The best ski jackets of 2023 reviewed by a ski expert, from The North Face to Helly Hansen

The best ski jackets all have one thing in common: they need to protect you from the elements when you’re on the mountain. But they come in a vast range of styles, technicality and budgets and fashions are always changing.

For winter 2022/23, the overriding theme is sustainability. It was for a long time common practice to use nasty chemicals to treat fabrics and ensure they don’t get saturated when wet. Thankfully, these are now being replaced by treatments and technologies that don’t pollute the environment. 

Recycled materials can also be used in the outer layer, insulation and linings of ski jackets. Some brands even go further, ensuring the people that make the clothing get paid a premium and that the energy used comes from renewable sources. It’s not just about sustainability though, with modern technologies providing lighter garments with enhanced waterproofing and breathability. 

Here’s a quick look at my top five jackets this year. The full reviews are further down, followed by an FAQ section at the bottom, in which I explain the different waterproofing, insulation and ventilation technologies and what to look for when buying a modern ski jacket.

This year’s best ski jackets, at a glance

• Best overall: Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell
• Best men’s ski jacket: Schöffel Trittkopf
• Best women’s ski jacket: The North Face Women’s Dragline
• Best budget ski jacket: Dare2B Ice Gleam III
• Warmest ski jacket: Scott Ultimate Warm
• Best ski coat: Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0

How to choose the right ski jacket for you

First, you want to be comfortable. This comes down to fit, managing the moisture our bodies produce, dealing with all that Mother Nature can dish out, and keeping us at the correct temperature. For some, this means an insulated jacket will be best, while for others a lightweight shell means layering can be tailored for the chosen activity and conditions.

Even if you wear an insulated jacket, using correct layering will enhance the its performance. When active, we produce heat and moisture. Ideally, we want to retain some of the heat while letting moisture escape. Doing this while keeping wind and rain out is no small achievement. Donning appropriate technical base layers and, when relevant, insulated mid-layers will make a big difference.

How I tested the best ski jackets

I test a lot of ski gear. Traipsing trade show event halls, clocking up klicks across the Scottish Highlands and enduring intense weather in the Alps are all part-and-parcel of the job, allowing me to narrow down the selection for you. Having selected new pieces from the best ski jacket brands – and one or two you may not have heard of – I put them all through their paces on the snow to compile the rankings below.

(And if you’re gearing up for the slopes, why not read my guide to the best ski boots and best ski helmets of 2023 next?)

Best ski jackets

1. Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell

£678.95, Alpinetrek

Best overall, 10/10

We like: the merino lining

• Construction – 3-layer shell, insulated (unusual for a shell)
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – Removeable
• Thumb loops – No
• Recco built-in – No

The Ortovox Guardian 3-layer jacket is a little different to most shells. It uses the Dermizax EV membrane (like the Schöffel Trittkopf, below) which has an incredible amount of stretch and effortless movement, with superb waterproofing and breathability. But the main bit that sets the Guardian apart is the merino lining. 

Most shells have a synthetic fibre inside, but this has a full merino wool layer, which is far nicer against your skin. Merino is a bit of a wonder yarn, helping to keep you cool when you’re working hard and adds warmth when your cold. It’s also excellent at dealing with perspiration. They’ve even used merino for the integrated phone pocket, improving battery life.

The right chest pocket is larger; ideal for a pair of gloves, skins or a map. You get a removeable powder skirt, upper left arm lift-pass pocket, large underarm venting and a helmet compatible hood. Sustainability has been a focus for Ortovox for years, so the Guardian delivers there too. 

The overall result is a freeride and ski touring jacket that works exceptionally hard to keep you performing at your best. It isn’t cheap, but you know what they say…

2. Schöffel Trittkopf

£442.50, Cotswold Outdoor

Best men’s ski jacket, 10/10

We like: the flattering fit

• Construction – 2-layer, insulated
• Hood – Removeable
• Powder skirt – Fixed
• Thumb loops – Integrated with internal stretch cuff
• Recco built-in – Yes

The classic look and feel of this high-end ski jacket from Schöffel, with its flattering shape, makes you feel good when you put it on. The top-quality materials, four-way stretch of the Dermizax waterproof layer and tailored cut mean it moves freely with you. The PrimaLoft Gold insulation also has four-way stretch and is made from 45% recycled materials. 

