Gore-Tex is one of the best innovations in the skiing world. The special waterproof fabric creates a tight seal, keeping you warm and protected from the outside cold no matter how far you venture, and is an excellent addition to any set of ski pants.
Hi, I’m Christine, an avid skier and the founder of TheSkiGirl.com. I’ve used many different ski pants over the years and have experience with various Gore-Tex options. I know what to look for in the best pants out there that are built using this material.
The Black Diamond Mission is my pick for the best Gore-Tex ski pants of the year. These are a comfortable and effective shell-style model that will have you covered at the resort or in the backcountry. They are also very durable and built to last.
In this post, I’ll show you a handful of other great options that are all made mainly of Gore-Tex. Whether you are searching for extreme waterproofing or just want the peace of mind that this provides, all the options here are recommended.
Let’s button up and get going.
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Who Should Get This
Though all skiers can take advantage of great ski pants, the models in this guide are best suited for heavy-duty or off-piste skiers who put their gear and equipment through a lot of heavy abuse.
Gore-Tex is a premium material utilized in premium brands. As such, more serious skiers will love the way it keeps them dry and insulated no matter how deep into the snow they get. Skiers who tend to ski in wet or shifting conditions can get the most out of Gore-Tex pants.
Pants made with this material provide an incredible amount of protection that comes in handy when the weather gets rough. Though not every person on the mountain needs Gore-Tex ski pants, premium models ensure you’ll be ready to face every obstacle that might come your way.
Best Gore-Tex Ski Pants: Top Picks
Here are my picks for the best Gore-Tex ski pants of the year. Each of the models seen here is built using high-quality Gore-Tex material and comes recommended.
1. Black Diamond Mission
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Comfortable, excellent fit, articulated knees, durable, offset side vents
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 3L
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$$
The Black Diamond Mission is my pick for the best overall Gore-Tex ski pants of the year. These come with a very effective and strong 3-layer Gore-Tex construction.
The pants have a regular fit that makes them ready for just about anything you want to tackle on the mountain. They will move with you, and that makes them very comfortable.
Articulated knees add another level of flexibility while also increasing durability in an area where you might otherwise wear down with regular use. I also like the offset side vents because this gives you added breathability when needed.
The only real downside to the Mission is an expensive price tag. Other than that, these pants are ready for action.
==> You can also get it on PRFO Sports or Moosejaw.
2. Arc’teryx Beta SV
- Best for: Backcountry
- Key features: Durable, built for the backcountry, strong construction, drop seat design, excellent waterproofing
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex/DWR Treatment
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$$$
If you like to venture deep into the backcountry, the Arc’Teryx Beta SV is a good option to have on your side. These are a strong and effective set of ski pants that will work in serious conditions.
They come with extreme waterproofing capabilities made possible by a Gore-Tex construction that is enhanced by a DWR treatment.
I like the bib-style design here as well because it offers tremendous flexibility and comfort, no matter how you want to ski.
This is another very expensive option, but sometimes you need to pay up to get high-quality.
3. Burton AK Cyclic
- Best for: Comfort
- Key features: Very comfortable, articulated fit, Living Lining, zippered pockets, mesh-lined vents
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 2L
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$$
The Burton AK Cyclic is the most comfortable pair of Gore-Tex pants out there. They come with an articulated fit that is very easy to get used to, and this will let you ski freely.
A 2-layer Gore-Tex construction gives you outstanding weatherproofing, while a Living Lining helps to keep you warm with adaptive adjustments on the mountain.
I also like the zippered pockets and mesh-lined vents built into the AK Cyclic, and both come in handy during the winter.
This isn’t as durable as the more expensive options, although it still has a strong construction.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Tactics or Fun-sport-vision.
4. Spyder Winner
- Best for: Women’s Option
- Key features: Women’s specific design, reliable Gore-Tex weatherproofing, insulated, breathable
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Insulation: 40 grams PrimaLoft
- Cost: $$
The Spyder Winner is the best Gore-Tex ski pants model built specifically for women. These have a curvy fit that is designed with female skiers in mind.
The pants also feature outstanding waterproofing thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane. Warmth is provided by 40 grams of PrimaLoft material for long-lasting comfort.
Inner snow gaiters help to keep out the snow from your boots, and durability is enhanced by fully-taped seams.
This model doesn’t have an extensive list of additional features, but it’s still a recommended pick.
==> You can also get it on Spyder or Moosejaw or Christy Sports.
5. Oakley Buckeye Gore-Tex Shell
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Affordable, quality construction, comfortable, performance fit, inner thigh vents
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 2L
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly Gore-Tex option, the Oakley Buckeye Gore-Tex Shell is worth checking out.
This is a shell-style ski pant that is comfortable and effective at keeping you dry, thanks to a two-layer Gore-Tex construction.
A performance fit makes them extremely comfortable and allows you to ski without worrying if they will hold you back. Inner thigh vents add a level of customizable comfort for warmer days on the mountain.
These aren’t the warmest pants out there and are very simple by design. You might want to pair them with a good base layer with that in mind.
==> You can also get it on Evo.
How to Choose Gore-Tex Pants for Skiing
Here are some essential factors to keep in mind when choosing the best Gore-Tex pants for skiing.
Insulation
Regardless of size or fit, ski pants need to be able to stand up to the elements. Premium insulation doesn’t just keep you warm, it also makes your pants much more comfortable.
Just note that some Gore-Tex pants come with insulation, and some do not. It’s really a personal preference based around your needs on the mountain.
Strong construction, tight seals, and premium lining are essential factors to note when picking Gore-Tex pants. Water-proofing also adds to such attributes and ensures you stay warm no matter how cold it gets outside.
Ventilation
Great ski pants, no matter how warm or rugged they are, need to let you breathe. There is nothing worse than sweating or overheating while out on the mountain, especially in freezing conditions.
Always look for pants that have exceptional ventilation. Even tough or water-proof models have this option if you know where to look. Zippered vents are a common form of built-in ventilation that can prove helpful when you ski.
Appearance
Ski pants need to be functional, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few models with your favorite features, don’t be afraid to pick the one that looks good.
Ski pants come in all shapes and sizes, and many brands give you a range of color options as well. Though you never want to make your final decision based on look alone, it is something to consider once you’ve separated the wheat from the chaff.
Useful Tips & Resources
Picking out a pair of ski pants is not an easy task. Though this article gives you a few criteria to look at when making your final decision, they are not the only aspects to keep in mind. If you want to know what else to look for, take a look at these tips.
Gore-Tex ski pants tend to be durable. However, proper care still goes a long way when it comes to increasing their longevity. Washing your waterproof gear is quite important, especially if you plan on braving the slopes for a long time.
But washing waterproof clothing also requires special care and attention. If you don’t follow the proper methods, you can ruin the waterproofing abilities of your garments. Learn how to wash ski pants here or check out the video below for some tips on how to wash Gore-Tex clothing of any kind.
Final Verdict
The Black Diamond Mission is my pick for the best Gore-Tex ski pants of the year. This is a great model that will give you outstanding protection from the elements while also delivering when it comes to comfort and flexibility.
Every option that you see here is great because of the Gore-Tex foundation they are built from. But they also have a bunch of other high-quality features that skiers can take advantage of. Be sure to match an option with your needs as a skier, and then get out there and rip!
