Equipment

The 10 Best Helly Hansen Ski Jackets

The core principles behind Helly Hansen Ski Jackets were forged in tough conditions.

Sea captain, Helly Juell Hansen, and his wife, Maren Margrethe, first conceived of a brand that could withstand frothy lashings and salty gales – all those everyday beatings from long days at sea.

They worked out of their basement and channelled some homegrown innovation into a new range of sea-tested workwear. Now, the Norwegian manufacturer is not only a major player in the adventure clothing industry, but one of the few brands that is instantly recognisable by two letters and known the world over.

In this blog, we’re going to take a took at how the brand has evolved from the grey briny to snow-covered ski slopes. We’ve hurtled headfirst into a selection of breathable and bombproof shells, as well as affordable 3-in-1s, seeking out this season’s best ski jackets.

‘Sea captain, Helly Juell Hansen, and his wife, Maren Margrethe, first conceived of a brand that could withstand frothy lashings and salty gales…’

Of course, we’ve tried to keep the Hansen spirit in mind and picked out designs that are built for any challenging conditions the mountain hurls your way. For each pick, the jackets differ depending on the specific style of skiing they’re built for.

In some instances, skiers might seek out a shell for extra insultation and versatility on the slopes. Or, if you’re bombing downhill on a budget, you might benefit from the all-in-one practicality of a comfortable 3-in-1 jacket.

Whatever your needs, we’ve collected a range of men’s ski jackets to ensure you stay warm and dry when it matters. These insulated jackets are all weather-protective, breathable and relatively lightweight, packed with patented technology to serve you well on-piste, or for backcountry adventures.

So, bring on those gusting winds and sunny ridgelines, it’s time to find out which Helly Hansen Ski Jackets fare best on the slopes and for what conditions they’re ideally suited:

10. Men’s ODIN 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket

One of Helly Hansen’s best-selling (and for good reason) shell jackets! This professional-grade hardshell is built to withstand cold winds and sacrifices nothing in terms of comfort.

Man in ODIN 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket
© Helly Hansen

The award-winning hardshell has evolved with an upgraded design that includes the HELLY TECH® Professional 3-layer system, which is waterproof, breathable and windproof.

Look forward to all the protection you’ll need from the elements – a customisable design well-suited for layering, with compatible features to accommodate helmets and backpacks, as well as a RECCO® rescue system transponder.

Best of all, like many other Helly Hansen Ski Jackets, the ODIN Jacket carries that certified bluesign®, which ensures the textile manufacturing process was carried out with minimal environmental impact.

9. Men’s Alpha LIFALOFT™ Insulated Ski Jacket

The Alpha Jacket is sleek and lightweight, but don’t let that raise any concerns when the weather takes a nosedive – this men’s ski jacket is made for comfort and warmth, with patented LifaLoft™ insulation as well.

Man in Alpha LIFALOFT™ Insulated Ski Jacket
© Helly Hansen

This upgraded resort jacket is a great option if you’re looking for maximum comfort and agility. It’s also lightweight enough for you snow-gliding skiers who just love to descend fast. Then you have to factor in a wealth of technical attributes, including underarm vents to regulate body temperature and a LIFE POCKET+™ to nurture those last embers of phone battery.

There’s a reason this is the go-to jacket for the Swedish Ski Alpine Team.

8. Helly Hansen Ski Jackets – Men’s Alpine Insulated Ski Jacket

One for all those passionate skiers who need to travel light and pack in plenty of time in the snow. This retro-style ski jacket was put together with input from the seasoned Norwegian Ski Federation.

Man in Alpine Insulated Ski Jacket
© Helly Hansen

Inspired by Norway’s rich ski history, this alpine jacket is waterproof, breathable and as warm as you could ever want, styled for present-day weather protection with a throwback aesthetic. Chevron baffles are used to ensure it has effective synthetic insulation as well.

Also, you can enjoy a few sneaky additions, including a much-needed ski pass pocket, high collar with chin guard and mesh ventilation to release heat as you’re shimmying down the mountain.

7. Helly Hansen Ski Jackets – Men’s ODIN Mountain Infinity 3 Layer Shell Jacket

Helly Hansen is known for packing a lot into a shell jacket and the ODIN Infinity Jacket is no different. This one is backed by patented LIFA Infinity Pro™ technology and designed to ‘set a new standard’ for performance.

