The Best Ski Pants of 2026

The Flylow Chemical ($380) ski pants feel burly. From steep trees to groomers and park laps, these durable pants were leg armor that protected us through dense glades. They have all the top design garnishes and look good, too, which pushes these pants to the top of our list.

These pants are thoroughly waterproof with sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and Flylow’s proprietary intuitive fabric membrane. Rated at 20,000mm, Colorado-based tester Bergen Tjossem found the fabric package thoroughly waterproof even in wet, snowy conditions. The brand upgraded the Chemical pants with a PFAS-Free DWR that beads water and lasts for multiple seasons, but is free of toxic chemicals. These pants button to a Flylow jacket’s powder skirt for extra weather resistance. 

Heavy-duty patches with a tightly woven canvas texture reinforce the articulated knees, while burly 1000-denier fabric fortifies the cuffs near the ground — those hems aren’t going anywhere!

These Chemical pants employ two big unbacked vents on each leg, which create a crossbreeze through each leg. Between the airflow and the breathable fabric, these ski pants were serviceable on the skin track despite the tenacious exterior and relatively heavy weight. However, they aren’t a top pick for backcountry touring. 

Due to the denser fabric, weight, and loose fit, these pants perform at its best within the boundaries of the ski resort (even though there’s a beacon attachment in a pocket). Other notable details of the Chemical include three pockets, belt loops, and elasticated gaiters. The pants’ legs easily slide over our ski or snowboard boots. We’re also super impressed with the vast size range of this pant, which includes short and tall inseam options, and XS through XXL — the ergonomic regular fit straddles straight and baggy, which most folks will get along with just fine. 

Our team agrees: Flylow’s Chemical pants are well-suited to lift service skiing, hike-to terrain, and lift-accessed side country. All that and they land with a very competitive $365 price tag. It would be silly not to recommend Flylow’s Chemical pants to any skier looking for a solid pair of ski pants that are well designed, thoroughly durable, and honestly priced. But if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option with a simpler fit and construction, check out the straight-legged Eddie Bauer Chair Six Shell Pants. 

Skiing can get expensive fast. The North Face Freedom Pants ($170) aren’t. Skier Bergen Tjossem was impressed by the value these ski pants offer, as well as the critical design details and protection from the elements, to get entry-level skiers and riders out on the snow in comfort and style. 

This fabric and DWR combo provided plentiful protection from the elements. The Freedom’s main fabric is a 160D X 140D DryVent 2L recycled nylon fabric that proved plentifully waterproof for day-to-day resort skiing. We appreciated its non-PFC durable water repellent finish, which improved the protection. And while not technically insulated, the fabric proved warmer than other shell pants.

These regular-fitting Freedom Pants are accommodating and come in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL in short, regular, and long inseam lengths. We had no problem finding the right size and appreciated the inclusive sizing that should work for most skiers. Waist adjustment relies on Velcro tabs and a single front button that can easily open during big compressions or a big plate of nachos. Fortunately, The North Face added belt loops to the Freedom pants, which one of our testers strongly preferred over just about any integrated belt on the market. 

Despite adequate venting and articulation for resort skiing and riding, the Freedom Pants were not breathable enough for purely human-powered backcountry skiing. They also didn’t move and articulate as well as pricier options that incorporate strategic gusseting. These are pants designed to thrive where the lifts are spinning.

Freedom Pants have a solid construction, but unlike Flylow’s Chemical, they aren’t built to last a decade or more. We experienced a few seams unraveling and the occasional fabric tear from everyday use, which is not unheard of at this price point. Fortunately, the main fabric is burly, and seam issues were easy to mend.

Adding to the value proposition, The North Face used recycled Nylon for the main fabric and recycled Polyester for the lining. Recycled fabrics are typically only found in more expensive garments. The Freedom will fit the bill for recreational skiers and riders needing a pair of pants to get in the game at an affordable price point. They have what you need, like good waterproofing, and nothing you don’t. And it’s hard to argue with a pair of pants that are hundreds of dollars cheaper than nearly every other option.

