A good ski jacket controls wetness, wind and body heat. After suffering in cheap borrowed jackets, the author's gift jacket transformed her skiing. Modern jackets offer membranes, vents, powder skirts and helmet-compatible hoods - choose by fit and how you ski.
A personal account of learning to ski with the wrong jacket, then discovering how a technical ski jacket - breathable membrane, sealed seams, vents, and practical pockets - transformed comfort and enjoyment on the slopes.
Modern snowboard clothing focuses on a layering system, waterproof/breathable shells, seam sealing, and practical features like powder skirts and pit zips. Choose ratings and insulation based on activity level and local conditions.