‘Screaming Bargain’ for Technical Performance: Columbia Titanium Platinum Peak II Women’s Ski Jacket Review

When I pulled the new Columbia Platinum Peak II women’s ski jacket out of the box, my first thought was, “This is $300?!” Yes, that’s still a lot of money. But we’re now living in an era where many ski jackets hover between $500 and $700, with some even pushing $900. In comparison, the Platinum Peak II feels like a bargain — but only if it performs. 

Fortunately, Columbia pulled off the trifecta: it looks good, it works well, and it doesn’t blow up your bank account. The 2025-2026 jacket is an updated version of an older model and now offers increased waterproofness and a longer hemline for better coverage on powder days.

After 2 weeks of skiing everything from backcountry powder in Tignes, France, to high-speed groomers in the Italian Dolomites and carved-out bumps back home in Aspen, Colo., I can confidently say this ski jacket for women delivers.

In short: The Columbia Titanium Platinum Peak II ($300) is a lightweight, three-layer women’s ski shell with impressive waterproofing, intuitive features, and enough style to wear from hut tours to lift laps. It’s not perfect, but it’s an absolute standout at a $300 price point — and proof that you don’t need to spend $700 to get serious performance.

To see how the other women’s ski jackets compare, scope out the Best Women’s Ski Jackets buyer’s guide.

Columbia Sportswear Women’s Titanium Platinum Peak II Women’s Ski Jacket

This jacket is packed with value. The Omni-TECH membrane may not have the brand recognition of GORE-TEX, but that’s what keeps the price down. And, in my testing, it handled snow, wind, and sweat with ease.

The cut works well for skiing and layering, the pockets are practical, and the sleeve cuffs are one of my favorite small-but-mighty design wins. I’m 5’5″ and generally wear a medium — mostly because my slightly broad shoulders and wider hips make small jackets a no-go — but this jacket sizing worked better for me in a size large.

If you’re looking for a solid shell for the season, whether you’re skiing bell to bell or chasing powder on weekends, this one deserves a serious look.

Technical Performance: A True Winter Workhorse

I put this shell through the wringer in a range of weather, including frigid, windy storm days at Aspen Snowmass and warmer spring skiing in the Dolomites and Tignes, France. Columbia’s Omni-TECH membrane held up beautifully, keeping out snow and wind without leaving me stewing in my own sweat. It even worked during a 30-degree backcountry ski tour in the Cols des Four region of France.

What impressed me most was the jacket’s performance in blowing snow and high-output skiing. On one particularly brutal day back home in Aspen, the alpine wind was strong enough to knock me sideways on a traverse.

But I was pleased to note that the gale-force winds weren’t getting past the jacket. There was no wind sneak or moisture leaks, and the chin guard plus helmet-compatible hood created a cozy cocoon that sealed out the elements.

Even on long skin tracks, the jacket never felt clammy. I unzipped the underarm vents on the climbs and zipped them back down for the descents, appreciating how quickly I could regulate heat. The articulated elbows and stretch-friendly cut made movement smooth, even when I had to unbury myself after wiping out in a few feet of powder (whoops!)

This jacket is built for women who tour, rip resort laps, chase powder, or simply want solid tech without a luxury price tag. For $300, it’s punching way above its class.

Style & Fit: Flattering Without Being Fussy

The Platinum Peak II’s fit is relaxed in a smart way. Not only does it allow room for a base layer and a midlayer, but it also doesn’t overwhelm your frame or make you feel like you’re swimming in a freeride cut better suited to the terrain park.

The new, slightly longer hem covers your backside on the lift or while bending over to click into bindings — something I fully appreciated on colder days when I opted for snow pants instead of bibs. That extra coverage goes a long way in keeping snow out and warmth in.

The adjustable hood fits cleanly over a ski helmet and doesn’t pull tightly against your neck, so you still have enough mobility to actually turn your head and look where you’re going. The overall cut also manages to feel flattering without being fussy.

It drapes nicely without clinging or riding up, and the subtle drop-tail design makes it look more put together than a standard shell — even when you’re layered up and hauling skis over your shoulder.

That said, sizing may be tricky. I initially ordered a medium, assuming it would be perfect since I’ve historically toggled between small and medium in Columbia jackets. But the fit under the arms was tighter than I like, especially with a puffy underneath. I exchanged it for a large, which gave me the range of motion and layering capability I needed. It might be worth sizing up if you’re in between.

Features: Thoughtful Touches That Work

Columbia didn’t skimp on practical features in this updated shell. The PU-coated chest pocket zippers are sleek and water-resistant. The two-way zipper up front makes bathroom breaks (or adjusting a harness) a lot easier. Zippered hand pockets had enough room for snacks, a chapstick, or even my compact touring skins.

Skiers will also love the snap-back powder skirt, goggle pocket, and a dedicated ski pass pocket for lift days. It’s the kind of jacket that transitions seamlessly from backcountry tour to resort chairlift, without needing to switch kits or feel out of place.

And while it may sound like a small detail, the adjustable cuffs are my favorite feature. Not only do they have the usual Velcro enclosure to widen or narrow the wrist, but Columbia also stitched in a gusset. When the Velcro is undone, the wrist is wide enough to simply fall over your mittens without any tugging or fussing. As a tried-and-true under-the-cuff mitten gal, this was a small luxury for me. 

Room for Improvement

If I had to nitpick, the sizing is the one area where this jacket needs work. Columbia has always had some variability in fit in my experience, but I’ve accepted that they tend to run on the big side of things. Well, color me surprised because this jacket was not that! I’m only 5’5” and 145 pounds, so I was genuinely surprised that the medium felt too snug across my chest (because I’m not busty). 

But, once I did size up, I had plenty of extra room so it wasn’t a huge issue. And, when you’re looking at the cost of the jacket, that is a (literal) small price to pay for an otherwise high-quality kit.

Final Thoughts

The new Columbia Platinum Peak II 3L Shell delivers what most women skiers actually want: technical performance without the luxury markup, a fit that works for most bodies, and features that make sense.

After 15 days of testing in everything from family ski trips to gusty backcountry slogs, I can confidently say this is one of the best value shells I’ve tested this season. At $300, it’s not just a budget-friendly option; it’s a no-brainer for skiers who want top-tier waterproofing, solid breathability, and smart features without the inflated price tag.