HOW TO CHOOSE A SKI JACKET?

After the resort that will welcome you and the accommodation, your equipment is the third element for a successful stay. To be perfectly protected on the slopes, you must choose your ski jacket with care and precision. Follow our advice.

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What is the purpose of the ski jacket?

We can't say it enough: to be warm on the slopes, there's no need to multiply the layers of clothing, 3 are enough. The first will allow you to evacuate perspiration, the second will provide a boost of warmth, and the third will provide great protection against the vagaries of the weather. This third layer is your ski jacket. Snow, cold, wind, rain: to properly choose your ski jacket, you must opt for a waterproof, breathable and warm model. This will allow you to ski in all conditions.

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Choosing a waterproof ski jacket

Whether you're a beginner or a good skier, you're not immune to a fall. If you have a ski jacket that isn't waterproof, all it takes is the odd slip and you'll find yourself soaked and cold all day. That's why it's essential to choose a waterproof ski jacket.

To assess the waterproofness of your ski jacket, check the Schmerber value associated with it. To obtain this measurement expressed in mm, the fabric is subjected to a column of water of a constant pressure. The height at which the water passes through the fabric is then measured. Below 8,000 mm Schmerber, the waterproofness is considered average. Between 10,000 mm and 20,000 mm, it is called good waterproofing and above 20,000mm it's excellent.

For use on the slopes, it is recommended to choose a ski jacket of at least 10,000 mm. For ski touring where you will be in more contact with powder, high mountain descents or if the weather is going to be very harsh, opt for a waterproof ski jacket that provides 20,000 mm Schmerber waterproofing at least.

In this regard, most manufacturers have developed their own technology or use the famous GoreTex membrane. Measuring the level of waterproofness in Schmerber therefore allows you to compare different waterproof ski jackets. In order to make your equipment waterproof, most of them are equipped with a microporous synthetic membrane. The pores are small enough to prevent moisture from seeping in, but large enough to allow perspiration to evaporate. Indeed, while it is mandatory to choose a waterproof ski jacket, you should not neglect the breathability of your ski jacket.

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What's a breathable ski jacket?

While your ski jacket should provide you with good waterproofing, it should also be made of a breathable material that will allow the perspiration released by your body to escape so that you don't feel any cold sensation. To help you find your way around, manufacturers measure the breathability of fabrics in g/m²/24 hours. To obtain this, the fabric is placed over a container of boiling water. The amount of water that has evaporated through the fabric in 24 hours is then measured.

Below 10,000 g/m²/24 h is referred to as medium breathability. This type of ski jacket is perfectly suited to skiers who are dedicated to downhill runs and for whom skiing is a hobby. If you are a fan of off-piste outings, ski touring and are not afraid of getting your shirt wet, then you should choose a ski jacket with an index greater than 10,000 g/m²/24 h for very good breathability even during intense effort.

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What thermal insulation for your ski jacket?

Theski jacket should keep you warm, so it's important to choose a ski jacket that provides the warmth you'll need depending on your skiing level. There are three types of liners to choose from:

• Woolless ski jacket: these are very thin and particularly recommended for ski touring enthusiasts who don't need a lot of warmth, but above all good waterproofing, breathability and a relentless windproof effect. If you tend to give off a lot of heat during exercise, this is also the right option.
• Ski jacket with wadding: these are the most common jackets, the type of lining you'll find in materials stamped Thermolite, Polyester, Thinsulate, STR, Microloft or even Polartec. They retain body heat thanks to their air-trapping fibres. Skiers and snowboarders who practice on the slopes will be perfectly happy with them.
• Ski jacket with down: also known as down padding, this ski jacket is second to none when it comes to providing warmth. Chilly people and high mountain lovers will go for this kind of model.

Be aware that synthetic materials known as Primaloft and E-Loft are recommended to combine lightness and good warmth.

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Some guidelines for choosing a ski jacket according to your practice

For skiing on the slopes and even to enjoy a few free-ride outings, a waterproof and breathable ski jacket with a wadding or down lining if you're chilly is the model to go for.

For a sporty and therefore more intense practice, prefer a technical ski jacket of the Hardshell type. Waterproof, breathable and windproof, with particularly worked seams for an infallible waterproofness, this ski jacket brings just the right amount of thermal insulation. If you're looking for extra wind protection, the Gore Windstopper label has a great reputation and provides great insulation without sacrificing the breathability of the fabric.

For season-long skiing in all conditions, consider the 3-in-1 ski jacket. It consists of an underlayer for thermal regulation, a midlayer for warmth and, always, an outer layer with a breathable and waterproof membrane. These models allow you to ski either with the outer jacket when the weather is wet, with the insulated jacket when the weather is better or with both parts combined thanks to a zip.

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Don't neglect the fit of your ski jacket

The aesthetic criterion very rarely comes into consideration when choosing a technical garment, but the cut of your ski jacket goes far beyond this aspect. Indeed, a jacket will not have the same shape depending on whether you practice snowboard, freestyle, downhill skiing or ski touring.

For freestyle, snowboard and freeride, you'll need a loose fitting ski jacket that will allow you to use the 3-layer rule without being restricted in your movements. If you don't like to be too covered up, choose a ski jacket that is close to the body for good insulation instead.

In addition, it is important to choose a ski jacket with a cut adapted to your gender. Indeed, for optimal body heat retention, women need a ski jacket that fits their slim waist and is adapted to their hip size.

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Choosing a ski jacket: the right accessories

To give you comfort and practicality, ski jackets can be equipped with the following:

• The snow skirt: this is a strip of waterproof fabric sewn at the waist on the inside of the jacket with an elastic band on the bottom to fit all body types.
• Fleece lining for the neck: Your ski jacket will inevitably cover your neck, but you can also choose a model lined in fleece for extra warmth. A model that goes up to the chin will combine windproof effect and additional warmth, an option not to be neglected.
• Pockets: smartphone, ski pass, keys, money, tissues, identity papers and so on: to ski with peace of mind, you need to choose a ski jacket that has enough pockets to hold your personal effects. The more extreme your practice, the less stuff you'll need to bring with you. But for a day on the resort, pockets are essential, especially the one on the sleeve for your ski pass and the inner pocket for your mobile phone. If you like to ski with some music, you'll find ski jackets with a particularly insulated internal pocket with a hole for your headphones wire.
• Wrist tighteners: Velcro or elastic, the wrist tightener is a must-have for ski jackets. This helps to reinforce the wind resistance of your ski jacket, but also prevents the intrusion of snow and this, regardless of the shape of your gloves or their size.
• Thumb holes: These are often made of lycra, which gives them good elasticity. They provide extra protection against the cold and add a dose of comfort by keeping your sleeves perfectly in place.
• The hood: You'll find these on most ski jackets, but they offer different options and finishing touches. Adjustable, it will give you good insulation from the wind and limit heat loss. Just make sure it can accommodate your helmet and, if not, a removable hood will solve the problem while reducing wind catch.
• The RECCO tag: For Freeride enthusiasts, it is vital to choose a ski jacket equipped with a RECCO tag. Most ski resorts are now equipped with this technology which, thanks to a transponder system, makes it easier to locate you in case of an accident, avalanche or if you get lost.

The ski jacket is a must for a successful stay in the snow, so it is important to set your sights on a waterproof and breathable ski jacket. Depending on your level of skiing, you will find different types of linings that will provide you with the warmth adapted to the intensity of your efforts while avoiding overheating, and, of course, cold sensations.