The removeable hood sits around a broad, high collar, with plenty of room to cover your chin and lower face when the weather turns. Weather sealing is aided by the soft, stretchy wrist gaiters, and thumb loops make them easy to slide into gloves. There are plenty of pockets, inside and out, including on the left sleeve for your lift pass. 

I tested this in a bright orange and blue colour, but the red and blue option, shown here, is more widely available in the UK. Venting zips run vertically down the side, and are mesh backed to prevent snow ingress. The fixed powder skirt has plenty of stretch, so it stays in place, with poppers to hold it out of the way, if you aren’t using it. The inner goggle pocket contains a lens cloth, helpfully decorated with basic life support instructions.

3. The North Face Women’s Dragline Jacket

£380, The North Face

Best women’s ski jacket, 10/10

We like: the bright colourway and matt finish

• Construction – 3-layer shell, not insulated
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – Fixed
• Thumb loops – Yes
• Recco built-in – No

This jacket looks great. The striking green and deep red combo is a great way to make sure you can be spotted by your buddies, with a matt finish reminiscent of an old-school waxed jacket. 

The North Face offers some top-end technical pieces based around their Futurelight material, but the Dragline uses their more wallet-friendly DryVent waterproof membrane. I find this works superbly well for most people, with ample breathability, and you get pit zips to help vent on warmer sessions. The membrane is made from 40% plant material and they don’t use any PFC’s in the treatment of the outer fabric, which includes recycled materials. 

The hood is quite sizeable although, like most, is snug when put over a helmet, but it still works great when it’s really blowing. The left sleeve lift pass pocket includes a goggle wipe, and is easier to use than being attached in a pocket. There are plenty of pockets, with the ones on the chest placed well for wearing a backpack. They offer the same colourway in a bib pant, if you’re seeking a complete outfit. Jacket and pants also available in a more subtle black and pale lavender option, and men’s version.

4. Dare2B Ice Gleam III

Was £150, currently £89.95 for Black Friday, Dare2Be

Best budget ski jacket, 8/10

We like: the performance you get for the low price

• Insulated – Yes
• Construction – 2-layer, insulated
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – Fixed
• Thumb loops – No
• Recco built-in – No

It’s always impressive how much value Dare2B offers, with a build quality that feels far more expensive. The Ice Gleam III is available in a range of colours, but this green, black and white version has real cross-over appeal between ski and snowboard, as well as about town. 

The face fabric is soft but seems pretty durable, although I’ve not been able to put that aspect to the full test, as we’re talking seasons of ski trips. They use their own recycled waterproof fabric and a recycled layer of synthetic insulation, so you’re covered for some pretty serious days on the mountain. Dare2B claims that the equivalent of 21 plastic bottles are recycled in the production of this jacket. 

You don’t get the underarm venting of some of the more expensive offerings we’ve covered here, but for the price of this jacket it’s acceptable. Two front lower pockets are complimented by two internal pockets, and a lift pass pocket by the left wrist. A powder skirt helps seal out the weather and aids heat retention. All in, this is a great product for resort skiing and snowboarding, without breaking the bank.

5. Scott Ultimate Warm

£320, Scott Sports

Warmest ski jacket, 9/10

We like: warmth with great skiing features

• Construction – 2-layer, insulated
• Hood – Removeable
• Powder skirt – Fixed
• Thumb loops – Integrated with inner stretch cuff
• Recco built-in – No

This jacket is ideal if you don’t want to get cold or sacrifice ski-specific features. As soon as you put it on, you feel hugged by warmth, aided by the tall collar. The synthetic, recycled insulation is designed to emulate down, and one of the beauties is that it’s still warm if it does get wet. This isn’t so much of an issue here as the waterproof, breathable outer keeps the weather out and lets internal moisture escape. 

This jacket is not for high-output activities, such as ski touring, but it is perfect for skiing about the resort. The internal, elasticated cuff gaiters are long enough to sit comfortably inside your gloves, adding to the weather sealing. The Scott is more expensive than the Columbia Wild Card featured below, but it does feel warmer and you get a few more features. 

