Best Snowboard Pants for 2027: A Vermont Shop's Picks for East Coast Riding

What are the best snowboard pants for 2027?

The best snowboard pants for 2027 depend on how wet your days get and how cold you run, so we group our picks by rider type rather than naming one winner. Every pant in the table below is a 2027 model we had in stock this fall, listed at its regular price. It runs from a $160.00 park pant to a $699.95 GORE-TEX 3L bib.

National review lists usually test out West, where snow is dry and cold. Here, the same pant has to handle a January morning at Killington, a February rain event and a March slush day in the same season. That is the lens for every pick on this page.

GORE-TEX pants show no mm rating in the table on purpose. Gore does not publish a number for its membranes. It publishes a guarantee instead, "Guaranteed to keep you dry", which is why we list the layer count (2L or 3L) for those pants.

What makes a snowboard pant good for East Coast conditions?

A good East Coast snowboard pant keeps water out under pressure, lets heat out when the day warms up and has hems tough enough for ice and hardpack. Insulation comes after those three, because you can add warmth with layers but you can't add waterproofing to a pant that leaks.

Waterproofing that survives a soaked chairlift

The hardest test a pant gets in Vermont is not falling in powder. It is sitting on a wet chairlift seat for eight minutes, then kneeling in slush to strap in, over and over. Pressure pushes water through weaker fabrics. That is why we steer most riders toward a 20K shell or GORE-TEX, and why taped seams matter: the Burton Reserve 2L pieces have taped seams, and Souvenir's pants are fully taped.

Venting for spring slush and warm afternoons

East Coast temperatures swing hard. A morning near zero can turn into a 40-degree afternoon. Zip thigh vents let you dump heat without taking anything off. The Reserve 2L line has zip thigh vents, and the [ak] Cyclic pants have mesh-lined inner thigh vents.

Cuffs and hems that survive ice

Hardpack and ice chew through pant hems, especially when your edge catches the cuff. Kick panels and boot gaiters protect that area and keep snow out of your boots. The Burton [ak] Cyclic pants have both. On a baggier park pant, check the length: our snowboard pants fit guide covers how long is too long.

• Shell rating: 15K or higher for regular weekend riding, 20K or GORE-TEX if you ride in rain or sit on wet lifts a lot.
• Seams: fully taped or critically taped seams keep water from wicking through the stitching.
• Vents: zip or mesh thigh vents for days that start cold and end warm.
• Hem protection: kick panels and boot gaiters for ice and hardpack.

Which snowboard pants fit which East Coast rider?

Match the pant to how and when you ride: storm riders need GORE-TEX coverage, cold riders need insulation over a solid shell, and park riders need a baggy, durable cut. The table below pairs each type of rider with what to look for and the pants from our 2027 lineup that fit.

Most riders fall into two rows. A weekend rider who runs cold but also likes the park, for example, might pick an insulated Reserve for January and a baggy shell for spring. If you are only buying one pant, choose for the worst conditions you ride in, not the best. If you are torn between fill and layers, our insulated vs shell snowboard pants comparison gives a simple rule for East Coast riders.

What are the best men's snowboard pants?

For men riding the East Coast, the Burton Men's [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Pants ($479.95) are our top all-around pick, and the Burton x Zeb 2L Simple Pants ($189.95) are the best value. The Cyclic has the details that matter here: GORE-TEX 2L, mesh-lined inner thigh vents, boot gaiters and kick panels, in a regular fit.

If you run cold, the Burton Men's [ak] Swash Insulated GORE-TEX 2L Pants ($499.95) add 40g PrimaLoft Silver insulation to the same GORE-TEX shell. That is enough warmth for long lift rides in January without making the pant too hot for spring.

For a mid-price option, the Burton x Zeb 2L Simple Pants give you a 20K, 2-layer shell in a baggy cut for under $200. Pair them with a midweight base layer on cold days. If you want room for extra layers or a looser park fit, the Burton x Zeb 2L Baggy Cargo Pant ($239.95) uses the same 20K shell and adds 14 pockets.

• Best overall: Burton Men's [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Pants, $479.95.
• Best for cold riders: Burton Men's [ak] Swash Insulated GORE-TEX 2L Pants, $499.95.
• Best value: Burton x Zeb 2L Simple Pants, $189.95.
• Best for park: Burton x Zeb 2L Baggy Cargo Pant, $239.95.

