Patagonia Light Smoke Flash Jacket

This is truly an outstanding ski/snowboard jacket. It is an un-insulated shell jacket. It is a hybrid hard-shell/soft-shell jacket. The main body of the jacket is soft shell (stretch polyester) The shoulders, tops of the arms and hood are hard-shell (waterproof breathable). This gives you the best of both worlds. Hard-shell on the upper parts of the jacket in case it actually rains on you while you're skiing; but stretch soft shell everywhere else to promote good breathability, ease of motion, etc.

It is very well designed and executed. Lots of handy pockets, excellent adjustments, nice powder skirt, nice tall collar that is lined with fleece to keep your chin warm. The collar accommodates my ski helmet with no problems. It even has pit zips for really warm days, or times when you're hiking uphill.

The size is just roomy enough so that I can wear some thick, warm layers underneath for really cold days. Yet, on warm days, I can wear light layers and the jacket does not feel too too big. It's a nice compromise. The fabric itself feels soft and quiet. Very comfortable to wear.

The only problem is the price. $300 list price is excruciatingly expensive for a ski shell - however nice it is. I guess that pricing was pre-economic slow-down pricing. Look for sales.

Highly recommended.