The Best Men’s Snow Wear As Ski Season Extends Into Summer

Many of the Western ski resorts of North America art staying open well into summer, some even as ... [+] late as end of July due to record snowfalls.

Ski season is not over. With record amounts of snow still falling in the Western regions of North America, it’s an astonishing winter for snow sports enthusiasts.

To give a sense of the intensity of the snow fall, consider the closing dates of some Western resorts such as California’s Mammoth Mountain, which is staying open until July 30th. Palisades Tahoe, also in California, is staying open until July 4th, and Snowbird in Utah will close its lifts on May 27th. These are just to name a few as a host of other resorts, such as Whistler-Blackcomb and Mount Bachelor have similar closing dates.

This is all to say this men’s ski clothes review is as valid now as would have been at the start of the season. Yet, even if you’ve hung up your gear for the year, this is a comprehensive look analyzing the performance of some of the most high-tech snow sports clothes on the market in varied price points and stands as solid reference for seasons to come.

This review is based on performance such as wind proofing, comfort, warmth and functionality and has been compiled to help make an informed choice based on individual preferences—because a day on the mountain is truly only as good as the gear you use.

WHO: 35 year-old male, expert-level teacher and guide from the Swiss Alps, 6’3” tall, 183 pounds, 35” waist

WHERE: Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Considered one of the most challenging mountains in the country known for its steep pistes and deep powder, it’s the closest place to backcountry terrain in a resort environment which exists in the US.

CONDITIONS: Heavy snowfall and deep powder which fell over the two weeks these kits were tested. There were severe storm conditions on one of the days where 90% of the lifts were forced to close for half a day (unheard of for Jackson Hole).

The Burton AK series is a line made from Gore-Tex and is designed for high-performance under all ... [+] conditions.

WHO’S IT FOR?

The All Weather Performer

WHAT IS IT?

The Burton AK series is performance personified. Since the snowboard company’s inception in 1977, Burton has been committed to creating hard and soft goods which stand as the epitome of technical advancement offered at approachable prices based on the brand’s values of inclusivity, making them beloved by those who are looking for performance and value.

The AK series is Burton’s most technically advanced gear designed to weather any sort of conditions, especially the extreme. It’s a series of base layers, outer layers, gloves and accessories which all interact with each other to create a complete unit of protection, comfort and warmth. Burton stands behind this series with such passion that it offers a lifetime warranty on the AK outerwear.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This is a kit which is for those who desire performance under any conditions, even the most extreme cold, deep powder, and even spring. It’s so functional that specific teams of mountain guides and instructors at Jackson Hole were uniformed in AK sets. It’s also so light the jacket can be folded small enough to fit into a backpack, making the AK series equally comfortable for spring conditions.

The outer layers–the jacket and pants–are made of pure Gore-Tex, so they’re ultralight and ultra-waterproof via its GORE-TEX C-Knit™ stretch fabric which also keeps the wearer dry by wicking away moisture. The jacket’s construction and seams are expertly patterned and constructed to the point of near seamlessness to create its technical silhouette and ultra-sealed material.

WHAT’S THE FEEDBACK: SIZE XL

The AK Hover pants are also made of Gore-Tex and are as breathable as they are protective.

The size XL jacket ran slightly big, however, the tester loved this for two reasons. First, the space allows for the wearer to go wild with movements if doing big jumps and still stay protected, warm and dry. From a practical perspective, the space is also sensible because a jacket made of Gore-Tex isn’t the type to provide the most warmth, therefore the extra room gives enough space to layer heavily underneath for the most cold days.

In this case, the jacket was tested with a 700-fill down jacket underneath and while such a thick coat changed slightly the way the AK jacket worked–such as the waist coming up a bit higher when arms were raised for jumps–but the jacket still performed, kept its silhouette, protected the wearer from snow with enough room for big movements.

The tester appreciated that all zipper pulls hideaway into a cover so they are not exposed. The pulls to tighten the jacket at the waist are easily accessed through the pockets, as well as the exterior, which is a plus. He also loved the big, basket pockets inside which could hold gloves, lunch, or tools.

The 3L Hover pants feature a two button closure and while they are a bit tighter in size compared to the jacket, are still true to size. They feature velcro strapping at the waist to adjust waist size and belt buckles in case a belt is desired. The pants have 4 massive pockets, two on the front and two on the back with waterproof zippers. The tester felt the placements of the pockets, which are closer to the bottom of the pants, were brilliant design because it puts the weight towards the bottom of the body where it should be when on skis or a snowboard.

When layering with the AK series it’s highly suggested to layer with AK base layers because they are designed to work with the jacket and pants. For example, the side venting on the pants and jacket open wide (without a mesh lining) to allow the wearer to go inside to adjust socks or access internal pockets with ease. But in a rather snazzy design detail, the AK base layers have a zippered pocket so when you do reach into the pants or jacket via the vents, there’s an inner pocket readily available for items that require safekeeping.