You can see all of this season's Burton pieces in our Burton 2027 collection.

What are the best women's snowboard pants?

The Burton Women's Reserve 2L Relaxed Pants ($209.95) are our best women's snowboard pant for most East Coast riders, and the Burton Women's [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Pants ($479.95) are the pick for rain and storm days. The Reserve gives you a 20K/20K DRYRIDE shell, taped seams and zip thigh vents in a relaxed fit at a mid-range price.

Riders who run cold have two strong options. The Burton Women's Reserve 2L Insulated Pants ($229.95) add low-profile synthetic insulation to the 20K shell in Burton's "Just Right" fit. The Burton Women's [ak] Insulated Swash GORE-TEX 2L Pants ($499.95) pair 40g PrimaLoft Silver with GORE-TEX for riders who want the warmest and driest option we carry.

If you like the look of a bib, the Burton Women's Reserve 2L Bib Pants ($269.95) use the same 20K/20K shell with a higher back to keep snow out. We cover bibs in more detail below. For jackets and pants together, browse our women's snowboard outerwear.

• Best overall: Burton Women's Reserve 2L Relaxed Pants, $209.95.
• Best for storm days: Burton Women's [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Pants, $479.95.
• Best for cold riders on a budget: Burton Women's Reserve 2L Insulated Pants, $229.95.
• Warmest and driest: Burton Women's [ak] Insulated Swash GORE-TEX 2L Pants, $499.95.

What are the best snowboard bibs?

The best snowboard bib for most riders is the Burton Women's Reserve 2L Bib Pants at $269.95, and the best high-end bib is the Burton Men's [ak] Freebird GORE-TEX 3L Stretch Bib Pants at $699.95. Bibs earn their place on the East Coast because the higher back keeps snow and slush out when you sit down to strap in or fall in deep snow.

The Freebird is the top of our lineup: GORE-TEX 3L, which Burton describes as lighter than its 2L GORE-TEX, with stretch and a relaxed fit. It suits storm-day and backcountry riders who want the most coverage. The Burton Men's [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants ($529.95) are a step down in price with the same GORE-TEX protection in a 2-layer build.

Not sure whether a bib is right for you? We break down the trade-offs, including bathroom breaks and layering, in our snowboard bibs vs pants guide.

What are the best budget snowboard pants?

The best budget snowboard pants we carry are the Vans Kingvale 2L Park Pant 2.0 at $160.00 and the Beyond Medals Park Pants at $179.95, both shells that work well with a good base layer underneath. Budget pants make sense for a first season, for riders who mostly ride sunny weekends, or as a second pair for spring.

Know the trade-off before you buy. The Beyond Medals Park Pants have a 15,000mm, 2-layer, fully lined shell with a PFC-free DWR. The Vans Kingvale has a 10,000mm, 2-layer shell, and Vans calls it a "water-resistant park pant". That is fine for dry snow and most weekend days. On rainy days or long sits in slush, expect to get wetter than you would in a 20K or GORE-TEX pant.

1. Pick the shell first: choose a 15K shell if your budget allows, and save the 10K pant for drier days.
2. Add a base layer: a thermal bottom does more for warmth than an insulated budget pant.
3. Check the length: baggy park pants run long, so try them with your boots on.
4. Treat the DWR: reapply a water-repellent treatment when water stops beading on the fabric.

If you are building a full kit on a budget, start with thermal base layers, then pick the shell. Our East Coast layering guide shows what to wear under your pants at different temperatures.

Are GORE-TEX snowboard pants worth it?

GORE-TEX snowboard pants are worth it if you ride in rain, ride every weekend or run cold and wet, because the membrane holds up under pressure where cheaper shells start to soak through. In our lineup, GORE-TEX starts at $479.95, roughly twice the price of a 20K Reserve pant.

For a rider who gets out ten days a season on bluebird weekends, a 20K shell like the Burton Women's Reserve 2L Relaxed Pants or the Burton x Zeb 2L Simple Pants covers most days. For a rider who rides through February rain and March slush every season, the extra cost of the [ak] Cyclic or Swash pants shows up as dry knees and a dry seat at the end of the day. Gore backs it with its "Guaranteed to keep you dry" promise.

The difference between GORE-TEX 2L and 3L comes down to construction and weight. Burton describes its 3L GORE-TEX as lighter than its 2L GORE-TEX, which is part of why the Freebird bib costs more. Both keep water out. The 3L build suits riders who hike or ride hard and want less bulk. For the full breakdown of 10K, 15K, 20K and GORE-TEX, read are GORE-TEX snowboard pants worth it.

