Top Ski Jacket Brands: The North Face

Table of Contents

• From a Small Shop to the Summit
• Is The North Face a Good Ski Jacket Brand?
• The North Face Ski Jacket Technology, Explained
• Ski-Specific Features to Look For
• Which The North Face Ski Jacket Is Right for You?
• The North Face at Peter Glenn

At a Glance: The North Face is one of the most recognized names in the outdoor world, with a reputation built through decades of alpine and backcountry exploration. Its lineup spans every tier, with proprietary DryVent and FUTURELIGHT waterproofing plus GORE-TEX on its most demanding pieces.

Few brands are as visible on the street as The North Face, which raises a fair question: is the label still built for the mountain, or has its lifestyle presence changed how people see it? The short answer is both. It still makes technical shells trusted in alpine environments while maintaining a large lifestyle lineup, so the key is understanding where each jacket fits in The North Face lineup.

From a Small Shop to the Summit

The North Face was founded in 1966 in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, when hiking enthusiasts Douglas and Susie Tompkins opened a small mountaineering retail store.

The brand takes its name from the north face of a mountain, one of the most challenging sides for climbers to tackle. Its logo is believed to be inspired by Half Dome in Yosemite, reflecting the brand's connection to outdoor exploration. Over the years, it grew into a global outdoor label, now owned by VF Corporation, supporting expeditions and athletes across snowsports.

Is The North Face a Good Ski Jacket Brand?

Yes. The North Face makes genuinely capable ski jackets, though its broad catalog means some styles are better suited for specific skiing conditions and preferences.

Where the brand is strong:

• Proven waterproofing across its lineup, from resort-ready DryVent to expedition-grade GORE-TEX Pro
• Deep expedition heritage, with gear developed for demanding mountain environments
• Ski-specific construction, including helmet-compatible and adjustable hoods, powder skirts, and pit zips
• A strong warranty and repair network that adds long-term value
• A wide range of styles, including men's ski jackets and women's ski options

Where to shop carefully:

• The lifestyle line looks similar but is not always built for the slopes, so check for ski-specific features
• Entry-level styles use lighter waterproofing that can struggle in very wet, coastal snow
• Sizing varies by line, with a trim, athletic cut on performance styles and a roomier fit on lifestyle ones

The brand earns its reputation on the technical side, but for any outdoor enthusiast, a quick check of the specs helps reveal what makes a superior snowsports jacket stand apart.

The North Face Ski Jacket Technology, Explained

What sets The North Face ski jackets apart comes down to two key areas: waterproofing that blocks the elements and insulation that helps retain warmth.

Waterproofing and the Outer Shell

The outer shell provides the first layer of weather protection. The brand uses three main waterproof-breathable technologies:

• DryVent: The workhorse membrane on most resort styles, in 2-layer and 3-layer builds with a non-PFC finish. It handles typical resort weather conditions well at a reasonable cost.
• FUTURELIGHT: A nanospun membrane designed for high breathability, making it a strong choice for fast-paced days and touring.
• GORE-TEX: Reserved for premium and Summit Series shells, including GORE-TEX Pro 3L for ultimate protection in the harshest terrain.

A high-performing DryVent or GORE-TEX shell also works as an exceptional rain jacket in shoulder season, and the new DryVent Mono is built to be fully recyclable.

Staying Warm

Warmth comes from either built-in fill or a zip-in liner:

• ThermoBall: A synthetic insulation co-developed with PrimaLoft that mimics down and keeps warming even when damp.
• HeatSeeker: The brand's general-purpose synthetic fill.
• Goose down: 600-fill and 800-fill down options that provide an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio in cold, dry conditions.
• Triclimate 3-in-1: A jacket system with a shell and zip-in liner, allowing one piece to adapt to a wider range of temperatures.

Check the fill type and weight alongside the waterproof rating, not just the price.

Ski-Specific Features to Look For

A true winter shell-style piece is built for the mountain, not just the cold. Across the lineup, look for:

• Helmet-compatible, adjustable hoods that fit securely over a ski helmet
• A powder skirt that seals out snow on deep days
• Underarm pit zips that dump heat fast
• Aquaguard water-resistant zippers on pockets and vents
• Articulated sleeves for reaching and pole planting
• Goggle and pass pockets for quick access on the lift

Not every style includes all of these, and some insulated styles even come as reversible jackets. Check the product page to confirm a style has the features you need.

Which The North Face Ski Jacket Is Right for You?

The lineup covers everything from casual resort days to demanding alpine conditions. Use the chart below to match your skiing style with the right jacket build.

Selection Guide

Skier Type	What to Look For
Occasional resort skier	Insulated DryVent snow jackets with a helmet-compatible hood
Skier who gets cold easily	Down or ThermoBall fill with a powder skirt
Active skier who runs hot	FUTURELIGHT or a GORE-TEX shell with pit zips and light layers
Backcountry and touring	Lightweight shell jackets with high breathability and mobility for touring
Expedition and big alpine days	Summit Series GORE-TEX Pro for the toughest challenges

A few notes before you choose:

• Shells give you the most control over layering and suit skiers who move fast or face changing conditions.
• A shell made for a more experienced guide on big alpine days is overkill for groomer-only skiing, so buy for how you actually ski.

Fashion or Function: Is It Still Legit?

Because the brand is so common on city streets, some skiers wonder whether the technical side has slipped. The reality is that its performance and lifestyle lines serve different purposes under the same logo. Summit Series pieces are built with the same intent as the gear used across mountain guide programs and high-altitude climbs, while street puffers prioritize looks and everyday warmth.

The best way to tell the difference is to look at the specs. A jacket built for avid outdoor athletes will include features like a waterproof membrane, sealed seams, and ski features. Without those technical details, it is likely designed more for lifestyle use.

Warranty, Repair, and Renewed

The North Face backs its apparel with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers manufacturing defects for the product's reasonable lifetime. Footwear and Renewed items are covered by a one-year warranty instead. The brand also offers repair services and The North Face Renewed, a marketplace for refurbished gear. Warranty coverage applies to the original owner and requires purchase from an authorized dealer, making retailer selection an important part of protecting your investment.

The North Face at Peter Glenn

Peter Glenn carries a wide selection of The North Face ski jackets for men, women, and kids, with styles designed for different skiing needs and conditions. Explore the full The North Face lineup and find jackets with the features and performance level that fit your next day outdoors.