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While snow cat or heli skiing you need the right jacket to stay warm and dry

What do you need to know when choosing the best winter jacket?

Having the right winter jacket for your ski vacation can make the difference between staying comfortable and warm or cold and wet.

When I shop for a jacket to wear in the deep powder I am looking for a shell that will protect me from the elements only, wind, rain or snow.

It is important to buy a jacket that will protect you from snow getting up under it. That is why I look for a coat that is slightly longer then waist length. This alone will prevent the jacket from being pushed up when you wipe out. Also look for a draw cord at the waist level as well as along the bottom. This will provide the extra protection you need to stay warm and dry. Storm cuffs around both wrists will also be appreciated on those really "deep" days.

Having a winter jacket that breaths is critical to staying dry while exerting yourself. Gortex is your friend in this case. Gortex is a semi-permeable membrane that will allow water vapor to escape while preventing water drops from entering. Without this membrane your sweat will accumulate in the jacket and you will get damp and cold.

Winter jacket technology keeps improving and clothing designers look for better ways for their products to perform their jobs. Arcteryx has developed and patented a sealed zipper that, when closed, will repel water and wind preventing them from entering the garment. This small feature doesn't seem like much but on a cold, windy day it will have a dramatic effect.

Choosing the right winter jacket will allow you to spend hours outside at a time while remaining warm and comfortable. When your upper body is warm it prevents your blood from being pulled from the extremities. This will have a dramatic effect of your overall comfort.