Top Ski Jacket Brands: Obermeyer

Table of Contents

• A Brand With Deep Ski Industry Roots
• What Makes Obermeyer Ski Jackets Stand Out
• Which Obermeyer Ski Jacket Is Right for You?
• The I-Grow System for Kids
• Obermeyer at Peter Glenn
• Frequently Asked Questions

At a Glance: Obermeyer is one of the most established ski jacket brands on the market. Founded in Aspen, Colorado in 1947, Obermeyer has spent nearly eight decades building ski-specific outerwear for men, women, and children. The brand is known for combining warmth, comfort, and practical ski features across a lineup designed for the entire family.

Klaus Obermeyer arrived in Aspen in 1947 as a ski instructor with an engineering background. On the mountain, he quickly realized his students needed warmer gear, as skiers at the time had limited options for cold-weather clothing. To solve the problem, Klaus cut apart the down comforter his mother had given him for the journey from Germany and stitched together a parka. He later sold his first jacket to actor Gary Cooper for $250, helping launch Sport Obermeyer from the attic of his Aspen home. More than 75 years later, the brand remains family-owned and based in Aspen. Klaus, born December 2, 1919, has continued skiing well into his 100s, reflecting the connection between his legacy and the ski brands that followed.

A Brand With Deep Ski Industry Roots

Klaus approached ski apparel the way an engineer would, looking for practical fixes to real problems on the mountain. Over the following decades, he is credited with developing several pieces of gear that skiers now take for granted. Among his most recognized contributions are double lens goggles to reduce fogging, the turtleneck, nylon wind-shirts, soft-shell jackets, and some of the first waterproof breathable fabrics used in ski outerwear. His contributions to ski equipment and apparel were recognized in 1997 when Klaus was inducted into the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

A Family-First Approach

Obermeyer established a dedicated children's line in 1968 and has continued expanding its kids' ski outerwear collection over the decades. That family-focused approach extends throughout everything the brand produces and remains one of the qualities that sets it apart from competitors focused on a narrower audience.

What Makes Obermeyer Ski Jackets Stand Out

HydroBlock Waterproof Technology

Obermeyer uses a proprietary waterproof and breathable fabric system called HydroBlock, which comes in four tiers depending on the jacket and its intended use:

• HydroBlock Sport (10K/10K): This entry-level tier appears on many kids' jackets and more affordable adult styles. It provides solid protection for most resort conditions and everyday winter activities.
• HydroBlock Pro (15K/15K): This is the most widely used tier across Obermeyer's adult jacket lineup, including popular styles like the Foundation, Raze, and Reese. It handles full ski days in variable conditions and offers strong value at its price point.
• HydroBlock Elite (20K to 30K): This premium tier appears on styles including the Kenai, Tungsten, and Charger Elite. Ratings vary by fabric blend and production year, ranging from 20K/20K up to 30K/30K on recent versions. It is designed for skiers who regularly face demanding or wet conditions on the mountain.
• HydroBlock Prime (30K/30K): This is Obermeyer's highest level of protection, found on styles like the Charger, Steibis, and Oberreute. It is built for the harshest conditions with full seam sealing, and select shell styles add 3-layer construction.

Most HydroBlock fabrics incorporate 2-way or 4-way stretch for freedom of movement on the slopes, and many current styles use REPREVE recycled polyester in the shell fabric, reflecting the brand's commitment to more sustainable materials.

Ski-Specific Features

Obermeyer ski jackets are built with a range of mountain-specific features. Common details across the lineup include:

• Helmet-compatible hoods that fit over a ski helmet without restricting visibility or movement
• Snap-Away powder skirts that connect to compatible ski pants and snap securely out of the way when you don't need them
• Thumbhole wrist gaiters for coverage at the wrist between glove and cuff
• CZV (Control Zone Ventilation) underarm vents for temperature management during high-output skiing
• Chest and handwarmer storage, with a dedicated ski pass pocket on many styles
• A built-in goggle cloth on select styles that stays attached and ready when you need it
• RECCO rescue reflectors on higher-end styles
• YKK zippers throughout, with waterproof YKK AquaGuard® zippers on exposed pockets and premium styles

Seam sealing varies by jacket style. Most Obermeyer jackets use Skier Critical seam sealing, which reinforces waterproofing in areas most exposed to moisture. Premium styles and shell jackets feature fully sealed seams for added protection in wet conditions.

