Salomon Spectral Ski Jacket Launches With PrimaLoft ThermoPlume

Salomon’s Spectral is an insulated ski jacket positioned as a high-performance, all-mountain option. It uses PrimaLoft insulation and is engineered for a balance of warmth and breathability, with features such as a removable hood, integrated vents, and ClimateSync placement to manage moisture and heat where you need it most.

The ski industry has spent years chasing the "holy grail" of insulation: something with the loft and compressibility of down, but the wet-weather performance of synthetic. With the launch of the Salomon Spectral Ski Jacket, equipped with PrimaLoft® ThermoPlume, Salomon makes a compelling argument that the chase might be over.

This jacket sits firmly in the "resort and sidecountry" category, blending high-end technical specs with a modern, freeride-inspired silhouette. Here is a deep dive into how it performs. 

The headline feature here is the insulation. Unlike traditional synthetic jackets that use flat sheets of batting, the Spectral uses PrimaLoft ThermoPlume. These are small, silky tufts of synthetic fiber that are blown into baffles just like natural goose down. Testing of ThermoPlume shows it closely mimics the loft and compressibility of down while retaining the wet-weather resilience of synthetic fills—meaning the Spectral should keep you warm even when conditions get damp, without the cold, flat feeling that older synthetics can suffer from. Salomon’s construction and strategic insulation placement aim to deliver consistent warmth without overheating during active ascents, and the integrated vents help dump excess heat on climbs or fast laps.

• The Feel: It mimics the hand-feel of high-fill-power down almost perfectly. It’s soft, pliable, and moves with you rather than feeling stiff.

• The Performance: The critical advantage here is moisture management. Down collapses when wet; ThermoPlume does not. If you are skiing in damp conditions (common in the Pacific Northwest or early/late season), the Spectral retains its warmth even if the outer shell wets out.

• Sustainability: A major plus is that ThermoPlume is often made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, aligning with Salomon’s increasing focus on eco-conscious manufacturing.  

While the insulation provides the warmth, the shell does the heavy lifting against the elements. Salomon pairs the insulation with AdvancedSkin Dry or similar shell tech to keep moisture out and wind at bay; this combination should offer reliable weather protection for most alpine conditions. ThermoPlume’s synthetic nature also means better performance after compression and in wet snow compared with down, improving long-term usability in mixed conditionsOutdoors Magic.

• Waterproofing: The jacket utilizes Salomon’s AdvancedSkin Dry 20K/20K fabric. This is top-tier stats for a resort jacket, meaning it is highly waterproof (20,000mm) and highly breathable.

• ClimateSync Technology: This is where the Spectral gets clever. It features unique "ClimateSync" ventilation—often laser-cut star shapes or strategic stretch zones—that are designed to open up when you are moving fast (and generating heat) and close when you stop. It’s a passive venting system that works surprisingly well to regulate temperature without you constantly having to fiddle with pit zips. 

The Spectral follows Salomon’s MotionFit engineering. It’s designed to be articulated for skiing—meaning the hem doesn't lift up when you raise your arms to plant a pole or adjust your goggles. Fit, Mobility, and Features. The Spectral is cut for a regular fit that balances layering room with on-slope mobility. Key ski features include a removable hood, pit zips for ventilation, and a powder skirt—practical touches for varied mountain use. The jacket’s weight (listed around 2 lb 8 oz) keeps it substantial enough for cold days while remaining light enough for touring-style movement. Zipper and pocket placement reflect Salomon’s focus on functionality for skiers and snowboarders.

• Storage: It is loaded with pockets: two zippered hand pockets, two chest pockets (great for phones/maps), a mesh goggle pocket, and the essential lift pass pocket on the left arm.

• Hood: The hood is removable and 3D-adjustable. It fits over most helmets, though it can be a snug fit depending on the bulk of your lid.

• Snow Skirt: Integrated and grippy, preventing snow ingress on deep powder days.

The Salomon Spectral with PrimaLoft ThermoPlume is a compelling hybrid: down-like warmth, synthetic durability, and ski-focused features make it a versatile pick for serious winter users. If you prioritize wet-weather performance and active comfort over the absolute lightest down loft, this jacket is worth considering.