One of my favorite things about Marmot is their ability to design a feminine yet functional jacket. The Val D’Sere is a perfect example of this as it entails a feminine fit without compromising warmth. If you’re looking for a do-everything warm winter jacket, this one should be high on your priority list to look into.
The Val D’Sere is an affordable jacket with abundant warmth. 700 fill-power down insulation will keep you warm whether you are skiing cold smoke pow or walking the dogs on a brisk winter morning. Not only will you have insulation for warmth, Marmot’s Membrain fabric is breathable, and waterproof.
On top of insulation and waterproof fabric, the Val D’Sere has all of the features that your ski jacket should have. Ample pockets will stash whatever you need on deep powder days or long dog walks along the river. An important feature for me is lined hand pockets because if I forget my gloves and need to put them in my pockets, I want them to be soft, cozy and warm. An internal zip pocket is a great place to keep your cash and keys safe and adjacent to that pocket is a mesh goggle pocket if you need to throw your goggles against your core to keep them warm. There’s also a nice small zippered sleeve pocket, which is nice for chap stick or your favorite resort pass.
The hood is helmet compatible and so for those days when you really need to bundle up, you can throw that baby up and zip up all the way. The fit of this jacket is really nice in regard to the fact that it is long and fitted. I really like the small detail of the fitting because instead of looking like a black marshmallow, I look a little bit more like a lady. The design is very flattering and comfortable.
The sleeves are a little bit too short for me for this to be a daily ski jacket. Especially if I’m going to be wearing the Val D’Sere on powder days, I would have problems keeping my sleeves over my gloves and my wrists warm and dry. The only other complaint I have about this jacket is that there are no pit zips. My temperature is always fluctuating especially on powder days when I’m hiking and skiing.
Overall, I really love how Marmot integrated a more casual look with a functional fit and features perfect for skiing. It’s really the first time that I’ve worn a down jacket that flatters my body and makes me actually look like a lady!
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