11 Of The Best Women's Ski Pants To Help You Rip Powder From The Resort To The Backcountry
The best women's ski pants combine technical features with comfort.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSEven the best women's ski pants are often outshined by other showier cold-weather gear, such as ski jackets, ski helmets and goggles. But this hardworking essential is equally important for keeping you warm and dry on the slopes or trails. Today's ski pants have come a long way from the stiff and unbreathable options of the past to include upper leg vents, built-in scuff guards, strategically placed pockets and more features to withstand the rigors of downhill, cross-country and uphill treks. But because more options are available now than ever before, finding the perfect pair of skis pants can prove to be a difficult task.
Below is our list of the best women's ski pants, which range from insulated and waterproof picks to full-coverage bibs and plus-size options. And to complete your winter ski ensemble, check out the warmest winter coats for women and the best winter boots for your après ski wardrobe.
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Sizes: 2-16Colors: Black, Habitat, Moonlit, TechnoMaterials: Gore-Tex nylon, Keprotec, Cordura
Skiers are obsessed with the Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants for good reason: The brand's formidable cold-weather bestseller is constructed of Gore-Tex, three-layer nylon fabric (a durable weave with moisture-wicking lining) and a three-layer low-loft soft shell exterior, making them extremely comfortable. For added protection against the elements, the Arc'teryx Sentinel is equipped with taped seams, a removable waist belt and double side zips for easy ventilation. Also great: The instep patches help prevent abrasion and the zippered thigh pockets safeguard your essentials from slips and falls.
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Columbia
Columbia Women's Bugaboo Omni-Heat Insulated Snow Pants
Sizes: XS-XLColors: Dark Coral, Grey Ash, White, Black, Dark Nocturnal and more (9 in total)Materials: Nylon, polyester
Crafted with easy mobility in mind, Columbia's Bugaboo Insulated Snow Pants are top-rated for their warmth, thermal-reflective lining, and breathable and waterproof 100% nylon tech shell. While you can find ski pants for less than $120, you'll notice the quality starts to diminish—this pair lets you stay dry without overspending.
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Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research Women's Snowcrew Pants
Sizes: XS-4XColors: Moth, Nimbus Watercolor, Naval Blue, BlackMaterials: Polyester, nylon
Performance, warmth and style make Outdoor Research's Snowcrew Pants a top pick among skiers. With fully taped seams to defend against penetrating moisture, the Snowcrew also has waist adjustment tabs and belt loops for a customizable fit. Dedicated pockets store essentials, from your lift pass to your avy beacon, and snow gaiters keep powder out of your boots when you're getting after it. This pair is also comprised of 56% recycled shell material and 85% recycled insulation.
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Sizes: XS-4XColors: Black, Steel, Cappuccino, Crimson, White and more (35 in total)Materials: Polyester
Not only do Arctix's Insulated Snow Pants come in an array of fun colors, they provide maximum protection against the harshest of winter weather, thanks to their high tech moisture-wicking fabric and 85 grams of heat-trapping ThermaTech insulation. In other words, these low-bulk snow pants keep you warm in temperatures ranging from 35 degrees all the way down to -20 degrees. An adjustable waistband and easy-access O ring make these pants an affordable must-have.
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Amazon
Helly-Hansen Women's Legendary Insulated Waterproof Ski Pant
Sizes: XS-XXLColors: Navy, White, Jade 2.0, Darkest Spruce and more (7 in total)Materials: Polyester
Innovators of professional outdoor gear for over 140 years, Scandinavian brand Helly Hansen offers protection against the elements with their aptly-named Legendary Insulated Ski Pant. Fully waterproof and breathable, this style combines PrimaLoft insulation and thigh ventilation zippers, giving you the option to retain or release heat for optimal comfort and flexibility. Two-way stretch allows the fabric to move with you on the hill while water-resistant zippers protect the day's essentials,
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Sizes: FR 33 - 44 (4-12, US equivalent)Colors: BlackMaterial: Polyamide, elastane
German brand Bogner is credited with inventing the modern stretch ski pant as we know it, pioneering the design in the 1950s. Today, their skiwear is tested by the German ski team for performance and fit. This iconic Elaine pair has a sleek cut, comfortable elasticated waistband and stirrup cuffs to keep them in place.
American ski and snowboarding filmmaker, Warren A. Miller, once wrote that "I credit the growth of skiing during [the '50s and '60s] to Maria Bogner and her invention of stretch ski pants." The pants made it possible to ski faster, and it didn't hurt that they looked great, too. As Miller reportedly put it, "Anyone who was in reasonable shape could put on a pair of her stretch pants and look as sleek and attractive as someone in a James Bond movie."
