Table of contents
Ski pants might not get as much attention as jackets, but they’re just as critical for staying comfortable on the mountain. This guide covers the full gamut of options, from insulated designs built for cold chairlift laps to storm-ready shells and breathable models suited for high-output touring. Every pant here has been thoroughly tested, rated, compared, and photographed by our team of skiers across a range of conditions, from daily-driver use in the Tetons to spring glacier missions in the Cascades. As you research, you can browse our in-house photo galleries—simply click or tap an image to launch the gallery—and sort by weather protection, breathability, durability, comfort, and more.
Ski Pant Superlatives
Patagonia Storm Shift ($399)
Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex ($579)
Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated ($205)
REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated ($159)
Arc’teryx Sabre ($600)
Patagonia Stormstride ($449)
Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft Insulated ($390)
Flylow Baker ($440)
Our Ski Pant Picks
The Storm Shift is a premium Gore-Tex pant for resort skiers, with a durable yet flexible shell fabric, soft liner, large pockets, and super refined fit. Two-layer pants don’t always exude quality, but Patagonia's A-list offering is about as good as it gets.
The Storm Shift is a premium Gore-Tex pant for resort skiers, with a durable yet flexible shell fabric, soft liner, large pockets, and super refined fit. Two-layer pants don’t always exude quality, but Patagonia's A-list offering is about as good as it gets.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Gore-Tex
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
150D polyester
Pros
Cons
Patagonia’s most premium resort-pant offering, the Storm Shift pants top just about every category. They’re built to keep out the worst winter weather, with a high-end Gore-Tex membrane, full seam taping, coated zippers, and a thick 150-denier polyester shell fabric. Yet despite the hefty construction, the Storm Shift fits impressively well and uses hidden velcro tabs to dial in adjustability at the waist. Although not everyone will love the hanging mesh liner, it helps to wick moisture and adds a bit of insulation against cold chairlift seats (and its tight weave feels more premium than most mesh linings). Finally, the Storm Shift pants are among the most sustainably built offerings in Patagonia’s lineup, with a PFC-free membrane and DWR finish and 100% recycled fabrics.
It’s a highlight reel of goodness here, and the Storm Shift Pants are one of our top recommendations for resort skiers. Simply put, they feel much more high-end than most 2-layer pants on the market, and it’s rare to find Gore-Tex construction at this price point. Still, for roughly the same cost, you could opt for a 3-layer shell pant instead, which would be more versatile for both resort and backcountry days. Also noteworthy: Patagonia chose to cover the thigh pocket zippers with flaps rather than using coated zippers, which slightly detracts from the pant’s technical vibe. For more, read our review of the Storm Shift.
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.
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
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3L Gore-Tex ePE
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
70D x 160D polyester
Pros
Cons
We've tested a lot of Norrøna products, but the Lofoten Gore-Tex pants are arguably our all-time favorite. For a ski pant that aims to balance freeride, resort, and touring needs, it really nails the assignment. To start, the quality is immediately evident: the Gore-Tex waterproofing is excellent, keeping our tester dry even through multiple hours of Pacific Northwest rain. The moderately thick shell fabric and premium zippers have performed flawlessly, holding up well to heavy use both on- and off-trail. With a thin flannel backer—similar in concept to the Arc'teryx Sabre—the pant is extremely comfortable and very lightly insulated for especially cold days, without being too warm to overheat in milder temps. If you want a single pant to truly do it all, we consider the Lofoten a top option.
Our tester, a self-described bibs loyalist, found himself reaching for the Lofoten pants over his usual bibs on nearly every outing. The fit is what sold him, with a regular freeride cut that looks the part without feeling baggy or restrictive. He was overall pleased with the breathability, although the Lofoten is certainly thicker and more prone to overheating than a thinner, more nimble touring-specific option (opening the outer thigh vents helps). One final nitpick: the thigh pocket zippers have a tendency to work themselves slightly open over the course of a day. It's a minor gripe on an otherwise exceptional pant, and one that does little to diminish what is, in our tester's words, the best ski pant he's ever worn.
The Legendary just makes sense: the insulated pant is warm enough, waterproof enough, and stylish enough for most resort-goers. It’s also priced right, although skiers who are particularly hard on their gear may want to consider a more durable alternative.
The Legendary just makes sense: the insulated pant is warm enough, waterproof enough, and stylish enough for most resort-goers. It’s also priced right, although skiers who are particularly hard on their gear may want to consider a more durable alternative.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Helly Tech Performance
Insulation
60g synthetic
Fabric
Polyester
Pros
Cons
The name says it all: The Helly Hansen Legendary Pants are nothing short of iconic. These pants have been a best-selling model for years running, beloved for their reliable performance at a reasonable price point. They offer enough warmth to cut the chill (with PrimaLoft insulation at the rear and the knees) and will keep you dry in most winter conditions. And with a two-way stretch shell fabric and a cozy taffeta liner, they’re easy to wear and have better mobility than most alternatives. Finally, the Helly Hansen Legendary’s fit is on the trim side, which is a nice change of pace compared to baggy and more generic-fitting budget pants.
There are some notable drawbacks to the Legendary's budget design. For one, the Legendary’s Helly Tech Performance membrane is Helly Hansen’s cheapest waterproofing and falls far short of Gore-Tex in terms of breathability and weather protection. The pants also use a relatively thin shell fabric, which won’t hold up well to the rigors of resort use as well as burlier designs. And in general, the build quality isn’t very inspiring, with some loose stitching and short, 7-inch inner thigh vents that aren't all that functional in terms of dumping heat (they’re also lined with mesh). All in all, the Legendary pants are a great budget pick for casual skiers who get out just a few times a year and generally in cold and dry weather, but with heavy use and in marginal conditions, they'll begin to show their weakness. For more, read our review of the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated.
The Powderbound is your standard entry-level insulated ski pant. The fit isn’t super refined, the waterproofing will get overwhelmed in truly wet conditions, and the inner thigh vents are small, but for casual resort skiers they get the job done at a lower price point than most.
The Powderbound is your standard entry-level insulated ski pant. The fit isn’t super refined, the waterproofing will get overwhelmed in truly wet conditions, and the inner thigh vents are small, but for casual resort skiers they get the job done at a lower price point than most.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Peak
Insulation
40g synthetic
Fabric
Nylon
Pros
Cons
REI’s brand-name products are a great one-stop shop for value, and the Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants are a case in point. Nothing about these pants is flashy—the insulation is bulkier than average, the colors aren’t particularly exciting, and there’s a host of money-saving tactics employed in the design, including shorter-than-average inner thigh vents and small, ill-placed pockets (our tester’s phone annoyingly dug into her thigh while sitting on the chairlift). But the Powderbound pants still get the job done for casual skiers who only get out a few times a year, and the built-in insulation makes it easy—on most days, you can just throw them on over base layer bottoms and be perfectly comfortable on the slopes.
We don’t recommend the Powderbound for particularly wet conditions (REI’s Peak membrane is no substitute for Gore-Tex and only the critical seams are sealed), and we’ve heard a lot of reports of their crotch seams failing. The fit is also unrefined and the built-in waist adjustment is easily maxed out, which means some people will need to add a belt to their ski kit (never something we want to recommend). But at $159 (and often found on sale) the Powderbound Insulated pants offer great value, and we love the comfort of their plush taffeta liner compared to the more rigid 3-layer hardshell pants we’re used to wearing. For more, read our review of the REI Powerderpound Insulated Pant.
