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The proper winter jacket helps you stay dry while snowcat skiing or heli skiing

How do you select the right winter jacket for snowcat or helicopter skiing?

Having the right winter jacket for your skiing holiday can make the difference between being warm and dry or damp and cold.

When shopping for a winter jacket to wear while powder skiing I am looking for a shell that will protect me from the elements only, wind, rain or snow.

I prefer to wear a jacket that is slightly longer then waist length. A draw cord at the bottom will also provide added protection on those really deep days.

One of the primary goals of your winter clothing is to allow moisture from perspiration to be released. This will keep your insulating layers of clothing dry, which in turn, will keep you warm. Gortex works best for this. Gortex is a membrane that allows moisture to escape but prevents water drops from entering. A winter jacket without gortex will not be as water proof and certainly will not keep you as warm.

Some companies like Arcteryx have patented a zipper that is sealed when closed. This is a great feature since it prevents and liquid from entering through this "weak link". Wind penetration is also eliminated. It seems like a small feature but after having an Arcteryx jacket you will notice this addition.

Your winter jacket is truly the most important article of ski clothing you will wear. Having cold feet or legs, although not comfortable, are not as critical as the core of your body. In a survival situation a proper winter jacket will be a life saving article of clothing.