If there is one single item that is essential for skiing, above all others, it is probably your ski jacket. This will also be the most expensive purchase you will make, although whilst other items like ski pants, thermals and ski goggles go back in the wardrobe after your skiing trip, a good ski jacket can be used all year round in the right kind of weather.
Your skiing jacket will be there to protect you from the elements and it’s crucial you choose wisely when making this purchase. The difference between a poor quality garment and a good quality one, in bad conditions, can make the difference between a good day in the mountains and a very bad one.
Skiing jackets generally split themselves into two different categories: a shell layer or an insulated garment. The primary function of a outer layer is to keep you dry. So your ski jacket must be 100% waterproof and windproof.
The breathability of your garment is essential. With a combination of thermal base layers, any sweat will be ‘wicked’ away from the body and not allowed to form on the inside of your ski jacket. As skiing is an active sport, sweating naturally occurs and once you stop (ie, on a ski lift) the cold weather will quickly cool the water vapour inside your ski jacket and this will cause obvious problems.
Worn in combination with mid layer and thermal layer garments, a fully waterproof and breathable shell jacket will be sufficient for most weather conditions experienced whilst skiing. Good quality ski jackets will also have their seams taped up to prevent moisture leakage.
When the weather gets that little bit colder (below -15 degrees C) it could be worth considering an insulated jacket. Places like Canada and Scandinavia regularly experience lower temperatures throughout the day. An insulated jacket can make a difference in these cold climates.There are basically two types of insulation: artificial and down.
Down insulation is an excellent lightweight natural material which retains its insulating properties even when wet. There are also many other types of insulation which is used in the production of ski jackets (eg: Primaloft ).
Whilst shell jackets tend to provide more allowance for movement, insulated jackets can be a little bulkier but again the most important consideration is the waterproof, windproof and breathable properties of the jacket.
There are plenty of extra features to consider when looking at ski jackets. A hood can be very useful in colder or snowy weather conditions. Some hoods are removable and can be kept in backpack, if not required. Zips underneath the armpits are good for ski touring or warmer spring like conditions. Many ski jackets have a special pocket for lift passes, useful for the modern electronic turnstiles which read the passes from a short distance.
‘Powder Bibs’ are also a feature in many good quality ski jackets. This bibs can be buttoned around the waist to prevent snow riding up through the jacket, in the event of a fall, in deep snow.
Of course, fashion changes every year. So you need to decide if you want to buy a jacket in fashion now, which will look out of fashion within three years, or a classic design and colour that will last much longer. I don’t need to look fashionable, but I don’t want to look unfashionable either.
Size is also really important. Try your jacket on before you buy it if you can. Make sure you can raise your arms outstretched into the air without the sleeves riding too far up. Your jacket should have elasticised cords around the bottom. Ski jackets which are loose and flapping around do not look cool and do not function well.
There are many quality brands that I can recommend. Here are some to check out:
Scott Sports: High quality technical ski wear with attention to detail.
Arcteryx: Quality upmarket and technical ski wear with a brand that says ‘ I can ski and I’m cool (and rich)’.
Kjus: Top end stuff from the Norwegian ski racer legend.
The North Face: Ubiquitous technical ski wear that does the job well.
Peak Performance: Well made technical sportswear from Sweden with a touch of sophistication.
Comments
2 responses to “Ski Jackets – Essential Ski Clothing”
Bang on the money. Sallopettes you can get away with almost any brand, but a ski jacket can be the difference between big grins and misery on a windy chair lift. I bought 3 jackets before settling on my favourite. The most important factor for me, in addition to what you have already mentioned, is length. A shorter jacket might look cooler or feel ok in the shops, but remember the top part of your sallopettes is not insulated so if your jacket rides up your back will be cold. My perfect jacket – which is Eider – stays more or less in the same position on my body no matter how I move, keeping me warm whatever I’m doing.
The selection of proper and adequate clothing and protection for the slopes is essential and often times people will just get the basics and not the best for them. As you mentioned, try before you buy – if you can!