For most resort riders, critically seam-sealed is a solid choice and saves you money compared to fully taped jackets. It means the manufacturer tapes only the seams in high-exposure areas—like the shoulders, hood, and chest—where rain and snow hit hardest and are most likely to sneak in.
This approach hits a sweet spot for typical resort days with moderate snow and occasional storms. You get protection where it matters most without the added weight and cost of taping every single seam. For the majority of skiers and snowboarders riding groomers and lifts, that's plenty.
The catch is that in extreme conditions—think pouring rain, deep powder, or long storm days—water can find its way through untaped seams in less-exposed areas like the lower back or under the arms. If you regularly ride in wet climates or spend full days in heavy storms, fully seam-sealed is worth the upgrade. Otherwise, critically taped does the job just fine.