Posted by Peter Glenn Staff on Jun 22nd 2026
Table of Contents
- A Brand Built on Weather Protection
- What Makes Helly Hansen Ski Jackets Stand Out
- Insulated Jackets vs. Shell Jackets
- Is Helly Hansen Worth the Price?
- Helly Hansen at Peter Glenn
- Frequently Asked Questions
At a Glance: Helly Hansen is one of the top ski jacket brands on the market. Founded in Norway in 1877, the brand has nearly 150 years of experience building technical outerwear for harsh weather conditions. Its ski jackets are designed with proprietary waterproof and breathable technology, mountain-specific features, and a reputation that holds up in independent testing.
Helly Hansen is one of the most recognizable ski brands in the outdoor world, and for good reason. Its roots go back nearly 150 years, with technology refined through decades of real-world use by outdoor enthusiasts and professionals in some of the harshest environments on earth. This guide breaks down the brand's history, its key technologies, and what makes Helly Hansen a strong choice for skiers when it comes to jackets.
A Brand Built on Weather Protection
Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 in Moss, Norway by Captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margrethe. The brand's first product was a waterproof oilskin jacket made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil, designed to protect sailors from the harsh conditions of the North Sea. That early commitment to quality earned the brand a diploma of excellence at the Paris World Exhibition in 1878, just one year after launching.
Over the following decades, the company expanded its expertise in professional-grade gear, from sailing jackets and maritime workwear to ski apparel and broader outdoor gear. In the 1980s, Helly Hansen introduced the HELLY TECH® waterproof and breathable membrane system, which became a widely recognized name in outdoor apparel for its reliable performance in cold, wet, and windy conditions. The brand's reputation grew steadily in the ski world as its technical outerwear proved reliable across professional and recreational use.
Where the Brand Stands Today
Today, Helly Hansen gear is worn by more than 55,000 ski professionals and trusted at over 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations globally. The brand will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027, a milestone that reflects how deeply it has established itself in the outdoor and ski world.
What Makes Helly Hansen Ski Jackets Stand Out
HELLY TECH® Waterproof and Breathable Technology
Most Helly Hansen ski jackets feature the HELLY TECH® system, available in two tiers: Performance and Professional. Both provide waterproof and breathable protection, with the Professional tier designed for harsher conditions and more active use. The system combines a waterproof fabric membrane bonded to the shell with fully taped seams to prevent moisture. This ensures rain and snow stay out while allowing sweat vapor to escape, helping skiers stay comfortable all day on the mountain. Comfort and protection work together rather than against each other, which is a key reason the HELLY TECH® system has become a standard in ski outerwear.
LIFALOFT™ Insulation
Helly Hansen ski jackets also use LIFALOFT™ insulation, a proprietary synthetic fill developed in collaboration with PrimaLoft®. LIFALOFT™ traps more air within the fill, providing greater warmth at a lower weight than standard insulation. For those who want a jacket that performs in cold climates without restricting movement, this insulation is a major selling point. It also outperforms down when wet, making it ideal for mixed-snow days or high-output skiing that generates sweat.
Mountain-Specific Features
What separates a Helly Hansen ski jacket from general winter outerwear comes down to the mountain-specific features built into each design. Common features across the line include:
- Helmet-compatible hoods that work with a ski helmet without restricting visibility
- Powder skirts that seal the gap between jacket and pants to keep snow out during falls or deep powder days
- Underarm vents for temperature regulation during high-output skiing
- Ski pass pockets positioned on the sleeve for easy lift access
- Goggle pockets and goggle wipers on many styles
- RECCO® Advanced Rescue System reflectors for backcountry safety and avalanche rescue
- Adjustable waistband and cuffs for a personalized fit
These details separate a genuine ski jacket from a standard waterproof coat. They reflect the brand's long history of building gear for working professionals rather than casual outdoor use, and they add real utility for days on the mountain.
