Best Arc’teryx Ski Jacket | 2024 Freeride, Backcountry, Touring & Resort options

Let’s be honest: choosing the best jacket for skiing or snowboarding is a highly subjective matter. Your jacket choice will be influenced by a number of factors, including whether you typically ski resorts or backcountry, the typical climate and weather conditions of your preferred ski destinations, how often you ski, and your budget. With the 2024-2025 ski season upon us, we’ve gone through Arc’teryx’s latest lineup of hardshells, softshells and insulated shells to help choose the best Arc’teryx ski jacket for you. 

Summary

• Best overall Arc’teryx ski jacket for men: Sabre Jacket
• Best overall Arc'teryx ski jacket for women: Sentinel Jacket Women's
• Best Arc’teryx ski jacket for extreme conditions: Sabre SV Jacket
• Best Arc’teryx ski jacket for touring and the backcountry: Rush Jacket
• Best Arc'teryx ski jacket for the park and pipe: Sabre Relaxed Anorak
• Best down insulated Arc’teryx ski jacket: Fissile SV Down Jacket
• Best synthetic insulated Arc’teryx ski jacket: Sabre Insulated Jacket
• Best do-everything Arc’teryx shell that can be used for skiing: Alpha SV
• Best Arc’teryx ski jacket on a "budget": Beta AR 

One of our favorite tools is Arc'tery's Jacket Finder: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/mens

Best overall Arc’teryx ski jacket for men: Sabre Jacket

Let’s say you want a waterproof, windproof, breathable Gore-Tex ski shell with all the most important snowsport features, but you don’t need the extreme durability and breathability of Gore-Tex Pro. Hello, Arc’teryx Sabre Jacket. For $150 less than the Sabre SV, you’ll get a fully capable and, honestly, a bit more comfortable on the body 3L Gore-Tex ePE hardshell with a flannel backer (liner). That backer adds some weight (the Sabre is heavier than the Sabre SV as a result) and not a lot of warmth, but we don’t find that it hampers our freedom of movement on the slopes, either. 

The Sabre mirrors the Sabre SV across most ski features, with the exception of eliminating the exterior zippered chest pocket, shortening the torso length, and swapping the two-way zipper for a one-way version. Otherwise, you get a powder skirt, RFID pass sleeve pocket, handwarmer pockets, internal dump pockets, and Arc’teryx’s fantastic helmet-compatible StormHood. And with an 80-denier plain weave nylon face fabric, the Sabre isn’t exactly a slouch when it comes to abrasion resistance and durability.  

• MSRP: $750
• Fabric: 80D 3L Gore-Tex ePE
• Insulation: None
• Hood: Helmet-compatible StormHood
• Features: RFID sleeve pass pocket; pit zips; non-removable powder skirt; RECCO reflector; internal dump pockets; handwarmer pockets 
• What we like: Gore-Tex ePE is lighter weight and less “crunchy” than Gore-Tex Pro
• What we don’t: Sleeves tend to run long; lack of external chest pocket is a small nitpick 
• Others to consider: Sabre SV, Rush, Macai 
• Women’s version: Sentinel Jacket

Best overall Arc'teryx ski jacket for women: Sentinel Jacket

The venerable Arc'teryx Sentinel Jacket is essentially the women's version of the popular Sabre Jacket (our pick for best overall ski jacket for men). With the latest iteration of Gore-Tex's PFAS-free waterproof, windproof, and breathable fabric, the Sentinel has an 80-denier face fabric that strikes the right balance between durability and comfort. Note that Arc'teryx describes the jacket's backer material as "flannel," but don't expect a soft, fuzzy lining. And while the backer certainly has a softer feel to it than more traditional Gore-Tex liners, temper your expectations. 

The Sentinel's ski-specific features include a powder skirt, helmet-compatible StormHood, internal dump pocket, RFID pass sleeve pocket, pit zips for ventilation, and an articulated cut for ease of movement. It's a top-tier shell that should provide years of reliable performance at the resort and in the backcountry. 