For skiers wanting warmer lift rides, The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants ($200) offer great durability and performance for a fair price. Designed primarily for the ski resort, these pants are well-constructed and stylish. While we’ve listed the insulated version of the Freedom Pants here, a non-insulated version is available and slightly cheaper. Regardless of the print, the fabric is 100% recycled nylon with a non-PFC DWR finish for protection on stormy days.

Though we haven’t included many insulated pants on this list, we found the 60g Heatseeker Eco insulation in the Freedom Insulated Pants adds a nice touch. We tend to appreciate insulated pants in the teens and during windchill, which feel pleasant and cozy without excess bulk. Plus, the Heatseeker Eco is made from 90% post-consumer recycled polyester, while the liner is 100% recycled polyester.

The slightly baggy fit of the Freedom allows for comfortable layering, and the resulting style fits right in at the resort. Because these pants lack stretch, they do feel mildly restrictive at times, meaning they aren’t ideal for backcountry skiing. We like the large side vents, which successfully counteract the warmth of the insulation on balmy days. We’re also happy to see the wide range of sizes that include a short, regular, and long inseam option. And it’s nice to have an extra cargo pocket to round out the two traditional hand pockets.

While the Freedom Insulated Pants won’t win any awards for high-end features or cutting-edge technology, they are fully deserving of a shout-out for their unbeatable value. For a non-insulated pant in this price rung, check out the Eddie Bauer Chair Six Shell Pants.

The new Outdoor Research Powderverse Pants ($300) were literally made for first chair, confirmed by early laps by Colorado tester Bergen Tjossem. The Powderverse strikes a middle ground between hardshell ski pants and insulated snowpants thanks to strategically mapped insulation, dialed features, and durable fabrics.

The Powderverse Ski Pants made those frosty first chairs comfortable thanks to the targeted placement of VerticalX Eco insulation in the seat. It’s the only insulation built into the pants. Though inside, a 50D taffeta lining adds light insulation. The warmth level is versatile enough for a bit of sidecountry or hike-to terrain, though we found these pants are too toasty for backcountry tours.

Tjossem found that the Powderverse is, in a word, burly. And it proved super durable without feeling like cardboard. The stout fabric package uses two outer fabrics: a 2-layer 75Dx150D ripstop in the movement-oriented zones, and a burly 2-layer 150D polyester plain weave in the legs, seat, and thighs, where a little extra protection goes a long way. 

We appreciated the generous inseam lengths and movement-oriented design in the hips and knees. However, Tjossem noted that the Powderverse could benefit from a more substantial crotch gusset to improve its side-to-side mobility, especially for telemark skiing. The pants’ regular fit landed great on our hips and legs when sized according to the sizing chart. The Powderverse is available in S-XXL in two inseam lengths, which should fit most skiers. 

Outdoor Research streamlined the pockets. The Powderverse has a pocket for devices on the hip with an interior elastic sleeve and leash clip, which proved versatile for odds and ends. The thigh pockets are low profile and fairly shallow. Each one could fit an iPhone in a protective case and not much else. Though we loved the stretchy gaiters under the pants’ cuffs. With typical stretch and grip, they also allow a power strap to lace through the bottom of the gaiter, locking it in place and enabling easy strap adjustment. While it took a minute or two to set up, they absolutely sealed out the snow. 

The Powderverse Pants are an excellent choice for resort riders who need durable protection from the elements and a hint of insulation at an excellent price point. This pair of ski pants offers great value — for $300, you get high-end waterproof fabric, a stellar feature set, and the build quality that you’d typically find in much pricier pants. 

