If you're a skier, be it backcountry skiing, resort skiing or ski touring, then you know how important it is to have the right ski gear. Combine that with where and what type of skiing you plan to do, will determine what type of ski pants are the best options for you. Do you need more flex for increased mobility or more insulation for rides up the mountains?
We've put together a list of the best ski pants for this season that includes different styles to suit different budgets, from bibs to hardshells, to take the guesswork out so you can head off to the snow.
Let's dive in!
BEST SKI PANTS - OUR TOP PICKS:
Helly Hansen Legend Ski Pants - Great All Rounder
The North Face Freedom Insulated Ski Pants - Great Value Men's
Outdoor Research Skyward II Ski Pants - Best for Breathability
Flylow Chemical Ski Pants - Tough and Durable
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Ski Pants - Best Softshell
Burton Women's Avalon Bib Pants - Great Value women's bibs
Spyder Active Mesa Gore Tex Ski pants - Great Value gore tex pants
Wildhorn Outfitters Bowman Insulated Ski Pants - Great Value Mid-range
Columbia Bugaboo II Women's Ski Pants - Great Value Women's
686 Standard Shell Women's Ski Pants- Mid-range Women's
HELLY HANSEN LEGEND SKI PANTS:
What Works For Us:
Get ready to hit the slopes with total confidence when you put on the Helly Hansen Legends ski pants. Both legendary and one of a kind, these are the perfect go-to resort skiing staple.
Crafted from lightweight Helly Tech performance stretch fabric, they offer just the right amount of flexibility and movement needed to keep you comfortable as you bomb downhill. Plus, they’re waterproof and windproof, so you can stay warm and dry in any conditions.
Designed with resort skiing in mind, these slim fit ski pants come with all the features you want for a day on the mountain. From reinforced bottom hems and leg panels for added protection against wear and tear, to articulated knees for freedom of movement -not to mention an internal gaiters with silicone liner keeping snow out -these pants have it all! And each pair is critically taped at seams to ensure superior durability so you can enjoy them season after season.
There are meshed zippered leg vents to dump heat and the breathable stretch fabric wicks moisture away ensuring a dry and comfortable ride. With 2 large, zippered side pockets and 1 flap, zippered pocket on the back, there's plenty of room for all your essentials and these pants come equipped with RECCO advanced rescue Tech if you go outbounds.
Go grab your ski gear and get ready to experience an epic run this winter with Helly Hansen Legend Ski Pants!
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort
Insulated: Yes- 60g PrimaLoft Black Insulation
Waterproof: Yes + DWR Coated
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: Yes
THE NORTH FACE FREEDOM INSULATED SKI PANTS:
What Works For Us:
Introducing The North Face Freedom Insulated Ski Pant: the perfect combination of flexibility, warmth, comfort and value for a resort-styled pair of ski pants.
These insulated pants are perfect for a day on the mountain, featuring unbeatable value and ultimate mobility thanks to their lightweight stretchy two-layered fabric. With The North Face’s DryVent Technology, and an extra DWR coating, these insulated pants are waterproof and breathable, so you’ll stay dry on the inside and out even during your toughest runs. Plus - stay cool in any level of activity with the “Chimney” venting system that allows air to rise through mesh gaiters and escape through the inner thigh vents.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, you’ll appreciate the extra room to layer up or down as needed, adjustable waist tabs to keep out snow, two generously sized side cargo pockets for essential items while shredding, as well as articulated knees and reinforced hems - great for protecting against wear and tear. Plus - these North Face Freedom pants come in a huge range of sizes so you'll always find that perfect fit.
The Freedom pants come with 60g Heatseeker Eco insulation to keep you warm on the slopes but not with the extra bulk. These ski pants are tough, durable and functional at incredible value and are well worth the money!
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort
Insulated: Yes- 60g Heatseeker Eco recycled insulation
Waterproof: Yes + DWR Coated
Taped Seams: Partially
Vents: Yes
There is a non-insulated version of the Freedom Ski Pant which is a cheaper option.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH SKYWARD II SKI PANTS:
What Works For Us:
If you're looking for a great balance between resort skiing and backcountry skiing, the Outdoor Research Skyward II Ski Pants are just what you need. Packed with features designed to keep you comfortable and protected, these hardshell ski pants are designed with performance in mind. The 3-layered AscentShell fabric boasts plenty of stretch to mean full range of movement while you glide downhill, and enough flex when navigating through powdery outbounds.
