Ski pants are one of the most critical pieces of equipment you wear on the slopes. We’ve curated this list of the best ski pants and bibs to fit every style and budget. If you’re a resort-goer, you’ll probably want snow pants with insulation for chair lifts and a hard outer shell. If you’re a backcountry skier, opt for pants with a softshell that provide mobility and breathability. However, the best ski pants or bibs are fit for both the backcountry and resort.
We found the best ski pants overall to be the Black Diamond Boundary Line Insulated Pant, and the all-around best bib to be the North Face Freedom Bib. On this list, we’ve included snow pants that allow you to stay dry with waterproof technology, keep you toasty and warm with insulation, and protect you against the elements with advanced technical features. Below are our best ski pants and bibs for 2022, along with an expert buying guide for ski pants, and even a ski pants FAQ to cover any leftover questions.
The Best Ski Pants Reviewed
Product Name
- Great freedom of movement
- Waterproof, windproof and breathable
- Durable reinforcements
1. Best All-Around
If you’re looking for a tried and true, high-value ski pant, look no further than the The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants. Customers love the velcro waist adjustment and loose but comfy fit. Whether you’re outdoor hiking or skiing, the Heatseeker lining in these pants will keep you warm.
The women’s version of the Freedom Pant comes in a variety of beautiful colours. Heatseeker technology reflects body heat to keep you warm in snowy conditions. At a budget-friendly price, they have all the essential features: zippered hand pockets, seam sealing, and an adjustable waist.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and high-quality
- Comes in a variety of colours
Cons
- Wide, baggy cut
Brand Name | Product Type
2. Best All-Around Ski Bib
With a 3-layer ripstop nylon outer fabric, Mountain Hardwear's Firefall/2 bib pant is designed for the harshest conditions. Although it doesn't feature a GORE-TEX membrane, the waterproof coating is exceptionally waterproof and flexible. This pant also has a host of other features like gaiters and stretchy ankle flaps at the hem to keep snow out. The suspenders are detachable, making it easy to get in and out of the overalls. The pants are made with an articulated fit and four-way stretch fabric for easy movement.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Well-insulated and waterproof
- Comfortable fabric and cut
- Plenty of pockets and zips
Cons
- Shoulder straps not removable
Brand Name | Product Type
3. Best Budget Ski Pants
Made from tech stretch with Repreve®, the Star Insulated Pants for women have 60grams insulation and a brushed tricot lining, promising to keep you warm on even the coldest days. Wide choice of colour options, with an integrated belt and high level tech complete the package at a very affordable price
The Hammer Insulated Winter Pants for men is fully-equipped with 10K/10K waterproofing and breathability, critically taped seams, O'Neill Hyperdry solvent-free water repellent coating and lightweight insulation made with recycled materials in the lining for extra warmth and comfort.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and high-quality
- Comes in a variety of colours
Cons
- Wide, baggy cut
Brand Name | Product Type
4. Best Resort Ski Pants
Thanks to Helly Hansen's signature quality, the Legendary Pants let you reach the top of the mountain with confidence. The waterproof membrane and taped seams keep moisture out, and Primaloft synthetic insulation keeps the heat in while you ski. PowderGuard mesh vents let air circulate without letting snow in.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Integrated PrimaLoft insulation
- Waterproof membrane
- Several colour choices
Cons
- None
Brand Name | Product Type
5. Best Intermediate level Ski Pants
Made with a two-way stretch fabric and lower leg reinforcement, Patagonia's Powder Bowl Pants are perfect for beginner skiers. They're made of a recycled polyester fabric with a GORE-TEX membrane that will keep you dry, even when you're knee-deep in powder. They also have practical features like front and back zippered pockets.
For women, the Patagonia Snowbelle Insulated Pants are a great garment for beginners to start skiing in. Unlike the men's version, they feature Thermogreen insulation for added warmth. Reinforcement offers extra protection for the legs, and the RECCO reflector offers extra safety in case of an avalanche or accident on the mountain.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Design allows for freedom of movement
- Waterproof, windproof, and breathable material
- Durable reinforcements
Cons
- Thinly insulated
Brand Name | Product Type
6. Best Backcountry Ski Bib
In the free ride gear realm, the Outdoor Research Hemisphere Bib is top of its class. With expert strap placement and breathable material, it’s highly comfortable. The extremely durable GORE-TEX Pro material also offers superior weather protection.
Women will appreciate the sleek style and innovative features of the Hemisphere Bib. The side zipper goes all the way down, so it’ll be easy to take the bib off when nature calls. There are also spacious thigh pockets and a stretch panel in the back for easy movement.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Highly durable GORE-TEX Pro fabric
- Zips on and off for convenience
- Crisp, clean design
Cons
- A bit of an investment
Brand Name | Product Type
7. Other Favourites
High-speed groomers or storm-day aspen glades - every day on the mountain is different. The Course Ski Pants feature a waterproof, breathable build that sheds stormy weather, and lightweight insulation that adds extra warmth on or off the chair. Built-in gaiters help seal out snow, and reinforced cuffs stand up to abuse from ski edges. An adjustable waist lets you dial in the fit to match your layers.
The women's Classique Pant features breathable PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation, made from recycled materials, that provide an optimal weight/heat ratio. Thanks to their 20k/20k, 2-way stretch, breathable, waterproof membrane, these ski trousers guarantee perfect protection against the elements, excellent moisture wicking and exceptional comfort.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
High-speed groomers or storm-day aspen glades - every day on the mountain is different. The Course Ski Pants feature a waterproof, breathable build that sheds stormy weather, and lightweight insulation that adds extra warmth on or off the chair. Built-in gaiters help seal out snow, and reinforced cuffs stand up to abuse from ski edges. An adjustable waist lets you dial in the fit to match your layers.
