What Are the Differences Between Ski Jackets and Snowboard Jackets?

Learn the differences between ski and snowboard jackets, to find the right winter jacket for sport.

At first glance, there really aren’t any. All ski and snowboard jackets are water-proof, durable, and great in the snow…and honestly, for most people the terms are pretty interchangeable. But for serious skiers and snowboarders, there is a world of difference between snowboard and ski jackets. Put them back to back, and these disparities quickly become evident.

Traditional skiing jackets are built for mobility, comfort, and performance. They’re streamlined, sleek, lightweight, and fully featured to seal out cold air and snow.

Jacket ComparisonSki jackets are typically more fitted shells, cutting down on excess material to improve speed and aerodynamics on the mountain. Style wise, most ski jackets are simply patterned, with bright and sometimes loud color combinations. They stand out, but don’t push the envelope, focusing on performance over bold style.

Alternatively, snowboard jackets are inspired by, and aimed at skateboarders, surfers, motocross, and bmx riders. They’re designed by guys like Shaun White, and companies like Burton, Oakley, and Billabong. In other words, (and not surprisingly so) snowboard jackets are street styled for the thrill-seeking kids who would be into snowboarding! So you’ll find more edgy, artistic patterns and designs in snowboarding jackets than you’d usually find in skiing jackets. Similarly, snowboarding jackets are baggier and longer than skiing jackets, for a younger, more urban look than the streamlined, fitting, and fast performance skiing jackets offer.

Why different?

Snowboard and skiing jackets are different for two reasons; they’re aimed at different audiences, and they’re meant for different sports.

Killtec Skiing JacketSkiing comes from a racing tradition, which has always focused on speed and finesse. Thus, you get bright colors, lightweight fabrics, and shorter hems in a skiing jacket. After all, skiers need extra mobility in both of their legs for better forward and backward movement. For most skiers, style is secondary to speed, mobility, and comfort, so skiing jackets try to deliver accordingly.

On the other hand, snowboarding evolved from skateboarding and surfing…two sports that have always been closely intertwined with style, street fashion, music, and fringe art. So it should come as no shock that snowboarding jackets feature boundary-pushing patterns and colors, modern media integration, and a more youthful look to them with long, baggy styles.

Burton Mens Poacher Snowboard JacketPerformance wise, their bagginess and extra length are generally better for snowboarding as well, which is more park-oriented than racing specialized, focusing more on tricks, grinds, and grabs, than making quick runs down the mountain. Baggy jackets make it easier to move your arms and torso for tricks, and the extra length makes it more comfortable to sit on the snow in between heats.

You see the same differences in skiing and snowboarding pants. Traditional ski pants are straight hemmed, lightweight, and roomy enough to move in, but definitely designed for fast and active movement. Snowboarding pants, like snowboarding jackets, are baggy, heavier, more colorful, and lined with pockets and extras, for the more style-focused snowboarder.

What’s the same?

Snowboarding Jackets and PantsSki and snowboard jackets are interchangeable for most people because generally, they do the same things and have a lot of the same features. Most are designed with similar water-proof shells, helmet-compatible hoods, adjustable cuffs, high collars, and most importantly, snow skirts, to prevent snow and ice from getting into the jacket. They both focus on keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable in the extreme cold of the mountain, and since both types of jackets are meant for active sport, they’re both performance-oriented.
At the end of the day, the differences between these two types of winter-sports jackets are negligible for most people, especially those just starting out. But since they differ functionally and stylistically, these jackets can definitely have an effect on your comfort and performance in the powder. For instance, if you’re a skier wearing a snowboarding jacket, it’s probably going to slow you down, catching the air like a sail and holding you back. Concurrently, if you’re a snowboarder wearing a skiing jacket, it’s probably going to be too tight for you to pull off any big grabs or tricks. All-in-all, it’s important to find the right jacket for your game before heading up the mountain.

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Fast Fantom X Sled Puts a Modern Spin on Classic Winter Ride

The Wham-O Fantom X is the best sled on the market, updating the design of your classic wooden flyer with the latest metal alloy construction. Pivoting skis and a turning handle make it easy to maneuver, and make it the fastest thing on the hill this year!

The snow is on its way! And if you’re looking to really slice up the sled run this year, it’s time to toss old “Rosebud” in the furnace and get with the times. The Fantom X sled from Wham-O is now the standard in winter sledding! Whether you’re bringing the kids out to the freshly fallen powder of your backyard, or taking on the packed-down slickness of the local sledding hill, the advanced design and sleek style of the Fantom X absolutely dominates.Wham-O Fantom-X Sled

Similar in design, but technologically superior in every way to your classic wooden flyer, the Fantom X is seriously the fastest thing on the hill, and gives you plenty of control and comfort, well over anything else you’ve sledded on before.

I give it such high marks, not to try and push the sled on you, but because it truly is one of the coolest winter snow toys I’ve ever used! Not only does it ride faster and further than most other sleds, is durable and well-made, but it also looks like the sled of the future. Probably why it’s easily one the best-selling sleds for the passed few years running!

Fantom-X Overhead ViewMade with a cool metal alloy frame and lightweight nylon mesh seat, the Fantom X holds up to regular use and abuse, and even stands up to humps and jumps along your run. Designed with a bike-style handle bar and two pivoting skis, the sled is easy to maneuver as you fly down the incline.

Pivoting Skis For Great Maneuvering!
Pivoting Skis For Great Maneuvering!

Now, to be honest, you’re not going to be slaloming Olympic-style, down any neighborhood hill. But it’s got more than enough turning power to get around obstacles like trees, dirt mounds, or other sledders that might be in your way. And thanks to its wide ski design, you get that kind of maneuverability on any type of snow, in any weather condition!

Sized right, for kids 8 and up, the Wham-O Fantom X even fits me comfortably, at 6′ 2″, 190 lbs, making it a perfect sled for everyone in the family. Kids can ride two at a time, but parents, you’ll probably feel better sledding solo. Easy to use sitting up or lying down, so everyone’s comfortable, no matter how long they’ve been sledding.

Riding the Wham-O Fantom X SledI honestly can’t say enough about this killer winter sled. It’s easily the fastest sled I’ve ever tried…almost too fast at times, and still gives you the feel of that classic wooden flyer. The lightweight alloy makes it easy to pick up and just carry back up the hill, so you really don’t have to exert a ton of energy hauling it back to the top. And with such a durable design, you’ll get seasons of fun times out of it.

But please, no matter which sled you choose this winter season, be safe out there! Keep your eyes open for other sledders, and only sled in safe areas, away from traffic and thin ice. Have a great winter and enjoy sledding season!

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.