By Jeff Burke
The Active Times
Whether you're shredding Stowe or Jay Peak, Tahoe or Whistler, your ski jacket is going to have to stand up to constant fluctuations in temperature, wind and sun from the top of the resort to the bottom. In a good jacket, it pays to have versatility.
Ridgetop winds can send frigid bolts through your body, and lingering pools of cold air can make your core temps plummet. You can face temperature inversions in which cold air gets trapped at the valley floor and sunny spring conditions meet you closer to the summit. And let’s not forget snowfall, or, if you’re lucky enough to experience it halfway up the hill, rain. There’s an old cliché in the American West: "Don't like the weather? Wait 15 minutes."
The expectations of everyday skiers and snowboarders are changing. With a large percentage of resorts embracing the hike-to opportunities adjacent to their inbounds terrain, ski jackets are becoming more breathable, windproof and durable.
There's an emphasis on jackets with a slightly roomier cut because they tend to pull moisture away and trap more hot air generated by your body on the way down, which can then help keep you warm as you naturally cool off on the lift ride back up. Almost paradoxically, these same jackets are also designed to breathe on the hike up, so you remain warm and dry while skiing down.
Armpit vents and breathable, waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex, eVent and NeoShell assist in mitigating those temp swings. With many skiers wearing packs on a regular basis, many companies are also building chest pockets that double as accessible vents to accommodate a pack’s waist and shoulder straps.
As for features, there are removable powder skirts, helmet-compatible hoods, high-wind collars, zipper garages, goggle cloths, audio ports, waterproof and breathable fabrics. These touches appeal to a huge cross section of people who want to dial in their first line of defense against Old Man Winter. But ultimately a quality ski jacket means different things to different people. Because no two people are alike, there is no such thing as the perfect jacket.
That said, a lot of these come very close.
Powder Coats: The Season's Best Ski Jackets Slideshow
Outdoor Research Vanguard
Fully seam-taped and waterproof, the 3-layer Gore-Tex, fleece lined soft shell body give the Vanguard extra warmth for colder environments. Additional venting, pockets, accessible media port, stand up collar and adjustable, detachable hood are just some of the Vanguard’s best attributes. $595
Arc'teryx Caden
With jackets that are ever light, sleek and weather repellant, Arc'teryx has a knack for constructing all-too-comfortable technical pieces that excel in the harshest environments. Built with Gore's new Pro Shell membrane, the Caden is no exception, intended for high output/rest cycles inherent to skiing and riding. $650
Westcomb Arcane Hoody
Warm, compressible, and comfortable, the Arcane Hoody melds Schoeller C_Change shell fabric with PrimaLoft insulation for a minimally light and utterly protective jacket that can withstand wind, snow and rain -- all within a single run. $380
Flylow Lab Coat
Made with Polartec's newest NeoShell waterproof/breathable fabric, Flylow's simple-styled lab coat is to be worn when there's work to be done. The articulated but relaxed cut is designed for maximum versatility when in the "lab," and the helmet-compatible hood, large pit zips, and removable powder skirt help it adjust to the vagaries of field testing. $500
Stio Environ Jacket
The bomber Environ is designed to be a worthy one-and-done hard shell go-to. Equally applicable for lift riding, backcountry skiing and alpine climbing, it uses Brio 3-layer stretch waterproof/breathable membrane, and features helmet-compatible hood, interior stash pocket, adjustable hem, and is fully seam-sealed for maximum protection against the elements. $395
Trew Cosmic
Skiers and riders searching for glory in the backcountry and the resort, please take note: With a full complement of exterior and interior storage options, the Cosmic's updated cut further enhances its ergonomic fit for all-mountain application. $395
Mountain Hardwear SnowZilla II
The modern styling doesn’t betray the SnowZilla's on-hill prowess. Fully lined with a Dry.Q waterproof/breathable membrane, SnowZilla has pit zips, pockets, adjustable hem and helmet-compatible hood for everyday cold-weather practicality on the ski hill and elsewhere. $250
For the complete list of Best Ski Jackets, go to TheActiveTimes.com.
More From The Actives Times:
-- White Wonders: 17 of the Snowiest Ski Resorts
-- Top All Mountain Skis
-- 9 Off-the-Radar Ski and Snowboard Spots
-- Boot Camp: Fitting a Ski Boot, Step-by-Step
