Choosing Outer Layers for Downhill Skiing
Oberson x Descente
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They redefined the standards in alpine skiing. You probably know the story of the legendary Crazy Canucks. That eminent group of skiers, consisting of Dave Murray, Ken Read, Steve Podborski and Dave Irwin, made alpine skiing history from 1975 to 1984. These four athletes from the Canadian Alpine Ski Team are known for their aggressive, committed, spectacular skiing style.
The Crazy Canucks had an impact on alpine skiing and are now part of history. Their performances left their mark in the world of competition but also in the alpine ski clothing industry.
Here’s something not many people know about the Crazy Canucks: the four Canadian athletes wore the famous Magic Suit made by Descente. This racing suit combined all Descente’s technologies to offer low wind resistance (aerodynamic design), maximum range of motion and strategic adjustability. The Magic Suit was a huge hit with racers, and some swore by the magic suit when seeking victory. Like the Crazy Canucks!
To pass the Magic Suit’s boldness and performance level on to alpine ski enthusiasts, Descente designs ski jackets, ski pants, mid layers for men and women and various accessories that are needed at ski resorts.
1. Define your needs for outer layers
An outer layer is your protection from the elements—wind, snow and sometimes rain. Both outer layers (your ski jacket and winter pants) are insulated with down or synthetic materials. Shells worn as part of a multiple layer approach are not insulated.
For downhill skiing at resorts, insulated winter clothing is an outstanding option to trap your body heat while you’re on the chairlift. Because the sport doesn’t have a consistent intensity level, it’s crucial stay comfortable and warm throughout your day on the slopes.
2. Determine the right insulation for you
Ski Jacket
Consider your skill level, your types of runs (dynamic or slow), how often you engage in the sport, what features you are looking for in a ski jacket, and so on. Your thoughts on these issues determine which type of insulation will work for your alpine ski jacket.
Down: Natural materials made of goose down and feathers. This highly compressible insulation offers the best weight-to-warmth ratio. It’s ideal for people who tend to get cold and don’t sweat too much. Down isn’t very breathable.
Synthetic materials: Synthetic insulation is also highly effective when it comes to warmth, but it’s much more breathable than down.
Ski Pants
Just like a jacket, ski pants are essential protection against the elements. Since you’ll spend considerable time sitting in the chairlift, your ski pants’ insulation must be effective and located in strategic places, such as the seat of the pants. The insulation used for ski pants is made of synthetic materials.
Descente’s Heat-Boosting Technologies
Heat Navi Technology
This technology uses infrared rays to store heat, even under adverse conditions. Heat Navi™ features a weave made with an inorganic carbon-based substance. Thanks to this substance and the method of manufacture, the textile has a large area that absorbs light and converts it into heat.
Thermal Circulation System
This ventilation system built into the garment allows air to circulate. The technology’s goal is to distribute heat and moisture efficiently to ensure a regulated temperature.
3. Check for waterproofness and breathability
The waterproofness and breathability of the outer layers’ membrane are aspects to check when making a purchase. The waterproofness of a membrane is its fabric’s ability to prevent water from penetrating it. A fabric’s waterproofness is defined by the Schmerber unit of measurement and is calculated based on the water column test.
The unit of measure is one millimetre of water. An outer layer that has a waterproofness of 10,000 mm resists that amount of water before the liquid penetrates the membrane.
A membrane’s breathability is its ability to wick moisture while retaining heat.
Dermizax Membrane
The Dermizax membrane is used in the design of Descente’s outer layers. This durable, waterproof, breathable membrane is also stretchable, which gives you ultimate comfort during outdoor activities, such as downhill skiing. Furthermore, it’s ultralight, compressible and provides protection against the wind. Its waterproof rating is 20,000 mm.
4. Find the right fit for your outer layers
Not being able to move freely during a ski run is probably not what you’re looking for. There are various fits for both ski jackets and snow pants: slim, regular and loose. In short, it’s all a matter of trying them on.
When trying on an outer layer, move around to make sure the ski jacket or pants are the right size. You should also check the sleeve length for ski jackets and that of the leg for snow pants. Make sure you have room to wear a mid layer.
Descent Technology for Fit
D-Laser Cutting
This technology, located at the shoulders and neck, optimizes moisture wicking so you stay dry and comfortable. You can recognize D-Laser technology by its metal mesh backing.
Motion 3D
All Descente’s garments are designed with Motion 3D fabric patterns. This design was created to reflect the active body’s specific movements. Combined with a four-way stretch fabric, it makes their ski jackets and winter pants extremely comfortable and gives you total freedom of movement.
5. Don’t forget accessories!
Well-protected extremities help retain heat even better. High-performance insulated mittens, gloves and glove liners will give you more comfort. If your hands and feet get cold easily, you should also consider products such as heated mittens and socks. Don’t forget to have a comfortable winter cap that covers your ears.
Some Features to Consider for Downhill Ski Jackets and Pants
- Insulated hood
- Adjustable wrists for ski jackets
- Adjustable waist for ski pants
- Pockets with zippers
- Pocket for season pass
- Ventilation
- Types of seams: waterproof or semi-waterproof
- Powder skirt for ski jackets
Descente’s ski clothing is designed for performance, quality and comfort. Since the company’s creation, innovation has been at the heart of its mission. That’s why Descente develops technologies for alpine ski clothing. From the Magic Suit to the Swiss jacket, you can always count on Descente skiwear.
