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The Arc'teryx Fission SV is precision-crafted for technical skiers and alpine riders who demand maximum dexterity in foul, freezing, and wet conditions. SV stands for Severe Conditions, and this glove is tuned for maritime snowpacks, driving freezing rain, and bitter winds where moisture management and precise tool handling are equally critical. It appeals strongly to aggressive resort skiers and backcountry riders who dislike sloppy, oversized handwear. Arc'teryx uses a rugged Fortius 1.0 softshell fabric outer backed by a bonded Gore-Tex insert with Gore Active technology. This construction bonds the waterproof membrane directly to the outer shell and interior lining, eliminating the shifting feel common in multi-layer insulated gloves. Thermal protection is handled by a combination of high-grade PrimaLoft Silver and PrimaLoft Gold insulation mapped specifically to preserve warmth on the back of the hand while retaining a slim, tactile profile along the palm and fingers. Premium leather overlays wrap the high-wear grip zones. The primary downside to the Fission SV is its thermal ceiling relative to its price. While exceptionally windproof, waterproof, and dexterous, it is not an ultra-lofted deep-freeze glove; skiers who run notoriously cold may find it insufficient for sub-zero chairlift rides. It is fundamentally an agile, stormproof performance glove for active users willing to pay for premium tailoring. **Highlights** - Bonded Gore-Tex insert with Gore Active technology for exceptional breathability - Mapped PrimaLoft Gold and Silver insulation for warmth without bulk - Fortius 1.0 exterior fabric balances stretch and weather resistance - Supple leather palm and finger reinforcements for enhanced grip - Articulated patterning allows precise finger movement and buckle handling **Watch-outs** - High price tag for a non-removable liner glove - Not warm enough for extreme sub-zero idle resort riding - Snug technical fit requires careful sizing
Pros
- Bonded Gore Active construction provides exceptional grip and tactile feedback
- Tailored anatomical shape minimizes hand fatigue when holding ski poles
- Reliable waterproof performance in wet, coastal winter conditions
- Mapped PrimaLoft insulation prevents bulk in the palm and fingers
Cons
- Limited thermal warmth during inactive, deep sub-zero conditions
- High price point for a glove without a removable liner system
- Non-removable interior lining takes longer to dry if damp
Best uses
- Active resort skiing
- Backcountry ski touring
- Technical alpine climbing
- Wet winter storm cycles
Specifications
- Waterproofing
- Gore-Tex with Gore Active technology
- Insulation
- Mapped PrimaLoft Gold and Silver synthetics
- Shell Fabric
- Fortius 1.0 softshell with leather palm
- Liner Design
- Integrated, non-removable bonded lining
- Cuff Style
- Extended gauntlet with single-pull cord
- Approximate Price
- $200
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Active resort skiing, Backcountry ski touring, Technical alpine climbing, Wet winter storm cycles
Where to buy the Fission SV
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
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The Arc'teryx Fission SV is engineered for skiers and riders who prioritize weather protection and dexterity over pillowy insulation. Marked with the brand's Severe Conditions designation, this glove targets foul, wet, and wind-scoured alpine environments where traditional insulated gloves often wet out or feel like clumsy oven mitts. It is particularly popular among technical resort skiers and backcountry tourers who frequently adjust bindings, manage climbing skins, and work zippers in the middle of a storm. Arc'teryx achieves its slim profile by combining a Fortius 1.0 softshell exterior with a Gore-Tex insert utilizing Gore Active technology. Rather than letting the layers slide independently, the bonded construction anchors the membrane securely, virtually eliminating the internal slip and fingertip bunching typical of standard winter handwear. Thermal duty is split between PrimaLoft Gold and PrimaLoft Silver, mapped specifically to guard the back of the hand from driving wind while preserving critical tactile feedback on the palm and fingers. At an approximate retail price of $200, the Fission SV represents a serious financial investment. Its primary limitation is raw warmth during passive use. Because it prioritizes active mobility and moisture transport, it lacks the deep thermal ceiling required for bitter sub-zero lift rides, functioning best when the wearer generates consistent body heat.
Target User and Intent
The Fission SV is not intended for the casual resort cruiser who stops moving the moment temperatures drop below freezing. Instead, it is aimed directly at dedicated alpine skiers, ski mountaineers, and backcountry travelers who spend long days in volatile mountain weather. The glove excels in mixed conditions—such as heavy Pacific Northwest snowfall or wet East Coast squalls—where moisture penetration is as much of a threat as cold air. Users who value tactile precision will appreciate how naturally the fingers articulate when opening pack pockets or adjusting ski boot buckles. Conversely, skiers who suffer from poor circulation or routinely sit on slow, exposed chairlifts in deep sub-zero conditions will find the insulation package too lean. It functions as an agile, storm-ready barrier for athletes who generate their own heat on the mountain.
