Arc’teryx celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Sidewinder, the jacket that, in 2001, launched the Canadian brand’s ski and snowboard line. For the Fall/Winter 2026 collection, this iconic model returns in two iterations: an updated version designed to provide protection and freedom of movement on the snow, and the Sidewinder Archive—a re-release of the original 2001 jacket.
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Sidewinder, the origins of a freeride icon
Founded in 1989, Arc’teryx develops technical and design solutions based on the real-world needs of mountain athletes. Headquartered in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the brand draws inspiration from the region’s challenging terrain, where it field-tests its technical apparel and high-performance equipment.
In 2001, this philosophy led to the creation of the Sidewinder—the first ski and snowboard shell from Arc’teryx, designed to take on the most demanding mountain conditions.
The introduction of the first thermoformed, curved zipper featuring WaterTight™ technology represented an innovative solution for the outdoor industry, bringing the protection of a GORE-TEX membrane to a new generation of skiers and snowboarders. The unique curvature of the zipper reduces friction between the collar and the chin, enhancing comfort without compromising protection against the elements.
An insight that challenged traditional methods of constructing technical apparel, transforming the asymmetrical zipper into one of the most recognizable elements of Arc’teryx’s identity.
Arc’teryx Sidewinder FW26: technical evolution and freedom of movement
Twenty-five years after its debut, the Sidewinder continues to evolve to meet the needs of freeride athletes. The new version for Fall/Winter 2026 retains the iconic asymmetrical front zipper, designed to prevent overlapping zippers and ensure greater comfort around the chin area.
The shorter, softer cut promotes freedom of movement, allowing skiers and snowboarders to tackle even the most challenging terrain without sacrificing the model’s distinctive style.
The construction utilizes GORE-TEX ePE technology, pairing durable 100-denier outer fabrics with tone-on-tone ripstop reinforcements in areas most prone to wear. The result is a technical shell that offers waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection, designed for the changeable conditions of the mountains.
The adjustable waist also allows for a personalized fit, while maintaining the protection and precision required for freeride outings. Rounding out the design, the tone-on-tone color-block aesthetic pays homage to the original Sidewinder, reinterpreting it through the contemporary language of freeride culture.
“Being yourself means being able to express yourself without filters and to show your true nature. Snowboarding is a canvas that offers a thousand possibilities: how you move on the mountain and the lines you carve in the snow define your identity and your freedom,” says Arc’teryx athlete Elena Hight.
«The Sidewinder offers exactly that: the technical performance needed in the mountains, combined with an iconic cut and design that allow me to express my personal style.»
Sidewinder Archive, the return of the original 2001 model
Alongside the new version, Arc’teryx introduces the Sidewinder Archive—a reissue that brings back the original 2001 model, which marked a significant chapter in the evolution of freeride apparel.
Offered in the classic Citrus and Chili colorways, the Sidewinder Archive celebrates the legacy of one of the most influential ski and snowboard products in the brand’s history, reviving its original identity and the value it holds for enthusiasts.
Availability of the new Arc’teryx Sidewinder FW26
The new Sidewinder and the Sidewinder Archive will be available starting from the Fall/Winter 2026 season at Arc’teryx stores worldwide, on the official website arcteryx.com, and at select authorized retailers.
