Whether you’re lapping the resort or chasing storm days in the backcountry, the right fleece mid-layer keeps you warm without overheating under a waterproof shell. Below are 15 excellent fleece jackets for snow sports in 2025—organized to help you quickly match warmth, breathability, and durability to your style of skiing or snowboarding.

Quick picks

• Best overall breathable mid-layer: Patagonia R1 Air Hoody
• Best warm-and-durable for lift days: Patagonia R2 TechFace Jacket
• Best stretchy do‑it‑all: Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody
• Best budget technical fleece: REI Co‑op Hyperaxis Fleece 2.0
• Best ultralight: The North Face Summit FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie

1. Patagonia R1 Air Hoody — Best overall breathable mid-layer

• Fabric: High-loft, zig‑zag textured fleece (100% recycled polyester)
• Best for: High-output resort laps and backcountry touring under a shell
• Why it works: Exceptional airflow and fast dry time keep you from sweating out on the climb or traverse
• Source: Patagonia product page confirms the R1 Air’s highly breathable, quick‑drying design and recycled build: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-r1-air-full-zip-hoody/40255.html

2. Patagonia R2 TechFace Jacket — Warm, durable, and wind-resistant

• Fabric: Fleece interior with a durable, weather‑resistant face
• Best for: Cold, breezy lift days; sidecountry; abrasive environments
• Why it works: The hardface adds wind and abrasion resistance while the inside stays cozy
• Source: Patagonia notes the double‑weave face for breathability with wind resistance and durability: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-r2-techface-jacket/83625.html

3. Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody — Stretchy, versatile, and polished

• Fabric: Polartec Power Stretch Pro for durability and comfort
• Best for: Everyday resort use, travel, and layering under fitted shells
• Why it works: Smooth face resists pilling and layers cleanly; soft interior traps warmth
• Source: Arc’teryx lists Polartec Power Stretch Pro for warmth, stretch, and durability: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/kyanite-hoody

4. Arc’teryx Delta LT Jacket — Lightweight microfleece for active days

• Fabric: Lightweight, breathable microfleece
• Best for: High-output days or riders who run warm
• Why it works: Minimal bulk with excellent moisture management under a shell
• Source: Arc’teryx positions the Delta LT as a highly breathable, light insulating layer: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/delta-lt-jacket

5. The North Face Summit FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie — Ultralight warmth-to-weight

• Fabric: FUTUREFLEECE engineered lofted fibers for efficient warmth
• Best for: Fast-and-light tours, spring ski missions, layering in huts
• Why it works: Very high warmth‑to‑weight with excellent packability
• Source: TNF details FUTUREFLEECE’s engineered construction for warmth‑to‑weight efficiency: https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/about-us/technology/futurefleece

6. Rab Nexus Hoody — Reliable, breathable grid fleece

• Fabric: Rab Thermic stretch fleece (grid interior for airflow)
• Best for: Everyday touring and resort layering on moderate days
• Why it works: A proven balance of warmth, breathability, and price
• Source: Rab’s Thermic fleece is designed for warmth, breathability, and fast drying: https://rab.equipment/uk/basecamp/kit/thermic-fleece-guide

7. Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Hoody — Maximum airflow, minimal sweat

• Fabric: Airmesh open‑structure fleece
• Best for: Skintracks, bootpacks, and cardio‑heavy lift-access days
• Why it works: Open mesh dumps heat and dries quickly to prevent clamminess
• Source: Mountain Hardwear describes Airmesh as highly breathable with rapid moisture transfer: https://www.mountainhardwear.com/

8. Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Hoodie — Feature-rich, active warmth

• Fabric: Grid fleece with ActiveTemp thermoregulating treatment
• Best for: Mixed resort/backcountry use when you want one layer to do it all
• Why it works: Grid interior breathes; trim fit layers neatly; hood adds versatility
• Source: OR’s Vigor Grid uses ActiveTemp to adapt to effort level and conditions: https://www.outdoorresearch.com/

9. Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hoody — Streamlined Power Grid performance

• Fabric: Polartec Power Grid
• Best for: Weight-conscious riders and aerobic tours
• Why it works: The grid pattern boosts breathability and compressibility while maintaining warmth
• Source: BD highlights Polartec Power Grid for efficient warmth and breathability: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/

