Gore-Tex Ski Jacket Buyer's Guide

At Arc’teryx, we know a thing or two about staying warm. And given our roots in the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, we also know that keeping warm means keeping dry, which no one does better than GORE-TEX. For years, Arc’teryx and GORE-TEX have collaborated to create the best ski jackets with maximum durability, breathability, and of course, waterproofing.

Choosing the right ski jacket depends on your ski style, and we don’t just mean fashion. Whether you’re skiing at a resort in the Sierras, backcountry in the Rockies, or big mountain skiing in the Alps, you’ll want a distinct balance of insulation, ventilation, and fit.

In this guide, we’ll cover the key features to look for in a good ski jacket, shell vs. insulated options, and the best Arc’teryx GORE-TEX ski jackets for every environment.

Why a GORE-TEX Ski Jacket Is Essential for Skiing

Depending on where you’re skiing and what your goals are, you’ll have different needs when it comes to your jackets and technical outerwear. Ultra wet conditions, high altitudes, and varied temperature ranges will all influence these priorities, which is why the best ski jacket is the one that’s best for you specifically.

For outerwear in all seasons, GORE-TEX has set the gold standard when it comes to balancing waterproofing and breathability. At its simplest, GORE-TEX is a waterproof membrane that keeps water out (think snow, sleet, and rain) but also allows water vapor to escape (think sweat). While standard waterproofing keeps water out, it also traps moisture in, leaving you damp and cold once you start sweating.

The Key Features That Define a Great GORE-TEX Ski Jacket

GORE-TEX membranes have tiny pores (20,000 times smaller than a water droplet) that are still big enough to allow water vapor out (700 times larger than a water molecule). For the best performance in any winter conditions, skiers need this combination of waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability. It’s also important to consider whether you want a lighter shell or warmer insulated jacket (or a three-in-one hybrid), as well as how the jacket will move with you.

Waterproofing & Breathability – The Core of GORE-TEX

Waterproof ratings range from below 5,000mm to above 25,000mm, with anything above 25,000mm considered completely waterproof. This rating system comes from testing in a lab how many millimeters of water a fabric can withstand in a 24-hour period before soaking through, but it mostly just means that higher numbers are more waterproof.

GORE-TEX Pro tends to be even more waterproof and breathable than standard GORE-TEX membranes. While most GORE-TEX has a protective polyurethane (PU) coating, GORE-TEX Pro is even more durable and abrasion-resistant without it.

We make all Arc’teryx GORE-TEX gear with fully sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and durable water repellent (DWR) coatings to prevent moisture from getting in. While other brands only critically tape the main seams, GORE-TEX requires fully sealed and taped seams to prevent even the smallest leaks. These fully sealed micro seams allow for greater flexibility, which reduces fabric wear, snags, and abrasions. While wide seams can make a jacket stiff, impeding movement or hindering visibility, micro seams let your jacket move with you.

While it’s important to keep external moisture out, it’s equally imperative to let any internal moisture escape. For this reason, backcountry skiers and other athletes prioritize air permeability in their clothing for maximum breathability and excess heat management.

Insulation vs. Shell – Which One Do You Need?

Along with water repellency and breathability, you also want to consider if you want full insulation or a shell. While insulated jackets keep you warmer, a lighter shell can be better for layering in different conditions.

When considering insulation options, you have the choice between down and synthetic insulation. While goose down is famously warm and light, it does not do well when wet. In rainy or snowy high moisture environments, synthetic insulation is often a better bet, since it can still keep you warm even if it gets damp. We perfected our Coreloft™ synthetic fill for this reason, insulating moisture-prone areas like jacket sleeves and armpits with our signature synthetic blend.

Especially if you opt for a shell jacket, it’s important to dial in your layering system, especially your mid layers. A good base layer wicks moisture away from your skin, while a good outer layer—like a GORE-TEX shell—keeps you dry. In between the two, your mid layer does the work of keeping you warm. When optimizing your layers, consider temperature ranges and exertion levels to ensure your mid layer is warm enough without being too warm.

