The North Face Ski Jackets

A Brief History of The North Face

The North Face was founded in 1966 in San Francisco, California by Douglas and Susie Tompkins. The company was originally called Chouinard Equipment, after famed rock climber Yvon Chouinard. In 1968, the brand changed its name to The North Face, inspired by the coldest and most challenging side of a mountain that climbers aspire to conquer. The new name reflected their goal to provide advanced, high-quality gear for serious outdoor athletes and adventurers taking on the harshest alpine environments. While remaining true to its roots, The North Face has expanded over the decades into a global leader in outdoor apparel and gear for multiple sports. They continue to make technically advanced products designed for the most extreme expeditions, along with accessible styles for casual outdoor enthusiasts. The North Face maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation initiatives around the world as well. From hikers to skiers to city commuters, The North Face is a trusted brand with products designed to protect and perform in the elements while allowing freedom of movement. This ethos makes them an ideal choice for ski jackets and layers. 

Key Features of The North Face Ski Jackets

When choosing any ski jacket, there are a few key features to look for that will determine its quality, performance and comfort on the mountain. As a technical outerwear brand, The North Face excels at incorporating the latest innovations and technology into its ski jackets to optimise function in cold winter conditions. Here are some of the top features found in The North Face ski jackets:

• Waterproof and Breathable Fabrics → Keeping dry is crucial when skiing to avoid hypothermia. The North Face ski jackets use proprietary waterproof fabrics like the legendary HyVent technology. This fabric blocks snow and rain while allowing sweat vapour to escape so you don't overheat.
• Insulation → Warmth is just as important as waterproofing. The North Face ski jackets come insulated with varying amounts of either synthetic insulation like Heatseeker Eco, or premium down. The higher the fill power, the warmer and more compressible the down. They also use Heatseeker Eco, a sustainable recycled polyester insulation that retains warmth even when wet.
• Ventilation → To prevent overheating and fogged goggles, you need ventilation on a ski jacket. Many North Face jackets have built-in vents under the armpits that you can easily open and close as needed. Some models also have pouched-back vents for additional airflow.
• Helmet Compatible Hoods → For skiing and snowboarding, having a hood that fits comfortably over your helmet without impeding visibility is a must. The North Face designs their hoods to work seamlessly with helmets and goggles. The hoods usually have a stiff visor as well for added protection from the elements.
• Cuff Gaiters with Thumbholes → To keep snow out and warmth in, The North Face ski jackets come equipped with internal ribbed cuffs and thumbholes. Some designs have removable gaiters as well that extend over the hands with elastic grippers at the wrist. This seals out snow when skiing with gloves on.
• Lift Pass Pockets → A convenient feature on many North Face ski jackets are dedicated lift pass pockets on the sleeve or chest that allow quick, easy access to show your pass at the station. Some models also have media pockets with headphone ports inside for listening to music on the go.
• Recco Rescue Technology → For extra safety, some of the more technical North Face ski jackets have embedded Recco reflectors. This allows search and rescue teams to detect you in the event of an avalanche. While a nice bonus, a transceiver should still be worn for backcountry skiing.
• Seam Sealed Construction → Critical seams on North Face ski jackets get sealed with interior taping and DWR coatings during manufacturing. This guards areas like the hood, cuffs, hem and front zipper against moisture ingress and wind penetration. The fully sealed seams prevent gaps where snow or rain could leak in.
• Reinforced Scuff Guards → High-use areas prone to abrasion like the lower hem and cuffs get reinforced with extra material layers from North Face’s Bomber WR fabric. This adds durability to protect the jacket from tears, rips or fraying during wear and tear on the mountain from skis, boards and poles.
• Recco Technology Integration → Some technical North Face ski jackets have Recco reflector panels integrated into the fabric itself. This special antenna material reflects signals from search and rescue radar. While not replacing proper gear like beacons, it can help speed detection in the event of an avalanche to improve survival rates.

By utilising high-tech, durable fabrics combined with clever functional details, The North Face ski jackets offer everything you need for full protection and comfort while carving down the mountain. Next, let's explore the different specific styles of North Face ski jackets available.

Types of The North Face Ski Jackets

The North Face engineers their extensive ski jacket collections to meet the performance requirements of various snow sports and environments. Their offerings span a wide range of styles optimised for different conditions and aerobic outputs. When browsing for a new ski jacket, being familiar with these main design categories helps narrow selections to best match your needs.