What sets the Skyward II apart from other ski pants is the breathability; its air-permeable AscentShell fabric makes sure there's no build up of moisture from within. And if that weren't enough, there are also two long, outer thigh vents to dump heat and keep things fresh and dry.
Made for resort and backcountry skiing in mind, the Skyward II is fully waterproof with sealed seams, snow gaiters, and protected hems to ensure protection from all forms of wear and tear. There are 4 pockets — including 1 beacon pocket — so plenty of space for all your essentials.
These lightweight, hardshell pants really are a great balance between comfort, flexibility and utility.
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort & Backcountry
Insulated: No
Waterproof: Yes
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: Yes
FLYLOW CHEMICAL MEN'S SKI PANTS:
What Works For Us:
Introducing the Flylow Chemical Ski Pants – the perfect all-round hardshell pants for resort and backcountry skiing.
These lightweight, technical hardshell pants will give you maximum protection from the weather, while also giving you total freedom of movement on the slopes. From their waterproof fabric, with OmniBloq DWR coating, waterproof zippers, and sealed seams, these pants are designed to keep you dry and comfortable no matter how hard you shred and designed with mountain utility in mind.
The 3-layer construction gives you the insulation you need and 2 inner thigh vents and 2 larger vents on the outside of the leg, dumping heat and keeping dry is a given.
The Chemical Pants includes 3 pockets for all your essentials with a beacon pocket and a 1000D reinforced cuff guard to protect against scrapes or damage from sharp edges.
Get ready to tackle any terrain with this rugged and durable pair of ski pants.
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort & Backcountry
Insulated: No
Waterproof: Yes - DWR Coated
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: Yes
BLACK DIAMOND DAWN PATROL SKI PANTS
What Works For Us:
Introducing the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Softshell Pants, built for backcountry adventures!
Crafted with a 4-way stretch softshell fabric, these pants provide just the right amount of give without sacrificing durability. There is increased breathability due to the 2 large mesh-backed vents which wick moisture away when hiking uphill so you always feel dry and comfortable.
Outfitted with quality features such as adjustable waist tabs, removable suspenders, abrasion resistant scuff guards, two zippered thigh pockets and snow gaiters for easy boot access, these weatherproof softshell pants are built to last. Outstanding performance guaranteed in most weather conditions, thanks to its DWR coating that provides extra waterproofing and taped critical seams to ensure you stay dry.
The Dawn Patrol Softshell pants are a solid choice for those who prefer to spend more time out the resort and need a pair of ski pants that can match this.
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Backcountry
Insulated: No
Waterproof: Yes - DWR Coated
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: Yes
BURTON WOMEN'S AVALON BIB PANTS:
What Works For Us:
Introducing the Burton Women's Avalon Bib Pants - the perfect choice for resort skiing.
The Burton Avalon Bib pants are constructed with DryRide stretch fabric which has a waterproof rating of 10K, giving more than ample protection on the slopes and with fully sealed seams, and waterproof zippers, you're going to stay dry and comfortable. The Living Lining helps regulate temperature to ensure you keep warm when you need it and with mesh lined inner thigh vents, you can dump heat easily.
The Burton Avalon bib features a unique zippered drop seat construction which makes them a breeze to take off when you need to use the restroom - the side zippers allow for quick on-and-off capabilities.
The back panel offers superior stretch for added mobility and comfort, so you can ski without any restriction. And since you can layer underneath without bunching, your outfit will be extra comfortable.
There is a zip chest pocket with media port to stash your phone and a couple of hand warmer pockets which is always a nice touch!
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort
Insulated: Living Lining - thermo-regulating
Waterproof: Yes - DryRide 10K
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: Yes
SPYDER ACTIVE SPORTS MESA GORE TEX SKI PANTS:
What Works For Us:
If you’re looking for skiing pants that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in any weather conditions, you'll love the Spyder Active Sports Mesa Gore Tex Ski Pants!
Crafted from gore tex stretch fabric with all-critical seams taped and a DWR coating, these tough ski pants offer superior protection from the elements. With adjustable waists and belt loops offering a great fit as well as lightweight yet highly functional design, these ski pants give great performance on the slopes.
With 40g of Thinsulate insulation to keep you cosy, the Spyder Mesa are great insulated ski pants will ensure you stay warm and comfortable all day on the mountain, although sometimes too warm as the pants don't have vents to dump heat.
You’ve also got three pockets and built-in velcro cinch straps to get a perfect fit every time. So don’t delay - get your hands on our fantastic Spyder Active Sports Mesa Gore Tex Ski Pants today and hit the slopes in comfort and style!
