Best Budget Ski Jacket, Now $180—We Tested in Sub-Zero Cold

Columbia Platinum Peak II 3L Shell Jacket (Orig. $300)

 

Sure, you can spend $800 on a ski jacket built to keep you warm and dry through the gnarliest weather—but do you really need that? Truth is, a $300 jacket gets the job done for most of us just fine. It won’t have the flashiest fabrics on the market, but as long as it’s DWR-treated (or better yet, fully waterproof), breathable, and comes with a helmet-compatible hood and a few well-placed zip pockets, that’s really all most recreational skiers need.

Case in point: the Columbia Platinum Peak II 3L Shell Jacket has been a tester favorite for a few seasons running—and not just because it’s easy on the wallet. One tester put it through the wringer last winter, from sub-10-degree days at Jay Peak to a soggy sleet day at Stowe. Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane held up in both. We’re also fans of the thoughtfully placed pockets, relaxed fit, and semi-stretchy outer fabric that keeps things comfortable without feeling restrictive. If you’re in the market for a new shell but on a budget, this is our top pick.