Insulated Jackets vs. Shell Jackets
Helly Hansen offers both insulated ski jackets and shell jackets, and the right choice depends on how and where you ski.
Insulated Ski Jackets
Insulated jackets, like the Alpha LifaLoft for men and the Powderqueen 3.0 for women, are ideal options for skiers who want warmth without the need for heavy layers underneath. Independent testers have consistently praised the LIFALOFT™ fill for its lightweight warmth, noting that it replicates the feel and packability of down while maintaining performance when wet. The jacket's HELLY TECH® Professional shell and soft lining make it a strong all-around pick for lift-served skiing in colder climates.
Shell Ski Jackets
Shell jackets offer a waterproof and breathable outer material without insulation, giving skiers more flexibility to adjust their layering system based on temperature, activity level, and conditions. Shell options are a good fit for skiers who run warm, deal with variable conditions, or want more control over how they layer. Pairing a shell with a moisture-wicking base layer gives skiers flexibility to adjust warmth without switching jackets. For more active or technical skiers who generate a lot of body heat, a shell paired with the right base layer often outperforms an insulated jacket in changing weather conditions.
Is Helly Hansen Worth the Price?
Helly Hansen ski jackets sit in the mid to high price range for outdoor gear, which is consistent with other high performance ski outerwear brands. The brand's price points reflect the quality of materials, the level of waterproofing technology, and the mountain-specific feature set built into each jacket. For shoppers who ski regularly and want high-quality gear that holds up across multiple seasons, the investment tends to be justified. For occasional skiers or those on a tighter budget, the brand also offers more accessible options without dropping to entry-level construction.
The combination of HELLY TECH® waterproof protection, LIFALOFT™ insulation, and mountain-focused features puts Helly Hansen apparel in a class that is hard to match at a lower price. The brand has also taken steps to reduce its environmental impact by using recycled materials, including recycled polyester in select jacket shells and linings. Credibility with ski professionals, along with consistent performance noted in independent reviews, shows that the price reflects real quality rather than marketing alone.
Helly Hansen at Peter Glenn
Peter Glenn carries a wide range of Helly Hansen ski clothing for men, women, and kids, including jackets, base layers, and outerwear. Insulated jackets and technical shells deliver exceptional performance for extreme mountain conditions, with options available at every price point. Browse the full collection at Peter Glenn and find the right gear for your next ski trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helly Hansen a good ski jacket brand?
Yes. Helly Hansen has nearly 150 years of experience in technical weatherproof outerwear and is trusted by over 55,000 ski professionals worldwide. Its ski jackets use proprietary HELLY TECH® waterproof and breathable technology, LIFALOFT™ insulation, and mountain-specific features that hold up in independent testing.
What technology does Helly Hansen use in its ski jackets?
Most Helly Hansen ski jackets use the Helly Tech® waterproof and breathable membrane system, available in Performance and Professional tiers. The Professional tier is built for maximum protection in demanding conditions. Many insulated styles also use LIFALOFT™ insulation for lightweight warmth, and most ski jackets include RECCO® reflectors for rescue visibility.
What is the difference between Helly Hansen insulated and shell ski jackets?
Insulated Helly Hansen ski jackets provide built-in warmth and are best suited for cold resort conditions and skiers who prefer less layering. Shell jackets are waterproof and breathable without insulation, giving skiers more control over their layering system. Shell styles often suit more active skiers or those dealing with variable weather conditions.
Who owns Helly Hansen?
Helly Hansen is owned by Kontoor Brands, a global lifestyle apparel company headquartered in Greensboro, N.C. that also owns Wrangler and Lee. Kontoor acquired Helly Hansen from Canadian Tire Corporation in June 2025 for approximately $900 million.
Does Helly Hansen make ski jackets for kids?
Yes. Helly Hansen offers ski jackets designed specifically for children, including the Traverse Insulated Ski Jacket, available at Peter Glenn. Kids' styles use the same waterproof and insulation technology found in the adult lineup, scaled for younger skiers.