The Heavyweight X Base Layer pant made with breathable, heavy weight fleece is ultra-light, super warm, and wicks away moisture to help contain heat. Similarly, the AK Baker Power Stretch Fleece Crewneck is a mid-weight layer that offers the same lightness with slightly less warmth. Both are super flexible allowing for comfort while the body moves on the slopes.

What if you need venting while on the slopes but the AK’s non-meshed openings leave you scared snow might enter your suit? Not to worry, because there’s another vent on the interior of the pant legs which arc all the way around from one inner thigh to the other inner thigh and is meshed to allow venting during a long, arduous run without the risk of snow entering the kit.

Perfect Moment is known for its striking aesthetic which always takes a retro vibe each season ... [+] melded with sleek silhouettes.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The One For Ultra-Style and Super Substance

WHAT IS IT?

Perfect Moment is one of the most fashion forward brands on the slopes. The looks always carry a retro vibe and sleek, sharp silhouettes which make their wares immediate standouts.

While Perfect Moment pieces may ooze style, it’s a brand that also embodies quality at every turn. Identifiable by its signature star motif which is on almost everything the brand puts out, Perfect Moment is a London-based brand whose roots were born in Chamonix, France in 1979 when the French racer also known for filmmaking, Thierry Donard, developed the collection with striking design and technical capabilities. It had a loyal niche following when Jane and Max Gottschalk bought the brand in 2010 and moved its headquarters to London.

Perfect Moment was an aligned fit for the husband and wife, Jane having grown up skiing and had a background in private client stockbroking, hedge fund management and entrepreneurship while her husband Max, who works in the financial sector, was once part of the Swiss National Junior ski team. This company combines their love of skiing, style, and business to raise this brand to its chicest possibilities.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

What’s cool about this kit, aside from its sharp retro design, is that the jacket and the pants are slightly different materials because they do not come as a set, per se. The outer material of the Chatel down jacket is made of 100% nylon, which gives it a bit of a shine, while the outer shell of the Chamonix pants are made of a polyester blend which is matte. This mix of sheen and matte are a unique and stylish combination for the slopes.

WHAT’S THE FEEDBACK: SIZE XL

The Chamonix pants have a matte finish and trouser-like cut which makes them as stylish on the ... [+] slopes as off.

It’s a given this kit is incredibly visually striking, at the same time it is profoundly functional and ultra warm. Both the jacket and pants are warm, warm, warm (the pants have 3 different lining materials plus insulation), and the tester appreciated the coziness of this set and the lack of need to wear base layers.

There are less pockets on the jacket and pants as compared to other brands, although design details exist in many other ways. For example, there is a headphone system integrated into the phone pocket to play your favorite tunes on the slopes. The pulls are super smooth and easy to use, especially the ones for the hood, whose buttons matched the contrasting color stripe of the jacket for extra style. There’s also a pocket for goggles which have goggle wipes for when your lenses fog up. As for size, this jacket is designed to hit at the hips and is recommended to take a size up if you want the jacket to fall lower on the body.

The Chamonix pants were loved because they look like trousers, which gave the wearer confidence on and off the slopes. The pants have the traditional two button plus hook and eye closure to keep them securely closed. The material is strong and durable, yet also flexible to allow for movement. They are reinforced with extra material around the hems and ankle which prevent erosion of the pants near the bottoms, allowing them to last longer. Another nice detail of the pants is the ankle gaiter opens and closes via a long velcro strap which runs up the side of the leg making it very easy to fit the pants over boots and create a custom seal.

The Guch Gore-Tex stretch jacket is filled with loads of details and this shade, called Party Pink, ... [+] is an absolute fashion statement on the mountain.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Cool One Who Still Wants It Technical

WHAT IS IT?

Volcom is another legendary brand in the snow clothes space, although it derives from more than clothes for the slopes; it was founded as a full lifestyle brand to encompass all the board sports–surf, skate, and snow. California-based, Volcom was launched in 1991 as a clothing company for those sports and after going public in 2005 was bought by French fashion conglomerate, Kering, in 2011 who then sold it to Authentic Brands Group in 2019. Through all its growth, Volcom has managed to keep its rebellious, freedom-induced spirit and West Coast edge, and while it may stand for coloring outside of the lines, Volcom products are highly technical, well-designed, and tested by the best of the best all while being offered at a smart price point.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Guch Stretch Gore-Tex jacket and pants were developed by the legendary Brian Iguchi and tested in Jackson Hole, where he is a resident, amidst the mountain’s famed backcountry-style conditions. This set has been created to withstand any type of conditions and keep the wearer dry, comfortable, mobile, and ventilated.

Made of GORE-TEX 3-Layer Stretch C-KNIT™, this kit is made of the material of choice when wanting to stay ultra-dry and windproof, yet breathable. The jacket features a myriad of special features such as a balaclava which is hidden in the hood, fully taped seams, water repellent zippers, goggle clips, and even a whistle zipper pull—yet the design is so sleek and smooth, one would never know it has all these details.

WHAT’S THE FEEDBACK: SIZE LARGE

The Guch Stretch Gore-Tex pants have a straight leg silhouette yet still have plenty of space to ... [+] make body movements.