The fact that Scott’s eye is firmly fixed on sustainability just adds to the offering. If you are finding this a little warm, you simply open the underarm venting. A plethora of pockets and one for the lift pass means you can carry most of your essentials, and the detachable hood enhances its versatility.

6. Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0

£440, Helly Hansen

Best ski coat, 10/10

We like: four-way stretch and attention to detail

• Construction – 2-layer, insulated
• Hood – Removable
• Powder skirt – Fixed
• Thumb loops – Integrated with inner stretch cuff
• Recco built-in – Yes

Insulated pieces don’t mean you’re sacrificing performance in waterproofing and breathability. Helly clothing is worn by outdoor professionals the world over, because it really does work. 

The Alpha 3.0 uses their own top-performing waterproof and breathable membrane. Breathability is aided by their H2Flow system. Essentially, it is venting, using regular features like pit zips, but with the added twist of an internal construction that promotes better airflow. It’s also designed to retain heat more effectively when the vent zips are closed. 

Warmth is provided by PrimaLoft, with their Gold insulation around the body and Black in the sleeves and hood; all made from recycled materials, which is a bonus. I really love the hi-vis panel hidden under the hood brim; fold back the outer brim to reveal a neon yellow panel, helping to keep you visible when the weather closes in. 

The four-way stretch is awesome, giving a real freedom of movement, aided by the cut of this jacket. The removable hood and stowable powder skirt adds year-round appeal. The final cherry on the cake is the insulation added to the left chest pocket, to keep your phone warmer and preserve battery life.

7. Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch LT

From £231, Black Diamond

Most comfortable ski jacket, 10/10

We like: the superb movement and fit

• Construction – 3-layer shell, not insulated
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – No
• Thumb loops – No
• Recco built-in – No

Black Diamond makes incredible climbing kit and, although they’ve been in the ski game for years, the ski gear they’re now producing is excellent. The Recon Stretch LT is new for this season, taking many of the benefits of the regular Recon Stretch but stripping things back a little, hitting a sweet-spot of freeride durability and protection, with a more minimalist ski touring approach (but keeping the lift pass pocket – yeah!) 

There’s no powder skirt but I didn’t miss having one and it saves a lot of weight and bulk. The BD Dry tech ensures the jacket is waterproof and has enough breathability. The stretch in the new Recon LT is awesome and this makes a significant difference to how comfortable something is for long days in the mountains. 

The front pockets are higher up, out of the way of waist straps. The front zip flaps can be poppered together at the top, so you can slide the zip open yet keep the jacket from flapping about. You also get underarm venting. The rubber zipper pull tabs on this jacket are so easy to use with gloves.  A popper fastener inside the back allows for attachment to the matching pants.

8. Spyder Leader

Was £530, now £424, Cotswold Outdoor

Best insulated jacket with a younger appeal, 9/10

We like: the comfort and warmth

• Construction – 2-layer, insulated
• Hood – Removable
• Powder skirt – Removable
• Thumb loops – Integrated with inner stretch cuff
• Recco built-in – No

This is Spyder’s best-selling jacket and packs a load of features. They’ve made some changes to it for this season and, like most brands, they are reducing the environmental footprint. 

Recycled material is used in the outer face fabric, combined with Dermizax waterproofing. The stretchy outer material pairs well with inner stretch panels, giving good freedom of movement for an insulated jacket. 

They also use one of the wonder materials of the moment, Graphene, to help distribute heat from warm to colder areas of the jacket. It’s hard to say if this really does work or not, but the Leader is warm enough for cold days on the hill. With 100g of PrimaLoft insulation you should expect that though. 

You get plenty of pockets and the venting is not hidden under the arms, but runs diagonally down from the chest and this is a great way of cooling if you are running a little warm. The mesh backing to the vents means you don’t get a jacket full of snow. I am big fan of cuff gaiters, and they’re stretchy and comfortable on the Leader. A removable hood and powder skirt adds to the versatility of this jacket.

9. Patagonia Stormstride Jacket

£450, Patagonia

Best for ski touring, 9/10

We like: the lightness and stretch

• Construction – 3-layer shell, not insulated
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – No
• Thumb loops – No
• Recco built-in – Yes

The Stormstride (and its superb matching pants) is clearly tailored to those adventurous souls that wish to experience the mountains in a self-powered way. However, I think it’s suited to way more than that. 