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort
Insulated: 40g 3M Thinsulate
Waterproof: Yes - 10K/ Gore Tex /DRW Coated
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: No
WILDHORN OUTFITTERS BOWMAN INSULATED MEN'S SKI PANTS:
What Works For Us:
If you’re looking for the perfect ski pant that offers protection, flexibility and warmth, check out Wildhorn Outfitters Bowman Ski Pants as a mid-range option.
Made with a 2-way stretch fabric and designed to give you full freedom of movement, these pants will have you feeling like you’re flying down the slopes! Not only do they move with your body, but they also offer waterproof protection up to 12K rating. Dupont DWR coating gives them extra weatherproofing and all critical seams are taped for maximum security.
On the inside is an insulating liner that ensures maximum warmth during cold days on the mountain, plus inner thigh vents so you can let out some steam when temperatures start rising.
Adjustable boot zips keep snow from getting in, and with 4 pockets there’s room for all your essential items.
These pants are a great mid-range option that offer warmth, durability and good weatherproofing for a reasonable price tag.
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort
Insulated: Inner insulated liner
Waterproof: Yes - 12K/ DRW Coated
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: Yes
COLUMBIA BUGABOO II WOMEN'S SKI PANTS:
What Works For Us:
With the Columbia Bugaboo II Women’s Ski Pants you can hit the slopes in comfort and warmth at a bargain price!
These pants are designed as functional, active resort wear with an ergonomic fit which gives great flex and movement on the slopes. The adjustable waist band allows for the best fit possible and even though the Bugaboo are slim fit, there is still room for base layer leggings underneath if required.
The Bugaboo II feature Omni-Tech fabric which is waterproof and breathable to make sure you stay dry. Plus, a 60g Microtemp insulation liner gives you just the right amount of warmth so you can stay comfortable no matter the conditions.
With all critical seams taped for extra protection, reinforced hems and a snap gusset to keep out snow and slush, these ski and snowboard pants will give you the protection you need on the slopes. Lastly, with zippered thigh pockets stashing essentials becomes a breeze!
Get out there knowing that these pants are strong, flexible, warm and have got you covered at a great bargain price!
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Resort for snowboarders and skiers
Insulated: 60g Microtemp insulation
Waterproof: Yes
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: NO
686 Standard Shell Ski Pants Women's:
What Works For Us:
Have you been searching for the perfect pair of ski pants to take on your next mountain adventure? Look no further! The 686 Standard Shell Women's Ski Pants are designed to meet all your weekend resort skiing needs and wants.
Built with infiDry 5K Nylon fabric, these lightweight shell ski pants boast tremendous durability and can handle whatever winter weather throws at you. Along with being tough, the critical sealed seams and snap closure gussets guarantee a snug fit that is built to keep wet snow out so you can stay warm and dry while enjoying all your favorite powder days. Plus, our AirFlo mesh inner leg vents throw in the extra perk of letting you cool off when temperatures climb.
These ski pants have everything else you need too - like zippered pockets for secure storage, belt loops, a modern, relaxed fit design for ultimate comfort, and a pant-jacket connection system that pairs perfectly with other 686 ski jackets!
These lightweight, resort shell pants are perfect for a weekend on the slopes and give you the comfort and durability you need season after season
What You Need To Know:
Best For: Weekend Resort for snowboarders and skiers
Insulated: Yes
Waterproof: Yes infiDry 5K & DWR coated
Taped Seams: Yes
Vents: Yes
BUYERS GUIDE TO THE BEST SKI PANTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER:
There are a few key areas to consider when choosing the best pair of ski pants that fit your needs.
TYPE OF SKIING: RESORT OR BACKCOUNTRY:
Resort skiing requires pants that are tough and durable, that can withstand the rigors of the slopes combined with heavy wear and tear from ski lifts and snagging on the hems of the pants. Most pants now come with reinforced hems to protect the pants and some form of cuff guards. For resort skiing, you need a good level of weatherproofing to make sure you are protected from both wind and wet so a good waterproof rating ensures you stay dry through the day. Added to this, some form of insulation keeps you warm on the slopes, so pants with roughly 60g of insulation keep you warm enough but not uncomfortably so. Having enough room to layer underneath and still have enough movement within your ski pants is an important element for resort skiers and more than often, there are pant connect system with the same brand ski jackets.
Backcountry ski pants need more stretch and freedom of movement than resort skiers. Backcountry skiers are looking for an active fit of backcountry ski pant which helps when you are high stepping it through fresh powder. Breathability is paramount for backcountry skiers as you break a sweat hiking up the mountains and you need a pair of ski pants that have some form of air-permeable fabric and zippered vents to dump excess heat.
