For the piste, choose an insulated ski jacket with a water column of at least 10,000 mm. If you ski in all weathers, in wet spring snow, or often sit and fall, choose 15,000–20,000 mm or more. A breathability of 10,000–15,000 g/m²/24 h is enough for ordinary skiing; for fast skiing and heavy exertion, 15,000 g or more suits better. Just as important as the figures are taped seams, waterproof zips, a snow skirt and a fit that leaves room under the jacket for a baselayer and a sweatshirt.
Which ski jacket suits which skier?
| How you ski | Water column | Breathability | What to focus on |
|---|---|---|---|
| A few days a season, mainly in fine weather | 10,000 mm | 8,000–10,000 g | warmth on the chairlift, ski pass pocket |
| Regularly, all day, in any weather | 15,000–20,000 mm | 10,000–15,000 g | taped seams, snow skirt, hood |
| Fast skiing, spring skiing, heavy exertion | 20,000 mm or more | 15,000–20,000 g or more | ventilation zips, breathability, fewer layers under the jacket |
| A lot of standing around (children, lessons, photography) | 15,000 mm or more | a lower figure is enough | longer cut, warmer layer under the jacket |
The figures are a rough guide. They are based on common recommendations from outdoor equipment retailers and are not a standard. You will find suitable models in the collections women’s ski jackets and men’s ski jackets. The models with the highest water column, 30,000 mm, are in the collections women’s DERMIZAX™ ski jackets and men’s DERMIZAX™ ski jackets.
How much water column does a ski jacket need?
The water column shows how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before it lets water through. It is measured in a laboratory by a hydrostatic test (for example to ISO 811): a column of water presses on the fabric and the number of millimetres it withstands is recorded. When you ski, it is not only falling snow that acts on your jacket. You put it under pressure when you sit on a wet chairlift seat, kneel to fasten your bindings or fall into slushy snow.
| Water column | What it can handle in the mountains |
|---|---|
| up to 5,000 mm | dry snow and a brief shower; not enough for skiing |
| 6,000–10,000 mm | skiing in dry snow and fine weather |
| 11,000–15,000 mm | all-day skiing, snowfall, longer spells outdoors |
| 16,000–20,000 mm | wet snow, rain at lower altitudes, sitting and kneeling |
| more than 20,000 mm | heavy rain and wet snow under high pressure, long spells outdoors |
NORDBLANC ski jackets have a water column of 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 or 30,000 mm. With the TERATEX® membrane, the number in the name corresponds to the water column: TERATEX® 20000 means 20,000 mm. You will find the exact value for each product in the Materials and care table.
A high figure is not enough if water gets in elsewhere. So look for taped seams and waterproof zips. Most NORDBLANC ski jackets have waterproof zips, while taped seams are stated for some of the models, so check them on the product page in the Features section.
What does breathability in g/m²/24 h mean?
Breathability (moisture vapour permeability) shows how many grams of water vapour pass through a square metre of fabric in 24 hours. The higher the number, the more easily sweat escapes and the less you overheat under the jacket. When skiing, exertion (descending, climbing uphill) alternates with rest (queuing for the lift, the chairlift). A jacket with low breathability makes you sweat as you ski, and then your damp baselayer chills you on the chairlift.
| Breathability | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| up to 10,000 g/m²/24 h | relaxed skiing, a lot of standing around |
| 10,000–15,000 g/m²/24 h | ordinary downhill skiing |
| 15,000–20,000 g/m²/24 h | fast, sporty skiing, warm spring days |
| more than 20,000 g/m²/24 h | heavy exertion, climbs, ski touring |
NORDBLANC ski jackets have a breathability of 8,000 to 30,000 g/m²/24 h. Breathability rises with the water column: models with 10,000 mm have 8,000–10,000 g, and models with 30,000 mm have 20,000–30,000 g.
Be careful when comparing. Breathability is measured by several methods, for example to the Japanese standard JIS L 1099 or as evaporative resistance RET to ISO 11092. The results of different methods do not agree, and with RET the opposite applies: a lower number means a more breathable fabric. So compare mainly models from the same brand.
TERATEX® or DERMIZAX™ membrane?
A membrane is a thin layer in the material that keeps water out and lets water vapour escape. On NORDBLANC ski jackets you will come across two brands:
- TERATEX® is NORDBLANC’s own branded range of membrane materials. The number in the name (10000, 15000, 20000, 30000) corresponds to the water column in millimetres.
- DERMIZAX™ is the membrane on some ski jackets with a water column of 30,000 mm, according to the product details. Models with 30,000 mm have a breathability of 20,000–30,000 g/m²/24 h. You will find them in the collections women’s DERMIZAX™ ski jackets and men’s DERMIZAX™ ski jackets.
The ski jacket comparison lets you compare the membrane, water column, breathability, insulation and warmth of all NORDBLANC ski jackets in stock in one table.
Insulated jacket or hardshell?