• MSRP: $750
• Fabric: 80D 3L Gore-Tex ePE Gen 2
• Insulation: None
• Hood: Helmet-compatible StormHood
• Features: RFID sleeve pass pocket; pit zips; non-removable powder skirt; RECCO reflector; internal dump pocket; internal zippered pocket; handwarmer pockets 
• What we like: Gore-Tex ePE is lighter weight and less “crunchy” than Gore-Tex Pro
• What we don’t: Sleeves tend to run long; lack of external chest pocket is a small nitpick 
• Others to consider: Rush Jacket, Nita Shell Jacket, Sidewinder Jacket

Here's how Arc'teryx compares all four of our top women's models: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000008891/X000005677/X000007203/X000007362

Best Arc’teryx ski jacket for extreme conditions: Sabre SV

The Sabre SV (Severe Weather) is the Cadillac of Arc’teryx’s ski shell lineup. It’s the longest, toughest - with its 100-denier abrasion-resistant nylon outer - and most stormproof ski and snowboard jacket in the brand’s increasingly large snowsports collection. The 3L Gore-Tex Pro membrane is as waterproof as it gets, and may in fact be overkill for casual skiers or those who tend to stay in when the weather gets nasty. For some perspective, the N100D Gore-Tex Pro on the Sabre SV is a higher denier than almost every other jacket on this list. The denser weave of the face fabric makes the jacket more crinkly and less flexible - a trade-off for the enhanced durability the Sabre SV provides. 

At 595 grams (1lb, 5oz), the Sabre SV is noticeably heavier than the Rush Jacket. We don’t tend to notice that extra weight once we’re shredding, but it’s there nonetheless. The Sabre SV has all the requisite ski-specific features you’d want and expect from a $900 shell, including an integrated powder skirt, a RFID pass sleeve pocket, internal dump pockets, a helmet-compatible StormHood, and pit zips for ventilation. 

Its regular fit is typical for a non-insulated hardshell that needs room to accommodate baselayers and midlayers, but we still find the sizing to be a bit generous in the sleeves and shoulders, even after considering the range of motion needed for skiing and snowboarding. That said, I’m still a medium in all Arc’teryx products, including the Sabre SV. All in all, it's a top-notch ski jacket that should provide years of dependable use in all manner of winter skiing conditions - from blizzard to bluebird.  

• MSRP: $900
• Fabric: N100D Gore-Tex Pro 
• Insulation: None
• Hood: Helmet-compatible StormHood
• Features: RFID sleeve pass pocket; pit zips; non-removable powder skirt; RECCO reflector; internal dump pockets; external chest pocket; handwarmer pockets; two-way main zipper
• What we like: The Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro is virtually stormproof, and the durable 100-denier fabric will stand up to years of hard-charging pow chasing 
• What we don’t: The fit is just a tad too roomy in the shoulders and sleeves (consider sizing down if you're between sizes); jacket is heavier and stiffer than many other shells
• Others to consider: Sabre, Rush

Best Arc’teryx ski jacket for touring and the backcountry: Rush Jacket

The Rush Jacket is Arc’teryx at its best: highly technical in performance yet minimalist in design. Specifically designed for backcountry skiing and riding, the Rush has the same top-end 3L Gore-Tex Pro waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane as the Sabre SV but in a lighter weight 80-denier construction. And yes, you can feel the weight difference between the two models, with the Rush coming in a full 80 grams (about 3 ounces) lighter.  

Some of that weight was saved by not including a powder skirt, but that’s about the only snowsport feature that got the ax. The Rush has extra wide internal dump pockets more than capable of holding your skins on the descent and appropriately placed handpockets accessible while wearing your pack. In a nod to the Rush’s capability to serve as your one-quiver ski and snowboard shell, it also has an RFID pass sleeve pocket for resort days.Two-way pit zips for easy ventilation, a helmet-compatible StormHood, and an articulated cut designed to move with your body on the up as well as the down round out some of our favorite Rush features. 

If touring is a regular part of your winter routine, the Rush Jacket is an easy choice. Plus, you just might like it enough to serve as your resort shell, too.    

• MSRP: $700
• Fabric: N80D 3L Gore-Tex Pro
• Insulation: None
• Hood: Helmet-compatible StormHood
• Features: Two-way pit zips; spacious hand pockets and internal dump pockets; RFID pass sleeve pocket; articulated cut for touring
• What we like: Lightweight construction that is both incredibly durable and comfortable to wear
• What we don’t: Lack of powder skirt may annoy some, but not us bib-wearers; has that Gore-Tex crunch that lacks the softness of some other weatherproof membranes
• Others to consider: Sabre SV, Sabre
• Women’s version: Rush Jacket Women’s

Best Arc’teryx ski jacket for the park and pipe: Sabre Relaxed Anorak

Anorak-style jackets aren’t for everyone, but they certainly have their fans. Knowing that, Arc’teryx took its stalwart Sabre ski shell line and released the Sabre Relaxed Anorak jacket for the 2024-2025 season. For those unfamiliar, “anorak” refers to a style of pullover hooded jackets inspired by those worn by indigenous Arctic peoples. Accordingly, the Sabre Relaxed Anorak has a half-zipper in front that gives way to a large, side-accessed external kangaroo pocket over the abdomen. To help with interior access as well as getting the jacket on and off, the three-way right-side pit zips extend all the way to the hem. 

