Millet is based in Annecy, France. Founded in 1921, the company has supported a variety of mountain activities for nearly 100 years. Skiwear is no exception, and the company has partnered with the Chamonix Guides Association, one of the oldest and most prestigious guide associations in the world, to create products based on feedback from the field. The Snowbasin Jacket and Snowbasin Pants featured here are two examples of such products
The Snowbashin jacket and pants are flagship models that provide ease of movement and comfort in any situation on the ski slopes. Waterproof and breathable, they utilize the brand's unique "Dryedge" material. The "4-WAY Stretch" material, which stretches in four directions, and the "Motion Insert" placed on the inside of the back adapt to all movements and reduce any uncomfortable tightness. In addition, they are packed with other features to make skiing more comfortable.
Now, let's take a closer look at the product, along with the impressions of professional skier Shoji Tanifuji, who has been wearing this jacket and pants for a long time.
Outstanding ease of movement without compromising riding posture
dedicated himself to alpine competitive skiing during his student years, and later moved on to recreational skiing. As an SIA demonstrator, he actively conducts lessons in Fukui Prefecture and other locations, sharing the joy of skiing. He also consistently works with photographers, publishing his work.
Born May 15, 1980, from Hokkaido.
"When I put on the jacket and pants, I felt a soft, enveloping sensation. There was absolutely none of the typical stiffness or roughness. It felt like the entire garment was stretchy. I particularly liked that the stitching on the back had been changed, so there was absolutely no discomfort when I moved my arms from the side to the front. What
I like about it, along with the ease of movement, is that the design makes movements look good. As a professional instructor, I teach skiing techniques to users, and it's easy for me to exaggerate movements, so being able to clearly convey techniques to users is a big advantage.
Users have also given me positive feedback that it's easy to understand. In addition, fellow instructors who saw me compete in a tournament said that my movements were very easy to understand."
The ease of movement that Tanito speaks of is largely due to the "4-way stretch" and "motion inserts" used in the fabric. Needless to say, the fun of skiing is the controlled, fast-paced speed that adapts to the ever-changing conditions on the slopes. To do this, the body needs to be able to move without stress. In that respect, these two features are particularly focused on ease of movement
"4-way stretch" is a stretch material that stretches both vertically and horizontally, allowing for exceptional ease of movement. The "motion insert" mesh stretch panel, located on the inside back of the jacket, hugs the upper spine and works in conjunction with the "4-way stretch" to eliminate back stiffness. Not only does it encourage free movement around the shoulders, but the mesh material also promotes efficient airflow during vigorous movement. Conversely, when the body is not moving, the mesh contracts, preventing air from escaping from the garment and keeping you warm. This feature is extremely effective, as warming the back spreads throughout the body
Full of features for comfortable skating
Let's hear more of Tanito's impressions, which also touch on other features
"I'm 164cm tall and weigh 72kg, with a sturdy build. I wear a Euro M size for both my jacket and pants.
The pants come with suspenders, but I don't usually wear them. The reason is that I prioritize ease of movement, so I find it more comfortable to have the garment secured at the waist rather than having tension on my shoulders. It's convenient that they're removable, though.
As a professional instructor, I move and stop repeatedly during lessons. That's why the padded material is so useful because it keeps me warm when I'm not moving. The 'motion insert' feature, which allows for breathability when I'm moving, is a great help.
By the way, on cold days I wear an Alpha Light Sweat Jacket underneath, and on warmer days I wear a waffle wool layer."
Because it is padded, it is not particularly suitable for long-distance backcountry walking, but if you are in a field that can be reached by a short hike, there is no particular problem
The biggest advantage is the flexibility and cut that doesn't restrict body movement. Stretchable clothing supports smart skiing, allowing for smooth up and down movements when sliding through deep snow, smooth lower body movements on bumpy slopes, and turning when skiing at high speed on packed snow slopes
The jacket comes in three colors, and the pants also come in three colors, but only the black and navy pants are Japan fit. This is the perfect garment for skiers who ski in the backcountry once a year or so, and who want to ski aggressively at ski resorts regardless of the season
Snowbasin Jacket & Snowbasin Pants Specifications
Snowbasin Jacket SNOWBASIN JKT
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Colors: RED/SAPHIR, SAPHIR/KUMQUAT, SAPHIR/NOIR
Weight: 1200g Price:
¥57,200
The unique waterproof and breathable material "Dryedge" has a water pressure resistance of 20,000mm and breathability of 20,000g/m²/24h. The insulation is PrimaLoft® Silver, a material that balances insulation and breathability. Due to the European sizing, the silhouette is slightly longer in length and has a slightly loose fit.
Snowbasin Pants SNOWBASIN PT
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Colors: BLACK-NOIR, SAPHIR, BIRD
Weight: 1000g Price:
36,300 yen
Like the jacket, the pants also use "Dryedge," a 4-way stretch waterproof and breathable material. The two items on the left in the image are models cut to fit the Japanese physique.
Photo/Shouta Kikuchi