I hunted elk in deep snow almost the entire season this year and chose my Filson whipcord pants- the tight weave makes them very water and wind resistant, but they breathe very well too. I simply adjust my bottom base layer to expected temps. Needless to say there is nothing quieter than wool. The price of the pants are high, but mine are getting close to the 20 year mark- you’d never know it by looking at them. Think of them as an investment
Normally I do use softshell pants, but as the snow (and cold) piles up, wool is what I wear