Editor’s note: New for the 2025-2026 season, REI introduced the Powderbound Cargo ($179), which builds on the standard Powderbound with a cargo pocket on each side. The update boosts storage while leaning into the baggy-pant aesthetic that many riders love.
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.
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
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer Gore-Tex
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
80D nylon
Pros
Cons
All hail the Arc’teryx Sabre (and women’s Sentinel) ski pants—one of the most loved and best-performing pants on the slopes. With a reliable Gore-Tex membrane, soft liner, and durable 80-denier shell, the Sabre is a durable and weatherproof pairing for avid skiers and burly storm days. Most backcountry tourers will find them suitable for uphill travel, too, thanks to the breathable 3-layer construction and generous outer thigh vents. The small downside to this versatility is that the Sabre isn’t as durable as some might like for the resort, and some backcountry skiers might find the pants to be overkill for the skin track.
The Sabre Pant’s build quality is near perfect, and it’s clear that Arc’teryx has put a lot of time and thought into the design. Yet they can’t seem to nail the fit. Fit is always subjective and it’s tough for one piece of apparel to work for every skier’s body type, but many users agree that the Sabre has a particularly short rise (the distance between the crotch and the waistband) that renders them uncomfortable or even unwearable. But with three available inseam lengths, a patient shopper should be able to find a size that works; for what it’s worth, our tester (who is quite lean) loved the fit, although he did have to employ the built-in belt to secure them above his hips. For more, see our review of the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant.
The Stormstride pant is tuned for the backcountry with a stretchy, light, and breathable construction. Its thin build exceeds expectations in wet conditions, but it's too drafty and delicate to rely on for heavy resort use.
The Stormstride pant is tuned for the backcountry with a stretchy, light, and breathable construction. Its thin build exceeds expectations in wet conditions, but it's too drafty and delicate to rely on for heavy resort use.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer H2No
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
40D stretch nylon
Pros
Cons
While resort-oriented ski pants place top dollar on durability and stormproofing, backcountry designs have a more complex set of demands: Along with keeping out wind and moisture, they also need to be highly mobile and capable of dumping heat on the skintrack. Patagonia’s Stormstride Pant pulls this off better than most, combining a relatively trim fit (our tester noted they land in between a slim fit and a baggier, slopestyle fit) and minimalist feature set with a thin, stretchy 3-layer shell that moves naturally and dumps heat when you need it.
While most ski pants are around 100 denier or thicker, the Patagonia Stormstride opts for a lightweight 40D stretch nylon, backed by a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard membrane and fully taped seams. The dual 14-inch thigh vents (one on each outer thigh) provide excellent airflow on climbs, and the overall build feels light, quiet, and far less stuffy than many shells. The result is a touring-focused pant that breathes well without compromising too much on protection.
During wet, 36-degree evenings at Snoqualmie Pass, the Stormstride impressed our tester with how effectively it shed moisture. The durable water repellent (DWR) finish and hard-face nylon face fabric consistently beaded water and even outperformed her burlier resort-oriented pants, which soaked through in prolonged moisture. Durability has also proven impressive given the minimal weight. That said, the trade-offs are clear: the Stormstride can feel drafty in frigid, windy weather and lacks the fortress-like protection of thicker designs. For dedicated touring, this isn’t a major concern, but those logging long, cold lift days will be better served by heavier, warmer resort-specific pants. For more, see our review of the Stormstride Pant.
Step aside with your relaxed freeride vibes, old school is back with the Alpha LifaLoft’s trim-fitting, flared-leg experience. But performance is fully modern with high-quality in-house waterproofing and warm yet low-bulk insulation.
Step aside with your relaxed freeride vibes, old school is back with the Alpha LifaLoft’s trim-fitting, flared-leg experience. But performance is fully modern with high-quality in-house waterproofing and warm yet low-bulk insulation.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Helly Tech Professional
Insulation
Synthetic
Fabric
Stretch polyamide
Pros
Cons
If you’re going for a traditional resort-skier look, check out the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft Pants. In contrast to the baggy, relaxed style that many modern skiers have adopted, the Alpha LifaLoft Pants have a noticeably trimmer fit. Even on our long and lean tester, the pants (which actually say “fitted” inside the waistband) hugged his thighs and only fit over his boots when unzipped at the hem, giving them a bell-bottom-like appearance. Sure, this style isn’t for everyone, but it’ll appeal to a certain demographic.
Take note: There’s more to the Alpha LifaLoft Pants than just fit. With Helly Hansen’s premium Helly Tech Professional membrane and lightweight but warm LifaLoft insulation (made in conjunction with PrimaLoft), they’ve got a lot going for them. The baffled fill feels akin to a sleeping bag and provides more warmth than most insulated pants, yet still manages to be fairly low-bulk. And while the soft polyester shell doesn’t inspire the same amount of confidence as more rigid Gore-Tex alternatives, we’ve overall been very impressed with Helly Tech Professional and trust it to provide protection in all but the most extreme conditions. For more, read our review of the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft.
For resort skiing, you’d be hard pressed to find a more complete package than the Flylow Baker. It offers top-of-the-line protection and durability for less than much of the competition, plus a plethora of size options. Just don’t take it too far into the backcountry.
For resort skiing, you’d be hard pressed to find a more complete package than the Flylow Baker. It offers top-of-the-line protection and durability for less than much of the competition, plus a plethora of size options. Just don’t take it too far into the backcountry.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer Surface
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
150D polyester
Pros
Cons
Ski bibs are having a moment—and we’re all for it. The added coverage boosts both warmth and protection (no more drafts or snow sneaking under your shell), and the extra storage is the cherry on top. We’ve dedicated a full article to our top ski bib picks, but we’ll highlight our favorite here: Flylow’s long-standing Baker. It hits all the high notes with a durable 3-layer construction, full seam taping, and a high-coverage upper that extends over the chest for maximum protection. A zippered kangaroo pocket adds functional storage for stashing snacks or electronics. Multiple testers on our team are diehard Baker fans, consistently praising its bomber weather protection across all types of mountain conditions.
Another standout feature is the Baker’s durability. The thick shell fabric is built to last—one of our testers logged 45 days in theirs last season without any noticeable wear. While the rugged build does take a slight toll on comfort and mobility, the fabric is surprisingly supple and allows for good range of motion. Large vents on both the inner and outer thighs help with temperature regulation, making the Baker a solid choice for sidecountry laps and short tours beyond the resort boundary.
At $440, the Baker Bib represents strong value compared to premium alternatives like the Arc’teryx Sabre or Patagonia Untracked, which are priced well above $600. You won’t find Gore-Tex here—Flylow uses its in-house waterproofing—but we haven’t noticed any meaningful drop in performance. The more noticeable drawback is weight: the Baker is hefty, which may deter backcountry skiers tackling big objectives. Additionally, the high-cut bib can cause you to run hot in milder weather. But for us—and many others—the pros far outweigh the cons. The fit is also well-executed, with a standard cut that offers ample room for layering and freedom of movement without being overly baggy. And with three inseam options (short, regular, and tall), it’s easy to dial in the right size. For more, read our review of the Baker Bib.
