When you’re choosing serious ski or snowboard outerwear, Helly Hansen and Arc’teryx both get thrown into the mix. Both are big names, both bring a lot to the table, but they do things differently. Below is a head-to-head look at what each brand does well, what to watch out for, and which rider they’re best suited for.
What the brands share
Helly Hansen and Arc’teryx have a lot in common, particularly in what matters most in snow conditions. Shared strengths include:
- High-performance waterproof/breathable membranes
- Fully sealed seams to keep out wind, snow, and moisture
- Helmet-compatible designs and good ventilation options
- Durable materials that can handle alpine abuse (wind, abrasion, cold)
- Commitments (in recent lines) to sustainability: bluesign® approval, PFAS-free or reduced impact DWR, recycled fabrics
- Wide community/brand recognition: they’re trusted names among serious skiers, riders, guides
So when you pick either one, you’re getting a level of quality you can rely on in tough mountain conditions.
Helly Hansen: Resort comfort with tech polish
Strengths:
- Designed for resort skiers who want insulation, comfort, and function. Helly Hansen often builds jackets with more warmth built in, useful for cold lift rides or early mornings
- Strong finish and user-friendly features: good ventilation, pockets, removable or adjustable hoods, ski pass pockets, sometimes phone-friendly features
- Good value in terms of performance vs price, particularly in insulated/resort lines.
- Their heritage in ski gear is long, which shows in design, distribution, and support
Potential trade-offs:
- More insulation means more weight/bulk; maybe less packability
- Less ideal if you’re aiming for ultra-light setups or doing long hikes / ski-tours
- Some premium features come with premium prices
Arc’teryx: Alpine precision & versatile shell work
Strengths:
- Top-tier technical materials: advanced shell fabrics (e.g. GORE-TEX PRO etc.), excellent cut and patterning for mobility
- Excellent for layering: many of their pieces are shells built to pair with mid-layers, giving flexibility across weather
- Very durable build, minimalist design, more internal engineering: you’ll find features optimized for severe weather and hard use
- Strong reputation for quality, and their premium pricing partly reflects durable craftsmanship and advanced tech
Potential trade-offs:
- Higher cost; some people may feel they pay extra for brand / premium feel
- Less insulated “out of the box”—you often need to layer to get warmth for very cold conditions
- Less flashy design sometimes; more about performance than style
Comparison Table: Helly Hansen vs Arc’teryx
Final thoughts
Both Helly Hansen and Arc’teryx are excellent brands; deciding between them really comes down to what you value more.
If I were you, here’s how I’d pick:
- If you spend most of your time at resorts, want comfort and built-in warmth, don’t need to carry ultra light gear, Helly Hansen probably gives you a lot of value.
- If your riding includes ski tours, long backcountry days, harsh weather, or you want one shell that performs in very challenging conditions, Arc’teryx is likely the better investment.
Helly Hansen tends to be more accessible in price vs features for resort use, while Arc’teryx gives you that extra edge in technical performance and durability.
Related reading: