Instructor’s Guide to the Best Ski Jackets

As ski instructors, we demand a lot from our gear, and no piece of equipment takes more use and abuse than our ski jackets. With a hundred or more days of use a year, an instructor’s jacket is their lifeline, keeping them dry and comfortable all day, every day. But what makes a ski jacket suitable for this kind of use, and ultimately, what kind of jacket should you be looking at for the upcoming season?

What Makes a Good Ski Jacket?

This is a question that every skier asks at one time or another, but it’s one that ski instructors probably ask more than most. A good ski jacket is one that keeps you protected from the elements, is reliable and durable, helps rather than hinders your work on the mountain, and is convenient and adaptable. In essence, it’s one that does everything you need without you even thinking about it.

But how exactly does it accomplish all these things? Let’s dig into the features and specifications that instructors demand of their ski jackets, and below, we’ll cover the best choices for this season.

Waterproofing and Breathability

Waterproofing and breathability are the first things to consider. While many jackets offer 10,000 mm of waterproofing as standard, for daily, prolonged use in changeable conditions, you’ll want at least 15,000 mm, or even higher, to keep up with whatever the mountains throw your way. Some fabrics, like Gore-Tex, don’t use the ‘mm’ water column rating system, but they’re still highly waterproof.

Breathability is measured in g/m²/24 hours, but is often abbreviated to just ‘g’. This measures how much water vapor (sweat) can pass through the fabric from inside to out and relates to how sweaty you’ll get if you’re warm. A high breathability rating is key for staying comfortable all day.

Insulation and Construction

Insulation is worth considering too. While many jackets are insulated, it’s often best to go for a non-insulated, or shell, jacket for long periods of riding. This is because shell jackets are much more versatile. If you’re cold, you can wear a mid-layer for warmth, but if it’s a sunny spring day, you can stay nice and cool.

For construction, some key features are fully taped seams, which reinforce all the jacket’s seams for waterproofing. Look for jackets with waterproof zips and a comfortable fit that will let you ride without restriction.

Materials and DWR

Most jackets today are made of polyester or nylon, as these synthetic materials do a great job of waterproofing, breathability, and durability, and easily bond to a waterproof membrane. This membrane is a thin layer laminated to the back of the shell fabric that acts as a barrier against snow or rain.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a thin coating on the outer shell material that reduces the friction coefficient of the fabric, helping water bead and roll off rather than soaking in. This makes the membrane work more efficiently, ultimately keeping you drier.

Hood and Other Features

The hood is the workhorse of the jacket, taking the brunt of rain and snow in bad weather. It’s essential to choose a hood with two- or three-way adjustability and helmet compatibility, so it can comfortably fit over a helmet if conditions turn.

Other useful features include waterproof storage for your phone, wallet, and essentials, as well as a powder skirt and wrist gaiters if you’ll be venturing into deeper snow. Ventilation zips are also necessary, especially in Europe, where warmer conditions are common—quickly cooling off will be a capability you’ll appreciate.

Durability and Quality

Finally, consider the jacket’s durability and quality. It’s tempting to think that a cheaper jacket will be less durable, but some more affordable jackets can perform just as well as expensive ones, depending on the type, design, materials, and brand. Choosing a jacket from a brand you trust and whose values align with your needs is important.

While some brands charge more for name or logo, others prioritise quality and durability—these are the brands to look for when selecting a ski jacket as an instructor.

The Best Ski Jacket Brands for Instructors

Many instructors swear by Arc’teryx and The North Face, two well-known brands whose jackets exude build quality. These jackets are durable and usually very waterproof, so they’re safe choices. However, they can be quite pricey, so if you want something more affordable but still excellent quality, Montec is a solid recommendation. This direct-to-consumer brand designs its jackets in Sweden and builds them for North American and Canadian backcountry conditions, providing bombproof durability at an affordable price.

Outdoor Research and Columbia are also worth checking out for a good balance of quality and price, with strong histories in snow and wet-weather gear. If you’re looking for something with more personality and colour, try Dope Snow. This brand is owned by the same company that makes Montec jackets, so you get the same build quality in a slightly more colourful package.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter so much which jacket you choose as long as it’s well-made and waterproof. Hopefully, this guide has given you the information you need to find the right jacket for the season ahead. The unique demands of ski instructing mean your jacket will take more punishment than most, so choose wisely and enjoy the mountains!