Ski jackets for grown-ups

Looking for a versatile garment that you can use on and off the slopes? Ski jackets could well be the solution for you. They’re extremely versatile garments, and we have no hesitation in recommending them for adult skiers.

Not only are they great when you’re out on the slopes, but you have the added bonus of having something warm to wear around the resort. Say you just need to pop out to get something, but its snowing hard outside. Simply pop on your jacket and off you go. You won’t need to take another coat with you, so you save on space in your suitcase.

Keeping you warm – and dry
These garments are constructed along exactly the same lines as children’s ski jackets except of course that these are designed with adults in mind. That means that there’s a huge choice of styles and colours on the market – and a huge price range too.

If you’ve ever read the promotional literature for these garments you might wonder what on earth you’re buying. Terms like ‘ventilation system’ ‘breathability’ and ‘powder skirt’ – hang on a minute, we are talking about ski jackets here, aren’t we? Let’s abandon high performance jargon and get down to basics.

The outer layer should be made from waterproof fabric, usually nylon, with taped seams. It constantly amazes us that snow can sometimes be so wet and heavy, even at altitude. So you’ll want something that won’t let the snow in. We’ve also found that ski jackets with an outer layer that is also windproof are most comfortable. It’s quite a revelation to be protected from a howling alpine wind.

You’ll also want something that will let moisture out. Skiing is an active sport and you’ll probably be perspiring with all the physical effort - especially on your favourite runs. So the outer fabric needs to be breathable as well as waterproof.

There will be a lining fabric that may be designed to wick or draw moisture away from you and towards the breathable outer layer. Some linings are thin and light, although you can also buy ski jackets with lovely warm fleece linings.

The final layer that will help keep you warm is one that you won’t actually see. There will be insulation between the outer shell and the lining. You’d think that insulation would have to be thick to keep you warm, but it’s really very thin. This means that ski jackets are surprisingly streamlined and nowhere near as heavy and bulky as they used to be.

Look for garments that have adjustable cuffs. These enable you to pull your jacket sleeves down over your gloves, and then tighten the cuffs so that your wrists and lower arms remain covered.

Garments with drawstring waists and hems are also particularly good at keep draughts and snow out, and you can tighten or slacken them to suit.

Zip in, zip out
For changing weather conditions you can buy ski jackets where you zip an inner fleece layer to the inside. So if it’s a cold December day, you zip it in. But maybe on a beautifully warm April day, you might choose whether to unzip the fleece. Some retailers call these garments 3 in 1 and there’s no doubt that they are incredibly versatile.

Pockets and extras
With children, you know just how many bits and pieces you need to have near to hand. Unless you take a rucksack with you, you’ll need zipped pockets on your jacket. We keep a supply of tissues and sweets in ours! You’ll also need a secure pocket (preferably on the inside of the garment) to keep your wallet in – essential for those hot-chocolate stops! You’ll also find that a pocket large enough to hold your hat will be useful.

One extra that we wouldn’t be without is an integral hood. We prefer the type that tucks down inside the collar when not in use, simply because it’s not then flapping about when it’s not needed. Despite not being insulated, it is lined and made from the same waterproof outer fabric as the rest of the garment. When it’s snowing heavily and the wind is harsh, a hood will make a world of difference to your comfort.

Getting onto ski lifts will be a much smoother process if your garment has somewhere to hold your lift pass. No more rummaging around in the depth of your pockets whilst dropping your gloves and the contents of your pockets as you frantically try to locate your pass. Look for either a small pocket on your upper arm, or maybe a metal loop onto which you can securely tie your pass.

Ladies ski jackets
Mums, you’ll find a large choice of styles and colours. Ladies ski jackets tend to have a flattering cut, so for the style-conscious mum, a garment with definition at the waist and hips might fit the bill.

Mens ski jackets
Dads, you too will find a wonderful range available in a good choice of colours. If you like your gadgets, look for garments with ready-sized pockets or pouches for your mobile phone, camera and other accessories.

Where to buy
Specialist winter sports or outdoor gear shops will have a good range or garments to buy either locally or online. You could wait until you arrive in resort to buy, but we find that we’re far calmer knowing that we have all our gear ready to unpack when we arrive.

When you try on a garment, make sure that you can move your arms freely and that the jacket is not too tight. You’ll need enough room underneath for base layers.

How much do they cost?
That depends on how much you’re willing to pay. You could easily spend £200 on a jacket with superb technical specifications from a brand ‘name’. On the other hand, you can find excellent ski jackets nearer the £50 mark that will keep you dry and warm.

It pays to shop around, and is all down to your personal preference and budget. But if you really want to have a ‘name’, why not keep an eye open for bargains on online auction sites?

Taking care of your garment
After each holiday we wash our ski jackets in a special liquid for waterproof garments. If necessary you can use another solution that will re-apply waterproofing. Both these are available from outdoor gear shops. Don’t wash them with regular detergent washing liquid or powder as these dramatically reduce the effectiveness of the waterproofing – as we found out ourselves.

How long do ski jackets last?
As with all things, the better you look after them, the longer they’ll last. Our current garments are approaching their sixth season and are as good as new. Perhaps the best way to ensure that you get years of use is not to be sidetracked by latest fashion trends when you buy!

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