The Environ is a durable and reliable 3-layer resort pant with a non-polarizing fit and large side vents. It's a bit pricier than similar alternatives, but the build quality is excellent and the pants should stand up to a lot of use.
The Environ is a durable and reliable 3-layer resort pant with a non-polarizing fit and large side vents. It's a bit pricier than similar alternatives, but the build quality is excellent and the pants should stand up to a lot of use.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
3-layer PeakProof
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
150D polyester
Pros
Cons
Though not a well-known name outside the Mountain West, Jackson Hole-based Stio offers a full-fledged collection of outdoor gear for everyone from casual enthusiasts to serious rippers. It’s a Patagonia-esque brand—small, gritty, and built from the ground up by real-life skiers and climbers—and falls just below heavy-hitters like Arc’teryx and Norrøna in terms of performance and build quality.
The Environ Pant is Stio’s 3-layer resort pant. It features a super tough polyester shell and in-house PeakProof waterproof membrane, which gets the job done in most conditions but isn’t as trustworthy as Gore-Tex. Although the Environ Pant uses the same 150-denier shell fabric as the Environ jacket, we found that the pants felt lighter and more flexible. And while it doesn’t have as much mobility as you’d get with a stretchy ski pant, it’s nevertheless a near-ideal weight and feel for a resort pant. The vents are noticeably long (15 in. vs. the more common 12 in.) and easy to operate with gloves on, the hand pockets are lined with fleece, and the large thigh pocket expands to hold bulky items (and also includes a beacon clip).
A few notes on fit: Stio advertises the Environ as having a casual shape that’s “not too tight and not too baggy.” Our tester (who likes a relaxed-fitting pant) thought the Environ was boring—“rad dad” vibes, in his words—but on the other hand, it’s the kind of non-polarizing fit that many skiers are looking for. And you can dial it in at the waist, with both integrated velcro adjustments and the built-in belt (which you could also remove by undoing a line of stitches at the back). For more, see our review of the Stio Environ.
Patagonia’s mid-range insulated resort pants strike a nice balance: They’re warm but not too bulky, protective yet still soft and flexible, and both high-quality and affordable. But the in-house H2No membrane isn’t as reliable as Gore-Tex in very wet conditions.
Patagonia’s mid-range insulated resort pants strike a nice balance: They’re warm but not too bulky, protective yet still soft and flexible, and both high-quality and affordable. But the in-house H2No membrane isn’t as reliable as Gore-Tex in very wet conditions.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer H2No
Insulation
60g synthetic
Fabric
150D polyester
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for simple insulated resort pants that are a step up in quality from entry-level designs, check out the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants. These pants tick all the boxes most resort skiers need. The fit is excellent and hidden velcro tabs at the waist keep the pants snug without the need for a belt; three pockets (two at the hip and one at the thigh) provide ample storage without pressure points; and mesh-lined vents on the outer thighs can be opened up to dump heat without letting in errant snow.
Our resort tester thought the Insulated Powder Town Pants provided just the right amount of warmth—enough to protect her legs from the chill, but not so much that she overheated on sunny spring days. She also appreciated the lightweight and mobile construction: Patagonia’s in-house H2No is more flexible than Gore-Tex, and the polyester shell is softer and more pliable than most nylon ski pants. The flipside to this is that the Powder Town Pants aren’t quite as confidence-inspiring in wet snow. But if you only get out in sub-freezing temperatures—colder snow is drier and less prone to absorbing into your shell fabric—you’re unlikely to experience these downsides. For more, read our review of the Insulated Powder Town.
Offering the look and feel (and most of the performance) of Gore-Tex without the inflated price tag, the Chemical is reliably waterproof and has four vents to keep air flowing. Its fit is noticeably relaxed. But compared to pricier pants, the build quality falls short.
Offering the look and feel (and most of the performance) of Gore-Tex without the inflated price tag, the Chemical is reliably waterproof and has four vents to keep air flowing. Its fit is noticeably relaxed. But compared to pricier pants, the build quality falls short.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer Surface
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
150D oxford weave
Pros
Cons
Most 3-layer hardshell pants will run you north of $500, but not Flylow’s Chemical (and women’s Donna). For just $380, the Chemical is a reliably waterproof ski pant thanks to Flylow’s in-house Surface membrane and a durable 150-denier plain-weave face fabric. And while the Surface’s breathability is nothing to write home about, Flylow balances it out with inner and outer leg vents. You do see a bit of cost-savings in the details—we wish Flylow had put a snap at the top of the fly rather than a button, the pocket layout is simple (although completely functional), and the liner isn’t the premium soft tricot you get with pricier designs—but the Chemical pants are overall a great value.
Flylow advertises the Chemical Pants as having its “relaxed” fit, which was spot-on with our experience. In fact, they were so “steezy” that our tester chose not to wear them in the backcountry, citing that the bagginess would get in the way while boot packing, climbing, and skinning. And with an 80/20 resort/backcountry designation, we think the pants’ inner leg vents are superfluous and add unnecessary bulk. But the Chemical is nevertheless a great pairing for downhill-oriented backcountry skiers and resort-goers who want a 3-layer hardshell pant without having to pay the Gore-Tex tax.
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.
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
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer BD.dry
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
Stretch nylon
Pros
Cons
Originally a climbing company, Black Diamond has long held appeal amongst the backcountry crowd and offers an affordable alternative to premium brands like Arc’teryx and Norrøna. Its Recon Stretch Pant was a favorite amongst our testers, thanks to its simple yet functional design, soft and stretchy material, and reliable waterproofing (“the chairlift couldn’t have been wetter and the pants stayed dry”). Black Diamond has slightly updated the pant since our test last year—adding better freedom of movement and a PFAS-free DWR—but the overall appeal remains the same.
In addition to working well for resort skiing, the Recon Stretch Pants provide great freedom of movement for uphill travel, along with a dedicated backcountry-oriented feature set. The waistband is streamlined down to a small cam-strap buckle (no bulky velcro straps creating pressure points underneath a backpack) and the thigh pockets are a true breath of fresh air: Both are absolutely humongous, and the right-hand one expands to accommodate an avalanche beacon and includes a tether and padded sleeve.
Overall, the Recon Stretch is one of the best hardshell pants we’ve tested for backcountry travel, and its fit is ideal for both uphill and downhill travel, too—not too trim and not too relaxed. But there are a few downsides. The 12-inch thigh vents could be a bit longer, and it’s easy to lose one side of the built-in belt to the recesses of the waistband when it’s not clasped (it’s a huge pain to tease back out). What’s more, we’d be curious to see how the relatively thin fabric holds up while ‘schwacking through our beloved PNW forests during spring volcano season, although the added elastane would surely offer a nice bit of mobility (that said, we did put a small hole in the matching jacket after only a few days of use). Finally, the Recon Stretch doesn’t feature the mic-drop brand cachet of Gore-Tex and the build quality is a slight step down from truly high-end products, but at just $450, the value is hard to beat. For more, read our Recon Stretch review.
The PowSlayer Pants are tough, weatherproof Gore-Tex Pro shells built for storm skiing and cold backcountry days, with huge pockets and a confidence-inspiring feel. They’re protective and durable, but stiff and only moderately breathable—best when the temps are low and the weather is rowdy.
