Snowsport enthusiast Dom Bliss took the Dope Snow Adept Ski Jacket to the slopes of Whistler for an all-action test…
After a hard day’s skiing, relax in a pair of the best sweatpants
The sun hadn’t yet risen, when I joined the dawn patrol at Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in the whole of Canada and North America. Given special access to the pistes before the general public, I was accompanied by two guides on the ski lift to the summit. This early in the morning, the only other skiers in action were the ski patrollers, checking the pistes were safe. It meant I’d have the chance to ski virgin snow.
By the time we reached the top, the sun was trying its best to shine through thick cloud cover and light snow showers. Down below us was fresh powder, the result of a five-cm dump the previous night. It was mid-December 2023, the temperature slightly below zero, and I was glad to be wrapped up in my Dope Snow Adept Ski Jacket.
Dope Snow Adept Ski Jacket
RRP: $219 / £184, dopesnow.com
Pros:
- Drawstring storm hood fits snugly over ski helmets.
- Wrist gaiters ensure sleeves never expose skin.
- Phone pocket with interior outlet for headphone cords.
- Elasticated, adjustable snow skirt keeps you dry in deep powder.
- Medium-weight insulation and two-layer laminated shell fabric is perfect for active skiers.
Cons:
- The front zip often catches on the tag at the throat.
- Snow skirt is not removable.
- The chin guard would benefit from more soft fabric on the inside.
Warmth: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Features: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Dom Bliss tests the Dope Snow Adept Ski Jacket on the slopes of Whistler
As we glided over the untouched creamy snow on the higher slopes, I tucked my chin beneath the chin guard. My hands, meanwhile, were secure in the wrist gaiters beneath my gloves, ensuring they never got exposed to the cold.
Medium-weight in its insulation – 60 grams per square metre on the body and 40 on the sleeves and hood – this jacket is perfect for those who plan to ski aggressively, but probably not warm enough for casual skiers. It benefits from a two-layer laminated shell fabric with excellent waterproofing and breathability, plus fully taped seams. Underarm vents allow you to cool off when the going gets hot.
One thing this jacket certainly doesn’t lack is pockets. There are two at the hip (triple-secured with zip, button and Velcro), plus two at the breast, one of them designed for mobile phones, with an interior outlet for headphone cords – perfect if you (unwisely!) plan to ski with music. There are also two pockets on the left sleeve for lift passes: one at the wrist and one at the upper arm.
As the snow showers in Whistler strengthened that morning, I pulled the jacket’s storm hood over my ski helmet, using the drawstring to create a warm seal. A second drawstring at the waist allowed me to keep the jacket snug lower down.
Fortunately, I stayed upright all day, so I never had the need to test the jacket’s waterproof qualities in deep snow. However, the bonded waterproof membrane and water repellent treatment on the exterior ensured no moisture entered the jacket, even after a morning of intermittent snow showers.
Overall, the jacket performed brilliantly. Just two small criticisms: the front zip tended to catch on the interior tag by the throat, which was frustrating. And the chin guard would be more comfortable if it featured more soft fabric on the inside.
The Adept jacket comes in six sizes and 18 colours.
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