We’re impressed by the Eddie Bauer Chair Six Shell Pants ($229) for versatility and price. These 3-layer pants offer protection from the elements while remaining very flexible without any fabric swoosh. While these are built for the resort, we found that they’re usable in the backcountry, too. The soft-feeling fabric is treated with a Storm Repel DWR, every seam is taped, and the ankles and cuffs are reinforced with Cordura for durability. The longevity of the waterproof barrier remains to be tested, but initially, we were impressed.

For uphill travel, a double zipper allows the pants’ vent to open on the inside of each leg or open in a U-shape from one leg to the other. A nylon mesh guard prevents the pants from opening too far and snow from entering. We were impressed by the amount of cooling offered by this design. While touring in warmer conditions, secondary vents on the exterior legs would be preferable but, for most conditions, this vent provided enough airflow. 

The hand pockets are fleece-lined and zippered, creating comfort and security for our important items. An additional thigh pocket is secured by Velcro for larger items, and there’s a zippered rear pocket as well. The straight fit offered a lot of room for layers, and the stretch allowed us to move freely without feeling like we were wearing a sailboat. 

Speaking of layers, Eddie Bauer also offers the Men’s Chair Six Insulated Hybrid Pant ($119), a midlayer designed to round out the whole kit. This fleece-lined midlayer kept us warm on the chairlift. It contains 60 g of synthetic insulation, which is strategically body-mapped and placed from the knees up. The pants are stylish enough to be worn for après-ski and stretchy enough to pull up the lower calf area to accommodate ski boots. If you want an inherently insulated ski pant in this price range, check out the The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants.

Overall, the Chair Six Shell Pants are great for the budget-conscious skier looking for good features in a versatile shell. 

The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants ($399) are highly sustainable and will see you through any conditions you might encounter throughout the ski season, ease included. The Storm Shift is a continuation of Patagonia’s 2-layer outerwear without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and it’s made with 100% recycled material. Called the ePE GORE-TEX membrane (which Patagonia also unveiled in 3-layer kits in 2023/2024), we found that the textile does not sacrifice waterproofing or performance despite the chemical-free makeover.

While these pants are not insulated, they incorporate a comfortable mesh liner that we found added a lot of warmth when compared to other 2-layer shell pants. With long, mesh-backed thigh vents, you can also quickly regulate temperature if you get too hot. For a 2-layer material, we found these pants sealed out moisture even in the wettest of conditions.

We found that the Storm Shift Pants ran quite large, to the point of feeling baggy. That’s perfect if you appreciate a loose fit. But if not, you’ll likely want to size down or wear a belt. Otherwise, the Eddie Bauer Men’s Chair Six offer a straighter fit. The adjustable waistband of the Storm can help dial in the snug level, and a bit of stretch will keep you comfortable no matter which end of the size spectrum you select. 

These ski pants have a high level of durability, especially with the integrated Cordura kick patch that surrounds the entire hem and reaches high on the interior lower leg. No ski edges are getting through that shield. These pants are a heavy-duty choice that will last you many seasons without showing signs of wear. However, we wouldn’t use these pants for uphill pursuits considering the added warmth we felt from the liner. The Storm Shift Pants are a reliable, eco-friendly option with a relaxed fit best suited for trips to the ski area.

The Rab Khroma Kinetic Pants ($340) are well-made with a versatile mixture of handy features. While cruising through powder or skinning up steep slopes, you’ll surely appreciate the fine balance of breathability and waterproofing. There’s a ladies’ cut, too.

Surprisingly, Rab’s Proflex material is both fully waterproof and reasonably stretchy. Though these are hardshell pants, they manage to offer plentiful freedom of movement. Waterproof zippers keep your phone and valuables safe — even in waist-deep powder.

For such lightweight ski pants, the Kinetic Pants incorporate impressive durability in all the right places. For example, reinforcement patches around the ankles provide protection against ski edges and crampons. When paired with a good ski jacket, these pants form part of a full-body weatherproof system ideal for ski mountaineering.

