Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket Review: Premium All-Rounder
The Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket ($599) is a hybrid shell that plays well inside and out of the resort. Although not cheap, it’s not outrageously priced (a rarity for Norrøna and the category as a whole), and is still a premium jacket that offers excellent weather protection, outstanding mobility, and a refined feature set. Breathability and durability aren’t top of the heap, but they’ll suffice for skiers who split time between chairlift laps and backcountry sidequests.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3L Gore-Tex ePE
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
40D polyester
Pros
Cons
Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex
For a breakdown of this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
The Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket features 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE, one of the top waterproof materials on the market. It handled a wide range of typical Pacific Northwest ski conditions exceptionally well, from rainy resort laps at Snoqualmie Pass to windy backcountry missions in near-freezing temperatures. The standout test came during a roughly two-and-a-half-hour ski session in steady rain at Snoqualmie. Moisture beaded cleanly on the jacket’s polyester face fabric, and while the exterior eventually began absorbing some water over time (as all shells do), none of it penetrated through to my layers underneath. I stayed completely dry inside the jacket for the entire session.
That weather resistance carried over into windy alpine conditions as well. During one particularly gusty touring day, strong afternoon winds rolled through exposed terrain, and the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket blocked them well while still remaining breathable enough for me to keep on during uphill travel. I only needed a base layer and fleece underneath to stay comfortable despite the cold conditions. In snowy weather—a rarity throughout the dismal season I tested the jacket during—it also effectively sealed out precipitation.
Some notable design details are what really elevate the Lofoten’s protection, though. The hood is particularly well executed, fitting securely over a ski helmet while also cinching down cleanly over a hat when I was skiing without a lid. Norrøna’s dual-position hook-and-loop cuff system is another standout feature: One adjustment accommodates lower-profile glove gauntlets, while the second works better for bulkier mittens, which made it easy to seal snow and wind out regardless of what I wore on my hands. Combined with the powder skirt and waist cinch, this shell feels dialed for deep snow and rough mountain weather.
The Lofoten is an uninsulated shell, so warmth depends heavily on layering, but it does an excellent job trapping heat and blocking wind without becoming stuffy. On its own, the jacket adds very little insulation beyond weather protection, but paired with the right layers underneath, it handled cold touring days and snowy conditions effectively.
I tested the shell primarily around freezing temperatures while touring and resort skiing. On snowy resort days, I wore a baselayer, fleece, and puffy vest underneath and stayed perfectly comfortable. In windy conditions, the Gore-Tex material and excellent seal around the cuffs, hood, and collar helped preserve warmth effectively. Even during my damp, rainy outings at Snoqualmie, I never felt chilled from moisture or wind intrusion.
Importantly, the shell avoids the overly heavy, bunker-like feel of some more insulated ski jackets, thanks to a 40-denier polyester face fabric that’s thinner than some of the 80-denier constructions you’ll see elsewhere. Norrøna clearly prioritized breathability and mobility over maximum warmth, and I think that tradeoff works well for hard-charging skiers who split time between lifts and the skin track. If you routinely ski in soaking coastal storms for hours on end, you might prefer something burlier and less breathable, such as the 2-layer Patagonia Storm Shift, but for most skiers, the balance feels spot-on.
The Lofoten impressed me with how light and comfortable it felt the moment I put it on. Many Gore-Tex shells can feel stiff and crinkly, but this jacket feels remarkably soft both inside and out. The brushed polyester lining material is smooth against my skin, and Norrøna added soft felt-like panels near the collar and chin that make the jacket noticeably more comfortable when fully zipped against the elements.
Mobility is genuinely outstanding and is a major highlight. Even when layered over a fleece and puffer, the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket never restricted my movement while I was skiing, skinning, or bending down to adjust my boots. The lightweight fabric clearly contributes here, and compared to heavier three-layer resort shells, the Lofoten moves much more naturally with the body. It almost approaches the mobility of a softshell while still delivering Gore-Tex-level protection.
The fit also contributes heavily to overall comfort. I’m usually a medium or large, but I went with a large to accommodate layering for backcountry skiing, and the jacket still maintained a clean, non-baggy fit that felt great when I wore it with lighter layers underneath. The sleeve length runs slightly long, reaching down to my knuckles, but once adjusted properly with the cuffs, they stayed out of the way. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable ski shells I’ve worn.
For a Gore-Tex shell, the Lofoten breathes surprisingly well. A lot of that is due to the relatively thin face fabric, which ventilates better than thicker (but more durable) materials. I toured repeatedly in this jacket in temperatures around the mid-20s and rarely overheated, even during sustained uphill movement. Combined with the large pit zips, the shell maintained a very comfortable temperature range while skinning and hiking.
The pit zips themselves are excellent: large, easy to operate, and highly effective at dumping heat quickly. The only small issue I ran into was occasionally confusing the pit zip pulls with the nearby hand pocket zippers while trying to grab them without looking, since the openings for both are fairly close together. In the end, though, the manual ventilation worked extremely well.
Overall, I really appreciated how well the Lofoten balances breathability with weather protection. Many resort-oriented ski shells become swampy during touring, but the Lofoten remained comfortable while I was working hard in the skin track. In terms of airflow and temperature regulation, it honestly felt closer to my Outdoor Research softshell than most Gore-Tex ski jackets I’ve used, which is high praise considering.