ODIN Mountain Infinity 3 Layer Shell Jacket
© Helly Hansen

Apparently, the design team worked closely with mountain professionals in the development stages, fine-tuning those little additions that play music with your heart strings. The result is a long-lasting jacket with a three-layer fabric construction – custom-made for skiers who rely on waterproof and breathable apparel (two words we’ve been forced to overuse so far in this article).

6. Helly Hansen Ski Jackets – Men’s Swift Infinity Insulated Ski Jacket

Our last pick for the men’s selection is the Infinity Jacket – another design that benefited from the wisdom of the Norwegian Ski Federation.

Swift Infinity Insulated Ski Jacket
© Helly Hansen

As you’d expect, this insulated ski jacket is both waterproof and breathable, but it also offers professional-grade protection as you swerve through long days on-piste. Experience unique freedom of movement, wrapped in an innovative HELLY TECH® PROFESSIONAL and LIFA INFINITY™ shell (made of 100% recycled materials).

Additional features you’ll come to love include: a hi-vis brim for visibility, Life Pocket™ to preserve your phone and a RECCO® transponder in case you get into serious trouble.

5. Women’s ODIN 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket

Browse through the collection of women’s Helly Hansen Ski Jackets.

The ODIN 9 is one of the best-selling shell jackets that Helly Hansen has produced. It might just be your new best friend in the mountains, backed by uncompromising comfort and durability.

Women’s ODIN 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket
© Helly Hansen

Like many of the jackets we’ve talked about so far, this one benefits from an upgraded design, refined for exceptional performance. This trusted HELLY TECH® 3-layer also comes equipped with the kind of waterproof, breathable and windproof system you’ll need if the elements ever turn against you.

4. Women’s ODIN 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Jacket

Built for the rugged trails and rough terrain – not to mention weather that whips around and takes something out of you – this iconic shell jacket has returned with trailblazing LIFA® INFINITY PRO™ technology.

Woman in ODIN 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Jacket Helly Hansen Ski Jackets
© Helly Hansen

This classic, versatile and durable design has also been improved with a watershed tech upgrade and long-lasting water repellent features, without those avoidable chemicals. You can also rest assured that this water protection never needs to be reproofed.

3. Women’s Powderqueen Infinity Ski Jacket

The popular (and well-named) Powderqueen Ski Jacket features an innovative design that is both waterproof and breathable too. It’s made with 100% recycled materials and built to overcome all kinds of different obstacles on your next mountain freeride.

There’s a reason it’s become such a well-loved jacket among professional freeriders!

Woman in Powderqueen Infinity Ski Jacket Helly Hansen Ski Jackets
© Helly Hansen

Worthy features to wax lyrical about include innovative LIFA INFINITY™ technology and a hydrophobic inner membrane (again, made without the use of chemicals). The exterior fabric can be best described with those three magic words: waterproof, breathable and windproof.  

2. Women’s Verbier Infinity Ski Jacket

This chic women’s ski jacket represents the next generation of Helly Hansen’s waterproof and breathable technology. Made for both performance and style, you’ll look good on the slopes as you rock your planet-friendly LIFA INFINITY™ technology.

Woman in Verbier Infinity Ski Jacket Helly Hansen Ski Jackets
© Helly Hansen

Fear not, this one stands up to the snow dump as well. While the sophisticated H2FLOW™ Air Force Vent System helps you to maintain an optimal temperature if you’re working up a sweat and skiing fast.  

1. Women’s Powchaser LIFALOFT™ Insulated Ski Jacket

Last on our list, we’ve arrived at an insulated ski jacket that provides a relaxed fit for maximum freeriding mobility.

Ski as hard as you like and you’ll stay warm and dry, cruising along in your performance-focused Powchaser LifaLoft™ Jacket.

Woman in Powchaser LIFALOFT™ Insulated Ski Jacket Helly Hansen Ski Jackets
© Helly Hansen

This insulated ski jacket is lightweight and has LifaLoft™ insulation to keep you extra-warm, without weighing you down. Also, wide cuffs and wrist gaiters with thumbholes combine to stop any dry champagne powder from creeping into your gloves.

Other Helly Hansen Outdoors Gear

Dry Bags

Sailing Jackets

Hiking Jackets

Rashguards