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REI
Roxy Diversion Snow Pants
Sizes: XS-XLColors: Brick Red, Fair Aqua, True BlackMaterials: Polyester
Skiing and style have long gone hand in hand, and if you want a flattering, tailored ski pant with less bulk, consider Roxy's well-tested Diversion bottoms. The Portland, Oregon brand's take on ski pants feature a slim silhouette with subtle flare through the leg as well as performance features, such as insulation to keep you warm, waterproofing and snap-closure gussets to guard against the wet chill.
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Dick's Sporting Goods
The North Face Women's Freedom Snow Bib
Sizes: XS-XXLColors: Lavender Fog, Topaz Tonal Mountainsc PT, TNF BlackMaterials: Nylon, polyester
Cool enough to sport even off the slopes, The North Face's Freedom Bib has articulated knees, belt loops (great for carabiners) and adjustable suspenders for a custom fit. Its "Chimney Venting" system increases air flow by allowing warm air to circulate before it escapes through inner thigh vents. Also nice: The bib is made from recycled nylon and eco-polyester fabric.
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Sizes: XS Petite-XXL PetiteColors: Black, Forest, Shaded SumacMaterials: Nylon, polyester
Many ski pants are sized with men in mind, but REI offers its Powderbound Ski Pant in petite lengths, with an inseam of 29.5 inches. The Powderbound packs performance, too, with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, 40 grams of low-bulk insulation and a water-resistant recycled polyester lining. Inner thigh vents dump excess body heat when you hit the skin track, and zippered hand pockets are lined with brushed tricot to boost coziness when you're kicking back in the lot after a day on the mountain.
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Sizes: 1X-4XColors: Black, Elk, Light PewterMaterials: Nylon, polyester, spandex, polyurethane, kevlar
Outdoor Research's Cirque pants, available in sizes 1X through 4X, include a harness-compatible waist amplified by thermo-regulating technology (keeping you cool, dry and comfortable). With reinforced scuff guards built into the design, the stretchy, breathable, and wind- and water-resistant Cirque II's are ready to move with you through a flurry of winter alpine activities.
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Sizes: XS-XLColors: Black, Navy, Snow WhiteMaterials: Nylon, polyurethane
It's your ski pants but with flair—and actual flare. Perfect Moment's Aurora Flare Pants have built-in kneepads, inner cuffs to keep snow out and a cozy thermal fleece lining to ensure warmth, comfort and style whether shredding or resting fireside. Founded by sports documentarian Thierry Donard, the Chamonix-based brand strikes the right balance between fit and performance.
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We relied on first-hand testing, expert advice and independent, online reviews when selecting the best ski pants for women. We own some of these pants ourselves, others we borrowed from friends and we even test options from time to time as opportunities arise. And we performed exhaustive research on the best-selling ski pants from the biggest outdoor brands, comparing product specs, designs, features and particularities that set them apart from one another to ensure this list encompasses the best of the best. This article is frequently updated, with the most recent update occurring in January 2023.
What Pants Should I Ski In?Generally speaking, you should ski in pants that are waterproof, windproof and complete with features designed to enhance on your on-mountain experience. If you need space for an energy bar, wallet and keys, consider investing in ski pants that go big on pockets, or pick up a pair of bibs that provide even more space for essentials. If you're in the market for a pant that boosts your slopeside style, look for vibrant colors or patterns as well as a contoured fit that helps you stand out. And if you're playing in deep backcountry powder, you'll need to prioritize durable materials, a proper fit and safety features such as a dedicated pocket for your beacon or an integrated RECCO reflector to help search and rescue pinpoint your location in an emergency.
Is There A Difference Between Ski Pants And Snow Pants?While ski pants and snow pants might look similar upon first glance, they differ in that ski pants fit more snug to reduce wind resistance while snow pants fit loose to promote movement. They also feature ventilation points and scuff guards in different locations to ensure snow doesn't make its way into your pants, and while snow pants used to offer limited sizing options, they're now fully inclusive to support different shapes and sizes.
It's worth noting that snow pants can also refer to the all-purpose winter pants you might wear when wading through snow or shoveling the driveway. These snow pants don't feature durable fabrics and they're not very breathable, so we don't recommend wearing them on the mountain whether you're skiing or snowboarding. That said, they make for great après-ski pants when you're relaxing by the fire or cracking open a cold one in the parking lot.
Women's Ski And Snow Pants
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Cross Country Ski Pants
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