Now that you’ve narrowed down the basics of how different jackets perform, it’s time to get into the details. These are some of the small things that will set one jacket apart from another. To some folks, these are deal breakers. So know what you should be looking out for!
Most ski jackets have zippered vents in the armpits or on the chest. These allow you to dump some heat without taking the jacket off. Some vents will also have a mesh lining to keep snow out while the vent is open. It’s a good idea to look for a jacket with easy-to-use vents. It’s no fun when your friends have to help you unzip your pits.
The hood on your ski jacket should be adjustable so it can open up to fit over a helmet or cinch down if you’re wearing a hat. Some are adjustable in multiple directions to make them even more adaptable. If you ride with your hood up often, it’s a good idea to test if it's compatible with your helmet and how your peripheral vision is or isn’t affected.
The collar can make or break a ski jacket. A good jacket will have a soft lining inside the collar so it doesn’t rub against your chin but still stands up to keep the cold air out. Some jackets also have an offset zipper so the hard zipper pull isn’t right in the middle of your chin.
The powder skirt is a piece of material inside the jacket that you can cinch down so that snow doesn’t get up your coat in crashes. Most jackets come with them, and higher-end ones often have a removable powder skirt that can zip out if you’re not using it and want to cut some bulk.
There are as many different pocket layouts as there are brands of jackets. The biggest thing is to ensure all exterior pockets are zipped so you don’t lose anything if you take a tumble or bounce through a mogul field. And if you ski at a resort with RFID readers, ensure it has a pass pocket—ideally along a sleeve or at the chest. Otherwise, think about what you like to carry skiing—phone, keys, wallet, handwarmers, snacks—and pick a pocket layout that will fit all your gear.
If the same brand makes your jacket and pants, there’s a good chance they can button or zip onto each other to create a system that’s impervious to snow. This is nice for keeping snow out of your base layers but can add an additional step when it comes time to use the bathroom... Tradeoffs...
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