Winter means one thing: hitting the slopes. But to nail that first descent of the season, your ski jacket has to be ready. It’s the piece where everything comes together: fit, function, style. Once you’re on the mountain, that shell shapes how you move, ride, and handle changing conditions – whether you’re chasing the intensity of a black run or still a slope rookie.

Philipp Schwarz knows this well. Having grown up on snow, the expert skier has built a following by documenting his technical precision and high-speed tricks, where performance is non-negotiable. We sat down with him to decode this season’s defining ski jacket silhouettes and how to find the technical shield that actually works for you.

Fabric and functionality

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When shopping for a ski jacket, what do you pay attention to?

I always look for GORE-TEX. For me, the fabric must be waterproof yet breathable enough to handle a variety of conditions. It’s all about that balance between protection and comfort.

How do material and design features differ for beginners versus advanced skiers?

Skiers tackling technical terrain and mixed conditions require a high-tech hardshell, whereas beginners don’t necessarily need to invest in a GORE-TEX shell immediately. A versatile, “all-in-one” insulated style is often a great starting point. However, if you’re skiing frequently and in unpredictable weather, it’s definitely worth investing in a high-quality fabric.

Which features are “nice to have,” and which are your non-negotiables?

A “nice to have” is a versatile fit. Something not too restrictive that allows for layering and is durable enough to transition into summer hiking. My non-negotiables are adjustable drawcords at the hood and waist. I love being able to crop the jacket; that silhouette makes the entire look ten times better.

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The style

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Does your personal style off the slopes translate to your alpine look, or does skiing unlock a different aesthetic?

My everyday style definitely influences my ski wardrobe. In both worlds, I gravitate toward slightly cropped tops, baggy trousers, and a minimalist colour palette. For me, the silhouette is what makes an outfit special. I’m a huge fan of oversized shapes, but the crop is essential. Otherwise, the look can lose its structure.

Do you have any go-to references for ski style – an era, athlete, or film that lives rent-free in your head?

Old-school ski movies are a constant inspiration. Those baggy outfits just look effortlessly cool. I’m also thrilled to see heritage brands like Peak Performance and Haglöfs collaborating with stylish young athletes to create high-performance gear that embraces that oversized aesthetic.

“I’d marry all-black, kiss the retro vibes and avoid the neons.”

- Philipp Schwarz

Which ski jacket styles do you think will dominate the slopes in 2026?

I think we’ll see much more experimental silhouettes. Think heavily cropped cuts and exaggerated, oversized sleeves. In terms of colours, I’m hoping for clean pastels – I’d love to see more of those making an appearance.

Kiss, marry, avoid: retro vibes, neon colours, all-black designs?

I’d marry all-black, kiss the retro vibes and avoid the neons.

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The weight debate

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How do you tell if a jacket is light enough without feeling like you’ve compromised on warmth or protection?

I mainly look at the fabric specs, specifically how it performs in terms of breathability and water resistance. I also don’t rely on the jacket itself to keep me warm. I see it more as a protective shell. As long as that outer layer is solid, you can always layer up underneath to get the warmth you need.

“Heavier jackets give you that instant warmth, but a lightweight hardshell is far more adaptable.”

- Philipp Schwarz

What’s the benefit of a heavier ski jacket compared to a lighter one?

Heavier jackets give you that instant warmth, but a lightweight hardshell is far more adaptable. You can always add layers beneath a shell, but you can’t remove the insulation from a heavily padded jacket once you start to overheat. Plus, the less weight I’m carrying, the more agile I feel, especially during a long day on the mountain.

Some swear by lightweight shells with layers underneath, others prefer built-in insulation. What’s your approach?

I’m a firm believer in layering rather than relying on one big jacket. I always start with a merino baselayer and, depending on the forecast, add a warm down jacket before finishing with a thin hardshell. It allows you to fine-tune your setup as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.