There are many ski jackets on the market, and they come from a range of different brands and companies, and nearly all of them utilize Gore-Tex. The innovative material, first developed in 1969, is both breathable and waterproof – two aspects that make it perfect for skiing.
I’ve been skiing for decades and have used many different types of equipment and clothing materials over the years. I’m a big fan of Gore-Tex and know how well the material performs in all kinds of winter conditions.
The Outdoor Research Hemispheres is my choice for the best Gore-Tex ski jacket of the year. This model utilizes stretch technology alongside a Gore-Tex shell to give you outstanding comfort and performance all over the mountain.
There are a handful of other great Gore-Tex jackets out there, and I’ll list all of the best options in the post. If you are looking for the ultimate way to block out the snow, wind, and cold, the jackets here will undoubtedly help.
Let’s get after it.
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Who Should Get This
Skiers looking for heavy protection from the elements will love Gore-Tex jackets. Though all ski clothes combat the snow, few of them manage to do it like the models listed here. Gore-Tex repels all types of moisture, including snow, fog, and rain.
If you often find yourself out in harsh winter conditions, or if you find moisture to be a problem with your normal gear, a Gore-Tex jacket will help.
Gore-Tex options are also great for more active skiers who need good ventilation during their runs. The breathable material cuts down on sweat, which keeps your body warmer for more extended periods of time.
Best Gore-Tex Ski Jackets: Top Picks
Here are my picks for the best Gore-Tex ski jackets of the year. Every model below is built using this fantastic material and offers outstanding protection from the wind and snow.
1. Outdoor Research Hemispheres
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Comfortable, durable, extremely water and windproof, TorsoFlo venting, stretch hood
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 3L
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$$$
The Outdoor Research Hemispheres is the best Gore-Tex ski jacket of the year. This model has been around for a while, and the latest version lives up to an already strong reputation.
This jacket features heavy amounts of Gore-Tex material for exceptional protection from the elements. It has a Gore-Tex 3-layer membrane that is effective, to say the least, and also a Gore C-knit lining that adds another layer of protection.
The face fabric also includes stretch technology that makes the Hemispheres extraordinarily comfortable, and it won’t restrict your movements on the mountain in any way.
TorsoFlo venting ensures that you won’t get overheated if you take this one into the backcountry, and that works really well with the already breathable nature of Gore-Tex in general.
This jacket is very expensive, but that’s about the only negative comment to mention.
2. Arc’teryx Beta SV
- Best for: Severe Conditions
- Key features: Strong, reliable, excellent protection from the elements, heavy Gore-Tex construction
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Pro
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$$$
If you head into the backcountry often or just want to be prepared for any condition that comes your way, the Arc’teryx Beta SV will have you covered through just about anything.
This extremely rugged and durable option features heavy Gore-Tex construction to protect you from the elements while remaining breathable and comfortable.
A Gore-Tex Pro membrane gives you an amazing first line of defense that will repel moisture and wind, even if you stay out in a blizzard all day long.
It also comes with WaterTight zippers to keep all of your belongings safe and dry and a helmet-compatible StormHood that is handy during severe conditions.
You will need to pay a pretty penny for this fantastic performance, which is a very costly option.
3. Arc’teryx Beta LT
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Women’s specific fit, lightweight, durable, excellent waterproofing, comfortable, breathable
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$$$
The Arc’teryx Beta LT is the best Gore-Tex ski jacket for women. This model comes with a women’s specific construction providing an excellent fit.
A Gore-Tex construction means that the Beta LT is sure to keep you dry, even if conditions are truly terrible. It’s also lightweight, so it is a good backcountry option.
This is another very durable option, making for a good investment that will last you for many years of consistent use.
It doesn’t come with many pockets, and it also has a very high price tag.
4. Spyder Leader Gore-Tex Insulated
- Best for: Warmth
- Key features: Very warm, durable, stylish, comfortable, stretch fabric, removable hood
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 2L
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Silver Eco 100 grams
- Cost: $$$
If you want a little extra warmth out of a Gore-Tex jacket, check out the Spyder Leader Gore-Tex Insulated coat.
This model comes with 100 grams of PrimaLoft Silver Eco insulation, which is sure to keep you nice and toasty even on sub zero days.
It also has a face fabric made out of a Gore-Tex laminate with a DWR treatment for outstanding waterproofing, and a stretch polyester weave makes it comfortable and non-restrictive.
The leader is a little bulky, which might not appeal to any skier looking for a slim-fitting option.