An insulated ski jacket combines membrane and insulation in one. It is the simplest choice for the piste: all you need under it is a baselayer and a thin sweatshirt. Almost all NORDBLANC ski jackets are insulated with synthetic fill, in most models hollow polyester fibres (FURTHERM). A few models have THERMOLITE® EcoMade T-DOWN insulation, which the manufacturer describes as insulation made from recycled PET bottles.
On NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale, almost all of these jackets are rated down to −20 °C. The scale is for comparing models with one another. How warm you actually feel also depends on wind, your pace and the layers under the jacket.
A shell (hardshell) is just a waterproof layer with no insulation. You build up warmth with layers beneath it, so it suits spring, ski touring and changeable weather, but it needs more clothing. Softshell is stretchy, breathable and wind-resistant. It may be enough for spring skiing in dry weather, but it is weaker in snowfall and wet conditions. Only a few ski jacket models are made of softshell material.
Why synthetic and not down? Synthetic insulation keeps you warm even when damp and dries faster. When you ski you sweat and fall in the snow, which is why synthetic insulation is commonly used in ski jackets. For everyday wear in town, a winter jacket is more practical. The guide How to choose a winter jacket sums up how to choose one.
Which fit and size should you choose?
- Room for layers. Try the jacket on over the baselayer and sweatshirt you will ski in. A fastened jacket must not pull across the back.
- Sleeves in the skiing position. Stretch your arms forward as if holding poles. The sleeve must still cover your glove, or at least your wrist.
- Length. The hem should cover your lower back even when you lean forward or squat. A longer jacket is more comfortable on the chairlift and when you fall.
- Hood. If you ski in a helmet, check whether the hood can be tightened over it without blocking your view.
NORDBLANC products state the fit: most ski jackets have a Regular fit, and some models have Slim fit (closer-fitting) or Oversized (looser). You will find the measurements in the size chart, and you can try the jacket on in our stores.
What features do you really need on the slopes?
| Feature | Why you want it | On NORDBLANC ski jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Snow skirt | keeps snow out from under the jacket when you fall | most models |
| Taped seams | water cannot leak through the seams | some models, check on the product page |
| Waterproof zips | water cannot leak through the zip | most models |
| Adjustable hood, preferably detachable | holds in the wind; in fine weather you can detach it | most models |
| Inner elasticated cuffs | snow cannot get into the sleeves | most models |
| Ventilation zips (usually under the arms) | you can quickly vent heat without undressing | most models |
| Ski pass pocket (often on the sleeve) | you can hold the pass to the reader without searching for it | most models |
| Inner goggle pocket | your goggles are to hand and protected from scratches | some models |
The full list of features is on each model’s product page, in the Features section.
What should you wear under a ski jacket?
A ski jacket works only with suitable layers under it:
- A baselayer wicks sweat away from the body. Choose merino or synthetic, not cotton, which holds moisture and chills. You will find them in the collections women’s ski baselayers and men’s ski baselayers, and advice on choosing is in the guide How to choose a baselayer.
- A middle layer (a thin sweatshirt, fleece or gilet) adds warmth, and on warmer days you can leave it out.
- The jacket and ski trousers protect against snow, wind and wet. The same rules for water column and breathability apply to the trousers.
Further clothing for the slopes, from gloves to hats, is in the Ski / snowboard collection.
How do you wash and reproof a ski jacket?
- Wash it inside out, with the zips fastened and on its own. Use a detergent for waterproof and technical fabrics.
- Do not use fabric conditioner. It damages the membrane’s performance.
- Dry it inside out, hung loosely and out of direct sunlight.
- When water stops beading on the surface and the fabric soaks it up, restore the water-repellent finish with a proofer made for membrane fabrics.
Always follow the label in the jacket and the Product care page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high water column enough to stop a ski jacket letting water through?
No, it also matters where the water can get in. A jacket with a high figure can still get wet through the seams or the zip, so look for taped seams and waterproof zips. Most NORDBLANC ski jackets have waterproof zips, while taped seams are stated for some of the models, so check the Features section on the product page.
Is an insulated jacket or a hardshell with layers better for skiing?
For the piste, an insulated jacket is simpler: the membrane and insulation are in one, and all you need under it is a baselayer and a thin sweatshirt. A hardshell with no insulation suits spring, ski touring and changeable weather better. Almost all NORDBLANC ski jackets are insulated with synthetic fill.
Why can’t the breathability of different brands be compared directly?
Breathability is measured by several methods, and the results do not agree. With the RET method, a lower number also means a more breathable fabric. So compare the values mainly for models from one brand.
How do I know when a ski jacket needs reproofing?
Water stops beading on the surface, and the fabric soaks it up and darkens. The jacket does not necessarily let water through, but it breathes less well. After washing, restore the water-repellent finish with a proofer made for membrane fabrics and follow the label in the jacket.
Where can I try on a ski jacket?
You can try the jacket on in our stores. Bring the sweatshirt you wear under the jacket, and try stretching your arms forward, leaning forward and tightening the hood. Compare the measurements with the size chart.