Waterproof jacket for skiing?

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 edunn 22 Jan 2015
Should I use my normal hardshell for skiing? I'm concerned about how durable it will be if I fall on hard snow at speed.

My jacket is a mountain equipment (can't remember which one exactly, but top of the range e-vent type thing) that I use for climbing and walking.

Are ski jackets made of tougher material? Do I need to borrow a ski jacket from a friend or will I be OK with my normal hardshell?

Just concerned I will rip it to shreds if I fall over.

Thoughts?
 Dark-Cloud 22 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:

It will be fine, I Ski in Goretex proshell, i don't think i am the only one......
Rigid Raider 22 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:
You shouldn't really need waterproof for most skiing - if it's wet enough to need a waterproof you'd probably be better heading for the bar or the resort swimming pool. A proofed cotton or whatever jacket will be fine and won't get ripped; what matters more is insulation and wind resistance.
Post edited at 12:37
 Cuthbert 22 Jan 2015
In reply to Rigid Raider:

?????????? You 100% do need a waterproof jacket and need one that can keep you dry in all mountain weather. UNless you are a very fair weather person and never go away from someone who can help you.

To OP, you may rip it to shreds but if your jacket is shredded then clothing is probably the least of your worries. Wear your goretex jacket. I do all the time.

What about leather?
 John Ww 22 Jan 2015
In reply to Rigid Raider:

> "You shouldn't really need waterproof for most skiing"...

Have you actually ever been skiing? Guess what, it isn't always a picture postcard!

To the OP

I ski on and off piste, plus tour and climb in a Berghaus Trango Extreme - snow skirt, great hood and as "fully waterproof" as you're ever going to get. It's still going strong after 12 years of Alpine abuse, so don't worry about shredding it.

Cheers, JW

JW
OP edunn 22 Jan 2015
In reply to John Ww:

Cheers all, will take the M.E. jacket with plenty of extra layers underneath.

. . . and I really hope it doesn't rain!!
 davy_boy 22 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:

Gore tex pro shell for me really keeps the elements out on a wild winters day. Handy just using the same shell for everything in winter.
 marsbar 22 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:

I just got a cheap ski jacket from tk maxx. I am not the kind of pefson who cares if it is last seasons colour. As I spent a lot of time falling over I found the elastic thingy that stops snow getting inside your layers quite handy. Also it was nice and warm.
 Mr-Cowdrey 22 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:

I just use my climbing clothing for all forms of skiing. No need to shell out on a fancy ski jacket.
 galpinos 22 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:

ME have never used event?
 wkrzys 23 Jan 2015
In reply to Mr-Cowdrey:

Exactly. I use a Marmot soft shell and have never needed anything else on top in more than 30+ days of piste/off piste/touring skiing in the Alps last year and it's still my go to for this year. Just raid your climbing clothing. You certainly don't need a hard shell, and if it's actually raining (pretty rare combination with good snow conditions) and enough to wet through then might as well plan another activity!
 Doug 23 Jan 2015
In reply to wkrzys:

My usual 'outfit' for skiing is a pertex windproof, with a primoloft sleeveless top for stops or if its particularly cold. If I'm touring I usually carry a very light waterproof jacket (Marmot Precip) but it rarely comes out of the sack.

When I still lived in Scotland I mostly wore Buffalo style tops, or in spring, pertex top with a buffalo in the bag for stops.

In the distant past I did wear gore tex & other waterproofs & they work fine, just the softshell approach is more pleasant most of the time
 hamsforlegs 23 Jan 2015
In reply to John Ww:

> Have you actually ever been skiing? Guess what, it isn't always a picture postcard!

True, but I skied 3-4 times per week for two full seasons on Canada's west coast and wore a hardshell about a dozen times. Even on days when it was actually raining I was fine in good quality softshell type stuff, and it was extremely comfortable on the days when you would want to be, you know, skiing.

That said, this was only because I was skiing in decent climbing/mountain gear. If I'd had spare cash I would probably have been happier in heavy duty ski gear.

To the OP: when I did wear a hardshell it was a very lightweight and frail/elderly Montane jacket. It coped fine with several fairly icy tumbles.

Calski 23 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:

I'm going to be in the minority here, but I'd recommend a specialist ski jacket if you can afford it. I usually ski a week abroad every year plus several days on piste in Scotland.

Downhill skiing is very different from mountaineering in that there is significantly more standing around and sitting exposed to any wind on uplift. I wear a lined ski jacket with no hood but a high collar and manage to stay comfortable. Of course, standard mountaineering kit will be fine, just wear sufficient layers and definitely wear a hard shell or quality soft shell that breaks the wind properly. However, I just find that a proper ski jacket makes life more comfortable, more easily...

When touring, I just wear mountaineering kit...
In reply to edunn:

Hi,
I'd just go with what you have, you don't need to buy a jacket just for skiing. Personally I prefer skiing in a soft shell outer jacket unless weather is really pish because it gets less sweaty. Just get out and enjoy it.
Rigid Raider 26 Jan 2015
In reply to wkrzys:

Usual damning and hasty replies to my post and this post by wkrzys has it: for normal piste skiing you don't need a waterproof, any dense textile proofed jacket will shed dry ice or snow. If it's raining hard enough to soak through that, a sensible skier will be heading to the bar, the resort swimming pool or the hotel bedroom with a good book.

Clearly if you are on a tour and the weather tuns warm and wet you don't have the luxury of heading for the bar so you will need something waterproof to keep your insulation layers dry.
 petellis 26 Jan 2015
In reply to edunn:
Unless you buy a hardshell jacket for more than £450 it won't work. Last season colors DEFINITELY NOT acceptable, you run serious risk of having your ski-pass confiscated for this.
Post edited at 14:47
 Dark-Cloud 26 Jan 2015
In reply to Rigid Raider:

Erm, OK, the OP asked:

- Should I use my normal hardshell for skiing? I'm concerned about how durable it will be if I fall on hard snow at speed.

The answer to this is, yes and not an issue, not you don't need a waterproof for skiing blah blah blah........
 dsh 26 Jan 2015
In reply to Calski:

Agreed. I used to ski in my climbing layers, I just got a proper ski jacket a couple of weeks ago and I'm much more comfortable now, and don't need as many layers underneath meaning more freedom of movement. Power skirt is nice too, and the pockets are placed better for skiing. About to have a huge dump of snow, hopefully the roads will be clear in the morning and I can be first on the lift! I'll report back on the effectiveness of the jacket


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