We appreciate the sleek and understated look of these pants. All available color schemes are muted, handsome, and not overly flashy. Other key features of the Khroma Kinetic include elastic snow gaiters, side vents, and thoughtfully placed pockets. At a reasonable price, these pants are an exceptional value.

We didn’t think twice about suiting up in the Helly Hansen Emiko Shell Pants ($260) when the weather was unpredictable. These ski pants handled snow and even rain while skiing at the resort. And they were unfazed despite the competitive price tag, thanks to Helly’s durable 3-layer waterproof fabric, the brand’s top-tier HELLY TECH Professional. With a moderate weight and hand feel, it boasts a solid 20,000 mm waterproof rating.

The HELLY TECH Professional fabric was just breathable enough to keep the legs of tester Bergen Tjossem dry even while lunging in telemark turns. The breathability is rated at 20,000 g/24hr/m2, which is just shy of the highest-end waterproof membranes on the market. It’s worth noting that the Emiko does not offer any kind of ventilation, so the fabric’s sufficient breathability was critical for staying dry and ultimately warm. 

These Emiko Shell Pants are uninsulated. With a burlier construction, they proved to be decently warm compared to thinner shells. Tjossem was able to wear a variety of base layers to adjust the warmth according to the ambient temperatures. On the coldest days, he went for heavy-duty base layers, but Le Bent’s Featherweight ¾ Bottoms were plenty warm on mild December days underneath the Emiko Shells.

Helly offers two zippered hand pockets and one zippered thigh pocket. While none of them were particularly easy to use while seated on a chairlift, they securely stowed critical items, including a sizable phone. The thigh pocket is insulated to keep your phone warm and even includes a phone leash to prevent it from dropping from the lift — a slick feature.

The Emiko has a modern, relaxed cut that most skiers will find aesthetically pleasing — neither too baggy nor too slim for resort laps. Despite the relaxed cut, Tjossem was not impressed by the pants’ fit or articulation. Specifically, the gusseting was insufficient for full freedom of movement on ski tours. When skinning, the waist, crotch, and knees frequently constricted full movements, despite the waist fitting correctly. The inseam felt a tad short. We’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. Thankfully, the Emiko has belt loops, combined with an elastic waistband, to hold the pants up. 

At $260, the Emiko represents a basic price tag but a big step up in material quality. The 3L HELLY TECH Professional waterproof fabric delivers excellent protection from any weather skiers will encounter at the ski resort. While the brand doesn’t give as much attention to overall articulation, these ski pants deliver value where it matters most for many skiers.

The Stio Environ Pant ($429) and Women’s Environ stand out for their excellent fit, range of motion, and streamlined, high-quality details. Our team agrees — the Environs are a downright comfortable pair of ski pants that move and articulate seamlessly through any day at the ski resort. Senior Editor Morgan Tilton found no hangups while snowboarding and practicing jumps at Woodward Copper. 

These Environ pants utilize a light but tough 3-layer recycled waterproof and breathable fabric. From outside to inside, the layers are a 150D recycled polyester face fabric, a waterproof membrane rated at 20,000mm, and a 20D tricot backer that is easy on the skin. 

We found the Environ Pants plentifully water and windproof for any day at a typical ski resort, even during a dumping snowstorm. Our legs felt protected even on gusty ridgelines and frigid chairlift rides. Being uninsulated, base layers were critical when conditions were chilly.

The three-layer fabric sandwich only has a breathability rating of 10,000g/m2/24hrs, less than half of what high-end GORE-TEX fabrics offer, like those found in the Arc’teryx Sabre Pants. The Environs got clammy fairly easily in the backcountry, especially for ski tester Bergen Tjossem, who runs particularly warm on the skin track. Big thigh vents helped mitigate the issue by dumping heat with a quick zip. 

The relatively low breathability wasn’t an issue at the ski resort, where the vents and periodic lift rides kept the swamp at bay. Even aerobic bootpacks to powder stashes didn’t overwhelm the Environs’ breathing capabilities. 

