Ski jackets

How to Choose a Ski Jacket?

Because you need gear that is up to par, Glisshop has put together a wide selection of women's ski jackets, men's ski jackets and children's ski jackets so that the whole family is perfectly protected. The jackets, as well as the ski trousers we offer, have all been rigorously selected to provide the best protection against the cold, wind, and moisture. Most of these technical garments boast Gore-Tex type membranes, which are both waterproof and breathable.

Which Ski Jacket to Choose Based on Your Activity?

If you're a recreational skier who prefers sunny days, there's no need for an ultra-high-performance ski jacket in terms of waterproofness and insulation. Most ski or snowboard jackets are versatile, perfect for both groomers and the backcountry. For those who ride in the terrain park, there are anorak-type jackets, hoodies, or parkas. For freeride skiers and snowboarders who venture in deep powder, as well as for those who enjoy ski touring or splitboarding, there are jackets and ski trousers tailored for these activities, guaranteeing you stay dry and warm regardless of the conditions. At Glisshop, you'll find comprehensive collections for men, women, and kids, to everyone happy.

The 3-Layer Principle: Base Layer, Down or Fleece, Ski Jacket?

In the mountains, weather conditions can change very rapidly. While the weather may seem mild, the blue sky can suddenly fill with thick clouds that quickly wrap the landscape, hiding all your landmarks. It can take a very short amount of time for the environment to be completely transformed.

Contrary to popular belief, layering clothes upon clothes is not the way to stay warm in the mountains. The solution is the simple and effective 3-layer system. Three layers, yes, but not just any. Let us explain.

The first layer needs to be a technical base layer that is worn directly on the skin without necessarily being tight. Made of synthetic fibres, merino wool, or a clever blend of the two, it is designed to wick away or absorb sweat without causing a cold sensation. This is why cotton should be avoided.

The second layer, also called the mid-layer, serves to insulate from the cold. Depending on the conditions, this could be a fleece, generally made of synthetic materials, or a down jacket made of synthetic materials or natural down.

The third layer is the one that protects from the weather. It's the ski jacket which, in addition to being windproof, must be waterproof and also breathable.

What Waterproof Rating for a Ski Jacket?

Gone are the days of bulky, cumbersome jackets. Nowadays, major mountain apparel brands offer highly functional ski and snowboard clothing at the cutting edge of technology. Lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and warm, these new generation ski jackets have nothing in common with their ancestors. Who hasn't heard of the revolutionary Gore-Tex membranes? While the American brand was alone in this field for a long time, numerous membranes have emerged since then. Innovation hasn't stopped, and we're pleased to present new features every season.

These membranes have varying degrees of waterproofness, tailored to your activity. They range between 5,000 mm, 10,000 mm, 15,000 mm, 20,000 mm and even more with 28,000 mm. The principle: the membrane is a micro-perforated material whose pores have a precise diameter. These microscopic holes are too small to let water molecules through but large enough to let moisture-laden air molecules pass. Thus, snow, rain, or sleet do not penetrate while sweat ca evaporate away. It's great!

How to Wash Your Gore-Tex Ski Jacket?

For your breathable waterproof membrane to function properly, it's important that the pores are free and the fabrics are clean. As a consequence, it's necessary to wash your ski jacket from time to time. Washing in a machine at the indicated temperature is perfectly possible. Make sure to follow carefully the instructions provided by the brand on one of the tags sewn inside the garment. When putting your ski jacket in the washing machine, take the opportunity to add a Gore-Tex rejuvenator which will restore the outer surface's water-repellent capabilities.

Freeride Ski Jackets, Ski Touring Jackets, How to Make the Right Choice?

If you are into freeriding or ski touring, you may have already observed this phenomenon. In really difficult weather conditions, it's possible to see your ski parka become covered in a uniform white layer of frost that gets thicker and thicker. Your jacket is just doing its job, perfectly evacuating your sweat to the outside. With the intense cold, the water vapor immediately turns into frost on the surface. It's therefore necessary to remove this frozen layer so that your jacket retains all its breathable properties.

Every ski jacket displays two interesting characteristics: a waterproof rating and a breathability rating. They are crucial for choosing a model adapted to your activity. Thus, for piste skiing, you can opt for a mid-range jacket. However, if you engage in freeriding or are keen on ski touring climbs, then it's preferable to aim directly for models with very good waterproofness and a high level of breathability.

Which Ski Jacket to Choose for Snowboarding?

The waterproofness and breathability of the membrane are just as important in snowboarding as in skiing. Most ski jackets can thus be used for snowboarding. In addition to being protective, they must be practical to allow you to ride in the best conditions, with the greatest ease, without anything hindering your movements. Snowboard jackets like those for skiing, which have a lining or insulation, are very comfortable.

For snowboarding as for skiing, choosing a jacket featuring multiple pockets is not insignificant. Ever more models thus have a lift pass pocket on the forearm or shoulder, a waterproof chest pocket, an inner pocket for your smartphone, a cable routing for your headphone wire, and microfiber fabric to clean sunglasses and ski goggles. Whether you like skiing or snowboarding, we recommend adjustable hoods, compatible with a ski helmet. Options are plentiful. We take pleasure in presenting them in each of the product descriptions to help you make the best choice.

Millet, Rossignol, Picture, ... Which Brand to Choose?

Discover all our models and find the ski jacket of your dreams from staple brands such as 686, Burton, Colmar, DC, Degre 7, Dynafit, Helly Hansen, Icepeak, Millet, Norrona, Oakley, Patagonia, Picture Organic, Protest, Quiksilver, Rossignol, Roxy, Salomon, Scott, Spyder, Sun Valley, Superdry, Volcom, Fusalp and more! In addition to ski jackets, also browse our complete textile offer in our winter sports clothing section!