10. Mammut Aconcagua Light ML Hooded Jacket — Alpine-tuned stretch fleece

• Fabric: Technical stretch fleece engineered for climbing/alpinism
• Best for: Riders who want a trim, mobile layer that still insulates well
• Why it works: Close fit and durable fabric excel under harnesses and shells alike
• Source: Mammut’s Aconcagua line is a long‑running alpine fleece series focused on mobility and warmth: https://www.mammut.com/

11. Ortovox Fleece Light Grid Hoody — Merino-blend grid for odor control

• Fabric: Lightweight merino wool blend with grid interior
• Best for: Multi-day hut trips, touring, and riders who value natural fiber comfort
• Why it works: Merino improves odor resistance and comfort without sacrificing breathability
• Source: Ortovox details its merino grid fleece concept for light warmth and moisture management: https://www.ortovox.com/

12. Houdini Power Houdi — Durable classic with all‑day comfort

• Fabric: Polartec Power Stretch Pro
• Best for: All-purpose resort days, travel, and daily wear
• Why it works: Incredibly durable knit face, buttery interior, and great stretch
• Source: Houdini’s long‑standing Power Houdi uses Polartec Power Stretch Pro: https://www.houdinisportswear.com/

13. REI Co‑op Hyperaxis Fleece 2.0 — Best budget technical fleece

• Fabric: Polartec Power Stretch (varies by season)
• Best for: Cost‑effective layering that still performs
• Why it works: Technical stretch fleece at an accessible price and wide size range
• Source: REI’s product line commonly specifies Polartec Power Stretch in the Hyperaxis 2.0: https://www.rei.com/

14. Burton [ak] Polartec Grid Full‑Zip Fleece — Snowboarder-focused grid layer

• Fabric: Polartec Power Grid
• Best for: Riders who want [ak] fit, board‑friendly features, and breathable warmth
• Why it works: Thoughtful snowboard‑centric patterning with proven grid performance
• Source: Burton’s [ak] line uses premium technical fabrics like Polartec Power Grid: https://www.burton.com/

15. Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket — Cozy resort layer with clean style

• Fabric: Sweater‑knit polyester fleece (recycled content)
• Best for: Cold lift days and après under a shell
• Why it works: Warm, soft, and versatile; not as breathable as grid fleeces but great for low‑output riding
• Source: Patagonia outlines the Better Sweater’s recycled fleece construction and everyday warmth: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-better-sweater-fleece-jacket/25528.html

How to choose the right fleece mid-layer for snow sports

• Match warmth and breathability to your effort level

  • Grid fleeces move moisture and heat extremely well, making them ideal under shells for touring and active resort days. Polartec Power Grid is specifically engineered to increase warmth‑to‑weight and breathability: https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/power-grid
  • Hardface fleeces (e.g., R2 TechFace) add wind and abrasion resistance for cold, blustery lift days but run warmer and less breathable.

• Know your fleece fabrics

  • Polartec Power Grid: Open channels for airflow, light, fast‑drying—great under shells: https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/power-grid
  • Polartec Power Stretch Pro: Smooth, durable face with soft interior—excellent stretch and all‑day comfort: https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/power-stretch
  • Thermal Pro/high‑loft styles: Very warm and cozy; best for colder, lower‑output conditions: https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/thermal-pro

• Fit and layering

  • Choose a trim, non‑bulky fit to prevent bunching under a shell and to maintain breathability. A hood adds warmth on cold chairs and during transitions without needing a separate hat.

• Resort vs. backcountry

  • Resort: Consider slightly warmer or hardface fleeces for wind protection on lifts.
  • Backcountry: Prioritize breathability and moisture management (grid or highly air‑permeable fleeces).

• Care tips to extend performance

  • Wash cold, skip fabric softeners (they can clog fibers and reduce moisture wicking), and tumble dry low or air dry. Detailed fleece care guidance: REI Expert Advice on washing fleece: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-wash-fleece

Methodology: How we picked

We prioritized fleeces that:

• Layer cleanly under ski/snowboard shells for real‑world comfort
• Use proven technical fabrics (e.g., Polartec Power Grid, Power Stretch Pro) with documented warmth‑to‑weight and breathability benefits from the fabric makers themselves (see Polartec links above)
• Have strong reputations for durability and fit from brand materials and long‑running product lines
• Cover a spectrum from ultralight and breathable to warmer, more protective hardface options

No single fleece does everything perfectly; use your expected temperatures, effort level, and preference for breathability vs. wind resistance to pick the best mid‑layer for your season.

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