The ski jacket
For many people, the most important factor in a ski jacket is that it looks good. There's nothing wrong with that, because ski jackets are a relatively large investment and you don't use them very often, so it's also important that they look great on the slopes. On the other hand, there are a number of other factors to consider. Above all, what type of jacket it should be, the technical details you need and what functions the ski jacket should have.
When we talk about types of ski jackets, we're roughly talking about whether it should be a lined ski jacket or a shell jacket. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but not disadvantages that you can't take advantage of when putting together the rest of your ski outfit.
The lined ski jacket
The lined ski jacket is designed with a warmer base layer, called a liner. The liner provides plenty of warmth, and on days when it's relatively warm on the mountain, you can actually make do with a thin base layer under a lined ski jacket. The advantage of a lined ski jacket is that it makes it easy, almost every day. If it's a cold day, you put on a warm midlayer, and if it's a hot day, you choose the very thin midlayer.
Many modern midlayers have some form of technical material, such as Primaloft, Fast Thermo, or perhaps down. This means that the midlayer can easily stand alone under the lined ski jacket, but if it gets unnaturally cold or hot on the mountain, one layer may not be enough or may be too much for the lined ski jacket. Although many liners are breathable and get rid of some of the excess heat, there is still some that stays in the liner. This means that ski jackets with a liner can get too warm if activity levels are really high over a long period of time. On the other hand, the liner in your ski jacket might mean that there's no room for extra layers underneath it, which means that those really cold days will just be too cold because the liner takes up space that could be utilized with an extra midlayer.
However, that's not meant to sound scary! The lined ski jacket has a lot to offer, and the fact that it comes with standard warmth and a soft lining is just luxury. We have a wide selection of lined ski jackets, on our website you can find brands such as FW Apparel which is one of the new ones at One Open Sky, Kjus where their Formula jackets have a water column pressure of 20000mm and are also lined, and Oakley is just a rock-solid choice when shopping for the ski vacation.
The shell ski jacket
The shell ski jacket might be a bit self-explanatory now. The shell ski jacket is made without lining, and for many, it won't look like a ski jacket that can keep the heat in and the cold out, but think again. The shell ski jacket is typically made with a totally waterproof and breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex or Dermizax. The membrane is built from a rubber layer with very small holes so that water can't get in, while air can get out so that you can breathe in the jacket. The shell jacket may be cold and thin on its own, but when you combine it with the layer-on-layer principle, there's no doubt that you can stay warm all day in even the coldest Norwegian mountains. The idea of layering is to utilize the space, wind and water resistance of the ski jacket along with its breathability to design the base layers as you see fit for the ski day. For example, a ski undershirt combined with a reasonably thick midlayer and vest for the cold days, whereas it might just be the ski undershirt underneath on the warm days. This way you don't have days where the ski jacket is too warm, too cold or too damp.
When it comes to shell jackets, we have a selection from Burton, Peak Performance, Scott, Volcom and FW. So whether you're into classic design or more vibrant colors, we can definitely find a jacket that will give you a new experience of what a ski jacket can be.
Technical details in a ski jacket
The technical details in a ski jacket range widely. In fact, many brands come up with their own way of solving functional problems. Technical details typically include strap placement, lift pass pockets, venting, pocket placement, a high collar with a large hood, waterproof zippers, ventilation under the sleeves, membranes and more. If you're looking for ski jackets that really perform in all types of terrain, weather and temperatures, a high waterproofing and breathability is a good starting point.
The waterproofness of a ski jacket is measured in mm and is often expressed in terms of water column pressure. The water column pressure describes how water resistant the ski jacket is to external water. Good ski jackets that keep you dry all day on the mountain will often have a water column pressure around 10,000mm and above. A breathable ski jacket is also important if you want to maintain the ideal internal temperature throughout the day. Breathability tells you how well the ski jacket transports moisture and water vapor out of the material without the ski jacket becoming damp. Below you'll find 4 additional details that are worth looking for in a ski jacket:
If you're looking for ski jackets that really perform in all types of terrain, weather and temperatures, a high waterproofing and breathability is a good starting point. A ski jacket's waterproofness is measured in mm and is often expressed in terms of water column pressure. The water column pressure describes how water resistant the ski jacket is to external water. Good ski jackets that keep you dry all day on the mountain will often have a water column pressure of around 10,000 mm. A breathable ski jacket is also important if you want to maintain the ideal internal temperature all day. Breathability tells you how well the ski jacket is at transporting moisture and water vapor out of the material without the ski jacket becoming damp. Below are 4 additional details that are worth looking for in a ski jacket: The membrane
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The membrane
The membrane is an important element in how the ski jacket behaves when used. The right membrane adds extra breathability and waterproofness to the ski jacket, ensuring that the internal vapor doesn't get trapped inside your clothes and ski jacket, but escapes, keeping you cool and reducing the cold from any wet clothes underneath. There are many recognized membranes, but the two most popular ones are GORE-TEX and Dermizax, which really work if you are looking for high waterproofness and breathability.
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Waterproof and windproof zipper
You wouldn't think it, but in many cases the zipper is the reason why the ski jacket is declared unusable and thrown away. It is therefore important to consider the zipper when choosing a ski jacket, and while you're at it, you might as well get a zipper that is windproof and waterproof. Some brands use their own zippers, whereas another recognized and durable zipper system used is the YKK® zipper.
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Large hood and high collar
A ski jacket with an adjustable and high collar/hood provides some comfortable features once the mountain gets covered with snow and cold. A comfortable ski hood also comes with a Chin Guard, which ensures that the zipper is covered on the inside around the chin and neck so it doesn't irritate on descents. You should also look for a jacket with an adjustable hood that can be customized and tightened so that it doesn't fall down in the wind or go over your head.
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Inner pocket for your phone
Most people bring their modern cell phones with them on the mountain, so it's a good idea to look for inner pockets that are specially designed for your phone. Some modern ski jacket models come with insulating inner pockets that ultimately help your cell phone's battery last longer in the cold.
Features of the ski jacket
The functionality of the ski jacket is primarily determined by the choice of material and cut. Many brands make jackets in stretchable materials with a thoughtful fit. But we're not all built the same, so it's important to notice if the jacket is tight across the shoulders or too short in the sleeves. Color also plays a role. For one thing, black attracts warmth and for another, you're easier to recognize on the slopes if you have a colorful jacket. A colorful jacket should also be your first choice for off-piste and randonee skiing. In an emergency, it's important to be seen.
When it comes to whether the ski jacket should be lined or a shell ski jacket, it often depends on your skiing goals. If you do a lot of randonee, off-piste and backcountry skiing, many people choose the shell ski jacket because it's lightweight and provides a great indoor climate. However, if you're looking for a warm ski jacket that can also be used for everyday use in the Danish winter weather, then a lined ski jacket is definitely recommended.
It can be difficult to get an overview of the many features of ski jackets, also because they are constantly being developed with new and smart features. If you're really looking for a quality ski jacket, a good starting point is the water column pressure and breathability. These are two parameters that often tell you a little about the ski jacket's further performance in fabric, features and technical details. You are more than welcome to check out our ski jacket recommendations. We will be happy to answer your questions if you are looking for this season's model to suit your needs on the mountain.
See our entire selection of ski jackets HERE
