#6 on this list
Snowcrew - Women's
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Snowcrew is an insulated resort jacket tailored for women who run cold and need serious warmth during midwinter storms. It is built to conquer blustery chairlift rides and freezing temperatures without forcing you into an uncomfortable nest of layered fleece. It serves resort riders who want durable, weatherproof outerwear with practical cold-weather features at a competitive price. Outdoor Research equips the Snowcrew with their proprietary Ventia 2-layer waterproof shell and layers of VerticalX Eco synthetic insulation. Independent gear testers praise the jacket's plush, protective feel, noting that the insulation maintains its loft and warming ability even when damp from wet resort snowfall. The mechanical stretch in the outer fabric provides good freedom of movement, while the high, brushed-tricot collar shields the face effectively against bitter headwinds. Weighing more than minimalist shells and carrying substantial insulation, the Snowcrew is not built for high-exertion touring. If you hike ridges or ski hard in mild spring temperatures, the jacket can quickly feel overly warm despite its underarm pit zips. As a dedicated midwinter resort fortress, however, it delivers reliable thermal protection and rugged construction that withstands seasons of everyday lift riding. **Highlights** - Ventia 2-layer waterproof/windproof shell with mechanical stretch - High-loft VerticalX Eco synthetic insulation for consistent wet-weather warmth - Brushed tricot-lined collar and chin guard for added comfort - Pit zips for rapid heat dissipation on warmer runs - Internal mesh dump pockets for stashing spare goggles or gloves **Watch-outs** - Substantial bulk and weight make it strictly a resort piece - Can easily overheat during warm spring conditions - 2-layer shell membrane breathes slower than premium 3-layer laminates
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#7 on this list
Environ Jacket
Stio
The Stio Environ Jacket is a versatile, uninsulated hardshell built to handle resort riding, sidecountry exploration, and occasional human-powered tours. It is engineered for the skier who wants a single, extremely tough shell to cover the entire season by adapting layers underneath. By focusing on burly construction and clean mountain aesthetics, Stio balances rugged durability with high-mobility performance. Constructed from a 3-layer Dermizax DX fabric, the Environ weighs in around 822 grams, placing it squarely in the sweet spot between ultralight touring shells and heavy freeride armor. Testing outlets frequently emphasize the durability of its recycled face fabric, which easily resists ski edges, dense brush, and repeated abrasion from chairlifts. The Dermizax membrane offers excellent waterproof performance and wind defense, while generous underarm vents allow riders to regulate body heat efficiently on bootpacks. Because the Environ has zero thermal insulation, it offers little intrinsic warmth; skiers in cold regions must rely entirely on a robust midlayer setup. Furthermore, while it handles the occasional uphill trek comfortably, its 800-plus-gram weight and sturdy fabric make it a bit heavy for dedicated, long-distance backcountry tours. For the frequent resort skier who dabbles in the sidecountry, it provides exceptional all-around utility. **Highlights** - Tough 3-layer Dermizax DX waterproof/breathable fabric - Recycled nylon face textile built for high abrasion resistance - Fully seam-sealed construction with storm-flapped water-resistant zips - Fixed powder skirt with gripper elastic to keep snow out - Underarm ventilation zips for temperature control on hikes **Watch-outs** - Requires thoughtful layering to handle freezing temperatures - Carries slightly too much weight for dedicated ski mountaineering - Heavier fabric feels stiffer until broken in
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Snowcrew - Women's | Environ Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Fabric | 2-layer Ventia waterproof laminate with stretch | — |
| Insulation | VerticalX Eco synthetic insulation | — |
| Primary Use | Cold-weather resort skiing and riding | — |
| Ventilation | Underarm zippered pit vents | Underarm pit zips |
| Fit Profile | Standard resort fit with room for light layers | — |
| Typical Price | Approximately $375 | — |
| Jacket Type | — | Uninsulated 3-layer hardshell |
| Weight | — | 822 g (29 oz) |
| Membrane | — | Dermizax DX (3-layer) |
| Face Fabric | — | Recycled nylon |
| Powder Skirt | — | Fixed with gripper elastic |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Snowcrew - Women's
- Substantial synthetic warmth eliminates the need for bulky midlayers.
- High, brushed-tricot collar offers exceptional wind and face protection.
- Durable 2-layer shell with mechanical stretch provides good mobility.
- Generous interior mesh dump pockets easily hold extra gloves or goggles.
- Too warm and heavy for spring skiing or backcountry touring.
- Two-layer membrane breathes more slowly than three-layer shells.
- Boxier cut may feel bulky for skiers who prefer athletic silhouettes.
Environ Jacket
- Durable recycled nylon face fabric handles brush and ski edge abrasion
- Reliable Dermizax DX 3-layer construction keeps out wet snow and wind
- Generous underarm zips allow rapid temperature dumps on bootpacks
- Functional resort storage layout including dedicated pass pocket
- Zero built-in insulation requires careful midlayer coordination
- At 822 grams, it is too heavy and bulky for long backcountry tours
- Face fabric has a noticeably stiff hand feel until broken in
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.