High performance alpine skiing with the World Cup Infinity Insulated Ski Jacket

“Everything is possible”. "Harsh conditions are our home conditions". Such is the mentality of the team. Their success comes down to hard work, a one team attitude, and of course, the gear — so they can stay at the top of their game. 

The team leave for a packed World Cup schedule that will see them competing most weekends. Preparation on race days is just as important as the pre-season training that has got them here. Factor in the 1-hour window to inspect the course, the changing conditions from sub-zero temperatures to snow flurries and the potential for serious windchill, the team could easily get cold without the right gear. And as these elite athletes know, any cold spots put extra strain on the muscles, increasing the chance of injury. Staying warm and dry is key. 

With feedback from the team, we started mapping out the fabrics. Our design team chose PrimaLoft® BLACK Eco. This recycled synthetic insulation dries quicker than down, making it suitable for the unpredictable conditions that the professional skiers can face at any given time. It's not until the insulation is combined with a membrane, however, that its high density polyester fibers can hold their own in tougher conditions.

When it came to the membrane, we selected our propriteray  LIFA INFINITY™ technology. Its hydrophobic (water-hating) properties make it waterproof. And the unique shape and size of its pores ensure that it's breathable at the same time. As the athletes pick up speed and the wind hits harder, the jacket offers protection thanks to its high front collar with padded fabric, complete with a chin guard. 

In this world of fast-paced skiing, Norwegian alpine skier, Thea Stjernesund tells us that her first thought is often protection. Armguards are an essential part of the team's gear, but they come with extra bulk. For every second the team spent pulling a jacket over their armguards, they risked losing valuable heat (and training time). We couldn't sacrifice protection of course, but we could help them retain heat and win back some training time with an innovative solution. We developed a zipper opening in the forearms, enabling the professional skiers to get the jacket on and off easily so they can focus on what really matters.