With winter arriving, there's no need to buy more kit if you already own a quality technical jacket. Using your hiking jacket for skiing is entirely possible, as long as you understand the different demands of walking versus gliding.
Here's how to turn your trail kit into real piste protection.
Is your hiking jacket "Ski-Compatible"?
Not all walking jackets are equal when it comes to snow. To ski with confidence, your jacket must meet two key criteria.
First, you need high waterproofing (ideally 20,000 mm Schmerber): unlike rain, snow sits on the garment, melts under pressure (during a fall or on a wet chairlift) and eventually penetrates a membrane that's not up to the job.
Next, check the wind protection. On the slopes, wind isn't just weather — it's created by your own speed. A jacket with a protective membrane (such as a hardshell) is essential for blocking that icy air and maintaining your core warmth.
Why do you feel colder skiing than hiking?
It's simple physics: the faster you go, the faster your body loses heat. This is known as wind chill. When hiking, you walk at around 5 km/h. Skiing, you're often descending at 40 or 50 km/h. At that speed, the cold air "strips away" the thin layer of warm air that naturally clings around your skin.
Result: if it's -5°C on the slopes and you're descending at full speed, your body can feel temperatures close to -15°C. Your hiking jacket, often thinner than a padded ski jacket, must therefore be paired with a more effective thermal mid-layer (a thick fleece or a lightweight down jacket) than the one you'd normally wear.
Which technology to choose: hardshell, softshell or 3-in-1?
Not all hiking jackets offer the same level of comfort on the slopes:
- The hardshell jacket: The most suitable option. Its protective membrane (such as Ultrashell) acts as a total shield. Since it is uninsulated, it offers maximum versatility: you manage your own warmth according to the weather.
- The softshell jacket: It's ideal for the uphill on ski touring thanks to its high breathability. However, a softshell jacket is often not recommended for alpine skiing at a resort: it risks getting soaked during a prolonged fall in snow.
- The 3-in-1 jacket: The comfort option. It already integrates a removable insulating layer, making it the closest thing to a classic ski jacket.
Tips to compensate for the lack of ski-specific features
If you're using a pure waterproof hiking jacket, you may find a few practical features missing. Here's how to compensate:
- No snow skirt: To stop snow working its way up your back in a fall, wear ski trousers with straps or a bib that sits high enough on the torso.
- The lift pass pocket: If your sleeve doesn't have one, keep your pass in the left chest pocket. Avoid low pockets, which are often obstructed by a harness or backpack belt.
- Wrist sealing: Ski jackets often have lycra inner cuffs. To recreate this barrier against the cold, go for gloves with long arm warmers that tighten over the cuffs of your jacket.
The key takeaway: Using your hiking jacket for skiing is an excellent economical and durable choice. By carefully following the 3-layer system, you'll enjoy the powder with just as much comfort as with dedicated ski kit.
