A jacket without a powder skirt can be a great choice—it just depends on how and where you ride. Without that elasticized band around the inside hem, the jacket will be lighter, less bulky, and more comfortable for high-energy days when you're hiking, touring, or lapping the park in warmer weather.
The tradeoff is straightforward: if you take a tumble in deep snow, powder will sneak up under your jacket and leave you with a cold, wet waistline. That's why skipping the powder skirt works best for spring riding, park sessions, backcountry touring, or mild-climate groomer days when deep snow isn't really a factor.
If you mostly ride fresh powder or you're still falling a lot as a newer rider, you'll probably want that seal. But if your typical day involves warm temps, hiking for hits, or just cruising hardpack, a jacket without a powder skirt keeps things simple and comfortable.
