How do you choose your ski clothing?

The main function of a ski clothing is to protect you from the cold, snow and wind, while keeping you dry. Brands are all working to solve this equation. But depending on the products and the use for which they are intended, manufacturers place more emphasis on one aspect than another.

So it's up to you to define your priorities and your type of practice before choosing an outfit: cold tolerance, piste or off-piste skiing, intensity of sessions are all determining parameters.

Isolation, waterproofing, breathability...

In the jungle of technical terms, materials, membranes and quotations, there is something to be lost. Especially since the degrees of efficiency differ between the high and the low end.

Most ski clothing are listed with double digits, which you will find on the label (e.g. 10,000/8,000 or 20,000/20,000). The first expresses waterproofing, the second expresses breathability.

Waterproofing is measured in mm Schmerber: the higher the number of mm, the more efficient the membrane. Choose an index of 10,000mm or more, to be dry in all conditions. The jacket ski(or pants ski) must also have all the waterproof seams. If you're freeride and spend a lot of time in powder, choose a minimum 20,000mm index instead. Make sure you're particularly sure about this punchiness on the pants: you sit on wet chairlifts when it's snowing!

The breathability of a garment is paramount: you start to get cold when you are wet. Sweat must therefore be effectively discharged. Breathability is measured in grs/m2/24H: the higher the number of grams, the better the transfer of moisture. Choose an index of 8,000grs/m2/24h. An insulating jacket resists the penetration of cold and wind. Hyper important, since with a wind blowing at 30 km/h, a temperature of 5 oC gives a feeling of -8 degrees Celsius!

All jackets on the market are insulating, but if you often ski above 2800 m, it's best to opt for a windproof membrane (WindStopper for example). So here is an outfit that keeps you warm, provided you dress properly underneath: exit the cotton (which keeps the moisture), we prefer a first breathable layer (in merino, as at Mons Royale for example), then a second layer waterproof-breathing type softshell or, if it is very cold, a small compressible down jacket (Millet for example).

Gore-Tex, Primaloft, Thinsulate kesako?

In front of the different names of membranes, difficult sometimes to navigate!

Easy, the Gore-Tex brings together all the aspects we've just mentioned: maximum insulation-waterproof-breathability and 100% waterproof seams! It is the top of the technical membrane, thanks to pores 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, but 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule. Water in its liquid form cannot penetrate, but water vapour can easily escape! Many brands offer GoreTex on their products, and must adhere to a very strict specifications.

Primaloft and Thinsulate are very good insulators, which bring warmth while being breathable. As hot as duck down, these membranes better remove body moisture.

Out the down jacket?

However, it is not recommended if you gain height difference or make intense efforts, as it is less breathable and very hot. On the other hand, it is ideal for the chilly! Natural down remains the must in terms of insulation, with a very nice cozy side.

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