Lightweight shell for spring skiing?

[freddie]

Hi All - this week its been crazy warm at Squaw and Alpine.

Looking for a lightweight shell for these conditions, only requirements are that it is breathable and it has underarm zips.

Don't need anything fancy like Helly Hansen or Mountain Hard Wear, no name is fine.

Perhaps I should look for a running or cycling jacket?

Ideas?

 

[CascadeConcrete]

I'd look for a softshell, but be a bit careful because that's an extremely broad category. For spring skiing you need something that breathes really well, and it's generally okay to sacrifice some weather resistance to achieve that.

The OR Ferrosi is a popular example. No pit zips, but that's true for a lot of these jackets. They're much more breathable than a hardshell so that's less of a big deal.

 

[Plai]

@freddie I find myself in similar thoughts, which light weight shell? A ski buddy was wearing one from 20 years that he said was a backpacking shell. Backpacking supplies might be a good place to look.

 

[James]

A possibility-
Fly Low D$ jacket (Daron Rhalves)
Very simple, light. He wanted something simple for spring touring.

No pit zips, no hood, no chest pocket. Has two outside pockets, two inside skin pockets. Pretty wind proof, (probably done 45-50 mph in it) I think it’s pretty breathable. Not waterproof.
You will go faster on the way down.

 

[Ulmerhutte]

I have an Arc'teryx Alpha LT. It is super light and hence very packable. Perfect for those spring mornings when the breeze is still a little bit cold. I also use it for hiking and biking (on cooler, less weather-certain days).

 

[markojp]

Try s wind breaker over a wool flannel shirt.... your choice of base layer.

Keep the flannel untucked when it's warm, tuck in if you feel a wee chilly.