Mobility & Fit – Range of Motion Matters

As we’ve mentioned, your gear should move with you, not the other way around. We design our jackets with stretchy fabric to be flexible and adaptable. While rigid materials and wide seams restrict movement, micro seams enhance mobility, allowing the garment to move as you do.

We know good ski jackets are designed by skiers, for skiers. That’s why all of our outerwear features a helmet-compatible hood and adjustable sleeve cuffs. From regular to relaxed and freeride, we also make our gear in a variety of fits for different skiing styles and personal comfort.

Choosing the Right GORE-TEX Ski Jacket for Your Skiing Style

Whether you’re dropping into 14,000 ft. peaks in the San Juans or braving sleet in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve got you covered. From resorts to the backcountry, here are some of our favorite jackets.

Best GORE-TEX Ski Jacket for Resort Skiing

Despite what backcountry purists might say, ski resorts make the best of skiing accessible. Also, we love a good chairlift. The best resort jackets provide warmth and insulation while still allowing you to move freely and get your turns in.

Designed for cold days in-bounds, the Macai Jacket delivers serious warmth and weather protection with a refined, resort look. Goose down insulation keeps you warm even on frigid lift rides, and the GORE-TEX outer layer protects you from whatever conditions of wind, rain, and snow you’re playing in. The insulated and helmet-compatible DropHood™ can be removed on clear days, and mesh-lined PowderGuard™ underarm vents let out excess heat without letting snow in.

Built specifically for women skiers, the Andessa Down Jacket combines fully waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX fabric with breathability and easy movement. By combining down and synthetic insulation, the Andessa ensures you stay both warm and dry, using Down Composite Mapping to optimize synthetic Coreloft™ where you need it most: the wet spots along the hem, hood, and underarms. Down Contour LT™ puts 750 fill European Goose down at the core and sleeves for optimal warmth, and a removable powder skirt, PowderGuard™ mesh vents, and a mesh-backed WaterTight™ front zip prevent snow from getting in but allow heat to escape.The Andessa’s shorter length allows for easy layering and mobility, ensuring you’re ready to tackle whatever conditions the mountain has in store that day. The down-insulated collar around the neck offers next-level warmth, along with the storm-ready hood, insulated and adjustable to fit over ski helmets. For those dreamy bluebird days, it’s also removable.

Best GORE-TEX Jacket for Freeride & Big Mountain Skiing

Nothing compares to the exhilaration and freedom of carving fresh tracks in untouched snow. For freeride skiing, you need a jacket that’s going to breathe with you on the way up and fly with you on the way down. Features like breathable panels, robust seams, and reinforced shoulders for carrying heavy packs will keep you warm without overheating on your ascent, regardless of the conditions the mountain throws at you. And of course, you need a jacket designed with high-speed descents and off-piste terrain in mind.

Enter the Sabre Jacket, Arc’teryx’s iconic men’s freeride jacket built for the backcountry. Made to meet the mountain’s biggest obstacles and turn them into features, the Sabre’s strong, breathable N80p-X 3L ePE GORE-TEX fabric shuts out wind and wet snow so skiers can throw down whatever line they want without worrying about their gear. As one of the best ski touring jackets out there, it’s made to move with you with articulated patterning shaping a clean but unrestrictive fit. The StormHood™ adjusts to maximize peripheral vision in winter storms when you need it most, and the RECCO™ reflector is there to help in search and rescue situations.

For female freeskiers looking for a durable and versatile go-to layer, look no further than the Sentinel Insulated Jacket. Like the Sabre, the Sentinel uses sturdy yet lightweight N80p-X 3L ePE GORE-TEX fabric for maximal weatherproofing with optimal breathability. It’s insulated with 100% recycled Coreloft™ Compact Gold, keeping you warm even if the conditions are wet. WaterTight™ pit zips offer extra ventilation and breathability while the integrated powder skirt keeps snow out. The helmet-friendly StormHood™ tightens up securely for full coverage while still providing exceptional visibility, and an embedded RECCO® reflector aids in emergencies.

