Arc’teryx Nita Down Ski Jacket | Reviewed in 2025

Performance Ski Jacket Fit and Design

Arc’teryx designs the women’s Nita Down Jacket to fit and move seamlessly with a skier. The ski jacket meshes with every new position, whether angulating in a ski turn, standing in line, or sitting on the ski lift. There is no restriction in movement with the Nita Down Arc’teryx jacket, thanks to the articulated patterning.

This Arc’teryx jacket has a regular fit. The Nita jacket is cut comfortably in the chest, waist, hip, and thigh. You can wear the jacket under or over other layers. The shape of the Nita Arc’teryx jacket is flattering and feels good.

The Nita down jacket has a detachable powder skirt, which is nice so you can remove it when it is not needed (AKA when you’re not in thigh-high powder). A powder skirt is a band that secures the jacket down—use this in deep powder so no snow gets up your back. If you are trying to find a resort with some powder, check out our 20 Best Ski Resorts in the US & Canada.

Pockets galore, thank goodness! The Nita has a chest pocket with a zip to access your phone or wallet quickly. Two large hand pockets with zippers keep things like protein bars or sunscreen. Inside is an internal dump pocket for an extra neck gator and a small zippered pocket. And there is a sleeve pocket to keep your ski pass.

If you get lost in an avalanche, Arc’teryx equips the Nita with a RECCO® reflector. Search and rescue teams use RECCO detectors to emit a radar signal that finds your RECCO reflector.

Advanced Ski Jacket Materials

Arc’teryx uses top-of-the-line materials to construct the performative Nita Down Jacket. The jacket is waterproof, windproof, and durable. While wearing the jacket, the mobility of the protective fabric creates an ideal ski jacket.

The outer layer is constructed with 80D 3-layer GORE-TEX™ with GORE C-KNIT™ Backer Technology. The GORE C-KNIT™ Backer Technology is an innovative technology designed to be extremely light and waterproof for years.

The outer layer is durable, with a medium thickness of 80 denier; the jacket strikes a balance between strength and weight without being too thick for activity. Branches did not damage the Nita Arc’teryx jacket when riding through the trees.

The liner is made of 100% recycled Nylon. It has a 15 denier, which means it’s pretty thin. The material is soothing to the touch and can be worn against bare skin. The liner is waterproof due to the durable water-repellent treatment, which also helps wick sweat.

Warm and Breathable Insulation Materials

The Arc’teryx Nita Down Jacket is equipped with premier insulation materials. Arc’teryx uses dual insulation, Grey Goose Down, and their proprietary Coreloft to provide jacket breathability and warmth.

The Down composite mapping distributes 750 fill down throughout the jacket for warmth. Check the heat the jacket captures after wearing it by sticking your hand inside the jacket; it is astounding. If you often are cold, this is one of the warmest insulations you can find.

For areas that require moisture wicking and get hot, Arc’teryx uses Coreloft instead of down. Coreloft is a synthetic insulation that promotes breathability and helps regulate temperature. So, you’ll be comfortable and toasty in the Nita instead of sweating and getting cold.

Check out full Down Jacket Review Guide if you are looking for a down jacket.

Ideal Wearing Conditions

If you get cold waiting in the lift line, the Nita Jacket provides a safe place to harbor. This Arc’teryx jacket is one of the warmest ski jackets on the market. However, the outside temperature will determine the layering situation. Check out our guide on How to Layer for Skiing.

If it is storming, the windproof and waterproof material will protect you from discomfort. On bluebird days, unzip the pit vents and enjoy the breathable materials. This Arc’teryx jacket has a wide range of wearing temperatures.

This Arc’teryx jacket comes with a detachable, insulated hood. So if the temperature’s fantastic and you aren’t feeling the hood, you can quickly unbutton and zip it off. Just as easily, put the hood on for storm days; no worries, as it fits over your ski helmet.

Sustainability

Not only is the Nita an excellent ski jacket, but Arc’teryx strives to supply a sustainable product. The Nita Down jacket is a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified product, meaning the ducks and geese used were treated humanely.

Other materials used meet the bluesign® criteria, indicating minimal environmental impact and the workers’ safety. There is also at least 30% recycled content in the raw materials.

Arc’teryx Nita Down Ski Jacket – Is it Worth It?

The Nita Down Arc’teryx jacket is just shy of a grand. Some people may look at this and can’t fathom why anyone would spend that much money on a ski jacket. However, after a deeper investigation, if you like things to last and are in cold weather a lot, this jacket will last as a long term investment.

No other jacket will provide warmth, comfort, and performance like the Nita jacket. This is impressive as it is not bulky like you would expect a heavy insulated jacket to be. We couldn’t get past how easy it was to move in this ultra-warm ski jacket! The Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 Insulated Jacket is half the price of the Nita, with non-bulky insulation, but the fabric is stiff. You do not get the same frictionless, ease of movement as with the Nita.

They’ll be no complaints about being cold, wet, or uncomfortable wearing this Arc’teryx jacket. The price will be worth the satisfied user experience for years to come.

We Recommend this High-End Ski Jacket

The Nita Down Arc’teryx jacket is one of the nicest ski jackets available. It is the perfect jacket for heavy use and long term exposure to low temperatures. Arc’teryx jackets are made for high wear and tear and technical use. The Nita is rated one of Arc’teryx’s warmest ski jackets due to its superb insulation technology, durable materials, and patterned design.

If you are just looking to grab a ski jacket for your once a year ski resort vacation you could consider the Columbia Highland Summit Jacket. It performs well in even the coldest weather but does not have the performance fabric of the Nita.

Having an Arc’teryx jacket makes the most intolerable conditions on the mountain awesome. If people can’t understand how you can have first chair on the coldest, stormiest morning of the season and ski all day, all season long, they haven’t used Arc’teryx products.