From a technical standpoint, the Sabre Relaxed Aronak features a stunningly durable 200-denier face fabric with a 3L Gore-Tex ePE waterproof, windproof, and breathable membrane. The canvas-like texture of the nylon face fabric is noticeably heavier than your typical Arc’teryx ski shell - including others in the vaunted Sabre line. Another key distinction of the Sabre Relaxed Anorak: Arc’teryx took the term “relaxed” to heart in the fit of this shell. Presumably for style over function, this Anorak is long and loose-fitting. And with neither a powder skirt nor hem adjusters, it might be better for days in the park rather than excursions in deep pow or the backcountry.  

All of that said, the Sabre Relaxed Anorak is your sole Arc’teryx option for a Gore-Tex-protected pullover ski and snowboard shell. Steez on, players.  

• MSRP: $800
• Fabric: 200D 3L Gore-Tex ePE 
• Insulation: None
• Hood: Helmet-compatible StormHood
• Features: Pit zips; RFID pass sleeve pocket; front kangaroo pocket; 
• What we like: Front kangaroo pocket offers tons of easily accessible external storage
• What we don’t: Relaxed fit may be too relaxed for many 
• Others to consider: None in the anorak style
• Women’s version: Sentinel Insulated Anorak and Sentinel Relaxed Jacket

Best down-insulated Arc’teryx ski jacket: Fissile SV Down Jacket & Fissile Down Jacket 

We much prefer non-insulated ski jackets to insulated ones because we like tweaking our layering needs on a day-by-day basis dependent on the weather and our planned activity (resort laps, touring, etc.). Insulated jackets like the Fissile SV and its trimmed down sibling, the Fissile, largely take away that flexibility. But if an insulated Gore-Tex ski jacket is what you’re after, the Fissile SV Down Jacket and Fissile Down Jacket are excellent choices.

Remembering that SV stands for Severe Weather in Arc'teryx lexicon, the Fissile SV is your choice for resort skiing in frigid cold. With 195 grams of 750 fill-power European grey goose down beneath a 3L Gore-Tex ePE Gen 2 weatherproof membrane, this jacket is crazy warm. All that lofty down makes for a fairly snug fit, so you won't have as much room for baselayers and midlayers as you would under a non-insulated shell. Did we mention the Fissile SV is warm? As such, it's not a good choice for mild temperatures or sunny spring days. Those pit zips can only dump so much body heat. 

Enter the Fissile Down Jacket, which has about half the amount of 750 fill-power down as the SV (105 grams vs 195 grams). Less down means less warmth but also a less bulky fit. The Fissile also has a 3L Gore-Tex ePE membrane, and like the SV it employs an 80-denier plain weave recycled nylon face fabric, which is pleasantly soft to the touch.

Both Fissile models come with RFID pass sleeve pockets, pit zips for ventilation, helmet-compatible (and removable!) hoods, removable powder skirts, two internal dump pockets, and an internal zippered chest pocket

Here's how Arc'teryx compares the Fissile SV Down Jacket to the Fissile Down Jacket: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000008488/X000008481

• MSRP: $1,100 (Fissile SV), $900 (Fissile)
• Fabric: 3L Gore-Tex ePE with 80-denier plain weave nylon
• Insulation: 750 fill-power goose down (195g Fissile SV vs 105g Fissile)
• Weight: 2 lbs, 10.3 oz (Fissile SV), 2 lbs, 4.4 oz (Fissile)
• Hood: Insulated, helmet-compatible and removable hood
• Features: Removable powder skirt; pit zips; RFID pass sleeve pocket; internal dump pockets; internal chest pocket
• What we like: Practically guaranteed to keep you warm on cold lift-served days
• What we don’t: The SV version gives off that Michelen man vibe in both looks and feel
• Others to consider: Macai Insulated Jacket (currently unavailable); Beta Down Insulated Jacket
• Women’s version: Nita Down Jacket and Andessa Down Mid Jacket

Best synthetic insulated Arc’teryx ski jacket: Sabre Insulated Jacket

We won’t repeat what we said above about our preference for non-insulated ski shells, but we want the record to reflect our position. But we also know there are plenty of skiers and riders who like an insulated option in their closet. While natural down insulation tends to be warmer and loftier (i.e. puffier) than synthetic insulation, it also doesn’t breathe as well and becomes relatively useless when wet. Arc'teryx best synthetic insulated ski-specific jacket is another from the Sabre line - the Sabre Insulated Jacket.  