Insulation

Obermeyer offers both synthetic and down insulation across its ski jacket lineup. PrimaLoft is used across many insulated styles, providing reliable warmth through lightweight synthetic fill that continues to perform even when wet. For skiers who want maximum warmth with minimal bulk, premium down jackets like the Klaus Insulator for men and the Calypso Down for women use premium Allied Feather + Down insulation.

Which Obermeyer Ski Jacket Is Right for You?

Obermeyer is one of the most practical and versatile ski brands available. It works especially well for families and resort skiers who want dependable warmth and mountain-specific features without paying premium shell jacket prices.

Obermeyer Jacket Selection Guide

Skier or Conditions	Best Obermeyer Option
First-time or occasional resort skier	Foundation, Raze, or Reese (HydroBlock Pro, 15K)
Cold days, chairlift-heavy skiing	Higher insulation weight or down options like the Calypso or Klaus Insulator
Wet or stormy conditions	Premium HydroBlock Elite or Prime styles like the Kenai, Tungsten, or Charger (20K to 30K)
Families with kids	Full kids' line with I-Grow system, Snap-Away powder skirts, and fleece-lined details
Active skiers who run warm	Shell or down hybrid options for more layering flexibility

A few honest considerations: The Foundation and Raze are excellent value jackets suited for most resort conditions, but their 15K HydroBlock Pro waterproofing may not be the best choice for consistently wet climates or regions with frequent heavy snowfall. In those conditions, a higher waterproof rating may provide better protection. Obermeyer insulated jackets also tend to run warm, making them a good fit for chairlift-heavy resort days and colder weather. However, skiers who generate more body heat during active skiing may prefer a shell option with more layering flexibility.

The I-Grow System for Kids

One of Obermeyer's most practical and underappreciated features is the I-Grow system found in many of its children's ski jackets. The system allows the jacket to expand at key seam areas to accommodate growth spurts, effectively extending its life across multiple ski seasons. For families with children who tend to move quickly through ski gear, this is an essential, value-adding feature that makes Obermeyer a strong choice for multi-season use.

Obermeyer has been creating kids' ski outerwear since 1968, and the attention to detail in the children's line reflects that experience. Beyond I-Grow, kids' styles include features like Snap-Away powder skirts, fleece-lined collars and chin warmers, and built-in wrist gaiters designed for comfort and protection on the mountain. Popular Peter Glenn kids' styles that include I-Grow are the Orb and the Formation jacket.

Obermeyer at Peter Glenn

Peter Glenn carries a full selection of Obermeyer ski clothing for men, women, and kids, including insulated jackets, down jackets, shell styles, ski pants, and base layers. Standout styles include the Foundation and Raze for men, the Calypso Down for women, and the Orb and Formation for kids. Browse the full Obermeyer collection at peterglenn.com and outfit the whole family before the season starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Obermeyer a good ski jacket brand?

Yes. Obermeyer is regularly listed among the top brands in ski wear, with nearly eight decades of experience building high quality outerwear. Its jackets are known for warmth, durable construction, and ski-specific features across a wide range of price points.

Do Obermeyer ski jackets fit true to size?

Obermeyer jackets generally run true to size with a relaxed cut that leaves room for layering. Many styles include adjustable cuffs, an adjustable hem, and a full front zipper. Checking the size chart on the individual product page is still the most reliable approach.

Can you wear an Obermeyer ski jacket for everyday winter use?

Yes. Many Obermeyer insulated jackets are versatile enough to wear beyond the slopes during everyday winter activities. Their warmth and weather protection make them a practical choice for cold days, from shoveling snow to running errands or spending time outdoors. Features like a chest pocket, fleece-lined collar, and removable hood add convenience for daily wear.

How do you care for an Obermeyer ski jacket?

Wash an Obermeyer ski jacket on a gentle cycle using a technical fabric cleaner instead of standard detergent, which can leave residue that affects breathability. Following the care instructions and using low heat when drying can help maintain the durable water repellent finish. Proper care helps keep your jacket performing for seasons of use on the mountain.

What should I look for when choosing a jacket for a ski trip?

Match the waterproof rating to the conditions you expect. A ski trip to a wet coastal resort may call for higher waterproof protection, while HydroBlock Pro is designed to handle many inland resort conditions. Insulation weight matters just as much, so consider whether you tend to run warm or cold on the mountain when choosing a jacket.