Warmth, waterproofing, freedom of movement... There are several criteria to consider when choosing a ski jacket. Here's all the advice you need to make the right choice!
Between the specific sport you’re practising, your level of commitment, ability to withstand the elements, and heat: different models exist, and it’s sometimes hard to make the right choice. Here’s all the information you need to know on the more "technical" ski and snowboard jackets.
As well as keeping you warm and dry, your jacket will protect you from the elements and allow you to regulate your temperature according to the weather conditions. As well as being waterproof, windproof and breathable, it should also obviously keep you warm in cold weather. It’s the third component of the "three layers" of your ski outfit that allows you to regulate your temperature.
Layer 1: the ski baselayer.
Like a second skin, layer 1 is close to the body and keeps you dry by transferring perspiration to the other layers. It can be made of wool to limit odours, or synthetic material for faster drying.
Layer 2: fleece or padded jacket liner
Depending on the temperature, a fleece or down jacket will be very useful, but will also very much have its place in a backpack in case of milder weather.
Layer 3: the waterproof jacket
The famous ski jacket... the secrets of which you’ll soon find out! Although there are warm jackets, you can also add other layers to vary the temperatures.
Depending on the board sport practised, the needs of athletes will vary, as will the jacket model chosen.
Downhill ski jacket
It has to be versatile and strike the right balance between waterproofing ability to cope with the weather conditions, and breathability to regulate your temperature, but it also has to provide a good supply of warmth when it’s really cold (such as when you’re waiting at the bottom of the ski lifts).
Freeride ski jacket
Powder can get into clothing and the physical exertion involved is greater: jackets are often lighter and the balance between a strong waterproofing ability and good breathability is key.
Ski touring jacket
Ski touring is a demanding sport which can require intense physical exertion. Depending on the weather conditions, ski tourers will opt for a softshell jacket, which is ultra-breathable but not waterproof and therefore suitable for mild weather, or a "hardshell" jacket, which is slightly less breathable but ultra-waterproof to cope with bad weather.
Snowboard jacket
Snowboarding is no exception to the sports mentioned above. At Decathlon, our snowboard jackets are equipped with the ZIPROTEC system: this internal zip lets you attach a back protector directly to the jacket to guarantee safe, unencumbered riding.
The weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains. When the snow, wind and cold rise, your ski jacket becomes your best ally in keeping you well protected, without hindering your freedom of movement!
Waterproofing and wind resistance are achieved through 2 types of components: coating or membrane.
- The coating is a layer of polyurethane (PU) resin applied directly to the fabric.
- A laminated fabric is a fabric to which a membrane has been applied to make it waterproof. Membranes are generally more effective, more flexible and more durable than coatings.
Next, we look at the waterproof index, which is measured using the Schmerber standard: the higher the index, the better protected you are. The component is subjected to constant water pressure measured in mm. In skiing, the waterproof index is considered good from 10,000 mm Schmerber: which is a good thing as at Decathlon, our jackets fall between 10,000 and 20,000 mm on the Schmerber scale. Finally, the components undergo a water-repellent treatment: this is the ability of a fabric to let water slide off its surface. However, waterproofing does not depend on water repellency.
Skiing or snowboarding are synonymous with sport, effort and perspiration. The breathability of a fabric is its ability to evacuate the moisture generated during exercise, which is measured in RET : Thermal Evaporative Resistance coefficient. RET can measure between 1 and 20: The lower the number, the more breathable the material. You can also play around with the ventilation zips to regulate your temperature.
Note that breathability changes depending on the type of use: in cross-country skiing or splitboarding, the physical exertion is significant on the way up - just like in freeride skiing, where skiers often put in more effort than in downhill skiing. Mind you, this doesn't mean that the effort required on the slopes is any less! It all depends on the skier’s level and their requirements.
Here too, we adapt according to the sports and the intensity of practice: some types of board sports require a loose fit for a wider range of movement. Downhill skiing also requires a great deal of freedom of movement, but also lightness: we talk about a "stretch" cut so as to support without hampering the skier’s movements.
When choosing a ski jacket, pay close attention to the cut, and keep in mind that you will also be wearing a fleece or a down jacket depending on the conditions. So leave a bit of a buffer, but also take care not to choose a size that’s too big to avoid having cold air pass through. So look for balance with a fitted cut, which will allow you to move without hindrance.
In addition to the above characteristics, some very tangible components will help you to choose the right type of ski jacket.
Hood
We’ve said it before: when you’re skiing or snowboarding, you sometimes have to deal with the weather. The hood, which can be removable, can also be adjustable and adapt to fit your ski helmet. It will be of great use to you if you’re not afraid of rain during your ski day, or if you want to wear your jacket at times when you’re not in snow.
Snow skirt
This strip of fabric goes around your waist and is especially appreciated when doing freeride skiing in powder. It prevents snow from entering into your jacket if you fall (or during the descent). Some jackets have a system for attaching the snow skirt to your ski pants.
Zips
In addition to the RET index that allows you to know if your jacket is breathable, you can play with the zips. Under the armpits or on the sides, they allow you to regulate temperature easily, opening/closing/adjusting to let in just the right amount of fresh air.
The RECCO system is an additional safety system, especially when off-piste. This technology is world-renowned and widely used at ski resorts: it makes a person buried under an avalanche detectable thanks to a beacon sewn into ski and snowboard clothing and a transponder signal. At Decathlon, all our ski, freeride snowboard and cross-country ski jackets are fitted with this system. This beacon does not, however, replace the precautions you need to take when going off-piste, nor the safety trio (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) that you should always have with you.
If possible, try before you buy. However, if you buy online, you’ll find a sizing table in our product sheets. Measure your chest, waist and hips and compare them to the chart; bear in mind that you may need room for an extra layer under your ski jacket.
Now you know all the secrets to choosing the best ski jacket! We’re leaving this in your hands to make the right choice: find our selection of products to suit all styles and all budgets.