The Environ Pants offer a simple integrated belt with a big hook that’s easily removable, leaving tried-and-true belt loops — a basic and elegant solution to pants security. The Environ’s other elements are equally as streamlined. The pocket layout offers just enough easily accessible storage in the right places. The burly exterior cuffs and stretchy interior cuffs do precisely what they need to do — keep the snow out and guard against ski edge slices. 

While not the best option for pure backcountry users, skiers looking for a simple pair of ski pants that shun frivolous elements in favor of fit, quality, and good articulation will be psyched on Stio’s Environ Pants, offered in both Men’s and Women’s options. 

Overhauled with a new fabric, the legacy Arc’teryx Sabre Pants ($600) have a lighter environmental footprint. Absent insulation, we found this 3-layer snow pant worked well for long backcountry days and could also hang on stormy days at the resort. With the right layering underneath, this design had tester Bergen Tjossem covered across Colorado’s wild range of weather and snow conditions.

The Sabre Pants employ the new top-of-the-line ePE fabric from GORE-TEX, an 80-denier textile with recycled nylon. The mega update is the ePE (expanded Polyethylene) material, which has the same breathable microporous membrane as the GORE-TEX of yore. The main difference is that the design is leaner and eliminates toxic, environmentally harmful PFC chemicals. In testing, we found that the fabric remains exceptionally waterproof, as you’d expect from GORE-TEX. As storms blasted, we were impressed with how well the Sabre ski pants repelled water and snow.

Against your base layer sits a soft 80-denier ePE flannel backer that feels smooth on bare skin — it’s not warm, though. We found that base layers are required to dial in insulation for resort days. That said, the lightweight fabric transitioned nicely from the ski resort to the skin track thanks to the impressive breathability. They’re not as breathable as softshell pants, but they’re about as breathable as hardshells can get. Waterproof zippers open the massive thigh vents on each leg to dump heat on unrelenting uphills, too. 

Waist fastening is handled by an integrated but removable elastic belt with a simple plastic buckle joined at the front of the pants. We found that the belt did its one job admirably, even with a phone, avalanche beacon (a.k.a. transceiver), and snacks loaded inside the low-profile thigh pockets. Even still, Arc’teryx added belt loops for skiers that prefer to run their own belt: an appreciated feature with no tradeoffs.

Nicks? The Sabre pants are relatively tight in the hip, groin, and seat region. Despite matching the waist size (34”) in Arc’teryx’s sizing chart, one tester needed to size up from a Medium to a Large for more room and mobility. Sizing up significantly improved the fit in the lap, underside, and backside. However, the larger waistband (37”) required cinching from the integrated belt, which worked well.

The Sabre’s stout cuffs are wide enough for beefy ski boots and snowboard boots without being overly baggy and snag-prone. For longevity, Arc’teryx doubled down with a very durable 100-denier Cordura fabric. The Keprotec insteps were also impressively resistant to the sharp edges of our skis.

After many days of thrashing, they’re barely rouged up and completely free of cuts. Underneath the shell are durable gaiters that stretch around the upper boot cuff to seal out snow. The premium Sabre ski pants have a price tag to match. But you get what you pay for: These pants can slash through powder until the sun goes down, stride uphill day after day, and protect your legs for the long haul through virtually any weather. 

Rising to the top of our apparel quiver, the Rab Men’s Khroma Diffuse GORE-TEX Pants ($450) is a dependable, straightforward choice for exploratory resort days — through trees, chutes, moguls, and boulder drops — and an equally rad partner for backcountry adventures. The design remains unchanged, which debuted alongside the Rab Women’s Khroma Diffuse. We love these pants for their superior construction with articulated knees and roomy upper legs for full-on days. Sweeping turns and climbing skin tracks are no issue with such well-tailored, dependable, well-constructed ski pants to rip around in.