Insulated Ski Parkas

When the mercury plummets to frigid temperatures below -20°C, heavily insulated ski parkas become mandatory outer layers for retaining body heat while sealing out the elements. As the most protective jacket category, ski parkas focus on maximising interior insulation levels to create an impenetrable warmth cocoon in otherwise unbearable winter conditions. The North Face optimises parka insulation through the strategic use of either premium goose down or innovative heat-trapping synthetic fills. Down offers an unparalleled warmth-to-weight ratio but loses insulating capacity when wet. Therefore, higher-end parkas integrate responsibly sourced RDS-certified 800 fill power goose down in isolated baffled areas lined with a separate protective membrane to shield the down from moisture. For wetter maritime climates, entirely synthetic insulations like the proprietary ThermoBall provide comparable warmth to 600 fill down even when saturated. The quilting and baffling patterning prevent insulating fills from shifting and maintain consistent coverage of vital warmth zones regardless of motion. At the exterior shell, parkas leverage ultra-advanced waterproof yet breathable fabrics to create a formidable moisture barrier against freezing winter storms. Top-end models integrate lamination technologies like the air-permeable nanospun FUTURELIGHTTM or classic three-layer Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged membranes paired with a burly face fabric. These industry-leading materials provide an impenetrable barrier against howling winds and heavy snow while wicking away internal perspiration vapour. Fully taped seams eliminate gaps where spindrift could penetrate while DWR coatings cause external moisture to readily bead off the surface. 

Many technical features specifically integrate into the parka design to safeguard potential openings vulnerable to heat loss. Insulated and helmet-compatible hoods fit over both snowsport lids and climbing helmets while integrating wire peak visors and adjustable cinched openings for clear visibility even in blasting snow. Interior media pockets allow convenient inside storage of electronics and goggle wiping cloths. Powder skirts made of stretch neoprene span the waist opening to prevent updrafts of snow while skiing deep stashes. Some parkas feature RECCO® rescue reflectors or removable fur ruffs around the collar for additional protection. The extensive insulation translates into increased bulk when wearing the parka fully closed. However, the down and synthetics compress well and most models integrate into their stowable stuff sack for easier transport. This packability proves useful when shelling up during a bitter, windy summit ascent and then stowing the parka away again for the descent. The fortress-like coverage balances mobility and unlimited warmth when facing the most hostile winter environments. While overkill for rapid aerobic activities, ski parkas truly excel at maintaining comfort for low-exertion use in frigid climates. They work ideally as lift-served resort outerwear when chairlift rides create wind chill. Snowshoeing and winter hiking through sub-zero temps and biting winds also benefit from a parka's ample coverage. Their expedition-ready builds maintain precious warmth in the most inhospitable winter backcountry conditions. For anyone who skis or snowboards in consistently subarctic temperatures, a fully decked-out insulated ski parka belongs in their quiver.

3-in-1 Interchange Jackets

For optimal versatility across fluctuating mountain conditions, 3-in-1 interchange ski jackets grant users the ability to adapt insulation needs and shell capabilities quickly. This modular “layering system” approach pairs an exterior waterproof, breathable shell with a zip-in inner liner jacket to allow for customisable protection. The outer interchange shell leverages engineered fabrics with proprietary nanotechnology coatings to create waterproof, wind-resistant exteriors that remain air-permeable for ventilation. The North Face’s signature DryVent, nano-porous FutureLight or Gore-Tex membranes all employ advanced moisture management technology to repel liquid water while allowing sweat vapour to escape. Fully taped seams prevent spindrift from sneaking through cracks. DWR treatments cause snow to readily shed off the jacket surface. For the inner insulated liner, models offer a range of removable mid-layers tailored for different temperature ratings and activities. Premium goose down offers unmatched warmth-to-weight but synthetics like Heatseeker Pro maintain insulation even in dampness. The levels and placements of insulation vary depending on the intended end use from resort skiing to backcountry missions. Liners attach to the shell via an easy zip-in integration along the torso, sleeves and collar. Some interchange systems even enable you to mix and match insulation layers and shells as needed. The beauty of the 3-in-1 system lies in the ability to deploy exactly the right components for current, real-time conditions. Heading out for high-output ski touring in marginal weather? Wear just the lightweight stretch shell over a trim mid-layer. Unexpected storm rolls in? Zip in the thick-down liner without shedding the shell or poles. The adaptability allows you to fine-tune insulation and weather protection levels for the aerobic output and temperatures encountered. Active insulating technologies retain warmth even under compression while skins get put on for transitions.