The women's Classique Pant features breathable PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation, made from recycled materials, that provide an optimal weight/heat ratio. Thanks to their 20k/20k, 2-way stretch, breathable, waterproof membrane, these ski trousers guarantee perfect protection against the elements, excellent moisture wicking and exceptional comfort.
Price: 0.00$
With 20,000m waterproofing and 20,000g/m² breathability, the Salomon Brilliant pant is built for intensity. We rated it as the top ski pant on the list for all its technical, accessible features. The side-seam zip vents allow you to perspire heavily and stay cool on spring days or backcountry boot packing.
For women, the Black Diamond Boundary Line Insulated Pant is similarly outfitted with synthetic insulation and a DWR waterproof coating. There are also zippered side and thigh pockets for stashing snacks, chapstick, and any other essentials. These are the dream ski pants for resort usage or more rugged backcountry skiing.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
With 20,000m waterproofing and 20,000g/m² breathability, the Salomon Brilliant pant is built for intensity. We rated it as the top ski pant on the list for all its technical, accessible features. The side-seam zip vents allow you to perspire heavily and stay cool on spring days or backcountry boot packing.
For women, the Black Diamond Boundary Line Insulated Pant is similarly outfitted with synthetic insulation and a DWR waterproof coating. There are also zippered side and thigh pockets for stashing snacks, chapstick, and any other essentials. These are the dream ski pants for resort usage or more rugged backcountry skiing.
Price: 0.00$
Enjoy wholly waterproof and windproof snow trousers with the Arc’teryx Beta AR Pant. They’re great for multi-purpose use in all kinds of weather conditions, boosted by an ultra-durable N80d 3L GORE-TEX fabric. Waterproof zippers and a removable waist belt provide the ultimate comfort.
For women, the Arc’teryx Sentinel AR Pant has all the handy features you need for competitive ski performance. The softshell GORE-TEX fabric is waterproof while still being supple. There’s also a brushed inner lining to provide extra coziness while skiing.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
Enjoy wholly waterproof and windproof snow trousers with the Arc’teryx Beta AR Pant. They’re great for multi-purpose use in all kinds of weather conditions, boosted by an ultra-durable N80d 3L GORE-TEX fabric. Waterproof zippers and a removable waist belt provide the ultimate comfort.
For women, the Arc’teryx Sentinel AR Pant has all the handy features you need for competitive ski performance. The softshell GORE-TEX fabric is waterproof while still being supple. There’s also a brushed inner lining to provide extra coziness while skiing.
Price: 0.00$
What To Look For In Ski Pants
Whether you’re a first-time skier or seasoned expert, finding the best ski pants or bib is an essential part of the sport. While a jacket, gloves, and goggles are crucial, don’t underestimate the importance of snow pants. The best ski pants keep you warm and dry on the mountain and have innovative features like pockets and vent zips.
1. Pants or Bibs?
Choosing snow pants or bibs comes down to personal preference. Snow pants have an elastic waistband or a zip fly like everyday pants. On the other hand, bibs are more like overalls that help keep snow out if you fall.
2. Insulation
The amount of insulation someone needs depends on how cold their legs get while skiing.
Insulated ski pants have synthetic insulation that stays warm even when wet. Some uninsulated pants have a liner that provides some additional warmth. Finally, some unlined pants have no insulation and are made for layering.
3. Shells Layers: 2L vs 3L
2L Shell
A 2L shell has two bonded layers: the outer one usually has waterproof material or coating; the inner one is made of softer mesh or nylon.
3L Shell
The 3L shell has an outer waterproof layer, then a waterproof and breathable membrane in the middle, and a PU film or lining covers the second layer. This allows it to have the highest weather-resistance and performance.
4. Waterproof Materials
Waterproofing on ski pants is essential for keeping your legs dry throughout snowy days. Many ski pants will have a waterproof rating from 5,000 to 20,000, with the higher rating being more weather-resistant.
Fully taped seams have waterproof materials like GORE-TEX or H2No over the edges of the seams. Critically taped seams only have waterproof material or coating, such as DWR, over the areas typically exposed to moisture.
5. Ventilation
Some inner thigh inseams will feature zippers. These allow the pants to open so the wearer can cool off. Some of these vents also have mesh material to block out snow but allow air to circulate.
6. Pockets
If you like to carry things like a ski pass or hand warmers, look for ski pants and bibs with large pockets. Some common areas for pockets are the front, back, and thighs of the pants. Bibs will also often have a central front chest pocket.
7. Fit
It’s essential to find the right-sized ski pants – not too baggy, not too tight. Too-tight snow pants will make it harder to move freely. Alternatively, too-loose pants can cause trips and falls.
FAQs for Best Ski Pants
Q: Why are ski pants so long?
A: Ski pants should be longer than regular trousers to cover your ski boots.
Q: Are ski pants supposed to be baggy?
A: Some ski pants have a slightly baggier cut to allow for a broader range of movements. The best ski pants are tighter around the thighs and looser on the ankles to fit the ski boots.
Q: Are ski pants the same as snow pants?
A: Yes, the terms ski pants and snow pants can be used interchangeably. They’re both waterproof and warmer than regular pants.
Q: Should ski pants be tight or loose?
A: Though everyone has their preferences for fit, a happy medium is best. They shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t move easily, nor should they be so baggy they’re in the way.
We understand that finding the best ski pants can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. That’s why we created this list of the best ski pants and bibs for the winter 2022 season. We hope you find a pair of pants or bib that fits your style, budget, and preferences.
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