Though a similar aesthetic and design to the Khroma lineup, these particular 3-layer pants boast a 100% recycled face fabric. Compared to the Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Pants, this pair is more waterproof — 28,000mm versus 20,000mm — and, as a result, slightly heavier (657 grams compared to 579 grams) and more durable, though some breathability is sacrificed. The material is coated with Gore DWR rather than a fluorocarbon-free DWR. With a slightly higher-end build, the price tag lands a bit higher, too. The back pocket was nixed from this design, as well.

Day in and out, the material kept moisture at bay, even while skiing laps in blizzard conditions and catching puddles on lift chairs. Rather than a metal hook, the internal gaiters have a soft pull-tab but the interior elastic band is grippy and stays put. The lower legs zip open, from the hem up, with a 9.5-inch-long window to access your ski boots. Having the option of belt loops plus an exterior integrated Velcro belt is one we appreciate.

The hems are reinforced on the interior and exterior, and that secondary material reaches 8 inches up the interior leg. There are also two dense crampon patches — 5.5 x 8 inches and 4.5 x 8 inches — on either side of the lower-leg zipper. Those lower legs are well-shielded against sharp ski edges and crampons, though they’re not easy to roll up if that’s ever a desire — like when you’re hiking back to the trailhead on a muddy road after a spring mission. We also appreciate the side leg vents for when we’re bootpacking or on the uphill approach.

Two hand pockets plus a spacious lower-thigh pocket, which fits a large phone, get the job done. Inside the lowermost pocket is a stretchy media sleeve. We’re on the fence about these nooks — they’re typically too small for a phone — but they could be a spot to slide a lean belonging like a driver’s license or ID.

While the three exterior leg pockets are roomy, they’re certainly not sized for skins. However, the only real critique we have of the pants so far is that RECCO could be a nice addition. If you need a strong build that won’t wear out soon, don’t hesitate to invest in the Khroma Diffuse for out-of-bounds adventures, hut trips, and ski mountaineering adventures.

Read Review for Men’s Ski Pants: Waterproof, Stretchy, Breathable: Black Diamond Recon LT Ski Pants Review

Blurring the lines, the Black Diamond Recon LT Pants ($350) work well between backcountry and resort days, hardshell and softshell. The main fabric, Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry 3L, stuck out to us while ski touring in Colorado. It’s plentifully waterproof like a hardshell for dumping snow and booting up couloirs but breathable enough for high-output touring like a softshell.

But what sets the Recon LT apart from other waterproof options is the generous 4-way stretch throughout. It was so accommodating in terms of movement that it had us questioning whether stretchless waterproof fabrics — like those found in most high-end garments — should be relegated to the past. Why choose stretch versus waterproofing when Black Diamond proves we can have both? Perhaps durability is at play.

The Recon LT comes equipped with tour-specific features like a sturdy integrated avalanche beacon pouch, plentiful pocket volume, and generous heat-dumping thigh vents. They also sport best-in-class inner boot gaiters that seal out the elements even after hours of wallowing in deep snow.

Most impressive about these touring-specific pants was how well they transitioned to downhill skiing at the resort. They’re light and breathable but simultaneously strong and protective when worn as a shell over base layers. Testers Jessi Hackett and Bergen Tjossem didn’t hesitate to bring these pants out in treacherous wind, driving storms, sunshine, or any other conditions when paired with the right base layers.

The catch? We found the integrated belt and hook-and-loop waist adjusters woefully insufficient to hold the pants up while touring. Users who do find a good fit, however, will be psyched on the Recon LT Pants. They’re stretchy, breathable, and protective shells for backcountry and resort skiing alike at a price point below most high-end waterproof competitors.

Read Review: Workhorse Softshell Ski Pants: Outdoor Research Cirque III Review

There’s a reason so many backcountry skiers, climbers, and mountaineers have trusted Outdoor Research’s Cirque pants for years on end. For those diehards, we’ve got great news: The Outdoor Research Cirque III Softshell Pants ($179) are the best ones yet — they’re durable, breathable, movement-oriented, and exceptionally versatile. Ladies, you can scope out the women’s Cirque III, too.