Interchange jackets also provide the convenience of carrying a coordinated jacket set for effortless layering. The colour schemes and styling aesthetically match across the shell and provide liner choices. This ensures no clashing if both components get deployed together. The balanced designs specifically create complementary integrated outerwear solutions. For those wanting a sporting jacket stretcher from fall through winter, interchange systems optimise year-round usage. Wear the quilted liner as standalone autumn outerwear, then couple it to the shell for alpine use once the snow falls. Some even allow you to mix and match multiple shells and mid-layers across seasons and activities. The main trade-off for this versatility comes in increased weight from hauling both components. However, the layered insulation compresses down and the streamlined shells prevent excessive bulk. For anyone who regularly encounters unpredictable snowsport conditions across varying intensity levels, the adaptability and customisation of a 3-in-1 interchange ski jacket offer invaluable flexibility. Having quick access to the right warmth and weather protection is a game changer.

Insulated Ski Jackets

When simplicity and convenience are priorities, insulated stand-alone ski jackets make a solid choice requiring no layering. By integrating insulation directly within the jacket construction rather than via removable liners, they deliver cosy warmth with no fuss. Insulated ski jackets feature stitch-through or quilted builds with mapped synthetic insulation placements targeted to retain heat in core body zones prone to chill. Proprietary fills like Heatseeker Eco utilise recycled materials to trap warmth while resisting moisture saturation. The calculated insulation distributions shield the torso, neck, hood and sleeves without overheating the armpits or back. At the shell exterior, derivative fabrics like DryVent or wind-blocking softshells impede external moisture and precipitation from sapping away precious internal heat. Falling squarely in the middle ground for warmth and coverage, insulated ski jackets serve well as daily winter wear across activities from snowshoeing to apres skiing. Their balanced designs focus on straightforward warmth rather than technical alpine performance. For moderately cold yet relatively dry winter climates without much layering, insulated jackets provide a comforting shield against the elements without feeling overly bulky. Several well-considered features tailor insulated jackets for snowsports usage. Powder skirts seal out snow updrafts and fitted hoods fit over low-profile beanies or helmets. Interior media pockets safely store electronics with headphone ports for on-slope music. Zipped hand pockets secure belongings while keeping extremities warm. The durable exterior face fabrics resist scuffs, abrasion, and moisture. While not as feature-rich as a highly engineered shell, everything needed for enjoying winter is accounted for. For shoppers wanting reliable insulation without fussing over dialling in layers, insulated ski jackets check the boxes. Their integrally constructed warmth balances cosiness with ease of use. Just throw on and go enjoy the outdoors shielded from cold and dampness. When the forecast calls for reasonably steady winter weather across the day, grab an insulated jacket for uncomplicated, relaxed protection against the elements.

Downhill Ski Jackets

Tailored for carving fast GS turns down groomed runs, alpine ski jackets offer weather protection with unrestricted mobility. 

The streamlined shells utilise moisture-wicking yet supple fabrics that flex with every dynamic turn without restricting reach. Synthetic or down insulation integrates only where needed like the core, sleeves, and hood so extremes of motion don't pack it down. The thoughtful isolation retains warmth across key areas during high aerobic output without overheating or impairing mobility. Powder skirts and wrist gaiters seal out icy updrafts. Venting options provide additional breathability like underarm zips that dump heat and regulate core body temperature during sweaty mogul runs or laps through the terrain park. Priority placement of insulation leaves the sides and back less insulated to prevent humidity buildup. Pockets sit clear of waist gaiters and harness straps while interior media pockets safely stow electronics. Everything from the precise sleeve articulation to the relaxed fit through the shoulders enhances downhill performance. When tucking into a deep crouch or carving wide, the jacket never pulls or restricts. The precise adaption prevents the jacket from hiking up with arms extended overhead. Hoods fit seamlessly over helmets without obstructing the goggle view. The designs analyse and address every potential range of motion needed when attacking steep lines. Downhill ski jackets may sacrifice casual versatility for dialled-in high-speed athletic capability. Yet their purpose-built engineering allows charging confidently in frigid temperatures knowing your gear moves with you. For resort skiers and riders who live for wide-open groomers and untracked powder stashes, alpine-focused jacket designs enhance freedom while combating exposure. Choose downhill ski jackets when podium-worthy performance matters.

