Arc’teryx Ski & Snowboard Review: The Answer to Mountain Weather

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Few outdoor brands are as revered as Arc’teryx. The dead bird logo is synonymous with performance in the mountains. It’s a badge of honour for everyone, from backcountry pioneers and powder hunters to those who expect the best gear.

Its origins, as well as its current dedication to innovation and craftsmanship, are rooted in the company’s seemingly simple mission statement: “There is always an easier way.” Arc’teryx was founded in 1989 by outdoorsman and avid climber Dave Lane. The company’s early years were focused on vertical rather than downhill pursuits. The company gained its reputation by revolutionizing the construction of climbing harnesses.

Arc’teryx, founded nearly 35 years ago, is still the only mountain apparel brand that can compete, especially in the snowsports industry. Their uncompromising approach, which is to create the best possible products regardless of price or complexity, can be seen in their exclusive manufacturing techniques and rigorous testing protocols. Each seam, zipper, and material is tested until it’s perfect.

Arc’teryx is one of the few brands that can claim to be the mountain’s best. I went to the Colorado Rockies to see for myself what makes Arc’teryx’s snowboard and ski gear so special.

Arc’teryx ascent in Snowsports

Arc’teryx’s transformation from a climbing specialist into a snowsports icon started with one Jacket. Alpha SV was not originally designed to be used for snowboarding or skiing. It was introduced in the 1990s. It was originally designed as an alpine shell for severe weather (“SV”) but quickly attracted the attention of mountain enthusiasts who saw its potential beyond vertical terrain. The Jacket’s construction is bombproof, and its thoughtful design features make it an ideal piece for anyone looking to protect themselves from harsh conditions and deep powder.

Arc’teryx was not surprised by this organic adoption of Alpha SV among the ski community. Based in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, where skiing and mountaineering often overlap, Arc’teryx saw an opportunity to design snowsports equipment that maintained its uncompromising approach to innovation and quality.

Arc’teryx’s entry into the ski industry was marked by the launch of their Descent collection, which coincided with the acquisition of Salomon in the same calendar year. This collection featured the iconic Sidewinder Jacket, which was designed with the WaterTight Zipper by the brand. The innovative design allowed for a higher collar placement while providing superior protection against the wind and snow.

In preparation for Fall/Winter 2011, the evolution was continued by rebranding the Snowsports line as “Whiteline”. The commitment to innovation was not affected by the name change. The collection included signature pieces such as the Sidewinder while also expanding to include more specialized designs, which have now become some of Arc’teryx’s best-selling jackets today. These include the Rush and Sabre Jackets. Whiteline was distinguished by its slightly boxier cut, which is optimized for riding movement and the more adventurous colour blocking. This was a departure from Arc’teryx’s minimalist aesthetic.

Arc’teryx’s systematic approach to mountain safety is what sets it apart from other brands. The Whiteline collection, like the Alpha series of the brand for alpinism, was designed as an integrated system, encompassing everything from mid-layers to hard shells and even avalanche safety equipment such as the Voltair backpack. Arc’teryx’s holistic design approach reflects their understanding that, in the mountains, every piece of gear must work together.

Arc’teryx Ski/Snowboard: The Best of the Best

Arc’teryx no longer uses the distinct sub-brand “Whiteline”, but its ski/snowboard offering has never been more important.

In Colorado, I tested their new collection for a week, swapping my usual ragtag gear with a complete Arc’teryx set-up. These pieces were tested in every possible mountain condition, from stormy snow to bluebird days. Arc’teryx’s technical outerwear is unmatched. Seven days of riding and hiking in the snow, as well as eating it, revealed why they command such high prices. Here’s a detailed look at five Arc’teryx pieces that prove why they are the mountain king.

Sabre Jacket

The Sabre Jacket was designed for those who want to drop into the backcountry bowls and charge through the boundary-line trees. The 80-denier, 3L Gore-Tex construction is at its core. This fabric offers the same weather protection that Arc’teryx is known for, with a lower carbon footprint and no PFAS. The relaxed fit and articulated patterning give you the freedom to move, grab and tweak your gear as you please. Meanwhile, the helmet-compatible StormHood provides uncompromised visibility while scanning your line. The Jacket also features a powder skirt and generous pit zips. It is equipped with RECCO reflective tape, two internal dump pockets, and countless zippered compartments.

From the zipper pulls and drawcords, every part of the Jacket is sturdy and well-designed. Sabre is the best ski shell for versatility, protection, durability and mobility.

Sabre Bib

When I’m on the slopes, I prefer bibs over traditional pants because they are so versatile. The Sabre Bib, which is also available as a pant version, shares the same DNA with the Sabre Jacket to provide the signature Arc’teryx Protection. After testing the two pieces together for a week, I can say that they are a match made to mountain heaven.

The Bib uses the same 80-denier Gore-Tex ePE material as the Jacket, creating a unified barrier to block out sleet and snow. The articulated patterning on the hips and knees allows for a great deal of freedom in carving. The lightweight flannel backing provides just enough warmth, and the generous thigh ventilation is a godsend for summer when the sun comes out. The two pieces, when combined with the Sabre Jacket, form the ultimate system for those who want to explore beyond the resort boundaries or enjoy some laps in the pool.

Cerium Hoody

I used to combine a ski shell with a mid-layer and an outer layer. Since then, I’ve realized that a hardshell shell paired with an insulation mid-layer gives me the most flexibility to adapt to any conditions. The Cerium Hoody is a lightweight insulated mid-layer that offers unmatched warmth to weight.

Arc’teryx created this Jacket using Coreloft (the brand’s in-house premium synthetic) in areas prone to moisture, such as the shoulders and cuffs. 850-fill down was used everywhere else, combining down’s superior heat with enhanced weather protection. The slim silhouette layers easily under a shell without restricting your movement. However, it is substantial enough to be worn as a stand-alone piece in milder weather conditions. All of this is combined with StormHood, which is the best hood on the market. This mid-layer is designed for mountain pursuits.

Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck

The Rho Heavyweight is my go-to on cold days. This is the warmest Arc’teryx baselayer, and that should tell you everything you need to. It’s made of Polartec(r), Power Stretch(r), and Pro, a technical material jargon for something soft and stretchy. The soft brushed inner helps to trap heat. It also has a nylon exterior for excellent freedom of movement and a tall neck collar that keeps your neck warm. The extended neck zipper allows you to dump heat easily when it becomes too hot (something I used a lot after long runs).

Fission SV Mittens

Over the years, I have slowly transitioned from gloves to mitts. The mittens are more comfortable and provide a better way to retain heat. They also allow for a warmer liner. Fission SV Mittens have been tested in British Columbia’s harsh climate before being released. These things are a beast in terms of structure: They’re equipped with PrimaLoft (r) Silver and gold Insulation for maximum warmth. An additional Octa(r) Loft breathable insulation lining is placed next to the skin to help manage sweat. A GORE-TEX weather insert provides bombproof protection. It’s been a while since we had cold hands that kept us from enjoying our time in the mountains. Fission’s SV Mittens ensures that this will never happen again.

Arc’teryx’s latest snow gear is a progression of their best-selling products. Each item, from the hard shells and base layers to the bombproof shells, is designed to handle the full range of mountain conditions, whether you are carving groomers, chowing down on powder, hiking through the backcountry or staying warm during long lift rides. Arc’teryx gear is designed to handle every possible mountain situation. This is what keeps Arc’teryx dead bird ahead of the competition.