Last but certainly not least, both jackets have big, deep pockets for summit snacks.

Best Ski Touring Jacket – Lightweight & Breathable for Backcountry

Like freeriders, backcountry skiers need the perfect blend of waterproofing and breathability. Features like pit zips, lightweight materials, and flexible designs are essential to regulate body heat.

As our lightest weight shell with GORE-TEX PRO, the Rush is a big mountain jacket for big mountain performance. Using the strongest fabric available from the geniuses at Gore, GORE-TEX PRO provides extreme weatherproofing while still being lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Again, the helmet-compatible StormHood™ offers additional coverage for wind and precipitation with minimal vision impairment.

For women looking for a similarly versatile shell, the Sentinel Jacket also comes uninsulated, perfect for layering and maximum breathability. Built for freeski touring and patterned for a full range of motion in the backcountry, the Sentinel Jacket features a warm flannel lining instead of full insulation. The integrated powder skirt keeps that blower powder floating up the back of the jacket. Don’t worry—it still comes with a helmet-compatible StormHood™ and WaterTight™ pit zips for rapid ventilation during the climb. As a bonus, Slide’n Loc™ attachments link this GORE-TEX ski jacket to the Sentinel Pant, creating a snowproof system ready to rock the steepest runs you can throw at it.

Essential Features to Look for in a GORE-TEX Ski Jacket

Powder Skirt & Snow Protection

A removable powder skirt is helpful for switching between resorts and the backcountry. When you get off the groomed trails, you want that additional protection to keep snow from getting up your jacket or down your pants. Some jackets have built-in, integrated powder skirts instead of detachable ones, so choose the option that works best for you. If powder skirts really aren’t your thing, you can consider bib pants instead to keep pesky snow out.

Helmet-Compatible Hood & Storm Protection

Not everyone likes wearing a hood, mostly because they can be uncomfortable and restrict vision. Luckily for them, we’ve been there and accounted for that. All of our best GORE-TEX ski jackets come with an adjustable Stormhood™ that fits over a ski helmet for added safety and warmth. Its adjustable drawcords mean you can loosen or tighten in one pull, and the structured brims ensure your lines of sight aren’t compromised by floppy fabric. It’s everything you love without anything you don’t.

Pockets, Vents, & Extra Functionalities

When it comes to gear, everyone has their own preferences, and this is especially true when it comes to pockets. While resort skiers need a place to store their wallet, keys, and phone, backcountry skiers might need their goodies more accessible—you want to have the goggles, sunglasses, skins, and snacks close at hand. For avalanche safety, your phone pocket should be nowhere near your beacon to prevent any potential interference with radio, cellular, or electronic signals while using an avalanche transceiver. For these reasons, we use both chest and arm pockets to provide multiple gear-friendly storage options.

Temperature regulation is one of the biggest challenges of winter in the backcountry. No matter how breathable your gear is, pit zips can be helpful for venting excess heat quickly when you’re pushing hard, climbing fast, or scrambling up ridgelines in search of fresh snow. For resort skiers, they can also be helpful for pass pocket accessibility. Other helpful safety features like RECCO reflectors can aid search and rescue teams in emergency situations.

Arc’teryx GORE-TEX Ski Jackets: Performance Picks

Best Overall Men’s Ski Jacket – Arc’teryx Sabre

• Key features: GORE-TEX fabric, adjustable hood, relaxed freeride fit.
• Ideal for: All-mountain & freeride skiing.

Best Women’s Resort Ski Jacket – Arc’teryx Andessa Down Jacket

• Features: GORE-TEX shell, down insulation, stylish & functional.
• Ideal for: Cold resort skiing & deep winter days.

Best Ski Touring Jacket – Arc’teryx Rush Jacket

• Features: GORE-TEX Pro shell, lightweight design, breathable.
• Ideal for: Backcountry & high-output skiing.

Warmest Ski Jacket – Arc’teryx Macai Jacket

• Features: Synthetic + down insulation, fully waterproof, high warmth.
• Ideal for: Cold resort days & in-bounds skiing.