The PowSlayer Pants are tough, weatherproof Gore-Tex Pro shells built for storm skiing and cold backcountry days, with huge pockets and a confidence-inspiring feel. They’re protective and durable, but stiff and only moderately breathable—best when the temps are low and the weather is rowdy.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3L Gore-Tex ePE Pro
Insulation
None
Fabric
80D nylon
Pros
Cons
The PowSlayer Pants’ performance actually sells their name a little short. We found them impervious to all types of precipitation, whether it was the fluffy stuff or a sustained rain/snow mix on a warm in-bounds day at Stevens Pass in Washington. Patagonia designed them with a 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE Pro material that has a burly, 80-denier nylon face fabric, and the construction easily seals out moisture and almost all wind on blustery days. And, as you might expect, durability is a strength: The material, reinforced cuffs, reliable zippers, and thick gaiters all make for a pair of pants that should stand the test of time.
That said, breathability is a limiting factor if you plan on using the PowSlayer as your main touring pants. On cold winter backcountry days, they regulate temperature reasonably well, but in calm, warm weather, they trap much more heat than lighter touring models. Long side vents help, but they can’t fully offset the thickness of the PowSlayer’s fabric.
Comfort is also mediocre, a bit of a surprise given Patagonia’s sterling reputation. Out of the box, the fabric is extremely stiff and crinkly, though it softens with use and exposure. Mobility is generally good while you’re touring or downhilling, but our tester noted that a finicky seam in the back can become annoying when you’re spending hours in the skin track. The PowSlayer’s waistband, however, is excellent—secure, adjustable, and comfortable across a wide range of layering setups. Your uphill time in the PowSlayers is best spent in a narrow range of conditions for touring pants, but as a crossover model, their overall versatility is a plus. For a deeper dive, read our review of the PowSlayer.
The Snowcrew falls on the high side of a budget price point; it's a unique middle ground among insulated pants, with lightweight fill placed only at the rear and knees. A slightly stretchy, softshell-like fabric keeps things mobile and comfortable.
The Snowcrew falls on the high side of a budget price point; it's a unique middle ground among insulated pants, with lightweight fill placed only at the rear and knees. A slightly stretchy, softshell-like fabric keeps things mobile and comfortable.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Ventia
Insulation
45g synthetic
Fabric
75D x 150D polyester
Pros
Cons
Outdoor Research is a core outdoor brand, known for functional designs, mid-range quality, and very fair price points. The Snowcrew Pant is their resort-specific offering, but takes a slightly different route than many insulated pants. Rather than the standard 60-gram insulation, it features a lightweight 45-gram fill only above the knees and caps it off with a plain-weave polyester shell fabric that has a slight softshell-like feel. As a result, the Snowcrew isn’t as warm as similar alternatives, but it has excellent mobility and breathability for its 2-layer construction, while still cutting most of the chill.
At $229, the OR Snowcrew Pants fall on the high side of the budget spectrum, but they have the build quality to back it up. And unlike true budget pants, the Snowcrew features fully taped seams. The inner thigh vents and non-coated zippers, however, have an entry-level feel, and we wouldn’t want to push these pants in super wet conditions, given their plain-weave shell and in-house Ventia membrane. For more, read our review of the Outdoor Research Snowcrew.
A staple in TNF's lineup, the Freedom is a solid budget-friendly option. You won't find flashy features or style here, but the pant delivers decent warmth, weather protection, and durability for casual resort skiers. However, not everyone will want such an insulated pant.
A staple in TNF's lineup, the Freedom is a solid budget-friendly option. You won't find flashy features or style here, but the pant delivers decent warmth, weather protection, and durability for casual resort skiers. However, not everyone will want such an insulated pant.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer DryVent
Insulation
60g synthetic
Fabric
160D x 140D nylon
Pros
Cons
If you’re a new skier or you only plan on getting out a few times a season, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on ski pants. This is especially true if your ski trips take you to the Rockies or the Tetons, where temperatures are generally low enough to keep the snow cold and dry (budget waterproof membranes are easily overwhelmed in sustained wet conditions). Of all the entry-level ski pants out there, The North Face’s Freedom Insulated is one of the most popular choices: It offers decent performance for casual use, it’s comfortable and easy moving, and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. And many skiers will love showcasing the TNF logo, which is proudly displayed on the Freedom Insulated’s thigh and calf.
But there are some obvious sacrifices you make with the Freedom pants. Our tester found the fit to be very roomy (this is the rare pant that you might want to size down), and the legs ballooned out awkwardly underneath his cinched-down Velcro waist adjustments. Storage is also compromised: You get just two relatively shallow-zippered hand pockets and one cargo pocket that closes via a Velcro flap—neither of which is a great place to securely store a phone. And finally, the inner thigh vents are small and do little to release heat, although the zippers do slide easily. But with a recent price drop (down from $220) the Freedom Insulated is a great value and an easy choice for the occasional resort skier. For more, read our review of the Freedom Insulated.
One of the most affordable pants on the market, the Bugaboo can save casual skiers some hard-earned cash. But the waterproofing is not reliable, the insulation is bulky, and the feature set is noticeably trimmed down. There are much better budget options.
One of the most affordable pants on the market, the Bugaboo can save casual skiers some hard-earned cash. But the waterproofing is not reliable, the insulation is bulky, and the feature set is noticeably trimmed down. There are much better budget options.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Omni-Tech
Insulation
60g synthetic
Fabric
Nylon
Pros
Cons
The Columbia Bugaboo V Insulated is the most affordable ski pant to make our list, checking in at just $120. It’s obviously in a different league than most alternatives, with Michelin-Man vibes and the undeniable feel of a budget pant, but it gets the job done for casual skiers who only get out a few times a year. The shell fabric is notably durable—more akin to burly canvas than a sleek outerwear material—yet it’s still flexible and relatively soft, and you get a ton of insulation to guard against the chill. But the bulky insulation will impede movement, there are no thigh vents to dump heat, and we wouldn't want to push these pants in wet conditions: It won’t take much moisture to overwhelm the shell fabric and Columbia’s Omni-Tech membrane.
A lot of budget ski pants tend to go with standard hand pockets instead of thigh pockets with horizontal zips. These pockets are inherently less practical for sitting on a chairlift (it’s hard to avoid the pinch points caused by a cell phone or energy bar), and cause the pants to flare out at the hips, which isn’t exactly the look most skiers are going for. And the Columbia Bugaboo V doesn’t hide its other cost-saving tactics: The reflective liner looks cheap, you get snaps at the hem rather than a watertight zipper (and no scuff guards), and the insulation is bulkier than any other pants we tested. But for just $120, they still pack in a ton of value for occasional skiers who get out in cold and dry conditions. For more, read our review of the Bugaboo V.
Compare Ski Pants
The Storm Shift is a premium Gore-Tex pant for resort skiers, with a durable yet flexible shell fabric, soft liner, large pockets, and super refined fit. Two-layer pants don’t always exude quality, but Patagonia's A-list offering is about as good as it gets.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
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
The Legendary just makes sense: the insulated pant is warm enough, waterproof enough, and stylish enough for most resort-goers. It’s also priced right, although skiers who are particularly hard on their gear may want to consider a more durable alternative.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Want More Options?
The ski pants above represent our small group of selects, but we’ve researched and tested a much larger pool of products. You can view all the ski pants we've reviewed below.