HARDSHELL OR SOFTSHELL PANT?
In general, resort skiers favor hardshell pants as they offer a ski pant that gives solid protection from the elements and creates an effective barrier between you and wet snow and driving winds. The materials used are often thicker and more robust that softshell pants, to give that extra level of protection and as a result may feel more rigid and restrictive but on the flip side, you will be warm and dry all day through and protected from those bitingly cold winds on the chairlift. Most hardshell pants come with critically sealed seams and often have some level of insulation and some form of leg vent to dump excess heat .
Softshell pants are seen more as the domain of backcountry skiers due to the increased stretch in the softshell pant fabric. This increased mobility is key for high stepping through fresh powder or ski mountaineering where you need the give and take to gain full mobility. Softshell pants are made with air-permeable materials as it's crucial to have good air ventilation to help wick moisture away and keep you dry.
Both options depend on where you will be skiing, what your skiing style is and when you will be skiing. Weather protection is key whether you are skiing in the depths of winter or doing some spring skiing so pick a model that suits your environment to get the maximum enjoyment on the slopes.
HANDY HINTS:
What pants are good for skiing?
Ski and bib style pants pants are a great choice for skiing because they are designed to keep you warm and protect you from the cold. The best ski pants are made of insulating materials that will help to keep your legs and body warm, and they also have a waterproof outer shell that will prevent moisture from seeping in and making you cold. Additionally, ski pants have a number of features that make them ideal for skiing, such as reinforced knees and seat pads to protect you from falls, and zippered pockets to hold your essentials while you're on the slopes.
If you're looking for a pair of pants that will keep you warm and protected while skiing, then ski pants are definitely the way to go. With their thick insulation, waterproof shell, waterproof zippers, and abrasion resistant fabrics to protect against the wear and tear from skiing, and ski edges, ski pants are the best options for the slopes or backcountry skiing.
Different types of ski pants are recommended for different types of skiing. Resort skiers might favor a more lightweight ski pant compared to those who prefer backcountry skiing or ski touring and need a more flexible and robust pair of ski pants to have the movement required when high stepping through fresh snow. Insulated pants are important but so are zippered vents which allow the release of heat built up from insulated pants.
Is it better to ski in pants or bibs?
It's a personal choice but many prefer ski pants to a ski bib because they don't restrict movement in the same way that some bibs do. Some people find that bibs can bunch up around the waist and interfere with natural movement on the slopes, while ski pants stay in place and keep you warm. Most ski pants and bibs are made from waterproof or water repellent materials to keep you dry and warm out skiing but some people find that bibs can let more snow in and are time-consuming to take off when you need to take a bathroom break!
Is it better to have tight or loose ski pants?
It depends on your preference but tighter ski pants keep you well insulated whereas looser or baggier ski pants allow more air to circulate which can cool you down. Tight ski pants can constrict your movement on the slope and if you are going backcountry, then you need some stretch in your ski pants for hiking up hills in fresh snow. Being comfortable is the most important part so go with what suits your style best
What do you wear under ski pants?
A base layer under your ski pants can be thermal long johns, tights, leggings or sweatpants depending on where you will be skiing. The most important thing is to make sure that what you wear is comfortable and keep you warm. Some people prefer to wear a thinner layer under the ski pants so that they don't bunch up and make you uncomfortable. Make sure the base layer is moisture-wicking so there's no build up of sweat which will cool you down and that they fit well under your ski pants so that you have plenty of movement.
Whats the difference between snow pants and ski pants?
Ski pants are designed to keep you warm and dry while skiing or snowboarding. They are made of a waterproof and breathable fabric, and they have insulation to keep you warm. Snow pants are not as insulated as ski pants, and they are not meant for skiing or snowboarding. They are made of a water-resistant fabric, and they have a fleece lining to keep you warm. Ski pants often come with a connecting interface to a ski jacket so you can pair your pants with a particular jacket.
Snow pants are typically worn over your regular clothes to provide extra warmth and protection from the cold and wet weather. Ski pants are worn as an outer layer and also have a tighter fit so that they will not ride up when you ski or snowboard.
WRAPPING UP:
Thank you for following along on our journey to find the best ski pants of 2022/23. We hope that by providing this in-depth look at the different types of ski pants available, as well as what to consider when making your purchase, you feel confident in selecting the best pair of ski pants for your needs. Be sure to check out the price of ski pants you select by tapping the green button below.
Go hit the slopes!