Materials and Construction
The chassis of the Fission SV combines Arc'teryx's Fortius 1.0 nylon-blend softshell with premium leather reinforcements across the palm, thumb, and finger wraps. The Fortius textile provides four-way stretch and breathability while resisting abrasion from ski edges and pack straps. Beneath the shell lies a Gore-Tex membrane incorporating Gore Active technology, engineered to maximize breathability during high-output activity. Unlike conventional loose-insert constructions where inner liners slide against outer shells, this bonded arrangement anchors the layers together. The result is immediate feedback when grasping ski poles or tools. Durable goatskin covers high-stress contact areas, delivering dependable grip and friction resistance against ropes and hardware. A soft internal lining provides next-to-skin comfort, while a low-profile gauntlet closure seals over or under jacket cuffs with a single-handed pull tab.
Thermal Performance
Arc'teryx manages heat retention by varying insulation densities across the glove. The back of the hand and exposed finger segments use heavier PrimaLoft Silver to counter biting wind and radiant heat loss. In contrast, the palm and undersides of the fingers use higher-density, lower-bulk PrimaLoft Gold. This mapped approach minimizes bulk across the grip zone, preventing hand fatigue while maintaining steady contact with pole grips. In real-world winter terms, the Fission SV provides adequate warmth down into the teens Fahrenheit for an active skier. However, because synthetic sheet insulation resists compression at the expense of maximum loft, it cannot match the sheer warmth of a heavy down glove or thick fleece-lined work glove. On prolonged, windy lift rides in single digits, cold will eventually creep in if the user remains inactive.
Dexterity and Field Ergonomics
Dexterity is the defining strength of the Fission SV. Independent gear testers frequently highlight its ability to handle tasks that typically demand removing gloves entirely. The anatomical patterning follows the natural resting curve of the human hand, reducing the muscular effort required to maintain a grip on ski poles all day. Because the Gore Active membrane is laminated directly to adjacent layers, the fingertips do not pull inside out when damp hands are removed and reinserted. The slim finger boxes make it possible to operate avalanche beacons, untie accessory cord, manipulate headlamp buttons, and adjust goggle straps without bare skin exposure. The gauntlet is proportioned to slide cleanly over technical jacket sleeves, cinching down quickly with a glove-friendly cord lock to keep blowing spindrift from entering the wrist openings.
Durability and Maintenance
The combination of supple leather and tightly woven Fortius softshell holds up well against rock contact, abrasive ski poles, and metal bindings. However, because the leather is soft to preserve dexterity, it benefits from periodic conditioning with wax or leather balm to prevent water saturation and premature cracking. One trade-off of the fully integrated design is maintenance after a long day in the field. Because the liner is not removable, the Fission SV takes longer to dry thoroughly if sweat or snow manages to accumulate inside. Skiers on multi-day winter hut trips should ensure access to reliable drying spaces or carry boot-dryer adapters, as inverted drying is difficult with bonded fingers. The nylon shell cleans up easily with a damp cloth, retaining its durable water repellent finish over prolonged use.
Competitive Landscape
In the $180 to $220 bracket, the Fission SV competes against established alpine options such as the Black Diamond Guide and the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski. Both the Black Diamond and Hestra alternatives feature removable liner systems and provide noticeably higher thermal ceilings, making them superior options for sub-zero resort skiing in places like northern Vermont or interior Canada. However, those models are significantly heavier, bulkier, and less dexterous than the Arc'teryx. The Fission SV stands out by prioritizing precision handling and total waterproofness in wetter, freezing conditions. Buyers choosing between them must decide whether they need deep-freeze insulation or a streamlined, weather-sealed workhorse tailored for high-tempo alpine travel.
How we picked
We started with a long list of ski gloves that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Warmth and weather protection
- Insulation, waterproof shell and seam sealing for long days in snow.
- Mobility and venting
- Articulation, pit or thigh vents and fit over the layers you actually wear.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
Fission SV — frequently asked questions
- Is the Fission SV worth it?
- We rank it #5 in Ski Gloves. The Arc'teryx Fission SV is precision-crafted for technical skiers and alpine riders who demand maximum dexterity in foul, freezing, and wet conditions. SV stands for Severe Conditions, and this glove is tuned for maritime snowpacks, driving freezing rain, and bitter winds where moisture management and precise tool…
- What is the Fission SV best for?
- Best for active resort skiing, backcountry ski touring, technical alpine climbing and wet winter storm cycles. Standouts: bonded gore active construction provides exceptional grip and tactile feedback and tailored anatomical shape minimizes hand fatigue when holding ski poles.
- What are the downsides of the Fission SV?
- Limited thermal warmth during inactive, deep sub-zero conditions, High price point for a glove without a removable liner system and Non-removable interior lining takes longer to dry if damp.
- What are the key specs of the Fission SV?
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex with Gore Active technology · Insulation: Mapped PrimaLoft Gold and Silver synthetics · Shell Fabric: Fortius 1.0 softshell with leather palm · Liner Design: Integrated, non-removable bonded lining · Cuff Style: Extended gauntlet with single-pull cord
- Target User and Intent — what should I know about the Fission SV?
- The Fission SV is not intended for the casual resort cruiser who stops moving the moment temperatures drop below freezing. Instead, it is aimed directly at dedicated alpine skiers, ski mountaineers, and backcountry travelers who spend long days in volatile mountain weather.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Fission SV?
- 0 nylon-blend softshell with premium leather reinforcements across the palm, thumb, and finger wraps. The Fortius textile provides four-way stretch and breathability while resisting abrasion from ski edges and pack straps.
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