Good kit and well-suited clothing are essential for skiing in the best conditions. Choosing the right jacket is therefore not a trivial matter. It must protect against cold and wind, remain 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 the windproof effect are essential criteria when choosing a ski jacket.
- A ski jacket must above all be suited to the type of skier and their needs.
- A model that is too tight, poor quality, or badly 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.
The waterproofing of a jacket 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 point to consider. Resort skiers alternate between periods of effort on the slopes and rest during breaks or on the lifts. Without effective moisture wicking, you risk getting a chill.
To measure breathability, MVTR is commonly used. It indicates a fabric's ability to release water vapour, 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 high-intensity activity or in mild temperatures, you may want to look at values of 15,000 g/m²/24h and above.
The windproof effect
In alpine skiing, wind is a major factor in heat loss. The combination of wind, speed on the slopes, or exposure on the lifts causes a drop in perceived temperature — known as the windchill effect.
To combat heat loss, you should look for ski jackets equipped with quality membranes such as Gore-Tex or Cimalp's CimaShell®. They guarantee waterproofing, breathability, and a windproof effect all at once.
Tips for choosing your ski jacket based on your style of skiing
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, the ski jacket with integrated insulation has many advantages. In addition to its ease of use, it delivers immediate warmth and remains comfortable during breaks or on the chairlifts.
The dynamic or freeride skier
Some skiers have a more dynamic style or enjoy freeride at the edges of the ski area. In this case, a three-layer hardshell jacket, without a lining, is more suitable. It offers excellent freedom of movement, better breathability, and maximum modularity.
If you opt for a hardshell jacket, you'll 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. The choice of insulation then depends on the weather conditions and the intensity of your effort.
Ergonomic details
Some features found on certain jackets are designed to enhance skier comfort. The snow skirt prevents snow from getting under the jacket — very useful when skiing in powder or in the event of 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 pass through the gates more quickly. Other pockets are designed to protect your phone or store your ski goggles.
The hood protects against snowfall, rain, or 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 help you choose the right ski jacket, there are certain 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 leaves something to be desired. Water and wind can indeed penetrate through poorly designed seams and zips. To avoid this problem, 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 block 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'll have gathered, choosing the right ski jacket comes down to several criteria. To make sure you get it right, think about your habits on the slopes and what you need. You'll then be able to find the most suitable model and ski with complete confidence.
Photo credits: Simon Gerard
