We reviewed the previous incarnation of the Spirt last year and found to be a very slim fit - this year's is no different so you may need to think about going up a size if you decide this is the shell for you.
Made from premium three-layer Gore-Tex fabric the Spirit is highly waterproof, windproof and breathable and has a real feel of hard wearing quality about it.
The Spirit's helmet-compatible fixed hood was one of the best we tested in terms of fit - cinch it up tight against the elements and it moves with you superbly, providing excellent peripheral vision.
There's a very limited supply of pockets - Odlo have done away with the chest pocket on last year's Spirit so all you get are two modestly sized, zipped hand pockets, a small zipped mesh inner pocket and a zipped lift pass pocket on the left sleeve. This won't suit everyone but given that the Spirit is aimed at the kind of rider who invariably skis with a pack it's not really a big deal. With this in mind it is surprising that the Spirit doesn't come with pit zips though.
You get a fixed powder skirt with handy popper attachments to prevent it flapping around when not in use, Velcro adjustable cuffs and adjustable hem and that's about it in terms of features.
If you like your ski wear to be plain and functional the Spirit will appeal, and for freeriders and backcountry types it's a good choice as long as you don't mind the lack of pit zips for when things start to heat up.
