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.
5. Burton Doppler Gore-Tex
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Affordable, durable, Living Lining, handwarmer pockets, pit vents, stretch gaiter
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 2L
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$
The Burton Doppler Gore-Tex is a solid option for any skier looking for a more affordable Gore-Tex jacket.
This one comes with a solid and durable construction, so you’ll get plenty of use out of an already good value.
The 2-layer Gore-Tex membrane gives you excellent waterproofing capabilities while also keeping the jacket breathable. A Living Lining material provides adaptive warming and cooling properties.
Burton is technically a snowboarding brand, so this model might not appeal to any skiing purists out there. It’s still well worth considering if you want an affordable Gore-Tex jacket.
How to Choose The Best Gore-Tex Jacket for Skiing
Here are some helpful things to keep in mind when choosing the best Gore-Tex jackets for skiing.
Strength
A high-quality ski jacket needs to be able to take a beating. It doesn’t matter if you only go for short runs or spend all day in the snow; your clothes will get hit with the moisture of some kind.
You need a jacket that can take those hits without wearing or breaking down. It is also essential to look for windproof options or jackets with reinforced materials. Gore-tex is a good first line of defense here, but pay attention to the rest of the construction as well.
Weight
A ski jacket needs to be sturdy, but you don’t want a cumbersome item that will weigh you down. When picking out premium winter clothing, it is easy to go with the models with the most protection.
While that is important, you should always consider a jacket’s weight before making your final decision. Light models with strong construction tend to be the sweet spot. You can get something sturdier, just make sure it allows you to move.
Insulation
The amount of insulation a jacket has dictates how warm it will be. While impressive on the surface, many models simply do not do a good job of locking the cold out. Shell-style designs are preferred by some skiers because you can use layers with them when needed.
Look for jackets that have internal padding or extra layers that will keep you warm in a range of different environments if you want extra warmth. Synthetic insulation will add another layer of protection against the elements that can work well with Gore-Tex outer shells.
Useful Tips & Resources
Even if you know what Gore-Tex is and how it works, it is not easy to explain. This guide gives you the low-down on all the different types of Gore-Tex and explains why they work in the way they do.
Gore-Tex jackets can be pretty expensive, and that’s the price you pay for getting all of the fantastic features that the material provides. But you don’t want this investment to break down prematurely.
If you wash a Gore-Tex jacket like a regular clothing item, you risk ruining its waterproofing properties, which nobody wants to have happen. Check out the video below for some tips on taking care of a Gore-Tex jacket.
Final Verdict
The Outdoor Research Hemispheres is my pick for the best overall Gore-Tex ski jacket of the year. This is an outstanding model that delivers excellent protection from the wind and snow and a range of other features that skiers of all kinds can take advantage of.
Gore-Tex is an amazing material that I like to have in all of my outer skiing layers – jacket and pants included. Every option you see on this list features this material, and the end result is a coat you can count on to keep you warm and dry.