Mount you one-ski quiver and claim your place as the guardian of the realm—the backcountry realm, that is. Gone are the days of icky feeling hardshells, for the Ortovox Women's Guardian Shell Jacket is here. Featuring a functional Toray Dermizax EV waterproof and windproof membrane, with a deliciously soft, moisture-managing merino wool lining, the Guardian is ready to charge up switchbacks and slice through billowing pow on the descent.

Although this jacket has all the glam features you'd expect from a bulkier resort-oriented jacket, the Guardian weighs in at less than two pounds—not too shabby for a shell with zippered underarm vents, a two-way adjustable storm hood, and removable powder skirt with elastic insert. Two high front pockets and one inner pocket provide access to your small items when you're harnessed up for a skimo mission, and the pass pocket stashes your RFID card if you decide to catch some chairlift laps after your dawn patrol.