Far West Masters Sync Guide
How to Choose the Right Layer for Every Race Day
Not every race day looks the same. Some days you’re standing around for hours in midwinter cold. Others you’re rotating laps, coaching, or moving constantly. The Far West Masters SYNC Performance collection is intentionally broad so you can match the right category of gear to how you actually ski.
Use this guide to compare options by category and quickly zero in on what fits your needs. I have tried and/or own most of the Sync lineup. I am 5’7”, 155lbs and typically wear a Medium across the entire line with a few exceptions noted below.
Heavy Jackets
For the coldest days, long waits, and minimal compromise on warmth
Skiable Parka
A true cold-weather workhorse built to ski in while delivering maximum warmth.
Best for: Midwinter race days, long starts, very cold venues
How it differs: Warmest and most protective option in the lineup
Tradeoff: Bulkier than other options
Your take: I haven’t tried this one yet, might be overkill for the West Coast
Timberline Jacket
A heavy insulated jacket with a more traditional jacket length and feel.
Best for: Wet days, warmer climates and breathability
How it differs: More of a heavy duty shell with core insulation
Tradeoff: Not as warm as other options
Your take: Haven’t tried this yet either, appears to be the perfect combo of waterproof and lighter insulation for Far West climates
Summit Parka
A premium insulated option balancing warmth, mobility, and ski-specific design.
Best for: Cold conditions without sacrificing movement
How it differs: Somewhere between the Skiable Parka and Timberline Jacket.
Tradeoff: Not as waterproof as the Timberline, gets hot if you’re working hard
Your take: I own the predecessor to this in a medium, good combination of insulation and waterproofing. Plenty of room to layer underneath. This is what I take to Mammoth if there is any weather.
Medium Jackets
Insulated layers for active days, training, and variable conditions
Stretch Puffy Cordura
A reinforced insulated jacket designed for durability and movement.
Best for: Frequent use, training environments, higher wear areas
How it differs: Added abrasion resistance compared to standard puffy
Tradeoff: Slightly heavier, stiffer feel
Your take: What I wore to Sugar Bowl for January races, my favorite jacket for around town. Runs slightly small, I have a medium and has room for layers underneath. The small I could only wear a very thin layer under.
Down Training Jacket
A classic insulated training jacket with balanced warmth.
Best for: Wet training days and mixed activity levels
How it differs: Basically a vest with softshell arms for wearing over your suit
Tradeoff: No insulation in the arms
Your take: I owned this in a medium and it wasn’t as tight as I would prefer over a suit. I found that it didn’t accomplish anything a vest can’t do better and then you don’t have to worry about getting gate marks on the arms.
Light Jackets
For milder days, spring conditions, and layering systems
Alpine Jacket
A lightweight shell-style jacket designed for skiing.
Best for: Mild conditions and layering
How it differs: Heavy duty exterior, lighter version of the Timberline.
Tradeoff: Minimal insulation on its own
Your take: I haven’t tried this one but it is one of their oldest models, they tout it as a combination of a Carhartt work jacket and ski jacket.
Championship Jacket
A light, softshell option with a clean, athletic profile.
Best for: Cool days with moderate activity
How it differs: Adds warmth compared to Alpine Jacket but not as waterproof
Tradeoff: Not built for extreme cold
Your take: I haven’t tried this one either but it is also one of their earliest models. Waterproof softshell jacket for when it is not too cold and light precipitation.
Stretch Insulator
A lightweight insulated jacket emphasizing comfort and flexibility.
Best for: Everyday use and active layering
How it differs: Softer and more flexible than Championship Jacket, made for layering
Tradeoff: Less structure than heavier jackets
Your take: This fits somewhere between a sweatshirt and a puffer, the fit is more athletic or fitted. I wear a medium if I want to wear it alone, I would get a small if I just wanted it for layering but it is a little snug.
Long Coats
Maximum coverage for start areas, downtime, and cold mornings
Canvas Pano Jacket
The classic long insulated coat seen at race venues everywhere.
Best for: Standing around between runs
How it differs: Longest, most traditional sideline coat with rugged fabric
Tradeoff: With heavy duty durability comes stiffness
Your take: I have had this in small and medium, the small was way too tight and the medium fit well and had room for layering. My former cold weather go to before I got the Pano Plus below but this thing can stand up to some abuse.
