PSA: You can’t ski naked every day.
Skis aren’t the only gear getting cooler by the year. With impressive waterproof and breathable fabrics, tricked-out features, and ski-specific fits, today’s jackets and pants are insanely forward-thinking. They give skiers unprecedented opportunity to blend function and fashion—and we all know looking good is as important as skiing good…
Here are a dozen of our favorite jackets and pants, approved by our soft goods guru Lauren.
Arc’teryx Sabre AR Jacket. (men’s) The Sabre AR is designed with specific features to help you tackle the mountain. The GORE-TEX flannel backer provides light insulation, while the regular fit gives enough room for layering on super cold days. The lo-loft soft shell construction combines soft shell characteristics like warmth, breathability, and mobility with hard shell properties such as packability, weather resistance, and durability. Previously known as the Sabre Jacket, the Sabre AR Jacket comes in for Fall 2019 with just a few updates. Previously designed with a DropHood, the new Sabre AR Jacket features a StormHood that provides more weather protection. The new Sabre AR Jacket also uses a lighter face fabric to reduce bulk. Pockets are strategically placed for easy accessibility with a pack, and WaterTight external zips are water resistant to help keep moisture out. Slide ‘n Loc attachments fit with compatible pants, like the Sabre AR Pant to create a seamless outfit that keeps the elements outside.
Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket. (women’s) Blending alpine style with skier-specific features, the Tuscany II ski jacket is the versatile piece you need for the ski getaway you’ve been dreaming of. 150g Thermore insulation keeps you cozy in wintry weather, because Obermeyer wants you to spend your ski-cation on the mountain, not stuck in the lodge. A snap-away powder skirt and stretchy wrist cuffs lock out snow on deep days (and anytime you take a spill). Meanwhile, a soft fleece-lined collar, insulated hood, and faux coyote fur protect your most delicate skin from windy summits, whiteout conditions, and everyday paparazzi. With a flattering silhouette, the Tuscany II has a refined look perfect for both the slopes to the streets. Feel like flaunting your smile? Easily detach the faux fur-or the entire hood-to enjoy the views from the top in the Tuscany II.
Flylow Baker Bib. (men’s) This is the people’s bib. The Baker Bib is a stout, workwear-inspired bib that is there for you on all angles. Ample cross-leg-ventilation keeps you cool on the way up, Omnibloq DWR technology and 3-layer Intuitive fabric endure storm after storm, and a relaxed fit with articulated knee boxes and powder gaiters stay in flow the whole way down. More powder to you.
Ortovox Fleece Plus Knit Classic. (women’s) A new twist on the classic sweater style that kept mountaineers warm for generations. The Fleece Plus Classic Knit Hoody brings innovation in the way of recycled polyester to give you superior fit from your shoulders down, while keeping you warm with the wool knit front.
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody. (men’s + women’s) Arc’teryx’s Atom LT Hoody is one of the most popular pieces in their Essentials collection, and for good reason. A Coreloft insulated jacket keeps you warm for mid-level activities, and fits smoothly and comfortably as a mid-layer for colder days. Light, soft Tyono fabric provides breathability that’s necessary for skiing, while a DWR finish keeps moisture from seeping in. For higher exertion or warmer weather, the smooth faced, air permeable fleece stretch side panels allows heat to escape quickly. When the weather takes a turn, pop up the adjustable, insulated, low profile StormHood to keep the elements out.
Houdini Power Houdi. (men’s + women’s) Long time Houdini classic worn and loved by everyone from mountain guides to gardeners to bike commuters. Made in Polartec Power Stretch Pro, an exceptional fabric with a smooth outside and warm, fluffy inside. Equally tough and comfortable. The Houdini design team never set out the create the latest news. The goal is to never become old. The Power Houdi has remained virtually unchanged since the launch 15 years ago. The versatile functionality, timeless aesthetics and durable quality makes it into one of those items that simply don’t need to be replaced. The Power Houdi is made in Power Stretch Pro from Polartec. We have never encountered a better fleece fabric. It is almost indestructible but yet cozy, warm and comfortable. Use the garment underneath a shell jacket in the ski slope, take it climbing or wear it just like it is. Extended sleeves with thumb loops will keep your hand warm and the high collar and tight fitting hood will provide comfort in cold weather. A little warning though. We often hear that our customers become addicted to the Power Houdi and we can only agree. It’s hard to take off once you put it on. The reason that we love the Power Houdi is that it becomes more than just a piece of clothing in your wardrobe. It becomes a companion and will keep you warm for many years of adventures.