Our Testing and Team
Ski pants are one of those pieces of gear you don’t think much about—until they fail you. That’s why we’ve spent weeks (and entire seasons) putting these designs to the test, from cold, chairlift-heavy resort laps to long backcountry tours and spring missions in variable conditions. Our founding team brings over four decades of combined gear testing experience, backed by a crew of skiers who spend a significant portion of their winters on snow. And this guide is just a snapshot of our testing: We’ve fully reviewed 14 ski pants so far, with thousands of hours of field use and well over 70 products tested across our team.
Highlights from Better Trail’s ski pant testing:
- We’ve never seen anyone carve quite like our Leavenworth-based tester, Vivika Stamolis, which goes a long way toward durability testing. While everyone else was complaining about the 2026 ski season, she put almost a month’s worth of days in on the Patagonia PowSlayer Pant.
- Leaning into sidecountry riding to get as much powder as possible, Henri Halle has done his fair share of bootpacking in the Black Diamond Recon Stretch pant. On one such endeavor, he hiked The King at Crystal Mountain in stormy conditions and found the temperature regulation just right.
- Always down for the detail work, our co-founder, John Ellings, back-to-back tested several top budget pants, including the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated, Flylow Patrol, and Columbia Bugaboo V. That kind of side-by-side testing—along with a solid feel for the market—helps us speak with clarity about how these pieces stack up and guide you toward the most informed purchase possible.
- Hard charger Matt Leitzinger tested the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pant for us, along with the Arc’teryx Rush bibs. Here is a fun video of Matt getting out there in the true early season.
Our Ratings Explained
Our overall rating takes the product’s full picture into account: price, build quality, performance (based on intended use), durability, sustainability, and more. On the high end of the rating scale are standout jackets that put it all together better than most, whether they’re the crème de la crème (like the Patagonia Storm Shift) or budget designs that offer a savvy combination of price and performance (the REI Co-op Powderbound, for example). If you ask us, most skiers should be aiming to purchase a jacket with an above-average overall rating (4 or higher)—there’s simply little reason not to. That said, ski pants with lower overall ratings are still notable enough to have made our list; for various reasons, these might be of interest to skiers with specific design preferences or those who get out only a few times a year.
Staving off the elements is one of a ski pant’s most important roles—and some models do the job better than others. Some provide uncompromising protection against brutal winter storms, raging wind, and wet snow, while others are better suited for calm and clear weather or cold temperatures when moisture is less of a concern (cold temps mean cold snow, which sheds from your pant’s shell more readily than wet snow or rain). If you’re a fair-weather skier who only leaves the lodge in bluebird conditions, you can get away with a pant on the lower end of our weather protection scale. On the other hand, maybe you like to get out no matter the conditions—rain, sleet, or snow—or perhaps you’re a backcountry skier who needs to be prepared for volatile mountain weather. In this case, aim for a score of at least 4 or 5.
Highly protective against the worst mountain weather. These pants feature relatively thick shell material, premium membranes (often Gore-Tex or similar), reliable DWR finishes, and watertight zippers.
Vulnerable to sustained moisture. Budget ski pants with cheap shell fabrics and proprietary waterproofing, or stretchy pants that prioritize breathability over weather protection. On the low end are budget pants with critically taped seams (i.e. those at the seat and knees).
Ski pants vary widely in terms of the warmth they provide, from non-insulated shell pants to heavily insulated models designed for frigid conditions. The choice is a matter of personal preference and depends on factors like your ski style, the climate where you’ll be skiing, and your body’s cold tolerance. For backcountry skiers and resort skiers who like to hike to untouched terrain, it’s an easier decision: If you’re working up a sweat, you will want a non-insulated pant.
We love the extra warmth of insulated ski pants on a cold winter day, but it’s worth noting that they’re inherently less versatile. For this reason, our strong preference is to wear shell pants (like the Black Diamond Recon Stretch) and add warmth with layers instead. When temps are in the teens, we’ll wear a thermal-weight base layer bottom; in even colder weather we’ll tack on a second base layer or a fleece pant. In warm spring weather, you can get by with a thin base layer bottom or even shorts. In sum, you can customize a lot more for specific conditions with a shell pant and the right assortment of layers. On the other hand, if your insulation is built into your pants, you have far fewer options.
Chart-topping warmth for skiers who run cold or those who consistently get out in the mid-teens or below. Too warm for mild conditions.
Lightly insulated; enough to cut some chill. Some will find these to be a nice balance between bulky highly insulated and non-insulated pants.
Uninsulated. Thick 3-layer pants get a 1.5/5 due to the added warmth wind-resistance of their robust shell fabric.
How a ski pant performs in inclement weather is of course a primary purchasing consideration, but comfort is also a sneakily important factor. The standard construction of ski pants can make for a really rigid shell, which feels super stormproof but isn’t always the most inviting layer to put on. Nowadays, manufacturers are playing with stretch-woven shells and knit backers to make ski pants softer, more pliable, and overall cozier to wear. Many of these designs are also super breathable and move well with the body, which helps boost comfort even more. Of course, comfort is purely subjective—for example, some people’s idea of comfort is completely correlated with the feeling of being fully protected—so be sure to reference each product’s write-up for a deeper understanding of our rating.
Incredibly comfortable. Look for stretch-woven shell fabrics (often on the thinner side) or heavily insulated pants that feel like stepping into a sleeping bag. These pants often tend to give a lot of attention to fit (including patterning that mirrors the contours of your body—also known as “articulated patterning”—and availability in a wide range of sizes).
Moderate comfort, generally due to fit concerns (as in the case of the Arc’teryx Sabre’s short rise) or cumbersome components. Often the materials aren’t as high quality in this range.
The bottom end of the comfort range is rare as even most entry-level ski pants are decently comfortable, but some are too heavy, have fit issues, or are constricting. If a ski pant hits red in comfort that should be a red flag.
When the body works hard—whether from charging downhill or slogging uphill—it builds heat. If the heat doesn’t have an avenue to escape, it will cause you to sweat, get wet (and then potentially cold), and be overall quite uncomfortable. If you're a resort skier who sticks to groomers, you likely don’t need to be too concerned with breathability. Chairlift rides offer a great opportunity to cool down between runs, and you’re probably not building too much heat on the downhill. If you find yourself overheating, it’s more likely that your pants have too much insulation or you need to remove a layer (or open your thigh vents). But for hard-charging resort skiers and those who venture beyond the ropes, breathability should be a strong factor in your purchasing decision.
At 5/5 are softshell pants or hardshell/softshell hybrids, which we don’t recommend for resort use. At 4/5 are uninsulated, 3-layer shell pants with relatively thin face fabrics that often include a bit of stretch and a moisture-wicking knit backer. Look for large outer thigh vents and membranes such as Gore-Tex, H2No Performance Standard, and AscentShell.
Decent breathability for active resort skiers. Two-layer shells or thick 3-layer shells with proprietary membranes.
Sub-par breathability, only recommended for resort skiers who get out in cold weather. These are insulated pants that are built to trap warmth.