Pro Skier Eric Hjorleifson on What Makes the Best Ski Jacket

Eric Hjorleifson is one of the most dynamic big mountain skiers alive. Affectionately nicknamed 'Hoji', this Canadian skier was born and raised in Canmore, Alberta but now calls Whistler home. His ability to navigate terrifying terrain with seemingly playful ease is unmatched.

Since he’s also an obsessive tinkerer, it was only a matter of time before Hoji and Arc’teryx would team up to design the best ski gear together. The humble Hoji has made his mark in product design with boots, skis, and the best GORE-TEX ski jackets.

While Hoji was skiing blue ice in Austria and testing gear, he gave us insight into what makes the best ski shell jacket on the planet. Here’s what he had to say.

4 Features Hoji Looks for in GORE-TEX Ski Jackets

For himself, Hoji loves the Rush Jacket. “That jacket is such a dream,” he says. “It’s super light, it's packable, it's like a lightly insulated, lightweight shell.” Considering climate, geography, and terrain, here are four key features Hoji looks for in ski jackets.

1. gREAT pOCKETS

“I think the pocket layout is the big one. I've always been a strong supporter of these big mesh dump pockets inside for gloves, goggles, skins, whatever,” he says. “I've tried lots of different configurations with pockets on the outside of waterproof ski jackets. They've tried different things, but I really like a good chest pocket and an exterior one. I don't care about hand pockets that you would normally have on casual wear jackets. The other one I've been pushing on mid layers is some kind of envelope for a ski pass on the sleeve.”

2. Long Live

“I want to have a good length to my jacket for skiing,” Hoji says. “Many GORE-TEX ski jackets are pretty short, which is great for using a harness and that kind of stuff, but that's not really in my wheelhouse for the most part. So, I'd prefer to have a bit longer length, just to keep the boys warm!”

3. All Good in the Hood

“Arc’teryx has always done a very good job with hoods on their GORE-TEX insulated ski jackets,” he says. “They're very easy to use. They’re big enough for whatever you might have on your head. They always have a good system that cinches them down.”

4. Healthy Venting

Hoji is a big proponent of breathability and venting options that don’t compromise waterproof protection. “Most of the time I just have my softshell and it’s breathable enough,” he says. “Yes, if you're in a really wet situation, you need to wear a hardshell on the climb and that could use pit zips...but that's not a situation I aim to be in very often!”

3 Features Hoji Hates in a Ski Jacket

Not everyone loves every feature. As one of the best big mountain skiers of all time, Eric Hjorleifson has a lot of credibility. He also has a lot of opinions but, remember: they are just his opinions. Hoji himself reminds us that “Everyone has their preference.” Without further ado, here are a few of his least favorite things.

1. Pit Zips That Don’t Seal Properly

“I am not a fan of and never have used pit zips. For me, it's a waste of weight and material and build,” he says.

2. Bulky Powder Skirts

“I've never used powder skirts and cut them out of every single jacket I’ve owned because I use bib pants,” he says.

3. Unnecessary Integrated Gear Systems

“Ski touring especially is difficult enough as is,” Hoji says. “I would never spend the time to work with all the integrated stuff, like the GORE-TEX ski jackets that clip to your pants. There are already so many things... gear and skins and goggles and gloves. I don’t want to deal with more. I don't like overcomplexity in GORE-TEX ski jackets like too many pockets or insulated powder skirts... all this stuff because I don't need any of it. It's just extra weight and bulk that can be failing points. Simplicity is good, especially in jackets.”

Final Buying Tips: Picking the Right GORE-TEX Ski Jacket for You

Depending on your ski style and regional climate, you need a ski jacket that works for you, keeping you dry in the wettest conditions and warm in the coldest (but not too warm). Whether you’ll be skiing mostly at resorts or in the backcountry, Arc’teryx has you covered. From insulated jackets to lighter weight shells, we have spent decades perfecting our ski jacket design for maximum durability and performance. Find your new favorite jacket today so you can get out there.