The Sabre Insulated Jacket retains almost all of the ski-specific features of the non-insulated Sabre shells (powder skirt, pass pocket, pit zips, helmet-compatible hood, etc.), so you're getting a reliable on-mountain performer specifically designed for skiing and riding. The insulation is Arc'teryx's proprietary Coreloft Compact 80 synthetic polyester, which breathes better than down without being as warm. For context, Coreloft 80 is similar in weight to what Arc'teryx uses in the core of the popular Atom Hoody and Atom Jacket. On the outside of the Sabre Insulated Jacket is a two-layer Gore-Tex membrane that is waterproof and windproof but not as robust at the three-layer Gore-Tex membranes used in shell-only versions of the Sabre. Will you notice? Under typical resort use, not likely. 

Here's how Arc'teryx compares the Sabre Insulated Jacket vs Beta Insulated Jacket vs Rush Insulated Jacket: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007183/X000008885/X000007394

• MSRP: $850
• Fabric: N80p-X Gore-Tex 2L
• Insulation: Coreloft Compact 80 synthetic insulation
• Hood: Insulated, helmet-compatible StormHood
• Features: Powder skirt, pit zips with mesh backing, internal dump pocket, internal zippered chest pocket, RFID pass sleeve pocket
• What we like: All the ski-specific features we want in a shell that feels relatively lightweight for an insulated jacket
• What we don’t: 2L Gore-Tex isn't as robust as the three-layer varieties in other Sabre shells
• Others to consider: Beta Insulated Jacket, Rush Insulated Jacket
• Women’s version: Sentinel Insulated Jacket

Best Arc’teryx jacket that can also be used for skiing: Alpha SV

The Alpha SV is the OG Arc'teryx mountaineering jacket and perhaps the toughest hardshell made by the brand. This beast is made for alpine pursuits - its 100-denier Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro outer is highly abrasion resistant but also heavy and stiff relative to most other shells in Arc’teryx’s extensive lineup.

And while the Alpha SV will protect you from whatever Mother Nature throws your way, it's not designed with skiers and snowboarders at top of mind. It lacks many of the snowsports feature you might want in a jacket for regular use on the slopes, though it does have an upper sleeve pocket for your RFID pass and a helmet-compatible StormHood. But if you want a do-it-all shell for everything from ice climbing to alpine mountaineering to occasional skiing and riding, the Alpha SV could be your unicorn. 

• MSRP: $900
• Fabric: N100d 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro
• Insulation: None
• Hood: Helmet-compatible StormHood
• Ski-specific features: None
• What we like: Bombproof technical hardshell that can stand up to the harshest alpine conditions
• What we don’t: The 100d face fabric is heavy and tough, not our favorite for regular ski use
• Others to consider: Beta AR
• Women's version: Alpha SV Jacket Women's

Best Arc’teryx ski jacket on a "budget": Beta AR

Arc’teryx is a premium outdoor brand that commands premium prices, so the term “budget” is relative here. But compared to the $700-and-up price tags on our other recommended Arc’teryx ski jackets, the $600 cost of the Beta AR is at least a savings you can put to your overpriced resort lunch and beer when it’s time to hit the slopes. 

The Beta AR (All-round) is the top shell in Arc'teryx's vaunted Beta series. It's an ideal jacket for spring, summer and fall adventures, and it'll work on the slopes, too, if it must. Its Gore-Tex Pro fabric is guaranteed to keep moisture and wind out, but you won't find much else designed for the resort. So, if you ski or ride more than a couple times a season, the Beta AR is going to fall short in a number of areas, including length, fit and lack of ski-specific features (such as RFID pass sleeve pocket, powder skirt, etc.). But if you're a very occasional skier looking to drop coin on a shell that will pull double-duty for your year-round outdoor pursuits, you could do a lot worse than the Beta AR. 

• MSRP: $600
• Fabric: N40d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro with N80d reinforcements 
• Insulation: None
• Hood: Both StormHood and DropHood models are available (click here to read our article on their differences)
• Ski-specific features: None
• What we like: Solid lightweight and stormproof performer, all year long
• What we don’t: Lack of snowsport features and shorter torso length make it less than ideal for regular ski use
• Women’s version: Beta AR Women’s