their kids to fall in love with winter recreation as well, it’s an easy call to properly kit out your progeny. They’re not going to have fun if they’re not comfortable, and the right gear will keep them comfortable. But what features should you look out for in the best kids’ snow jackets? What materials make a difference, and which are just marketing hype? The fact that there wasn’t nice outdoor gear available when you were a kid means adults have less of a frame of reference to compare to when shopping for gear for their children.

That’s why we’ve put together this collection of the best kids’ ski and snowboard jackets on the market. All of these jackets provide adult-level performance in a smaller package. And each one is optimized for a slightly different young skier or boarder. So we broke down the differences between each jacket and provided recommendations for what climates and terrain make the most sense for each. Just because you didn’t have good gear when you were growing up doesn’t mean you should deny your kids the comfort. It’ll all pay off when you’re enjoying the mountains together.

The North Face Snowquest Plus Insulated Jacket - Boys & Girls

The North Face Snowquest Plus is a very versatile jacket. It’s got the price point and features you’d expect from a great first ski jacket, but, since it’s available in youth sizes from XXS to XL, and is made using quality materials, it’s also a great jacket for more experienced skiers and riders as well. The North Face’s DryVent shell material does a good job of keeping water out, and 250 grams of synthetic insulation ensures that kids will stay warm no matter how many snow angles they make. And, the Snowquest Plus’s “easy growth” sleeves are easy to adjust if your kid hits a growth spurt in the middle of the winter.

The Snowquest Plus is one of the best snow jackets for kids who get cold easily or often deal with frigid temps. It’s a warm, versatile jacket with all the features you need and no extra frills.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
DryVent	250g	$148.95

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Burton Dugout Jacket - Boys

The Burton Dugout is one of the best boys’ ski jackets for kids who run slightly warmer or live in less intense climates. Its 100g insulation hits a nice middle ground, the jacket will be pretty warm on its own, and paired with an insulated mid layer, can handle the coldest days. The Dugout is designed for young riders who know that looking good is part of feeling good. It’s got a stylish cut and comes in a variety of color-blocked options so it can match any kit. And Burton’s Room to Grow system means you can lengthen the sleeves easily if your kid starts to outgrow the Dugout. The 10K waterproofing rating, combined with the DWR coating keeps the elements out, and a nicely thought out pocket layout, with an integrated pass pocket, means your kid won’t have any excuse for forgetting their accessories.

The Burton Dugout is a fantastic kids’ snowboard jacket. It’s insulated enough to be comfortable in most climates, without being so hot that they’re perspiring just walking to the lift.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
10K	100g	$134.95

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Volcom Vernon Insulated Jacket - Boys

The Volcom Vernon jacket was designed for skiing and snowboarding obsessed kids. It’s got the high-end materials and features you expect from the best boys’ snow jackets needed to ski bell to bell. The 10K waterproof and breathable shell will keep them dry no matter how much it snows during the day and 100g insulation strikes a nice balance of maintaining warmth without being overkill. And on those deep days, the Vernon can zip onto Volcom snow pants to create a one-piece outer layer that will keep all the snow outside where it belongs. Finally, Volcom’s Grow Tech makes it easy to adapt the Vernon to your kid’s changing body.

The Volcom Vernon was designed for kids who have fallen in love with the mountains and need a jacket that can keep up. It’s great for young but dedicated skiers and boarders.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
10K	100g	$150

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Roxy Jetty Jacket - Girls

The Roxy Jetty combines wild patterns and great performance into a coat that looks as good as it feels. The Jetty is a very weatherproof jacket, and one of the warmest options on this list which is why we feel it’s one of the best girls’ snow jackets for harsher conditions. Its insulation is strategically mapped, it uses heavier insulation around the torso of the jacket with less insulation in the sleeves and hood to help your body naturally regulate its temperature without sacrificing mobility. And the handwarmer pockets can store snacks, or help your thaw frozen fingers.

Roxy’s Jetty is a very warm, very weatherproof jacket that has the added bonus of looking very cool. It’s a nice compromise for parents who focus on performance, and kids who are obsessed with style.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
10K	200g	$139.95

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Patagonia Snow Pile Jacket - Toddlers

The Patagonia Snow Pile effectively bridges the gap between toddler jackets and youth options. Its size range makes it a perfect in-between layer, while its performance puts it ahead of the pack. Patagonia’s 2L H2No waterproof membrane does a great job of keeping kids dry, and 150g of insulation works well on its own or paired with a puffy mid layer. And the Snow Pile doesn’t just perform well, it looks great too. Retro-inspired colorways mean it’s a timeless piece of gear that your kids will want to pass on to their kids.

The Patagonia Snow Pile is a simple piece of gear that does its job very well and looks good doing it. It’s a great option for kids bridging the gap between toddler and youth sizes and one of the best ski jackets for kids you can find.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
2L H2No	150g	$119

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Burton Elodie Jacket - Girls

The Burton Elodie is the girls’ counterpart to the Dugout. It uses the same waterproof and breathable material, along with the same 100g insulation to keep kids warm and dry. However, it’s got a slightly different cut, fit, and pocket layout to fit the needs of young ladies a little better. It’s also available in more colorways so your young ripper can find a fit that lets her express herself. Just like the Dugout, it has Burton’s Room to Grow adjustment in the sleeves so you never have to worry about too long of arms in too short of sleeves.

If the Dugout sounds good, but your little rider wants something a little more feminine, the Elodie fits the bill, making it one of the best girls’ ski jackets.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
10K	100g	$134.95

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Burton Parka Jacket - Toddlers

As kids start snowboarding younger and younger, brands are making smaller and smaller technical clothing to keep up with the demand. The Burton Parka is designed for the smallest snowboarders and comes in a range of toddler sizes. It uses the same waterproof shell material as the Dugout and Elodie jackets, with slightly heavier insulation to keep smaller bodies warm. It features the same adjustment system so it can grow with your child, and has strategic areas of fleece lining to keep it comfortable and warm.

If you’ve got a toddler that wants to play in the snow, the Burton Parka is a great first snowboard coat for them and one of the best kids’ snowboard jackets.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
10K	180g	$124.95

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Helly Hansen Traverse Jacket - Boys & Girls

The Helly Hansen Traverse jacket is a breathable, insulated option for kids who are less concerned with waterproofing and instead prioritize comfort. It’s less waterproof than most of the other jackets on this list, but the SprayTech membrane does help keep water out, along with a DWR coating that helps it bead up on the shell. It has strategic insulation throughout, with thicker panels in the arms and back to help keep more exposed areas from getting chilly. Wrist gaiters, a RECCO reflector, an insulated phone pocket, and an adjustable powder skirt round off the Traverse’s features.

The Helly Hansen Traverse is not a great choice for very wet climates, but for skiers and riders anywhere else, it’s a comfortable, stylish option and one of the best kids’ ski jackets.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
SprayTech	133g	$165

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Helly Hansen Rider 2 Insulated Jacket - Toddlers

The Helly Hansen Rider 2 fills a very similar niche to the Patagonia Snow Pile. They’re both semi-technical jackets for kids who are just getting into snow sports. The Snow Pile is a little more water-resistant and has slightly heavier insulation, which means the Rider 2 is a good choice for milder climates. The Rider 2 does have a built-in powder skirt, along with a dedicated pass pocket, so it’s easy to transition from the sledding hill to the ski resort.

Helly Hansen’s Rider 2 is an affordable jacket that’s a great entry for kids who are just getting started skiing or snowboarding.

Waterproofing	Insulation	Original Price
Helly Tech®	PrimaLoft	$130

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The 9 Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets of 2021-2022

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