One way to save money and reduce waste is to purchase durable products: If you buy right the first time, your ski pants could last you multiple seasons (or even decades) of hard use. The good news is that ski pants—compared to rain pants and hiking pants—are a remarkably durable breed, meant to hold up against sustained exposure to the elements and around abrasive objects like ski edges, chairlifts, branches, etc. The vast majority are decently long-lasting, although there is a lot of variability in terms of fabric toughness and the quality of construction and materials.
Super-durable fabrics and high-quality construction, ideal for heavy resort use. Pants with this score can handle a ton of use and abuse and emerge looking good enough to tell the story back at the lodge.
Mid-range resort designs or backcountry-oriented pants with thin shell fabrics. Models in this range generally wear down more quickly than top-ranked pants and are more susceptible to abrasion.
Very poorly built ski pants or extremely thin backcountry pieces.
Our sustainability rating for ski pants takes into account nine different criteria. On the product level, we’re looking for recycled or Bluesign-approved materials, PFAS/PFC-free durable water-repellent finishes, and Fair Trade Certified production. On the brand level, our criteria include whether the company has a dedicated resale or recycling program, uses recycled or reduced packaging, monitors greenhouse gas emissions, and publishes an annual impact report. Ski pants with a high sustainability rating meet a number of these criteria, while those with a lower sustainability rating might meet none or just a few. We also consider the degree to which our criteria are met; for example, 10% recycled materials is not the same as 100% recycled materials. Note that not every sustainability effort by a brand or product fits neatly into our categories. In these circumstances, we may increase or decrease a rating based on these factors. You can find details on these factors in the sustainability drop-down under each product above.
These pants are among the most sustainable on the market and earn our Better Trail Certified distinction. They often meet most of our sustainability criteria for this category.
These pants are a good, middle-of-the-pack option for sustainability. They often meet about half or more of our criteria for this category.
These pants are the least sustainable and have significant room for improvement. They usually only meet about a quarter or less of our criteria.
Anatomy of a Ski Pant
The outermost layer of fabric that serves as the pant’s first line of defense against both precipitation and wear and tear.
A pant’s first line of defense against moisture is its outer shell fabric (usually either nylon or polyester) and durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. Most of the time the shell fabric is rigid, but sometimes it’s woven in a way that adds a little stretch. With a good DWR finish—a treatment that causes moisture to bead up and roll off the fabric rather than soaking through—both rigid and stretch-woven fabrics do a great job keeping water out, although woven designs will be slightly more absorbent as the DWR inevitably wears off over time. As a result, pants with rigid shells will often score higher in our waterproofing metric and are a slightly better choice for those who frequently get out in wet conditions.
In addition to the type of outer shell fabric, the thickness of that fabric is also worth considering. Manufacturers state the thickness of fabric in terms of denier—the thinnest pant on our list is the Patagonia Stormstride (40D), while some use 200-denier or thicker materials. A thicker fabric won’t necessarily keep out more moisture (that’s primarily the job of the waterproof membrane), but it does add a surprising amount of assurance: You simply feel more protected (picture a metal roof vs. a rain tarp—both keep water out, but offer a totally different experience). Second, thicker shell fabrics are inherently more durable, which is important for those who want to get a lot of life out of their pants.
Durable water-repellent finishes are a hot topic right now. Up until recently, harmful perfluorocarbons—also known as PFCs—were a primary ingredient in just about every waterproofing treatment—DWR finishes, ski waxes, waterproof membranes, etc. As the industry moves away from these “forever chemicals,” traditional waterproof materials are taking a real hit. Manufacturers are struggling to find a sustainable replacement that’s equally effective (along with waterproofing, DWR finishes help preserve fabrics against oil and general wear and tear), so you’ll surely be hearing more about DWR in upcoming years. For now, the best solution we can offer to boost and preserve your pants’ waterproofing is to wash them regularly (better yet, wash them with specialized detergent like Nikwax’s Tech Wash) and reapply an aftermarket DWR treatment like Nikwax’s TX.Direct Spray-On.
Laminated to the inside of the shell fabric and responsible for the bulk of the pant’s waterproofing. An ideal waterproof membrane prevents water from entering but allows air to escape from the inside out.
Waterproof membranes are laminated to the inside of the shell fabric and serve as the primary defense against moisture. The most notable membrane is Gore-Tex, which has been around for over 50 years and is so distinguished that it has become practically synonymous with waterproof/breathable outerwear. Most premium ski pants feature Gore-Tex, but it’s no longer the only reliable waterproofing technology: In-house efforts like Black Diamond's BD.dry and Patagonia’s H2No Performance Standard offer similar performance and are generally available at much lower price points. The quality of protection does diminish as you get into the budget pant category—membranes like The North Face’s DryVent and Columbia’s Omni-Tech are more vulnerable to wetting out in consistent moisture like you might get on storm days or during serious backcountry travel.
Waterproof membranes are kind of a miracle material—the most high-end technologies do a great job guarding against heavy snow and rain while still allowing air to pass from the inside out. This is the essence of breathability, which is an important factor to consider for backcountry skiers and hard-charging resort skiers. The premium technology needed for air permeability is one of the first things to go with a budget membrane, but the good news is that most recreational resort skiers don’t generate enough heat to need top-notch breathability. Simply opening up the thigh vents can usually get the job done.
Waterproof seam tape covers the holes created by stitching and provides a final seal against wind and moisture.
Seam taping is applied to the interior of the waterproof membrane and is the finishing step in a ski pant’s waterproof protection. Most ski pants feature full seam taping, which means that every line of stitching is covered with waterproof tape to keep moisture from passing through. This is easy to spot on a 3-layer pant, but is obscured by the liner and/or insulation on a 2-layer design. Some of the most entry-level pants are taped only at the “critical” seams, which generally refers to those that are most vulnerable to moisture, such as those on the knees or butt.
In order to protect the waterproof membrane, pants have either a hanging liner (2L) or a liner affixed directly to the membrane (3L). This construction has implications on price, breathability, bulk and weight, and more.
There are two main styles of construction used in waterproof pants: 2-layer and 3-layer. Two-layer pants use a hanging liner (generally made of mesh or taffeta) to protect the waterproof membrane from wear and tear and your skin’s oils. Three-layer pants affix a sleek liner directly to the waterproof membrane.
The most obvious difference between 2- and 3-layer pants is cost. Two-layer construction is often seen in mid-range and entry-level ski pants, while 3-layer pants comprise the premium end of the market. But there’s a lot of performance distinctions, too. Two-layer construction gives up a lot of breathability with the extra piece of fabric and adds a significant amount of bulk and weight as well. As a result, we only recommend 2-layer pants for resort skiing. On the other hand, 3-layer pants’ more breathable and streamlined design makes them our top recommendation for backcountry and slackcountry-goers. And in terms of comfort, we’ll leave it up to you: Some skiers will like the plush feel of a 2-layer pant’s taffeta liner, but most 3-layer pants are lighter and feel sleeker overall.
For more on this topic, see our article Ski Jacket Construction: 2-Layer vs. 3-Layer.
Insulated ski pants use synthetic fill; a higher fill weight denotes a warmer pant.
Some ski pants feature built-in insulation, which gives you an extra dose of warmth for those particularly frigid winter days. Synthetic and down fill are the two most common insulators in outerwear; manufacturers almost always use synthetic insulation in ski pants given that it’s more breathable than down, less lofty, and more suitable for wet conditions (when down gets wet it loses its insulating powers). To learn more about insulation, check out our article on Down vs. Synthetic Jackets.