Backcountry Touring Jackets

For skiers who earn their turns hiking and skinning for backcountry lines, specialised touring jackets from The North Face optimise flexibility, ventilation and packability. By focusing on lightweight resilience and breathability, touring designs equip adventurers for taking on uphill transitions, harsh alpine environments and lung-busting descents. Ultra-compressible down or synthetics insulate touring jackets using minimal fill distributed only where necessary. Shells like tough nylon ripstops resist wetness and wind while weighing mere ounces. At the uphill grind, you generate abundant body heat and moisture so excess insulation just causes sweaty overheating. Once the skins come off, the lofting fill traps precious warmth. Premium 800 fill down stays toasty even when compressed tight in a pack thanks to its high fill power ratio—wind and precipitation-resistant shells combat elements like frigid gales and blowing spindrifts across exposed ridges and peaks. Hardshell fabrics breathe when working hard yet cinch up to seal out storms. Helmet-fitted hoods and adjustable powder skirts protect from sideways snow assaults in gale-force winds when transitioning between ascents and descents. Venting options make or break backcountry touring outerwear. Underarm zip vents rapidly release heat and allow airflow across the torso. Back vents and mesh-lined pockets add supplemental venting. Since you unzip the front partway on skinning climbs, half-length zippers retain some insulation coverage across the chest when needed. The strategic vent placements provide customisable cooling control. Freedom of movement governs every touring jacket design decision from the stretch woven shell to the articulated patterning. Unlike resort skiing, the uphill climb requires extensive poling, arm reaching and torso flexion. Sleeves slide easily over bulky layers while high collar coverage blocks drafts. Athletic tailoring balances weather protection against unhindered mobility. When every gram of weight matters, ultra-light materials make touring shells trail-worthy. Their minimalist yet highly functional builds excel at delivering reliable insulation and weather resistance across aerobic alpine missions. Backcountry ski jackets specifically engineered for earning your turns optimise breathability, resilience and packability.

Softshell Ski Jackets

For high-output snowsports where freedom of motion and ventilation take priority, softshell ski jackets make the ideal outer layer. Their stretch-woven, breathable fabric construction balances athletic mobility against protection from wind and moisture. When racing downhill or skinning uphill, optimising flexibility and airflow proves critical. The tightly constructed, multi-layer softshell fabric aids thermoregulation while providing a barrier to light precipitation. An exterior weave utilising high-denier yarns and hydrophobic coatings causes moisture to bead up and run off rather than soak in. Yet specially mapped micro-porous zones and an inner fleece liner help release heat and transport perspiration outward. This effectively manages the heat and condensation generated during aerobic efforts. Strategically mapped insulation placements add warmth without restricting movement. Synthetic fills like PrimaLoft Silver around the torso retain heat when static and then vent excess warmth once on the move. Areas prone to overheating like the underarms get a lighter insulation dosage while the sleeves and hood pack more protection. The zoned warmth balances coverage against overheating by targeting only essential spots. Venting options grant users additional breathability control. Pit zips rapidly dump extra heat and regulate core body temperature after hard efforts. Mesh-backed pockets enhance airflow to wick away sweat. Some softshell ski jackets feature removable sleeves that zip off to adapt to changing environmental conditions and activity levels on the fly.

Across the sleeves, shoulders and torso panelling, carefully engineered patterning maintains unimpeded mobility in any ski posture. The four-way stretch fabric moves freely with every stride yet keeps wind and moisture resistance. Cuff gaiters with thumbholes seal out spindrift but avoid constriction. Helmet-fitted hoods have perfect visibility and protection. Durable exterior face fabrics protect against scuffs and abrasion across multiple seasons of use. Abrasion-resistant overlays guard high friction zones. While a hard shell jacket excels at blocking heavy precipitation, softshells provide sufficient water resistance for most dry snow activities especially once treated with a DWR finish. Their supple builds balance all-around weather protection with optimal freedom of movement. For skiers and snowboarders who value versatility, ventilation and athletic performance, a feature-rich softshell jacket makes an exemplary quiver addition. Their finely tuned designs supply dependable warmth, wind and moisture management across aerobic activities where stretch and breathability are paramount. Choose softshells when comfort, speed and adaptability matter most.

