Guide: How to Choose the Right Ski or Snowboard Jacket

Insulated Ski Jackets: For Resort Skiing

The most common type of ski jacket, designed to be warm, waterproof, windproof, and comfortable.

• Integrated insulation (synthetic or down)
• Waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane
• Stretch fabric for comfort and movement
• Shorter, ergonomic cut for agility

Practical features: snow skirt, wrist gaiters, ski pass pocket, goggle pocket.

Hardshell Jackets: For Freeride & Touring

A shell jacket has no insulation. It relies on a waterproof, breathable membrane to protect you, often in a 3-layer (3L) construction.

Why choose? Top weather protection, lightweight, and versatile for layering.

3-in-1 Jackets: Versatile On and Off the Slopes

A 3-in-1 jacket includes a removable mid-layer (fleece or down) and a waterproof outer shell. Wear together or separately depending on the weather.

Which Insulation?

Synthetic

Affordable, easy to care for, keeps you warm even when damp (ex: Primaloft®).

Down

Light, compressible, very warm. Best in cold, dry weather but less effective when wet.

Waterproof Ratings (Schmerber)

• 5,000 mm: basic
• 10,000–20,000 mm: resort skiing
• 20,000+ mm: freeride & backcountry

Top membranes: Gore-Tex®, Sympatex, Dermizax, DryPlay, Futurelight, HyVent.

Breathability

<10,000 g/m²/24h

Low breathability

10,000–20,000

Good for resort skiing

>20,000

Excellent for touring/freeride

Choosing the Right Size

Touring jackets: slimmer. Snowboard jackets: looser. Resort jackets: regular fit. Each product page on Montaz.com has a Size Guide.

Best Ski Jacket Brands

Burton, Colmar, Eider, Fusalp, Millet, Norrøna, Patagonia, Picture Organic Clothing, Rossignol, Schoffel, Scott, Spyder, Sun-Valley, Superdry, The North Face, Volcom.

Where to Buy

All jackets on Montaz.com are in stock and ready to ship. Visit our Montaz store in La Ravoire near Chambéry for expert advice.