A pant’s listed fill weight (measured in terms of grams per square meter) gives you an idea of its warmth: 40-gram fill is thin and provides only light insulation, while 80-gram fill is thick and warm. As you move into the higher numbers, the insulation generally gets thicker and bulkier by nature of its added weight, although premium designs stay decently streamlined with more efficient fill that provides more warmth for less weight and bulk. Some pants (including the Outdoor Research Snowcrew) only feature insulation at the knees and rear, which offers a lot of value for cold chairlift rides without adding a ton of bulk.
Pockets might be an afterthought for consumers, but they’re what you end up using most.
It’s easy to overlook pockets when deciding on a ski pant, but we think they’re an important consideration. Most ski pants have hand pockets or thigh pockets, and some put a pocket on the butt, too. If you wear your pants on the baggy side, pockets can hold items like a smartphone without restricting movement or resulting in pressure points. But if you like snugger-fitting pants, storing rigid items on the front of the leg can result in a lot of pinching, especially when you’re bending low into a turn or sitting on a chairlift. In this case, a pocket on the side of the thigh is a better bet, or opting for a design like the Norrøna Lofoten GTX Pro, which features thigh pockets that protrude from the standard silhouette. Finally, if you ask us, we find butt pockets to be fairly useless on ski pants.
A few more things to think about when considering a pant’s pockets: Do they have large enough pulls to accommodate your bulky ski gloves? If you’re a backcountry skier, is there a sewn-in beacon-compatible pocket with an included tether? (We generally see this feature in 3L shell pants like the Black Diamond Recon Stretch.) And: Do you think you’ll spend a lot of time without a ski jacket on? If so, your pants’ storage is of greater consequence.
These hem features keep snow out of your boot and promote durability.
The vast majority of ski pants include both scuff guards and gaiters at the hem. A scuff guard is a rigid and very durable piece of fabric placed at the instep, which is one of the pants’ most vulnerable points in terms of wear and tear. On the inside of the cuff, the gaiters are an extra piece of fabric with an elasticized hem, which extends over the boot to keep snow out when hiking or in case of a wipeout. Some gaiters will even include a slit for a ski boot’s powerstrap, which allows you to adjust your boot without pulling the gaiter up and down multiple times a day. Finally, we sometimes see pants with a zipper and an extra flare of fabric at the hem, which allows it to fit easily over bulky or unbuckled ski boots.
Like a ski jacket’s powder skirt, this system helps eliminate the area of vulnerability between the jacket and the pants.
Many modern ski pants feature a series of snaps near the waist belt, which match to snaps on the corresponding ski jacket. This is called a jacket-to-pant attachment system; along with a powder skirt, it’s a method manufacturers use to mitigate the vulnerable space where the jacket and pants meet. But while a jacket-to-pant attachment system does an excellent job keeping out flying snow and wind, we’re not totally sold on it for a few reasons.
First off, if you want to use this system, you’ll have to purchase a matching jacket and pants—which is a bit limiting. Second, we don’t love how the snaps look when not in use: If we’re out jacket-less on a spring day or hanging out in the lodge, the snaps are clearly visible on the pants and detract from a clean look. And finally, like powder skirts, the time it takes to attach and detach the system means that most skiers won’t use it on all but the stormiest of days.
Pop open your thigh vents if you need to dump heat or encourage airflow.
If you’re skiing on a warm spring day or slogging up the skin track and need a way to dump some heat, thigh vents are the answer. Almost every ski pant has this feature: Some are on the inside of the thighs, some are on the outside, and some ski pants (like the Flylow Chemical) have both. We vastly prefer outer thigh vents to those on the inside of the legs, which add bulk where you don’t want it and generally don’t encourage as good of airflow (due to being in a more sheltered place).
We find ourselves using thigh vents all the time, both in the backcountry and at the resort. Zip these puppies open, and you can release warm air and encourage airflow around the legs. Close ‘em up when you’re headed downhill or if the wind gusts get too cold. Most vents are about 12 inches in length, but longer designs offer even more ventilation and are great for backcountry use. And it’s also worth paying attention to the construction: Most entry-level and mid-range pants will use flaps to protect the zippers, while higher-end designs instead use sleek water-tight zippers. It’s also nice to be able to open the vents without removing your gloves, so look for glove-friendly zipper pulls, too.
A passive, embedded unit that can be picked up by a specialized detector in the event of a search.
Recco reflectors are everywhere these days: in ski jackets and pants, ski helmets, and even ski boots. These are small, passive units that emit a small signal that can be picked up by a Recco detector in the event of a search and rescue. Unlike beacons, they require no batteries, no toggling on or off, and no upkeep—they’re permanently embedded in the pants. Recco reflectors can be a game-changer for in-bounds scenarios when you might not be wearing a beacon, but they’re no substitute for a real avalanche transceiver: They have a much smaller range and are only identifiable by a specialized detector.
How Should I Size My Ski Pants?
Sizing is an important factor to consider before purchasing ski pants. In general, ski pants are sized similarly to other outerwear—meaning that if you typically wear size-medium hiking pants, you’d fit into size-medium ski pants. But that’s only one piece of the equation. Many skiers—perhaps the majority—prefer their pants to be on the baggy side, for reasons of layering, style, storage (it’s way more comfortable to store a phone in the pant’s thigh pocket), and freedom of movement. If this sounds like you, a good rule is to size up one full size from your standard size (if you’re typically a medium, purchase a large).
It’s also important to pay attention to how manufacturers describe their pants. For example, Trew Gear advertises their Eagle Pant Primo as having a relaxed fit that provides ample room for layers along with full range of motion. They even go so far as to say that if you prefer a slimmer fit or are in between sizes, you might want to size down.
Long story short, fit and sizing are big topics for ski pants and it’s important to both a) know what general style you’re aiming for (regular, trim, or baggy) and then b) discern from manufacturer jargon whether the pants are sized in a particular way. With both pieces of information, you’ll be able to decide if you want to stick with your standard size or go up/down.
Your Questions Answered
One of the first decisions you’ll face when buying ski pants is between insulated or shell (uninsulated) pants. Insulated pants (e.g. the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town and Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft) are the warmer and more beginner-friendly option, designed to keep you comfortable on frigid lift rides with minimal layering underneath. They’re especially appealing for casual resort skiers who value convenience and don’t want to fuss with multiple base layers and midlayers. The trade-off is that they can feel bulky, heavy, and overly warm on milder days or during any sort of uphill exertion (read our Alpha LifaLoft review for more).
Shell ski pants, on the other hand, don’t include built-in insulation. Instead, they provide a waterproof barrier and rely on your layering system for warmth. The big advantage is versatility: you can add a warmer base layer pant (or even a midlayer pant) on cold midwinter days or go light in the spring (on super mild days, we’ll even throw our ski pants on over a pair of shorts). Shells—including the Arc'teryx Sabre and Patagonia Stormstride—are also more breathable and mobile, making them a favorite among backcountry skiers. The downside is that you’ll need to invest in good base layers or midlayers to stay warm, which can increase the overall cost.
In short, insulated pants are the easiest and most affordable way to stay warm at the resort, while shells are better suited to skiers who want flexibility across changing conditions—or who plan to earn their turns in the backcountry.
