What ski jacket/base layers combo should I buy ?

What are your views on a goretex shell (designed for skiing) & fleece
combo vs a heavier normal ski jacket?

If you go the layering approach you can cope with all conditions by shedding or adding layers or using warmer/less warm layers. Insulated ski jackets vary in the amount of insulation offered. A heavily insulated jacket will likely be too warm for spring time skiing and is more suited for very cold conditions. Basically if you opt for layers you'll get multi functional use out of them.

There are many different materials very similar to goretex that are used in ski jackets, you don't need to limit yourself to just goretex. Anything with a waterproof/breathability or isotex rating of 10000 is more than sufficient for the occasional on-piste holiday skiier. I've skiied with isotex 5000 rated gear and it's fine.

However the more expensive non budget stuff does look extremely good and if you pick the right design you'll have a cool looking casual jacket for winter, hiking,camping and walking the dog.

As mentioned previously go for the layering system. Get yourself a good set of thermals such as Helly Hansens a decent fleece and a waterproof jacet and you will be fine.
Don't forget a good hat prefably with ear flaps as it gets chilly on some lifts........

:Dhi silver,
for the last 14years( does this make me sound tight?)i have been using a berghaus polartec(200) fleece which has a goretex windstopper lining,the only thing i wear underneath is a thin long sleeved roll neck top.Even in temperatures as low as minus 26(whilst stuck on the Toviere chairlift between Val & Tignes some years back) it was still comfortably warm despite its relative thinness compared to thicker jackets.As long as it has regular washing with pure soap flakes it still performs and looks like new,mind you i have had it so long i think it will soon be shortly back i fashion,the only downside is that in blizzards the snow sticks to it like s*** to a blanket and i end up looking like a snowman. :Dits even dry on rainy days to.
jon.

Well Silver, the problem every morning will be "what layers do I need in my jacket today?" A look out the window never works! I just use extra thermals if necessary, because if it warms up, you can always tie one around your waist or put it in a pocket. A fleece is too bulky for that.

There's always the open zipper approach too! -)

sunmargo wrote:Well Silver, the problem every morning will be "what layers do I need in my jacket today?" A look out the window never works! I just use extra thermals if necessary, because if it warms up, you can always tie one around your waist or put it in a pocket. A fleece is too bulky for that.

There's always the open zipper approach too! -)

using extra thermals is layering :D ) :P

I know it depends on where you are and what the temp is like, but I always ski with thermals on first, bottoms under salopettes, and then a base layer and thin top under a ski jacket. Layering gives the option to take off if it warms up.

I do also often find myself skiing in a fleece if its not too cold, which is why I bought a lightweight North Face jacket this season, non padded so only really wind and water proof, but ideal for those warmer days on the slopes.