It’s very light with a soft hand feel, meaning no nasty rustling noise. It packs small so it can be stashed in your pack. It doesn’t have a powder skirt, but the little rubberised inner hem around the back does a stellar job of stopping the rear riding up. A touring skin can fit in each chest pocket, and the pit zips give loads of venting. 

The Stormstride is made from Patagonia’s H2No waterproof, stretch fabric which is Fair Trade Certified, ensuring the people who make it earn a premium. It’s also made using recycled materials, but then again this is Patagonia. It has a good amount of stretch, which is welcome as it’s quite a fitted outfit. 

I wore this in all weathers, including some horribly wet days, but it kept Mother Nature’s worst at bay (the hood is fine over a helmet). This is a really breathable jacket and dealt with double-digit mile touring days easily. It’s available in various colours, for men and women. Unfortunately, there is no lift-pass pocket.

10. Picture Anton

£279.99, Ellis Brigham

Best for alternative style, 9/10

We like: the over-the-head smock design

• Construction – 2-layer, insulated
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – Fixed
• Thumb loops – Integrated with inner stretch cuff
• Recco built-in – No

Time for something a little different. The Anton, from Picture Organic Clothing is a smock. It has a shorter front zip up-top and a long side zip to make getting it on and off easier. The side zip is also the underarm venting on the left side, with a two-way opening.

I really love the bold colours in this yellow and orange combo, but they do it in other colour choices too. Although it’s insulated, they’ve used just the right amount so you don’t tend to overheat when hunting fresh lines. The large front pockets are a gem for stashing essentials and don’t get in the way when you’re wearing a backpack waist belt. You get two lower hand pockets as well. 

Picture are always pushing the environmental boundary, here using bio-sourced materials from sugarcane waste combined with recycled polyester along with a PFC-free DWR treatment. It uses a waterproof, breathable membrane for weather protection.

It is fantastic to get such a top-performing, alternatively styled garment and to have a reduced environmental impact. This works great for on and off-piste riding, although they’ve got better choices if you’re into skinning for freshies.

11. Rab Khroma Latok GTX

£530, Rab Equipment

Best British ski jacket, 10/10

We like: roomy, dynamic, freeride shaping

• Construction – 3-layer shell, not insulated
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – Removable
• Thumb loops – Integrated with internal stretch cuff
• Recco built-in – No

Sheffield’s Rab is a big name in the world of outdoor sports and is now taking on the world of ski outwear. This is a very impressive jacket and a total joy to ski in. It’s built from heavier weight Gore-Tex Pro for improved durability on the shoulders and the outer edge of the sleeves, with lighter weight Pro elsewhere. Rab uses a lot of recycled material in the Latok, as sustainability is a key focus for them. 

I like that I could remove the powder skirt, reducing bulkiness when wearing a waist belt over the jacket. The pockets are high up, out of the way of a harness or backpack waist belt. The hood has more room than most, offering plenty of protection on those severe weather days. 

The anatomical cut of this jacket offers a really free movement. The Gore-Tex Pro construction provides superb weather protection and breathability was never an issue. Good sized underarm venting helps there too. The inner cuffs are soft, comforting and not bulky under gloves. It’s available in three colours, and in a women’s version. I also tested the Latok pants and they were equally awesome.

12. Artilect Shadow Canyon

Was £420, now £372.95,Wildbounds

Best ski jacket for year-round use, 9/10

We like: the fact emergency services can retrieve important info

• Construction – 3-layer shell, not insulated
• Hood – Fixed
• Powder skirt – No
• Thumb loops – No
• Recco built-in – No

I came across Artilect relatively recently and have been blown away by their sustainable approach to technical clothing, designed for people that love being outside. All of their kit I’ve tested works amazingly well. 

The Shadow Canyon is a very minimalist jacket, so if you’re after something insulated or with a ton of features, look elsewhere. You don’t get a powder skirt or a lift pass pocket. There are two hand pockets and one chest pocket, along with underarm venting, with a hood that easily fits over a helmet. 

The main zipper puller has NFC (Near Field Communication) tech, so emergency services can scan the zip pull to bring up your emergency details. You need to download an app to input the info but it’s really easy. 

