Skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports are tough on clothing. You sweat on the way up and chill on the way down, so jackets need to manage heat, moisture and weather all at once.
Many snow-sport jackets are shells with little or no insulation, designed to be worn over mid layers. This gives you flexibility: add warmth on frigid mornings, remove it in spring sunshine. Insulated versions suit people who feel the cold or spend long periods on lifts.
Look for features made for the mountain: a powder skirt to stop snow at the waist, a hood that fits over a helmet, wrist gaiters, pit zips for venting and a pocket for a lift pass.
Bright colors also help others see you on a crowded slope, which is a small but real safety benefit.
