Choosing the best ski jacket for you is an important decision. A ski jacket will keep you warm, dry and comfortable on the slopes, so picking the right one is vital for your enjoyment of your time skiing or snowboarding.
Contents
1. Types of Ski Jacket
2. Waterproofing
3. Breathability
4. Ski Jacket Fit & Features
The majority of ski jackets you’ll find will be insulated. The level of insulation will be different per jacket and you’ll also find a wide variety of different features.
Most Mountain Warehouse skiwear is designed with synthetic polyester insulation. This material offers a balance of warmth and breathability. Synthetic insulation is made up of polyester spun into filaments to create air pockets between the fibres. Synthetic insulation will outperform down in wet conditions.
Although down jackets are lightweight and very warm, they aren’t ideal for skiing. This is because they will lose their insulating properties when wet which means you could become very cold should you fall. It’s also important to remember that the movement involved in skiing means you will heat up naturally, so a very warm down jacket won’t be necessary. However, down jackets are ideal for walking around the village or when you want something lighter for après-ski.
Ski jackets are made with either waterproof or water resistant (snowproof) fabric.
Water resistant jackets will be treated with a coating that resists water and therefore gives improved durability in wet conditions. This means that rain will run off the fabric rather than being absorbed, making it water resistant.
For any item to be classed as waterproof it needs to have a hydrostatic head rating of at least 1500mm. The hydrostatic head test denotes the waterproof level of a fabric coating. The fabric is pulled tight under a sealed tube of water, which is then observed over a period of time to ascertain how many millimetres of water the fabric can withstand before it seeps through.
For a garment to be waterproof, it will be made from a material that has been treated with a durable water repellence (DWR) coating, have taped seams and also have a membrane applied to the inner surface of the fabric. DWR is a treatment which allows the fabric to dry quickly and repel water.
Without taped seams water can leak through the stitching. Thermoplastic tape is applied under heat and pressure over the seams preventing water from entering, making it water tight. Jackets will have fully taped seams (all seams covered) or critically taped seams (only seams susceptible to water exposure). Mountain Warehouse jackets are all fully taped.
The table below shows the ski jacket waterproof ratings, the resistance to snow/ water and a jacket you can find with these ratings.
| Ratings | Resistance |
| 2000 mm | Keeps you dry in light to moderate rain |
| 3000 mm | Keeps you dry in moderate rain |
| 5000mm | Keeps you dry in moderately heavy rain |
| 10,000mm | Keeps you dry in heavy rain |
How breathable a ski jacket is affects how comfortable you will be while skiing. While you may think you’ll be too cold to sweat on the slopes because of the cold temperatures, doing any kind of physical activity, including skiing, can make you sweat. Breathable garments allow minuscule molecules of perspiration to escape from the inside while stopping water (like snow) from the outside sinking in. Thus, making you feel less hot and clammy inside your gear. Moisture vapor transfer is measured in grams and is related to how much vapor can pass through the fabric in a 24 hour period. The higher the number the more breathable your item will be.
When choosing your Ski Jacket, look out for the right fit and those little features which can enhance your enjoyment, comfort or safety on the slopes. Below are some tips on get your gear fitted well, plus some of the features available in ski jackets.
A well-fitted jacket is essential for keeping you comfortable and protected from the elements. It should allow freedom of movement, ensuring adequate insulation, and accommodate layering for changing weather conditions on the slopes.
Layering Considerations
An effective layering system is the key to staying warm and comfortable. As everyone feels cold differently, it’s crucial to able to add or remove layers and accessories based on that and weather conditions. With a basic layering system however, you can make sure you are protected – from your thermals and jackets to your accessories and ski pants. A basic layering system consist of a base layer, your first line of defence against the cold, a mid layer, which works with your base layer to trap air and add warmth, and an outer layer, adding protection against the elements. To know more, read our full blog on How to Layer for Skiing.
Adjustable hoods will allow you to ensure your hood fits perfectly.
A jacket with lots of pockets will allow you to carry everything you need for a day on the slopes.
A Snow Skirt is a material panel that secures around the hips and prevents snow from getting in underneath your jacket.
Mesh lined venting allows for adjustable temperature control and ventilation
Wrist Gaiters keep snow from entering through the sleeves and allow for a comfortable fit with your ski gloves.
This internal pocket can store your music device or phone keeping it protected from the wet and cold. The adjoining MP3 channel lets you feed your headphones through so you can listen to your music whilst on the ski lift or around the resort.
Perfect for keeping your goggles safe when you’re not skiing.
Help to allow maximum mobility and freedom of movement.
The RECCO® system is an advanced rescue technology that helps rescuers search for and pinpoint skiers and snowboarders should they get caught in an avalanche. These reflectors are added to the inside or outside of jackets.
A Ski jacket is one of the most important pieces of your ski outfit so it’s vital you get it right. Choosing the best ski jacket for you will involve taking into account the type of skiing you want to do, your skill level, your style preferences and all the other important considerations above.