Which snowboard pants are best for park riding?

The Burton x Zeb 2L Baggy Cargo Pant ($239.95) is our best park pant, with a 20K shell, a baggy fit and 14 pockets, and the Beyond Medals Park Pants ($179.95) are the pick for a super loose fit under $200. Park riders need room to move, fabric that survives rails and boxes, and a cut that stays put when you fall.

The Burton x Zeb line was designed with Zeb Powell, and it shows in the fit: both the Baggy Cargo and the Simple Pants are cut baggy. The Beyond Medals Park Pants go even looser, a fit the brand calls "super loose", with a fully lined 2-layer shell. The Vans Kingvale 2L Park Pant 2.0 ($160.00) is the cheapest baggy option, and the Vans EG Cargo Snow Pant ($230.00) adds cargo pockets in a loose fit.

Baggy pants bring one common problem: length. A pant that drags under your heel will shred its hem on the first icy day. Our guide to snowboard pants fit and the baggy question explains how to size up without the hem dragging.

What brands do professional snowboarders wear?

Pro riders often ride in their sponsors' outerwear, and one of our 2027 lines comes straight from that world: the Burton x Zeb collection, designed with Zeb Powell. For most riders, though, the brand matters less than matching the shell and fit to your conditions.

Burton's [ak] line sits at the top of its range and uses GORE-TEX throughout. The Reserve 2L line is Burton's mid-price 20K option, with shell, relaxed, insulated and bib versions. Beyond these, we stock style-led brands like Souvenir and Beyond Medals, whose cuts borrow from streetwear: the Souvenir 3 Ply Denim Pant ($260.00) looks like workwear but has a 15K/15K shell and fully taped seams.

To see jackets and pants together, browse our full snow outerwear lineup.

Frequently asked questions about the best snowboard pants

Are snowboard pants different than ski pants?

Yes, mostly in fit and reinforcement. Snowboard pants are usually cut looser to allow for wide stances and grabs, and they put more protection on the seat and knees, since snowboarders sit and kneel to strap in. Ski pants tend to be slimmer. Both use similar waterproof shells, so a good ski pant can work for snowboarding if the fit gives you room to move.

What waterproof rating do snowboard pants need?

For East Coast riding, aim for 15K or higher, and 20K or GORE-TEX if you ride in rain or sit on wet chairlifts often. A 10K shell is fine for dry days and first seasons. Taped seams matter as much as the number, because water also gets in through the stitching. GORE-TEX doesn't publish an mm rating; Gore guarantees it will keep you dry.

How much should you spend on snowboard pants?

In our 2027 lineup, solid shells start at $160.00, the 20K Burton Reserve pants run $209.95 to $269.95, and GORE-TEX pants and bibs run $479.95 to $699.95. Most weekend riders on the East Coast get the best value in the $200 to $270 range. Spend more if you ride in rain often or ride every weekend.

Do you need insulated snowboard pants in Vermont?

Not always. Many riders do fine with a shell and a base layer, adding a midweight layer on cold days. Insulated pants make sense if you run cold, ride mostly in January and February, or spend a lot of time on slow lifts. Options like the Burton Women's Reserve 2L Insulated Pants or the [ak] Swash Insulated pants add warmth without much bulk.

Are bibs better than snowboard pants?

Bibs keep more snow out, especially when you sit in deep snow or fall, and they stay in place without a belt. Pants are easier for layering changes and bathroom breaks. Neither is better for everyone. Our bibs vs pants comparison covers the trade-offs for East Coast snow in detail.

Where to start?

Start by deciding which conditions you ride in most, then pick the shell, then the fit. A rider who sees rain and slush every season should look at GORE-TEX or a 20K shell first. A park rider on a budget can start with a baggy 15K pant and a good base layer.

To shop online, start with these collections:

• Snowboard pants and bibs: every pant and bib we stock, from park shells to GORE-TEX.
• Burton 2027 collection: this season's [ak], Reserve and Burton x Zeb pieces.
• Women's pants and jackets: our women's outerwear in one place.

The easiest way to get the fit right is to try pants on with your boots. Stop by our Killington or Okemo shop, or order online and pick up at either location. Bring the boots you ride in, and we'll help you check the length and the room through the knees.