Gore-Tex is a fantastic material. It provides some of the best waterproofing capabilities of any fabric, and that’s why it’s built into a lot of high-end skiing and snowboarding equipment. Gore-Tex pants will keep you dry, that’s for sure.
I’m a certified snowboarding instructor who has been riding for decades. I’ve worn many different types of Gore-Tex pants over the years and know what to look for in a good option. I’m a snowboarder, but these pants work for skiing too.
The Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic is my top choice for the best Gore-Tex pants for skiing and snowboarding. They are made by a snowboarding brand but will work well for skiers too.
I’ll show you a few of my top picks for Gore-Tex pants in this post to help you take advantage of all the amazing waterproofing and weather-resistant properties this material has.
Time to bundle up and get started.
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Who Should Get This
Gore-Tex pants are best for skiers and snowboarders who routinely ride through rough or extreme conditions.
The material is water-proof and durable, two factors that help keep you dry when crashing through snowy weather. If you see a lot of snow, the following pants are the way to go.
Gore-Tex also lets you breathe, so it’s helpful to anyone who tends to sweat or run hot.
Snowboarding and skiing take a lot of energy. Even if it’s freezing out on the slopes, it is easy to work up a sweat. The pants listed below get rid of that problem.
Top Gore-Tex Pants
Here are my top picks for the best Gore-Tex snow pants.
1. Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Excellent waterproofing, durable, Living lining, zippered back pockets, fully taped seams, good ventilation
- Insulation: Shell/None
- Fit: Regular/Articulated
- Cost: $$$$
The Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic is my top pick for Gore-Tex pants for skiing or snowboarding. Burton is a snowboarding-focused brand, but these pants will work really well for any sort of winter sport.
A 2-layer Gore-Tex membrane works together with a Nylon 70D face fabric to give you outstanding protection from moisture, wind, and cold. This construction also makes the pants very strong and durable.
The Cyclic also comes with a Living Lining. This is a unique invention by Burton that gives you customized comfort when you ski or ride. The membrane’s pores open up when it is hot to let the air out, and then they will close when it’s cold to trap air in.
A regular articulated fit is designed with performance and comfort in mind. You’ll be able to ride, hike, jump, or do any other sort of movement without worrying about if these pants will hold you back. They are comfortable and flexible.
Additional features include zippered pockets all around to stash your gear and fully taped seams for added weather protection.
The bad news is the price. The Cyclic is expensive.
==> You can also get it on Hansen Surfboards or Backcountry or Equipe Sports.
2. Burton Duffy
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Warm, comfortable, durable, fully taped seams, Living Lining, insulated, no-snag vents
- Insulation: Thermolite
- Fit: Standard
- Cost: $$
The Burton Duffy is the best women’s Gore-Tex pants for skiing and snowboarding. These are comfortable, look great, and will keep you well protected from the snow and cold.
The 2-layer Gore-Tex construction provides a serious barrier from the winter world outside. It also makes the Duffy extremely durable, and you’ll get consistent use out of these.
Thermolite insulation is built into the pants for added warmth. This is a lightweight synthetic insulation that doesn’t add much bulk or weight to the pants.
Fully taped seams use a Gore-Seam process to enhance the water protection the Duffy provides even further weather protection.
Additional features include mesh-lined thigh vents for added airflow and a Living lining system that helps automatically adjust the temperature to adapt to changing conditions.
The fit is a little big, which might not be ideal for some ladies.
3. Arc’teryx Beta AR
- Best for: Backcountry
- Key features: Versatile performance, lightweight, excellent waterproofing, breathable, durable
- Insulation: Shell/None
- Fit: Standard
- Cost: $$$$
If you like to venture into the backcountry when you ski or ride, the Arc’teryx Beta AR pants make for a great companion. They are a lightweight option made of Gore-Tex that will have you covered in a range of different conditions.
I like how versatile the Beta AR pants are. You can wear them for your serious backcountry excursions, but they are also handy in the warmer months if you are camping or mountaineering.
