There's actually quite a bit that goes into a great ski jacket. I know most of us think it's just a style, but a ski jacket is really a bit of wearable engineering. The biggest things you need to consider are the levels of water resistance, mobility, durability, features, warmth rating, style, and of course, price.
➥ Water Resistance and Breathability
Ski jackets for kids need a decent level of water resistance. Your kids can get cold quickly if there's no sufficient seam reinforcement, or if the fabrics aren't treated or woven properly. But here's the kicker: It also needs to be breathable, so your kids don't have sweat freeze on their skin.
➥ Mobility
Ski jackets for kids are tricky in this area because kids are growing constantly. The relaxed-fit jackets generally have more room and give at the shoulder and elbow for ease of athletic movement, even when you're layering items beneath. If your child is between sizes, size up.
➥ Durability
Ski jackets aren't cheap, but that's because they're a specialty design that requires high-tech fabrics, and a whole lot of features not standard to traditional coats. You want a coat made with an outer shell of a dense fabric like nylon or spun polyester, with fully taped or welded seams. This means that any time there are two fabrics sewn together, they're sealed with seam tape or welded together to keep water from seeping through.
➥ Features
The sky is really the limit when it comes to features on ski jackets — from detachable hoods to goggle pockets and watch openings, they can get pretty darn fancy! Look for storm flaps over the zippers, and if the jacket has a hood, it needs to be large enough to have room for a helmet. You also ideally want the sleeves cinched so that snow won't go over the glove and under the sleeve.
➥ Warmth Rating
Ski coats range in warmth rating from a barely noticeable light layer to something that could be comfortably worn in the arctic tundra. Many of them have layers that are removable dependent on circumstance and need, but you want to check the temperature of the places you're buying for before you make your final selection.
➥ Style
Ski jackets come in a few main styles. The best ski jackets for kids, especially small children, are either the insulated style or the 3-in-1 style. Insulated means just that: They tend to run a little looser for layering, and they are fully insulated with either down or a down alternative. 3-in-1 jackets are really popular because the layers are built-in, and your child can adjust and remove as necessary. It's an insulated coat with a shell jacket beneath, and can be worn in various combinations.
➥ Price
You can get a decent ski jacket for under $100, and honestly, I wouldn't spend a ton on a toddler coat or for someone who isn't going to need or use it frequently. However, for the season pass skiers, most coats are between $100 and $250. There are a few that are higher, but they're designed for the coldest temps and also made to be worn every day. The good news is these coats tend to go on sale frequently.I've done the research, read the reviews, and even had my own children give the coats the once over to find the best coats available right now, in a myriad of styles and price points. It's just a matter of figuring out which one your child likes best.
