Good kit and appropriate clothing are essential for skiing in the best conditions. Choosing the right jacket is therefore no small matter. It needs to protect against cold and wind, stay waterproof, breathable and comfortable all day long. So how do you choose the right ski jacket? Here are our top tips.
Key takeaways:
- Waterproofing, breathability and windproofing are essential criteria when choosing a ski jacket.
- The ski jacket must first and foremost be suited to the type of skier and their needs.
- A model that is too tight, poor quality or poorly maintained can ruin a day out.
Essential technical criteria
Waterproofing
The first essential criterion when choosing a ski jacket is waterproofing. In the mountains, you can never rule out snowfall or even rain.
A jacket's waterproofing is expressed in Schmerber millimetres. It refers to a fabric's ability to prevent water from penetrating. The higher the value, the more protective the jacket. For resort skiing, a minimum of 10,000 mm is generally recommended to stay dry all day. For greater protection, the ideal is to choose a ski jacket rated at 20,000 mm.
Breathability
Breathability is the second factor to consider. Resort skiers alternate between periods of effort on the slopes and rest during breaks or on the lifts. Without adequate moisture management, you risk a chill setting in.
To measure breathability, MVTR is commonly used. It indicates a fabric's ability to allow water vapour to escape, expressed in g/m²/24h. Again, the higher the value, the better the breathability. Most resort skiers are comfortable with a rating of 10,000 g/m²/24h. For more intensive use or in mild temperatures, you can opt for values of 15,000 g/m²/24h and above.
The windproof effect
In alpine skiing, wind is a major factor in cooling. The combination of wind, speed on the slopes or exposure on the lifts leads to a drop in perceived temperature. This is known as the windchill effect.
To combat the cold, look to ski jackets fitted with quality membranes such as Gore-Tex or Cimalp's CimaShell®. They guarantee waterproofing, breathability and windproofing all in one.
Tips for choosing your ski jacket based on your skiing style
The classic resort skier
Most resort skiers opt for a ski jacket with integrated insulation. This combines outer protection and thermal insulation in a single garment. You stay warm without having to layer up.
Whether filled with synthetic wadding or down, an insulated ski jacket has many advantages. As well as being easy to use, it provides immediate warmth and stays comfortable during breaks or on the chairlifts.
The dynamic or freeride skier
Some skiers have a more dynamic style or are keen freeride enthusiasts at the edge of the ski area. In that case, a three-layer hardshell jacket, without lining, is more suitable. It offers excellent freedom of movement, better breathability and maximum modularity.
If you choose a hardshell jacket, you need to dress according to the 3-layer system for skiing. This involves layering a breathable base layer, an insulating mid layer such as a fleece or down jacket, and a protective outer layer. Your choice of insulation will then depend on the weather and the intensity of your effort.
Ergonomic details
Some features found on certain jackets are designed to improve skier comfort. The snow skirt prevents snow from getting under the jacket, which is very handy when skiing in powder or after a fall. Meanwhile, cuff gaiters block snow, wind and moisture at the wrists.
The pockets on ski jackets are also very well thought out. The lift pass pocket lets you get through the gates more quickly. Other pockets are designed to protect your phone or store your ski goggles.
The hood protects against falling snow, rain and wind gusts. Some are removable for greater versatility, while others are adjustable to be compatible with a ski helmet. Finally, ventilation zips are positioned at strategic points. You can open them during intense effort and close them again when your body cools down.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Choosing a ski jacket that is too tight
While several factors go into choosing the right ski jacket, there are some mistakes to avoid. First, choosing a jacket that is too tight. It restricts freedom of movement, prevents you from adding an insulating layer and reduces thermal efficiency. Instead, we recommend opting for a fitted cut.
Overlooking the quality of seams and zips
Even with an excellent membrane, a ski jacket can lose its effectiveness if the quality of the seams and zips is lacking. Water and wind can indeed seep through if they are poorly designed. To avoid this, make sure you choose a model with taped seams, and robust, waterproof zips.
Neglecting jacket maintenance
Finally, a poorly maintained jacket risks losing its waterproof and breathable properties. Over time, dirt and sweat residue can clog the membrane. It is therefore essential to wash your ski jacket following the manufacturer's recommendations and to regularly reactivate its water-repellent treatment.
As you can see, choosing the right ski jacket comes down to several criteria. To make sure you get it right, consider your habits on the slopes and your needs. That way, you'll find the most suitable model and ski with complete confidence.
Photo credits: Simon Gerard
