Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Ski Pant Review
When it comes to recommendations, you can’t get much better than this: Our tester, normally a bib guy, found himself reaching more and more for the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex ($649). He deemed them the best ski pants he’d ever worn, thanks to impenetrable 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, set-and-forget comfort, and burly material offset by good-enough breathability. If you’re looking for ski pants to cover the bases (and your butt) inside and outside the resort, the Lofoten is an attractive option.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3L Gore-Tex ePE
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
70D x 160D polyester
Pros
Cons
Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Pants.
When I was getting my notes together for this review, I found myself repeating a phrase a few times over: The Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex is one high-quality pair of ski pants. That starts with the waterproofing, which is as impressive as I've come to expect from Norrøna’s ski outerwear and Gore-Tex’s newer constructions. These pants feature 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE, which helps keep the price down compared to the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro (which adds a bit more durability) but offers more or less the same fantastic protection.
During testing in and out of bounds in Washington and British Columbia, the Lofoten performed well in conditions that ranged from powder to rain to sunny slush. I skied for two and a half hours at Snoqualmie Pass in the rain, and when I got back to the car and examined my base layers, nothing felt damp. (My butt was quite cold, but that was from sitting on soaking chair lifts.) I’ve also been learning to snowboard, and in warm, slushy conditions at Snoqualmie I fell multiple times and sat on my rear and knees for longer than I’d like to admit, but no moisture made it through the fabric.
The Lofoten also felt good in windy conditions. While touring one afternoon, gusts ratcheted up to 30 mph, but I felt protected the entire time. Even the large outer thigh vents, which are useful for dumping heat during touring, are designed with fine mesh on the inside that keeps snow from entering when they’re open. I found that helpful for repelling deep powder while I was skinning and kick-turning. The pants also have button receivers that the powder skirt of Norrøna’s matching Lofoten jacket can snap onto, as well as some of the best gaiters I’ve ever used—the elastic is nice and flexible and easily fits over my boot, while at the same time remaining tight and secure.
Despite its relatively thick shell and soft fleece-like backer, the Lofoten is still an uninsulated shell pant and doesn’t deliver much warmth. I tested it in temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees, and normally I just wore a regular wool base layer underneath. On colder days spent skiing quick laps in the resort, I’d probably be tempted to wear a slightly more insulated base layer to fend off the cold. While touring, warmth was never an issue.
The Lofoten’s uninsulated design tracks with its intention to be used on both chair-served laps and days spent in the skin track. If you only spend your time riding lifts, run cold, or usually ski in a more frigid environment than the Pacific Northwest, you may want to consider a pant with built-in insulation (related: Norrøna does make a Lofoten Gore-Tex Insulated, which features lightweight 40g synthetic fill in the thigh, seat, and knees).
Even for an uninsulated ski pant with no stretch, the Lofoten is pretty dang comfortable. (Again, I’ll reference the phrase that pops up in my notes: “Wow, these feel high-quality.”) It never restricted my movement, and touring in the Lofoten was way more pleasant than the bibs I normally skin in because I was able to access my full range of motion. The waist-adjustment system, elastic with built-in hook-and-loop tabs, was easy to adjust on the fly and kept the pants in place while letting me take long strides.
The inside fabric has a nice, soft hand to it (Norrøna describes it as a “flannel backer”) and feels good even on bare skin. If it’s warm out and you want to skip a base layer underneath, I don’t think you’d regret it. I also appreciated that the cut isn’t too trim (as some European brands are guilty of) but also doesn’t look too wide or baggy. In my opinion, they nailed the freeride look and feel here. Overall, it was easy to wear the Lofoten all day, no matter what my skiing or boarding agenda was—I never felt restricted or anything close to uncomfortable.
A 3-layer Gore-Tex construction is usually pretty breathable, and so you probably won’t swamp out too quickly in the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex unless it’s really warm or you’re pushing uphill. For aggressive in-bounds skiing or ascending mellow skin tracks, this pant’s breathability shouldn’t be an issue. I felt like Norrøna managed to balance breathability and waterproofing well, and the thigh vents were adequate when it came to providing additional airflow.
However, the Lofoten’s relatively thick face fabric and flannel backer mean it won’t feel as airy as lighter competitors like the Black Diamond Recon Stretch or the Patagonia Stormstride. (The only time I overheated in the Lofoten was when I was out touring and working hard.) If you spend the majority of your time in the skin track and like to go long and fast, one of those models might be a better choice. The Lofoten is the more well-rounded pick and is plenty breathable for most skiers, however.