The world of ski pants has a pretty wide price spectrum. You can start as low as the Columbia Bugaboo IV Insulated for just $120, although we prefer the REI Co-op Powerbound Insulated for $159, which we think offers a nice step up in quality at what still is a very reasonable price (and they get a 4.5 out of 5 sustainability rating, which is a nice bonus). At the top end, a high-end pant like the Norrøna Lofoten Pro runs a whopping $799. That’s a performance ski pant for hard chargers who need or want all of the high-end materials and features.
The right answer always comes down to your expected use cases—and budget, of course. For resort skiers, and especially those who tend to get out on the weekends and aren’t getting 40 days a season, there are a number of quality options in our gear guide above. You can sort by “Price: Low to High,” and the top four or five pants all should do the job for most people and conditions. In addition, we've done a deep dive on the topic in our article on the Best Budget Ski Pants. Moving into the mid-range, you’ll get even better weather protection, breathability, and durability. Ski pants like the Patagonia Storm Shift, our top overall pick, should last for more seasons of hard use than a budget model, and will feel more streamlined and performance-oriented when you wear them. And for hard chargers, premium ski pants can be worth the cost. A model like the Arc’teryx Sabre is lightweight, highly weather resistant, breathable, and has a robust feature set.
If you frequently ski in cold locations like Wyoming or the East Coast—or if you just tend to run cold—you’ll be keeping a keen eye on warmth when making your ski pant purchasing decision. In our gear guide above you can sort the products by “Warmth,” with the Helly Hansen LifaLoft winning out, and a number of other cozy insulated options below (also of note: our top pick, the Patagonia Storm Shift, comes in an insulated version). From there, your base layer will have a significant impact on how toasty your legs will feel on the mountain, so choose wisely. A thick merino wool base layer, combined with an insulated ski pant, should offer just about all the warmth you’ll want on the mountain, and likely too much on warmer days. That’s when you can dial back your baselayer or open up some vents—usually located down the thighs—to dump heat.
This is a question we love. For ski pants, our team of dedicated sustainability experts researched the category top to bottom, decided on criteria at both the product and brand levels, and then evaluated all of the ski pants in our gear guide (and more) based on these criteria. In the end, Patagonia came out on top, with the Storm Shift and Insulated Powder Town pants receiving a 4.9 out of 5 sustainability rating. Norrøna impressed as well—their Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro received a 4.5, although Norrøna notably does not source Fair Trade Certified materials (they began working with Fair Wear in 2024 and will receive an evaluation soon). From there, several other brands are making excellent strides on the sustainability front, including REI Co-op, Arc’teryx, Stio, and The North Face.
If you care about sustainability, you’ve come to the right place: Every product featured on Better Trail gets a full sustainability analysis, and you can prioritize sustainability in your research by selecting in the sort-by drop-down above the product picks.
Ah yes, what about bibs.
We think ski bibs are pretty awesome. Their cool factor is high these days, and the options are endless—there are almost as many ski bibs available as there are ski pants. They come in a range of colors, build qualities (everything from budget to super premium), and constructions (including insulated and non-insulated varieties). And most are available in a vast array of sizes—the Flylow Baker Bib, for example, comes in six regular sizes and three inseam lengths—which is great news as their full-body design makes them trickier to fit.
Bibs also do a great job solving the age-old problem that powder skirts and jacket-to-pant attachment systems are trying to get at—closing the gap between the jacket and the pants. With a good bib, you can eliminate all the faffing associated with these systems, while getting full coverage that leaves very little room for snow to creep through. Another thing we love about bibs is their storage. Not everyone loves to keep items in their pant pockets—as we mentioned above, this can cause pinch points if your pants are on the regular-fitting to snug side. But a bib opens up your options with one or more (some bibs have three or four) chest pockets in addition to storage on the legs.
So what are the downsides to bibs? The most obvious is that they make bathroom breaks a chore, particularly for some women. Many bibs have rear flaps or side zippers that extend low enough that you can create a back hatch, but it’s still a series of zippers, snaps, and awkward reaches. Second, bibs can overdo the coverage—in theory, by doubling up waterproof fabric on the torso you create unnecessary bulk and hamper breathability. But in practice, we’ve had very little issue with the bib-jacket combo being too bulky or heat-trapping while resort skiing, and often wear them in the backcountry, too. To avoid the unnecessary heat and bulk of doubling up on a waterproof material at the chest, we’ll swap out our ski jacket for a light windbreaker or softshell jacket on the skin track.
For more on bibs and to see our top picks for the season, check out our article on the Best Ski Bibs.
All of the pants listed above are hardshells, meaning they’re completely waterproof from waist to hem. Some skiers—particularly backcountry-goers—will instead opt for a softshell pant or a hybrid design that includes both hardshell and softshell fabrics. Unlike the fortress-like nature of hardshell fabrics, softshell fabrics forgo a waterproof membrane and use stretch-woven material to encourage breathability, freedom of movement, and comfort. As a result, they’re a great choice for dry conditions and the demands of uphill travel, but give up the protection you need for true storm days. Because of the increasingly breathable and comfortable nature of hardshells, we see softshells and hybrids used less and less. In general, we recommend resort use), but they’re a nice addition to every backcountry skier’s quiver. A few of our favorites include the Patagonia Upstride and Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour.
Some of the ski pants on our list have a bit of mechanical stretch woven into their shell, which allows them more “give” compared to standard non-stretchy alternatives. These designs move and breathe well with your body and are generally more comfortable than rigid hardshells. But while we love wearing stretchy ski pants, which include staff favorites like the Patagonia Stormstride and Black Diamond Recon Stretch, they do come at the cost of overall protection: The woven fabric is more likely to absorb moisture in sustained wet conditions, and it isn’t fully impervious to heavy winds. As a result, they’re not our top recommendation as a daily driver for season-long resort use. But for fairweather days both at the resort and in the backcountry, there’s a lot to love about stretch-woven pants.
Whether you’re wearing insulated or shell pants, you’ll want to layer something underneath—ski pants are not built for next-to-skin wear. Your best bet is to start with a base layer, which works to both wick sweat and keep you warm. Synthetic base layers are the most affordable and certainly get the job done, but they’re not as warm as wool alternatives and they tend to retain body odors, even between washings. On the other hand, merino wool is our top pick for winter: It’ll cost you more, but it’s warm, cozy, and can be worn day in and day out without generating too much stink. For more on the materials debate, check out our article on Merino Wool vs. Synthetic Base Layers.
Both synthetic and merino base layers come in various weights—you can choose between light, mid, and thermal-weight bottoms depending on conditions and your ski pant’s level of insulation (if any). You could also opt for a ski-specific ¾-length base layer bottom, which is a fun option that helps to mitigate excess bulk underneath the ski boot. Finally, in mild conditions, shorts might be your best bet.
If you’ve opted for insulated ski pants, a base layer will likely provide sufficient warmth. But if you’ve got shell pants or are skiing in particularly cold temperatures, you may want to tack on a fleece or synthetic insulated bottom, too. Fleece is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and cozy, and a great go-to for most skiers. On the other hand, synthetic insulated pants are pricier, but they’re generally warmer and look a lot cooler for standalone use. The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Bottoms are one of our favorites: it offers the sensation of wearing a sleeping bag below the belt (without the excess bulk) and is nice to wear on cold days.
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