The Cirque III was designed with the “simpler is better” ethos, and that’s why it transcends seasons and disciplines. Unlike most softshell pants designed for ski touring, the Cirque III defaults to a narrow lower cuff that’s suitable for mountaineering boots, trail runners, or hiking boots. Then the cuffs zip open, revealing a burly gusset to accommodate even the beefiest ski touring boots.

These ski pants strike a nice balance between breathability and durability. While not the most water-resistant, the main fabric feels tough, and the pants are reinforced in all the high-wear zones. The Kevlar-reinforced cuffs refused to succumb to any of the ski edges, crampon points, tree branches, or sharp rocks thrown their way. But despite the robust build, the fabric felt breathable enough for highly aerobic winter activities, even without vents. 

Outdoor Research took great care to maximize versatility, which all starts with movement and fit. Compared to previous versions, the trimmer cut, generous gussets, and restriction-free stretch impressed our tester, Bergen Tjossem, during backcountry ski missions, high-stepping on rock and ice climbing pitches, and while winter hiking alike. On one test day, Tjossem had a 3-hour pre-dawn approach, 2,000 vertical feet of crampon booting to 13,000 feet, technical rope work, and a tricky descent in brutally cold, windy storm conditions. He found these pants to be perfect for the job.

While deep in the mountains, we appreciated the little details, too. A low-profile avalanche beacon pocket kept our beepers secure and accessible. Gaiter hooks and cord eyelets added protection while trudging through powder. The pocket layout provided enough storage options while remaining low profile under a harness. Most importantly, the integrated belt has a plentiful range and strength to hold the pants up even when weighted down by a pocketed beacon, multitool, and snacks.

Outdoor Research did their, um, research: The third generation of the Cirque pants are a durable workhorse of a softshell suited to ski touring, climbing, hiking, and mountaineering throughout the year. The Cirque also runs laps around its competition in terms of inclusive sizing: They’re offered in 16 different sizes, so most users will find a dialed fit for their body type.

Norrøna is known for high-quality outwear, and the Norrøna Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Plus Pants ($999) are no exception — doubling down to deliver the most premium product we’ve selected. These durable, very waterproof, breathable, and thoroughly windproof ski pants are designed for mountain freeriding and backcountry adventures. GORE-TEX Pro is the company’s most substantial fabric with a waterproof rating of 28,000 mm: the top-tier for the Pacific Northwest or bell-to-bell snowstorms. When combined with Norrøna’s 200-denier outer fabric, the result is perhaps the most rugged pair of pants on this list.

There’s more. This moderately baggy pant is also adaptable because it includes a bib that can be zipped in to extend the fabric up the torso and help keep the pants snugged up. On both legs, large inner thigh vents offer amplified airflow. To avoid wear from ski edges and crampons, both ankle cuffs are fully reinforced with extremely strong Kevlar fabric. There’s also a phone pocket integrated inside the right thigh pocket. In total, there are two hand pockets and two thigh pockets, and we appreciate the storage.

GORE-TEX Pro, while excellent for keeping the weather out, can also feel a bit stifling when hiking uphill — after all, they’re the most waterproof pants on our list. Our other favorite backcountry ski pants, the Rab Men’s Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Pants, are a solid 20K of waterproofness in comparison. Ultimately, the Lofoten really shine in cold, windy, and stormy conditions.

Another great feature is that these pants are made with more than 50% recycled synthetic fibers that are Oeko-Tex certified and Bluesign-approved, ensuring that harmful substances are not utilized in the construction and production process.

If your skiing style calls for ultimate weather protection, we highly recommend the lightweight and hybrid-style Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Plus Pants (or bib). Even when the wind is whipping at 25 mph, your legs will feel sheltered all day long.