The robust fabric that slightly hinders the Lofoten’s breathability is a boon when it comes to longevity. These pants feature a 70-denier by 160-denier nylon shell, which has held up superbly during testing. I’ve bushwhacked in the Lofoten while touring, fallen over while skiing aggressively, rubbed up against my dirty truck, and frequently carried my snowboard with the edge scraping against the material. I haven’t noticed any damage so far and predict the pants will last me for many seasons.
In addition to their main material, the Lofoten has reinforced fabric around the ankles to further guard against wear and tear from ski edges, crampons, and rocks. The zippers feel robust, and all in all—yep, you guessed it—this is definitely a high-quality piece of ski apparel. As I also mentioned earlier (but which bears repeating), the Lofoten is probably the nicest ski pant I’ve ever worn.
Select icon to view details:
Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one of the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Pockets
There are three pockets on the Lofoten: two large thigh pockets and one smaller hip pocket. One of the thigh pockets has a beacon pouch, which can double as a cell phone holder if you’re in the resort. The larger pockets are nice for holding snacks, a hat, and thin gloves, as well as perhaps a tool or two. The hip pocket is quite small and can be used for credit cards, a ski pass, or cash.
My only real gripe with these pants has to do with the thigh pockets. I found that their zippers didn’t fully close the pockets (perhaps due to a fold in the edges of the compartment), which caused the pockets to open slightly when I wasn’t paying attention. No snow ever got in, but it’s an issue worth mentioning.
Cuffs
As I mentioned, the cuffs are very well designed. The robust shell fabric guards against rips and tears, and there are buttons on the lower portion to cinch down around narrow boots. Inside, the elastic gaiters form a bomber seal around your boot and never let any snow in. As with the vast majority of the Lofoten’s design, the cuffs feel well thought out.
Tester: 5’8” 165 lb.; 31" waist
Size tested: Men’s medium
I vacillate between pants that are 30-30 or 32-30, and I tested the Lofoten in a medium. It fit nicely—the waist was a tad wide, but the built-in belt worked extremely well to fine-tune the pants to my ideal size. The length was good as well, and the cuffs didn’t drag on the ground when I wore ski boots. I have pretty large legs, and while the Lofoten never felt too tight, they never felt too roomy, either. Personally, I think the overall fit is right on the money.
Arc’teryx Sabre ($600): Classic Techy Pick
It’s pretty clear that the Lofoten is a direct competitor to the long-standing Sabre. Both feature 3-layer Gore-Tex builds, flannel backers, and balance resort and backcountry demands. They differ a little in features, with the Sabre leaning minimalist while the Lofoten adds a pocket and has a thicker shell. Most importantly, we think the Lofoten’s average cut and length are far less polarizing than the Sabre, which we found has a short rise and length. For more, read our review of the Arc'teryx Sabre pant.
Black Diamond Recon Stretch ($449): A Stretchy 50/50 Pant
Black Diamond’s Recon Stretch Pant also features 3-layer construction, but its build is a bit more suited to backcountry use than the Lofoten Gore-Tex. The Recon’s in-house shell is thinner, stretchier, and airier than the more substantial Gore-Tex used on the Lofoten, giving it easier restriction-free movement. On the other hand, the Recon sacrifices the bomber protection and durability of the Lofoten. In deciding between the two, we'd consider local conditions (the Lofoten is better for wet, wild conditions) versus the cost savings and stretchy nature of the Recon. To learn more, see our BD Recon Stretch review.
A premium product through and through, this versatile pant is tough, comfy, and well-built. The Lofoten is a bit thick and warm for extensive touring, but otherwise, there's little to nitpick about this do-all option.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
In true Arc’teryx fashion, these pants exude quality from hip to toe. The premium 3-layer Gore-Tex construction offers breathable waterproof protection for everything from storm days at the resort to high-octane skin track sessions. But buyer beware: the fit doesn’t work for everyone.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Appealing to the backcountry crowd, these pants are noticeably lightweight and flexible and have several touring-oriented features, including a low-profile waist belt and a dedicated avy-beacon pocket. But the build quality is a slight step down from premium brands.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex for You?
If you’re a dedicated skier who wants a premium, do-it-all shell pant that will crush the resort and adequately handle the occasional adventure beyond the ropes, the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex is one of the top options available. Its waterproofing and durability are fantastic, but its price tag (though not exactly cheap) doesn’t rise to the heights of the category’s most expensive models. With high degrees of comfort and mobility and pretty good breathability to boot, the Lofoten gets our hearty recommendation to just about anyone who isn’t a diehard backcountry hardo.
pray for snow
Skiing Gear Guides
Gear Guide
Best Ski Bibs of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Ski Jackets of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Ski Helmets of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Ski Goggles of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Ski Boots of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Ski Backpacks of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Ski Gloves of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Ski Mittens of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Base Layers of 2026-2027
Gear Guide
Best Midlayers of 2026
curated for you