The DWR coating is permanent and doesn’t use harmful chemicals, and the membrane is incredibly waterproof and breathable. The inner face material is made from recycled material, and jacket’s two-way stretch aids the freedom of movement. Oozing quality, the Shadow Canyon will be a welcome addition to any freerider’s pack this season. It’s also a piece of kit you can use outdoors year-round, delivering great value.

13. Columbia Women’s Wild Card II 

£270, Columbia

Best for town and mountain, 8/10

We like: the value and versatility

• Construction – 2-layer, insulated
• Hood – Removable
• Powder skirt – Fixed
• Thumb loops – Integrated with inner stretch cuff
• Recco built-in – No

Not only does this jacket look superb, it packs a good amount of warmth thanks to the down filling and reflective lining. The outer is made from Columbia’s own Omni-Tech waterproofing, with heat-sealed panels keeping the down in place. The benefit is that there isn’t a mass of pin holes from lots of sewn sections and the jacket doesn’t shed down (a problem with sewn baffles). 

Wrist stretch inner gaiters with thumb holes further help seal in the heat. You don’t get zipped vents and the jacket is not fully seam sealed, only on critical seams. This jacket is more about keeping you warm and keeping snowy weather out, rather than torrential downpours. The front hand warmer pockets add to the cosy appeal. 

If you want to cool things down, there’s a tab toward the top of the main zip, which can join both sides together. You can therefore ski with the zipper slid down, without the concern of the jacket flapping completely open. The hood is removable, and when detached this looks like a regular street jacket; not bad to get all of this for under £300.

FAQ 

What should I look out for when choosing ski jacket?

Let’s be honest, look is really important when selecting your ski clothing. Depending on your preferences, this may be at the top of your priority list, or sit below other considerations. Thankfully, most ski clothing is available in a variety of colours, from safe black and dark blue to more exotic bright neons, so there really is something to suit all needs. 

You also want to ensure you get features that are going to enhance your time in the mountains. If you want to carry things with you, such as a phone, wallet, some snacks and possibly a drink or spare pair of goggles, then having a number of pockets can be great. If you always wear a backpack, then you may not need as many pockets, and if they’re higher up towards the chest then they’ll not interfere with the backpack waist strap.

Fit is also important, and not just so you look fantastic. If a jacket fits well, then you can move freely and pretty much forget you’re wearing it. Also, did you know that if a jacket fits well it may actually work better, in terms of breathability? Well, it can make a difference. This is when a good ski shop can really help out, as they can assist in finding options to suit your body shape.

Ski jackets come in a range of prices, but to enhance the value you may wish to get one with a removable hood or detachable powder skirt, so it doubles up as an everyday winter jacket at home. If you go for a shell jacket (more on this below), then this really can work all year, providing superb wet-weather protection in the summer months too

Are ski jackets waterproof?

The vast majority of ski jackets are waterproof, windproof and breathable. This means the jacket can keep you warm, lets any moisture building up inside to escape and protects you from wind, snow and rain. Just because a jacket is labelled as waterproof, though, doesn’t actually mean it’s completely waterproof. 

Jackets often have a waterproof rating, from 5,000 up to over 20,000. The higher the number, the more the garment resists water coming through from the outside. This is down to how much pressure it will take for water to seep through the waterproof layer. Not all brands state their waterproof rating, including some of the better known and highest performing laminates. 

A jacket is made of stitched panels, so the panel edges are full of holes (not so great for keeping water out). The manufacturer uses a waterproof, but non-breathable, tape on the inside of the seam to keep water out. Not all seams will necessarily be taped though. If taping is used, then it ranges from on just the really vulnerable seams, such as the shoulders, which is called Critically Taped, through to all seams, or Fully Taped. Critically taped seam sealing tends to be used to match a certain lower price point.

The jacket also needs to be breathable. We produce moisture and this needs to be allowed to escape from the jacket. This is where we’ve seen some impressive developments in recent years, with garments that provide a high waterproof rating and superb breathability.

Like waterproofing, breathability can be rated too, and typically follows a similar number scale. The best are 20,000 or higher, with cheaper, less-breathable garments rated around 5,000. There are other scales for breathability, but this one is most common.

