UW Industrial Design Thesis – Alta Ski Jacket

Ski jacket ventilation has long relied on pit zips, which are cumbersome to use mid-run. The goal was to regulate a skier's body temperature without removing layers or fumbling with hard-to-reach zippers. I designed Alta around the same high- and low-pressure zones that form naturally around a moving skier's body, placing vents to work with that airflow rather than against it. Zips on the upper arms and a back vent create a more accessible, efficient alternative to pit zips, while snap-back bottom flaps offer another layer of temperature control. The hood accommodates a helmet, and large waterproof-zippered pockets keep essentials secure and dry. A ventilation system built on real airflow dynamics rather than convention, giving skiers a faster, easier way to regulate temperature on the mountain.