Jackets - Shell, insulated, city

How to Choose a Winter Jacket?

Canadian winters are harsh. Multiple weeks below -30 °C, heavy snow, and icy winds are still common parts of living in the Great White North. At the same time, rain and sleet are also part of the equation, sometimes even during the same day. Yes, winter can be challenging, but a good winter jacket can keep you comfortable and make the season more enjoyable. With the right jacket, you’ll stay warm and dry without overheating.

The best choice of jacket depends on how and where you plan to wear it and your personal style. A jacket designed for alpine skiing might not work well on a downtown sidewalk or during a high-effort cross-country ski workout. Features like insulation, wind-proofing, waterproofing, breathability, and practical pocket placement each play a role depending on the activity. Some uses call for lightweight warmth and ventilation, others for full weather protection and technical details. Knowing your intended use helps narrow your options and ensures your jacket does exactly what you need it to do.

Alpine Ski and Snowboard Jackets

Alpine ski jackets are made for long days on the slopes. They provide a balance of warmth, weather protection, and mobility. Whether you’re carving groomers or chasing powder, your jacket needs to perform in changing conditions and varied intensity levels, from brisk chairlift rides to demanding descents.

Insulated models are a great choice for resort skiing, where staying warm between runs is critical to having fun. Down insulation offers maximum warmth with minimal bulk, while synthetic options breathe better and stay warm when wet (not the case with down). Shell jackets (uninsulated outer layers) can be a good choice for dynamic skiers who prefer more control over their layering system and need greater breathability.

Key features to look for include waterproof-breathable membranes, helmet-compatible hoods, snow skirts, pass pockets, and pit zips for ventilation (for high-energy skiers who tend to overheat). A good fit allows full freedom of movement and space for layering without feeling bulky. With the right jacket, you can focus on your turns, not the weather.

While ski and snowboard jackets offer similar features and protection from the elements, snowboard styles often differ slightly in fit and silhouette. Influenced by skateboarding streetwear, many snowboard jackets feature a looser or more relaxed cut, offering greater freedom of movement and room for layering. They’re also often longer, providing extra coverage when sitting to adjust bindings or take a break in the snow.

To learn more about how to dress for alpine skiing and snowboarding, check out our article “Choosing the Right Downhill Ski Clothes.”

Ski Touring Jackets

Ski touring involves putting skins on your skis and climbing the mountain before descending, usually on ungroomed slopes. It’s a demanding cardiovascular sport with long uphill grinds followed by spurts of high-intensity effort on the downhill. When you’re earning your turns, every layer matters—especially your shell. Touring jackets are designed as the outermost piece in a layering system, offering protection from snow, sleet, and wind without trapping heat on the ascent. Breathability is key, as is sweat management: you need a jacket that keeps moisture out while allowing it to escape from within. Lightweight and packable by design, these shells stash easily when not in use. Look for pit zips for quick venting, and fabrics durable enough to handle tight tree lines, rocky bootpacks, bushwhacking, and loaded backpacks. Also be sure that your shell gives you ample freedom of movement. Backcountry ski jackets can also work well for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (though for the latter, be sure that the sleeves and side of the jacket don’t rub in the broader swinging motion when poling).

For information about ski touring apparel, read our article “How to Dress for Alpine Touring.”

Cross-Country Ski Jackets

Cross-country skiing is a high-intensity sport that generates plenty of body heat, even in cold weather. Jackets for classic or skate skiing should have some degree of wind protection and be highly breathable. Most are uninsulated or lightly insulated and feature stretch or breathable fabrics. A good fit should allow full range of motion through the shoulders and arms for the wide, fluid movements of poling. These jackets are often cut slightly shorter than alpine models and feature zippered vents or mesh inserts to help regulate body temperature. Many also work well for winter running or fast-paced snowshoeing.

For a deep dive into cross-country ski clothing, see our article “Choosing the Right Cross-Country Ski Clothing.”

Urban Jackets

Not every winter day is spent on the slopes. Urban jackets are built for daily life—walking to work, waiting for the bus, or heading out on a cold evening. Warmth and weather protection matter, but so does style. Whether you prefer a minimalist silhouette or a longer cut with standout details, these jackets are designed to keep you comfortable without compromising your look.

Most offer serious insulation, with down or synthetic fill to handle sub-zero temperatures. Many feature water-resistant shells to block wind, snow, and sleet, along with practical touches like storm flaps, handwarmer pockets, and insulated hoods. Some urban styles also work well as après-ski pieces or for casual weekends when comfort and style both count.

Eco-Friendly Winter Jackets

Increasingly, brands are designing outerwear with the planet in mind, using recycled fabrics, bio-based materials, and fluorocarbon-free water-repellent finishes. Some use responsibly sourced down (RDS-certified), while others opt for innovative synthetic fills that offer warmth with a smaller footprint.

If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, pay attention to what goes into the jacket and how it’s made. Look for mentions of recycled content, bluesign®-approved textiles, or PFC-free DWR treatments. Many brands now share details about their manufacturing practices, repair programs, and product lifespans, making it easier to choose gear that aligns with your values.

Whether you’re looking for a technical shell for backcountry missions, a stylish parka for the city, a warm jacket for the resort, or a lightweight cross-country ski jacket, you’ll find it at Oberson. We carry a wide range of winter jackets for men, women, and kids, both online and in-store at our Laval and Brossard locations.