Other features, such as venting panels (underarm vents, pit zips, chest vents) can be opened and closed, improving temperature and moisture management

It is important to know that if the outside of the jacket becomes saturated with water, then the breathability will be severely impaired. This is why you’ll see water bead up and run off new jackets. This is due to a durable water repellent (DWR) coating or treatment. Historically, these have been made using perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), but these are not good for the environment and are being replaced by cleaner solutions by most brands. Ironically, some of these greener solutions significantly out-perform PFC’s.

You can also replenish this outer water repellency by using an off-the-shelf technical fabric wash and treatment, such as Nikwax. Washing your ski clothing is really important to ensure it works as designed, but don’t just use normal household detergents. Which products you use will depend on the type of clothing you’re washing. Any good ski shop can advise you on this. You’ll dramatically improve the performance and longevity of your ski clothing if you look after it, in this way.

What is the warmest ski jacket?

An insulated jacket is designed to improve how warm you are when skiing. This may have a synthetic insulation or natural, such as wool or down. They all have a goal of trapping air and providing an insulating layer. 

Down is an exceedingly efficient insulator but it can be expensive and it is an animal product, and doesn’t perform when wet. Recycled down is becoming more common, as sell as treatments to help it perform better when wet. 

Synthetic fibres are far closer to down in terms of low weight and packability. Wool is also being more widely used as an insulator, is sustainable and, like synthetics, performs when wet.

Shell jackets do not have any insulating layer and therefore need to be paired with one, or more, insulating layer underneath, as the temperature dictates. Shell jackets are lighter than insulated varieties, and are favoured for higher output activities, such as freeride skiing when you’re hiking for fresh lines, or ski touring. 

Both shells and insulated pieces have a waterproof layer. Waterproof layers can be pretty delicate so you have an outer fabric, also known as the face fabric, to protect against dirt and abrasion. You also need to protect the inside of the waterproof layer, or membrane. 

Shell jackets therefore have an inner laminate, which can be made of a wide variety of fabrics. This protects the membrane, but can also help wick moisture away from the skin and disperse it over a broad area so it can escape through the membrane. The face fabric, waterproof layer and inner protective fabric are all bonded together in some way. This is referred to as a 3-layer garment.

Insulated pieces have a face fabric and a waterproof layer but no bonded inner face fabric, as the insulation protects the membrane. This is therefore called 2-layer construction. You can also get a 2-layer non-insulated jacket, but this has a separate, non-bonded inner lining to protect the waterproof layer.

What is a powder skirt?

A powder, or snow, skirt is an internal panel that acts like a gaiter around your waist. The front is fastened when you put the jacket on and helps to seal out the elements a little. 

The term powder skirt is a little misleading. If you’re skiing powder, you’re typically wearing a backpack, and the pack’s waist belt holds the jacket in place and stops powder entering from below. You therefore don’t need a powder skirt for powder skiing, and many professionals remove theirs. This can also be why you see some touring orientated jackets without powder skirts.

A powder skirt can work really well at helping to seal in a little warmth, stop wind blowing up under the hem and helps to prevent the jacket riding up.

What is a stretch fabric?

We move around a lot when skiing, so having a fabric that can move with us is ideal. Hence the evolution of stretch fabrics. Some stretch will only be in one plane. For example, if you hold the jacket fabric across the chest and try to stretch it, it may not give. If you then try to stretch it top to bottom, you may feel an elastic nature in the fabric. This is two-way stretch. It can be up and down, or side to side, but won’t be both. If the fabric stretches up and down and side to side, then this is called four-way stretch.

The issue with ski jackets is getting all the layers of the jacket to be able to move, or stretch. There are some superb products now that have stretch in the outer, the insulating layer and the inner lining. Not all materials are created equal though, so the jacket may only stretch a little or it may stretch a lot. This is why it’s important to try a jacket on before you commit to it, to make sure it works for your body shape and movements.

What is Recco?

Recco is a technology used in lots of skiing and snowboarding applications. It is comprised of a little electronic device, called a reflector, and a large detector that is used by rescue teams. Manufacturers can install the reflector in many types of clothing and hardware, including jackets.

It does not need charging or any sort of power source. It is designed to help rescue teams locate the reflector, and the person, if they get caught in an avalanche. It can also be used in certain situations to locate people that have got been lost, even if it’s not an avalanche situation.