They have a solid construction of Gore-Tex that makes them very waterproof and windproof. This is great for the rapidly changing conditions you are sure to encounter in the backcountry.
A drawstring closure lets you get a secure fit without the need for a belt and adds comfort. These pants are highly comfortable, in general.
The Beta AR only comes as a shell, so you’ll need to layer up when conditions turn really cold. They are also very expensive.
==> You can also get it on Arc’teryx or Zappos.com or LD Mountain.
4. Spyder Tarantula
- Best for: Cold Weather
- Key features: Warm, comfortable, very waterproof, good pockets, durable
- Insulation: 60 grams PrimaLoft Silver ECO
- Fit: Bib
- Cost: $$$
The Spyder Tarantula is a solid option for anyone who wants a bit of added warmth with their Gore-Tex pants.
They are a bib style pant that offers comfort and added weather protection for any skier or snowboarder. I like how comfortable bibs are, and these have a stretch polyester weave that increases things to another level.
Two layers of Gore-Tex provide you with a solid line of defense against the snow, wind, and cold. It also adds strength and durability to the bibs. These are built to take a beating and will last for many seasons.
The Tarantula also comes with 60 grams of PrimaLoft Silver ECO insulation for extra warmth on those really cold days. This is a lightweight material that doesn’t add much bulk or weight to the bibs.
These can ride a little high, so the fit might not be for everyone.
==> You can also get it on Spyder.
How to Choose the Best Gore-Tex Pants for Skiing or Snowboarding
Look through the sections below and be sure to keep them in mind when shopping for the best Gore-Tex pants for skiing or snowboarding.
Comfort
Your ski and snowboard pants need to be comfortable. That means they should both feel good to wear and sit on your body in the right way.
You never want your pants to be too loose, as that can let in cold air. If they are too tight, they won’t give you the flexibility you need while riding or skiing.
It is always important to find a good middle ground that will work with you as you move. Soft materials are key as well.
Insulation
As with all other parts of your snow ensemble, your pants need to keep you warm. Gore-Tex is a breathable material, but get added insulation if you want extra warmth.
When getting a Gore-Tex model, always look for options that come with extra padding or specific liners that help trap in heat.
Strong construction is also important, as reinforced seams or tough shells will better lock out the cold.
Pockets
Pockets are also something to keep in mind when getting skiing and snowboard pants. If you like to take a pack out with you on the slopes, it’s typically best to go with standard hand pockets since you have extra storage.
If you don’t use a backpack, look for an option that has multiple cargo pockets so you can store items like snacks without getting weighed down.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some common questions relating to Gore-Tex Pants.
Are Gore-Tex pants worth it for skiing or snowboarding?
If you want to make sure you stay dry and comfortable at all times, Gore-Tex pants are definitely worth it. They can be a little more expensive, but you will give excellent waterproofing and weather resistance you can count on.
Are Gore-Tex snow pants waterproof?
They are very waterproof. Gore-Tex is one of the best waterproofing materials on the planet. They even come with the motto, “Guaranteed to keep you dry.” I’ve found that to be pretty dang accurate.
Are Gore-Tex pants warm?
Gore-Tex by itself is known more for its waterproofing abilities than its warmth. While it can keep you warm by keeping you dry, you should look for Gore-Tex pants with insulation if you want added warmth.
Additional Tips
Though many snowboarders and skiers know and understand the benefits of Gore-Tex, they may not necessarily understand how it works.
If you want a more detailed explanation of this material, including why it protects you so well while riding, check out this video.
Gore-Tex is a great material, but it is not as commonly used as cotton or wool. Many people may not know how to wash or care for it properly.
Burton has a great guide on caring for your Gore-Tex clothing items. Check it out.
My Verdict
My top pick for Gore-Tex pants for skiing and snowboarding is the Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic. These are top-of-the-line pants made for high-performance. They will keep you dry, and they are very durable as well.
Few materials are more useful out on the slopes than Gore-Tex, and all of the pants mentioned here come with a construction made out of this material. If you want to stay dry and comfortable while you ski or ride, these are all highly recommended.
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