There is a lot of storage in this kit in the form of pockets. Pockets on the pants, pockets on the jacket, and pockets in the jacket, and each pocket’s location did not get in the way of the sport. While the zippers are water resistant, not waterproof, this didn’t seem to matter because they are profoundly secure.

Important while on the mountain, the zips were found to be very easy to close with the use of only one hand which can be critical on the slopes during intense conditions—being able to open zips with one hand saves warmth and time when accessing items in a pocket while on slope. Of the jacket’s 7 pockets, the zippers opened from top to bottom, which means if the zips are accidentally left slightly opened, things are less likely to fall out and get lost.

All the venting was meshed on both the jacket and the pants. As far as the hood, it fit very well over the helmet and the pulls to tighten it are on the interior which stay out of the way while on the slopes. The wrist gaiters, which are built in fingerless glove liners, were amongst the most comfortable the tester has worn as they were soft and warm, while not being too tight or too loose.

The pants, like many pants for the slopes, have velcro adjustments on the waist and also featured belt loops for belts. Interestingly, the pants only have one button as a closure (many ski and snowboard pants have at least two buttons with a hook and eye closure) although, according to the wearer, it was the strongest button he had experienced and did the job.

The pants, which were spacious and with a straight leg silhouette, gave a lot of space for movement. The ankle gaiters were strong and secure, with a hook to attach onto boot straps or laces to keep the gaiter in place and keep snow out of the pants. Around the heels, there’s reinforced paneling which helps keep the pants from excessive wear and tear around the hems, helping them to last longer. There is a zipper which connects the jacket to the pants, ensuring extra dryness on runs.

Like the jacket, the pants are Gore-Tex and are designed to be wind and waterproof, however, this material is not used for warmth, so layering is advised. Although, it’s for this same reason these pants would be great to wear while hiking in the mountains in other seasons because they are breathable enough to let moisture out, but will not let moisture in.

Here’s the best part: The material of the jacket is super soft, even for Gore-Tex, however, when the tester came into impact with a tree branch going about 35 MPH, his body was injured and bruised but the jacket only sustained a small scratch.

Founded in Chamonix, France by two professional freeskiers, Camille Jaccoux and Bruno Compagne, who ... [+] revolutionized the technical capabilities of powder skis.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The In The Know And Understated

WHAT IS IT?

Somewhat like its name, blackcrows is stealth in its cool factor and yet it never shies away from its position as a high-design and performance-focused brand. It’s one of those labels that speaks volumes without saying a word. Founded in Chamonix, France by two professional freeskiers, Camille Jaccoux and Bruno Compagne, they set out to create a technical ski which was not available on the market which combined the design of a powder ski but reshaped into something that could also take high-speed, sharp turns if the terrain (or skier) demanded. This passion for innovation and design is the backbone of blackcrows which is now a full lifestyle brand for the fearless who demand more from their gear because they demand more from themselves—even if that demand is fun.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Ora XPore Ripstop jacket is the ethos of the brand brought to life. It’s made of a new ultra waterproof and breathable Xpore® membrane which is used to create a subtle parka style silhouette and yet, on the inside, the jacket is lined with tiny, orange versions of the triangular blackcrows logo which are patterned into chevron details throughout. The Ora Body Map pant is also made from a highly technical ripstop fabric and Polartec® Alpha direct insulation which is designed to keep the wearer warm yet breathable no matter the condition.

WHAT’S THE FEEDBACK: SIZE LARGE

The Blackcrows kit is one that is sharp in its silhouette both on and off the slopes and has a ... [+] structured take on both the jacket and the pants.

The Blackcrows kit is one that is sharp in its silhouette both on and off the slopes and has a structured take on both the jacket and the pants. The material is sturdy and almost stiff, but this was something appreciated because it kept the silhouette of the kit super sharp and clean under all conditions.

The wearer appreciated the massive basket pockets on the front of the jacket which are hidden away into the design alongside a sturdy front zipper that went all the way up the collar to create face protection. This collar was structured enough to give the jacket a sleek line when fully zipped, however, there was still space for the face to be comfortably tucked in. The length is also something which was appreciated because many ski jackets hit a bit higher than snowboard jackets, and this jacket ends below the bottom which makes it as good for snowboarding as it is for skiing, creating a lot of protection from the snow in the case of deep powder, falls, or just simply sitting in the snow. There are vents in the sleeves, but they are not meshed; however, there are two elastic straps which keep the venting from opening completely as to provide enough space to reach into the jacket but also protect the zipper (which is thin) from becoming damaged by opening it too far or with too much force.

Which leads us to the pants, which snap together in connection to the jacket via two very sturdy buttons, but it’s the lining that is something to love. Not only was the lining a juicy shade of orange, but it’s also a thick fleece-like material which means there’s no need for base layers. While these pants provide warmth, the lining material is a technical fabric designed to be breathable. All in all, it makes for a super cozy pant experience. The rest of the features included meshed vents, velcro straps at the waist for a custom fit, snap adjustments at the hem for extra-sealing, and hems which are reinforced as to protect them from damage which helps extends the pant’s lifespan.