Read The
Current Issue
Ski (and Snowboard) Jackets
We tested these so you don’t have to.
// Dina Mishev
stio shot 7
What it is
A waterproof Gore-Tex jacket stuffed with 800-fill HyperDRY down, which eliminates the need to wear a ton of layers.
Strengths
We love the freedom of not having to bulk up with base layers and letting the Shot 7’s hydrophobic down keep us warm.
Weaknesses
Its weight and warmth make it a resort-only jacket and, even with only a t-shirt beneath it, it’s too warm for spring skiing days.
Best for
Resort skiers who don’t like messing around with layers.
Details
$649; available at Stio Mountain Studio (10 S. Broadway Ave., Jackson) and stio.com
BACKCOUNTRY COTTONWOODS
What it is
A durable, waterproof jacket that will keep you comfortable whether you’re enjoying a bluebird day or thigh-deep powder.
Strengths
This season’s updated fit makes layering underneath this shell easier; if you like skiing with a down sweater as a mid-layer, there’s no need to size up in the Cottonwoods.
Weaknesses
The new, more generous fit makes sizing confusing; our usual size works when we’ve got a lot of layers underneath, but feels too big on warmer days.
Best for
Skiers and riders looking for performance at a good price.
Details
$399; available at backcountry.com
JACK WOLFSKIN ALPSPITZ 3L
What it is
A waterproof and breathable shell with a RECCO chip from a company long popular in Europe—it was founded in Germany in 1981—and recently arrived in the North American market.
Strengths
The outside chest pockets are giant—capable of carrying climbing skins, one of Persephone’s face-sized cookies, or an extra hat and gloves—and accessible when you’re wearing a pack.
Weaknesses
The giant outside chest pockets encourage you to carry and eat too many Persephone cookies.
Best for
Skiers and riders who like a Euro fit and being at the leading edge of a new-to-the-U.S. brand that is sure to become well-known.
Details
$499; available atus.jackwolfskin.com
ROSSIGNOL SKPR 3L
What it is
The rare backcountry touring shell that is as waterproof as it is breathable; stretch fabric adds to its comfort.
Strengths
When the weather’s clear, the SKPR 3L packs into its own pocket (barely taking up space in your pack); when it’s storming, it gives you maximum powder protection.
Weaknesses
We’re still looking for one.
Best for
Backcountry skiers and splitboarders looking for a lightweight, high-performance shell.
Details
$495; available at Jackson Hole Sports (7720 Granite Loop Rd., Teton Village) and rossignol.com
BLACK DIAMOND RECON
What it is
A stretchy, waterproof jacket that works in- and out of bounds.
Strengths
The Recon looks graeat skiing lifts, and it’s also got serious backcountry features like mesh internal drop pockets (for storing climbing skins).
Weaknesses
Some of this winter’s colorways are a little much (amber/tundra/black, we’re looking at you).
Best for
Skiers and riders who want a versatile jacket that performs both in- and out-of-bounds.
Details
$450; available at Black Diamond (160 W. Pearl Ave., Jackson) and blackdiamondequipment.com
NORRØNA FALKETIND GORE-TEX
What it is
One shell to use for everything, on any day it’s wet. This includes in- and out-of-bounds skiing, ice climbing, hiking, and everything in between.
Strengths
There’s a sweet simplicity to having just one Gore-Tex jacket that works for any activity, any time of the year.
Weaknesses
Since it’s designed to be a quiver of one, some ski-specific features (like a zippered pocket for storing your pass) are missing.
Best for
When you want one waterproof shell and want it to work year-round.
Details
$519, available at Hoback Sports (520 W. Broadway Ave., Jackson) and norrona.com JH
