We present box model simulations of ozone loss rates in the Arctic lower stratosphere for the winter 1994/1995. The ozone loss was simulated along each of the trajectories of the Match data set for 1994/1995 to conduct a quantitative comparison with the Match results. The simulated ozone loss rates reach their maximum value of ≈4 ppb per sunlit hour at the end of January. For this period and for potential temperatures below 475 K the model results are in good agreement with the Match results, but for potential temperatures above 475 K the model underestimates the ozone loss rate by up to a factor of 2. This difference cannot be explained by known uncertainties of the model. Enhanced ozone loss has also been observed in March 1995 for potential temperatures below 475 K. These loss rates are also substantially underestimated by the model, but are within the range of the model uncertainties. In particular, the ozone loss rates simulated for March 1995 strongly depend on the extent of denitrification. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union