The build quality of the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket is exceptional, which is typical of the brand’s output. Throughout testing, the jacket consistently felt like a premium piece of outerwear engineered with a ton of attention to detail. Every seam is fully taped, every zipper uses waterproof construction, and even the bungee cord hardware has a refined, high-end feel.
During testing, I brushed through trees while touring, scraped against branches on descents, and stuffed the shell into packs repeatedly without any major damage. A few superficial marks appeared on the fabric, but no tears or meaningful wear developed. Long-term waterproofing durability remains something I’d still want to evaluate after a full season of use, but my early impressions are positive.
That said, the Lofoten’s 40-denier polyester face fabric is thinner than the material used in some competitors, such as the Arc’teryx Sabre and Rush, which both sport 80-denier nylon shells, as well as the Patagonia PowSlayer and the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L Jacket, which feature the same 80-denier cladding. I’m not saying the Lofoten feels fragile—far from it, in fact—but it might not hold up as well over the years to normal ski wear as those models.
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Longevity
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PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
The Lofoten’s feature set leans more minimalist than most pure resort shells. Storage is fairly sparse, with one chest pocket, two hand pockets, a pass pocket on the left arm, and an internal pocket that doubles as an avalanche transceiver pouch. Personally, I would have appreciated a second chest pocket, but it’s obvious Norrøna was trying to keep the shell streamlined.
The hood design is outstanding. When not in use, it sits closely against the neck and helps prevent snow from sneaking down the collar. Once unzipped and pulled over a helmet, though, the hood expands dramatically into a deep, highly protective storm shield. It’s a clever design I haven’t really seen elsewhere.
The powder skirt is also nicely executed. It uses both buttons and a zipper attachment system and can be removed entirely if desired. I found it useful during inbounds powder skiing, though while touring, I relied more on my backpack hipbelt to keep snow out. Combined with the excellent cuff adjustments and waist cinch, the entire feature set feels focused but not overbuilt.
Tester: 5’8” 165 lb.; 31" waist
Size tested: Men’s large
I vary between medium and large ski shells depending on the model, and I chose to test the Lofoten in a large. It fits true to size, with a regular cut that balances layering room and mobility extremely well. I went with the large specifically to leave room for a backcountry layering system, and it comfortably accommodated a base layer, fleece, and puffy underneath without feeling too baggy.
The back length reaches roughly to the middle of my butt, while staying slightly shorter in front for mobility. The shoulders felt roomy without excess bulk, and the sleeves ran slightly long, extending to my knuckles when uncuffed. Once adjusted properly, though, they stayed completely out of the way while I was skiing. Whether I was tightening boots, reaching into roof boxes, or skiing aggressively, the shell never felt restrictive.
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team ($655): Another Standout
Listen, we know that $600 isn’t exactly chump change. But as many ski shells inch closer to the $1,000 mark—and yes, Norrøna is among the prime brand culprits—it’s heartening to see models like the Lofoten, which aren’t as pricey. The same can be said about the Hemispheres, which is a bit more expensive but is still a great value. It also features 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE and a soft backer, making it just as impervious to the elements as the Lofoten. It’s also burlier, with an 80-denier nylon face fabric that both makes it a bit more confidence-inspiring, as well as more durable, but also a bit less breathable. With similar use cases (mixed resort and backcountry) and storage layouts, these jackets are pretty much neck and neck, so this might come down to the cost difference. To learn more, check out our OR Hemispheres Team GTX 3L review.
Arc’teryx Rush ($800): More Touring-Focused
The Rush remains one of the benchmarks for ski shells designed for the backcountry. Weighing only 1 pound, 1 ounce, it’s much lighter than the Lofoten (1 lb. 10 oz.), despite featuring waterproofing that’s just as bomber. Arc’teryx built the Rush with 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro ePE, which offers similar protection to the Lofoten’s non-Pro Gore-Tex, but with the added advantage of a more durable material package. It also has two internal dump pockets in addition to a chest and hand pockets, making it a tad more full-featured than the Lofoten. So what’s the catch? You’ll have to pony up a lot more money for this jacket—but if protection mixed with packability is your goal, the Rush is a better backcountry companion. For more, read our Arc’teryx Rush review.
The Lofoten is a well-rounded shell that’s a great pick for resort use, freeriding, and moderate backcountry tours. Its 3-layer Gore-Tex waterproofing stands tall against moisture and wind, and its premium build belies its moderate (for a nice shell) price tag.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
OR’s top-shelf ski jacket aims for that elusive mix of resort and backcountry performance. A knit backer and Gore-Tex waterproofing give the Hemispheres Team reliable chops in harsh weather, though the moderately thick build knocks it down a notch in breathability.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Rush is no-compromise protection, combining a 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro shell and a full feature set for just over a pound. It takes advantage of the ePE membrane's light, supple nature, creating a textile that moves like a much lighter-duty shell.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Lofoten Gore-Tex for You?
The Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket is an outstanding option for skiers who want a shell capable of handling resort days, sidecountry missions, and touring laps without making major compromises on protection, breathability, and mobility. It also costs far less than much of the premium competition, which is a major bonus. Dedicated resort skiers may want something a little burlier and with more pockets, and backcountry fanatics may want to go a little lighter, but for everyone in between, the Lofoten is a great buy.
pray for snow
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