Descente Swiss Team Pants. (men’s) These pants are worn by not one, but two national ski teams. The Swiss and Spanish national ski teams wear the Swiss Ski Team pants to maximize their performance while keeping up appearances. Shaped and cut to look smooth and wrinkle free over ski boots, the tailored fit also enhances your mobility on the hill by cutting out unnecessary, bulky material. The 4-way stretch fabric with a 20K waterproof and 20K breathable rating enhances mobility even more so your gear will never hold you back on the hill. Durable edge guard protection at the bottom of each leg will stand up to metal ski edges, hidden branches, or hazards in the parking lot while maintaining a clean look. Ski your hardest and look your best in the Swiss Ski Team pants. Complete the look with the Swiss Ski Team jacket or the Swiss Ski Team Replica jacket.
Fjallraven Nuuk Parka. (women’s) Whether you’re on vacation or call the mountains home, going out on the town is a big part of ski culture. When we head out, we need a jacket that’s both warm and fashionable. The Nuuk Parka has you covered. This padded parka is loaded with fashionable and functional features, such as the detachable synthetic fur lining on the hood and warm, fleece-lined pockets. Fjallraven’s fluorocarbon-free Hydratic membrane is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, protecting you from the variable outside elements winter brings. If you’re looking for one jacket to do it all, the Nuuk Parka can double as your ski jacket.
Flylow Quantum Pro Jacket. (men’s) Whether you’re hustling to the summit or slashing through the trees the Quantum Jacket will keep up. It’s the only men’s jacket this season to boast the latest OmniBloq DWR coating, a newly launched finish that combines exceptional breathability with the highest quality storm-proofing. As part of Flylow’s hardy heritage line, the Quantum is built with 3-layer Intuitive Oxford fabric and hosts 8 pockets, including a lower-sleeve pass pocket and backpack-compatible chest zippers. A helmet compatible hood, removable powder skirt, and no bulk cuffs make this a true jacket of all trades.
Kuhl Spyfire Jacket. (men’s + women’s) Weather as an under layer on the slopes, or an outer layer around town, the Kuhl Spyfire jacket has it all. Light weight, low bulk, Responsible Down Standard Certified goose down will keep you warm in all conditions, while the thermal body mapping design (think variable baffle sizes) will keep you from looking like the Stay Puft man. Kuhl has also used a variety of high quality fabrics to provide the best in fit and performance. Mikrotex shell fabric will keep the wind from sapping you of your well earned body heat, and the Tufflex overlay helps with durability around the shoulders for carrying skis or wearing a backpack. Wherever your pursuits take you from the slope to the streets, the Spyfire Parka will keep you warm and looking good!
Obermeyer Felicity Bib. (women’s) Introducing Obermeyer’s new Felicity Bibs, designed for athletes who like to look as good as they feel. True to the Obermeyer aesthetic, these deluxe bibs have a flattering silhouette. But they’re more than a pretty face. HydroBlock Pro stretch fabric provides 15K waterproof/breathable protection, while critical seam taping and water resistant powder cuffs lock moisture out. When temperatures dip, 40g Thinsulate insulation and a fleece-lined waistband keep you toasty. And when your muscles start burning through a mogul field, long vents allow you to dump heat quickly. Be the first to flaunt the Felicity Bibs, wherever the mountains may take you.
Houdini Rollercoaster Bib. (women’s) Houdini certainly raised the bar when they introduced their MadeToMove design concept. Rather than adding stretch fibers to make clothing more flexible, Houdini drapes the garments over human bodies in active positions during the design process, maximizing performance and movement in each of their MadeToMove garments. The Rollercoaster Pant uses the MadeToMove design, along with the waterproof/breathable and fluorocarbon-free Loop 3L Hardshell. As if it couldn’t get any better, the Rollercoaster Pant is made with recycled materials, is fully recyclable, and is bluesign certified. If you’re a lady who rips the mountain, and needs gear that can keep up, the Rollercoaster Pant won’t disappoint.
Read our 2020 Buyer’s Guide to discover the Skis of the Year.