Ski Shell Jackets

When only uncompromising, impenetrable protection will suffice for confronting the most severe alpine conditions, premium technical ski shell jackets represent the pinnacle of waterproof defence. Advanced lightweight shells create an impervious moisture barrier that locks out all external dampness and precipitation. The outer fabric utilises a nanoscale membrane technology like The North Face's proprietary FUTURELIGHTTM or Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged that remains completely waterproof yet still permeable to internal water vapour. This allows sweat and heat to escape while not allowing snow, rain or wind to penetrate. The microporous construction puts a literal force field between you and the elements. Reinforced face textiles boost resilience to abrasion, tears and scuffs. Fully taped seams eliminate gaps where moisture could potentially infiltrate. Durable water-repellant nano-coatings cause external dampness to immediately sheet off the surface, keeping the face fabric dry and breathable. While minimalist in terms of insulation, premium shells excel at sealing out all incoming weather. Strategically mapped interior insulation placements add warmth and breathability precisely where needed. Heat-trapping synthetic fills insulate vulnerable areas like the hood, collar, sleeves and chest while leaving the sides and pits less insulated to vent exertion moisture. These calculated distributions regulate warmth and condensation under the shell. 

On the inside, smart features heighten ski-specific performance. Wrist gaiters with thumb loops seal out spindrift while articulated patterning mirrors a skier's dynamic poses without limiting mobility. Powder skirts protect the waist opening and helmet-adjusted hoods perfectly integrate with goggle fields of vision. Harness and backpack-compatible designs allow access to vents and pockets even when other gear is worn. Lightweight yet extremely resilient face textiles make technical shells suitable for aerobic ascents and alpine environments as a streamlined protective layer. During transitional weather, a compact shell can be carried until foul conditions strike. Highly compressible insulation retains warmth without bulk when worn alone. The field-tested functionality validates their premium price for 70Severity weather protection. While overkill for fair weather skiing, advanced ski shells truly shine across harsh early winter through spring conditions. They can be lifesavers when frigid temperatures combine with wet blizzards. If regularly confront extreme alpine weather, a feature-loaded technical shell delivers indispensable, uncompromising defence against the elements when you need it most.

Freestyle Terrain Park Jackets

For snowboarders and freeskiers who session terrain parks, specialised freestyle jackets optimise freedom of motion while resisting impacts and weather. By maximising ventilation and articulation, park-specific designs enhance spinning, flipping and showcasing tricks. Stretchy softshell fabrics across the torso, sleeves and hood supply pliable mobility in all directions. The four-way stretch material moves freely with every grab, twist or inverted aerial without resistance. Athletic anatomical patterning utilises pre-curved sleeves, asymmetrical zipping and shaped elbows that mirror park manoeuvres. Everything from riding switches to tweaking methods gets accounted for in the ergonomic construction. Vulnerable high-impact zones utilise durable shell overlays that shield without sacrificing flexibility. Shoulders, collar bones and the upper back area feature abrasion-resistant fabrics that absorb hard landings in the icy park yet won't restrict mobility. Waterproof ripstop reinforcements guard the seat and thighs against repeated slamming down. Shielding vital contact points enhances durability. Venting features help prevent overheating and humidity buildup during the sustained aerobic exertion of trick progression. Generous mesh-backed underarm zips rapidly release heat along with inner torso vents. Open cuffs dump warmth and wick away sweat while protecting wrists on hand plants. Insulation focuses warmth on the core but avoids the sweat zones across the side, pit and back panels.

Features like pockets, powder skirts and wrist gaiters adapt park-specific functionality into the design. Audio pockets safely stow phones and provide cord access for slope-side sound. Shortened powder skirts allow unhindered tweaking while keeping snow out on landings. Cuff systems seal out icy shavings when planting hands without limiting wrist mobility. The thoughtful details optimise hard-hitting freestyle performance. While technical shells excel at all-around inclement weather protection, park jackets prioritise breathability, manoeuvrability and shielding impact zones across key contact points. Their specialised designs allow sessioning the jumps and jibs with optimised comfort, protection and freedom of motion. For snowboarders and skiers who live in the terrain park, specialised freestyle jackets enhance sending tricks in comfort. With such a vast array of designs and technologies across their collections, The North Face has a ski jacket to suit every temperature range, aerobic output and weather scenario. Determine the environments and activities you’ll use your jacket for most when choosing the ideal model. Selecting the proper layering system and shell material ensures you stay warm, and dry and perform at your peak all winter long.