Pano Plus Jacket
An upgraded version of the Pano with added warmth and features.
Best for: Colder climates and longer race days
How it differs: More insulation than standard Pano and packable
Tradeoff: Increased bulk and less durability compared to Canvas Pano above
Your take: I own this in a medium and love it. It is a wearable sleeping bag, my go to for walking the dogs when it is cold. The magnetic snaps on the back make it so you can still bend over and get into pockets and not feel like you are in a straight jacket.
Panoak Jacket
A variation of the Pano Plus emphasizing durability and structure.
Best for: Colder climates, packable camp jacket
How it differs: More pockets and asymmetric zippers compared to Pano Plus
Tradeoff: Zipper design isn’t for everyone
Your take: I do not own this one, but if you wanted more zipper and pocket options it is similar in functionality to the Pano Plus.
Start House Jacket
A lighter long coat designed for movement and versatility.
Best for: Coaches and racers moving throughout the day or at the start
How it differs: Softshell version of the Pano, offers wind and moisture protection
Tradeoff: No insulation
Your take: I don’t own this one, looks like a good start jacket on warmer days or when you just need to stay dry or out of the wind.
Light Layers & Dryland
For training, travel, and off-hill use
Deluge (Quarter Zip & Hoodie)
Technical lightweight baselayer for warmer days or for working out
Best for: Dryland training or as a light baselayer
How it differs: Technical fabric meant to wick away sweat, not necessarily insulate
Tradeoff: Not a standalone winter jacket
Your take: I haven’t tried these but they say they are a great baselayer in spring or for working out in anytime of year. A few people note they run slightly baggy.
Benchmark Jacket
Stretch fleece for working out or as medium weight baselayer
Best for: Mild weather and high-output activity like hiking, running or training
How it differs: More structure than Deluge layers, heavier fleece, tall neck
Tradeoff: The collar is very tall, which is either a plus or negative depending on preferences
Your take: I have this in a small, I would say it runs slightly bigger than some of the other baselayers but great for everyday wear, hiking, running or wearing to happy hour
Ante Up Anorak
A medium weight pullover fleece with a athletic profile
Best for: Training days and off-hill wear
How it differs: Sweatshirt-like version of the Benchmark, similar to a grid fleece
Tradeoff: More athletic or casual looking than the Benchmark
Your take: I have this in a medium, probably one of my favorites for both wearing for a mid layer and just wearing on its own around town.
Bottoms
Purpose-built options for different race-day needs
Pant
Best for: Everyday skiing pants and race days
How it differs: The 3/4 zip sounds simple but is a game changer, no more fumbling with the zippers trying to connect them back after you take them off. More of an athletic fit than Arctica.
Tradeoff: Not the most heavy duty fabric or insulation, I go with a thicker version when skiing in the cold or weather.
Your take: I have these in small and medium and seem to fall somewhere in the middle. The small fits me better but is a little snug, the medium is a little long and more room in the seat. Awesome pants for race days
Short
Best for: Training, race days
How it differs: Compared to Arctica shorts these are softshells, I find them slightly warmer even when wet and much better mobility and movement. 3/4 step through design here as well.
Tradeoff: No suspender straps so you have to wear a belt
Your take: I have these in small and medium, again I fall somewhere in between but prefer the mediums as the small is too snug for good movement. My favorite, everyday training shorts
Packs
Organizing your gear, your way
Locker Pack
Best for: Carrying everything to the venue
How it differs: Larger capacity and structure
Tradeoff: Bulkier than Athlete Pack
Your take: This is just what the name implies, my locker pack. Great for traveling to races or if you prefer to bring everything to the hill and get dressed in the lodge.
Athlete Pack
Best for: Race-day essentials and mobility
How it differs: Smaller, lighter profile
Tradeoff: Limited storage
Your take: This is my raceday and training pack since I put my boots on at the car. Also works as a carry on when headed to a race with laptop sleeve inside
Why Wearing Far West Masters Gear Matters
Wearing the logo connects you to the people standing next to you in the start, solicits interest from people on the chairlift and helps spread the word with minimal effort. If you’re ready to upgrade your winter kit, the Far West Masters SYNC Performance store is open now. Plan ahead and order early as styles and sizes tend to sell out later into the season before they refresh each fall.