Finding ski jackets in summer....stores?

So im one of those odd people who buys stuff in completely the wrong seasons. I've been telling myself to buy a new ski jacket for the last two seasons. Well i finally have extra cash and decided to really purse. Only problem is, well its June and nobody seems to have any. Checked REI, marmot mountain works, and feathered friends who all didnt have much selection if any at all. The local sports store near me (in bremerton) had one choice but really not the model jacket i wanted. (it was a Arc'teryx)

i've really been looking at Arc'teryx as i just like how they look and everything ive heard has been good. Sizing is just the only thing preventing me from just ordering online. The one i tried one i was sort of inbetween a medium and a large (though probably a large)

So i come here wondering if anyone has any other suggestions on where to go? i know there is always the online route but hate ordering when im not positive on the sizing.

Thanks in advance!

Summit House (Whittaker's) in Ashford for light weight mountaineering stuff; Sierra Trading Post on line.

Online shopping has its' pluses and minuses.  Besides not being able to try it on first, you can't be sure, with some shops, that you're getting first quality or current model, if that matters to you (latest fabric, features etc.).  Ski sellers are usually pretty good about ID'ing model year, but not so with clothing.  I once acquired  a new arcteryx jacket from Moosejaw and turned out it was three years old - didn't figure it out till I'd used it a bit.  Still a good jacket, but that burned my rump..

I'm surprised Marmot in Bellevue did not have anything.
Ski Jacket is such a personal preference it is usually best to try before buy. Plus making at least a mental list of needs, like pockets, access, zippers, weight, powder skirt-yes or no, pit zips, raging storm proof, high or low collar, long or short cut, zip on or off hood ect...
I have purchased a couple jackets online and about half of them work out, but you can always return them. Cost of shipping to return is a deterrent, but usually less expensive than driving to a store.
Sierra TP is a great company to buy from, not alway the bottom line pricing but pretty reliable, also Backcountry.com. Arcteryx has an outlet online too, but arcteryx commands an over premium price for their gear (kind of the Gucci of BC) .
I have become to like the Event material a a waterproof material. Rab makes a couple nice shell jackets with Event, but usually the cut is a little shorter for Event jackets since Gore-Tex has a Microsoft like antitrust monopoly short hair hold on the name brand companies that service the U.S.
I would look at the Rab Latok jacket with pit zips (although they aren't necessary with Event) and see if that fits your needs. I own the Latok Apline and it is awesome without pitzips.

Sounds like not knowing exactly what you want in terms of model and size is your main problem.

If you're leaning toward Arc'teryx be aware that the cut/sizing of their coats varies quite a bit depending on model - the "ski" garments typically are cut looser than the "climbing" ones, for instance. If you can't find what you want to try on at Marmot or REI, try Second Ascent in Ballard or take a trip to Whistler and stop at Escape Route.

If you figure out exactly what you are interested in and they happen to have it, Backcountry.com (or their discount outlet, departmentofgoods.com) or STP will save you some money, though they never seem to have the hardshells I want.

Size is just company dependent thats the only reason im unsure there. Even in clothes i own i have mediums and larges. Just depends who made it.

Yes picking a jacket is very personal. i personally like the looks of the arc'teryx jackets. The zippers and sleeker look. The poofier look or more "snowboarder" look is just meh to me.

I know some "features" i want include
-at least one inner pocket
-normal "hand" pockets on outside
- a chest pocket on outside
-powder skirt
-pit zips

Those are the only real requirements ive had in my looking.

I dont mind higher prices as i tend to use the same clothes for years. So paying 500 for a jacket that i like is worth it to me since i know itll be my jacket for a good 4 or 5 years. Im also pretty dang picky for my own good.


As for the places ive looked they did have a few choices but it was very limited. most didnt have a powder skirt which is something i want so ruled them out quickly.

Thanks for the advice i might just have to bite the bullet and buy online and hope for the best. I just like being able to switch from a medium to a large quickly to see and feel the differences.