The 15 Best Ski Pants to Wear From The Slopes to Après Ski Drinks

Best Overall

Dope Snow Tigress W Snowboard Pants

View On Dopesnow.com

Komaike wears these Dope snowboard pants on her adventures in the snow and recommends them for their durability and stylish bootcut. The Canadian label is no stranger to extreme weather, which is why this one was crafted with high-performance materials, including double-layered dry tech and fully tapered seams for stronger durability and superior waterproofing.

Blended with spandex, the material allows you to bend, flip, and twist in it without the pants resisting your movements — meanwhile, the zipped front and back pockets will keep all your valuables safe. Because these pants are considered a shell, you’ll need to layer for proper insulation — we recommend a pair of fleece-lined leggings to go underneath. If you indulge in extreme sports while on the slopes, then these breathable pants are right for you.

Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Not listed

Best Splurge

Canada Goose Tundra Cargo Pants

View On Canadagoose.com View On Ssense.com

These unique snow pants, with their large cargo pockets, wide legs, and logo-printed (removable) suspenders, simply look cool. But more than the aesthetics, these function exceptionally well in extreme weather conditions. With 625-fill power of responsibly sourced duck down and a water-resistant, durable exterior, these ski pants can withstand temperatures as low as 15 below zero. One reviewer shared that, when combined with another layer of wool pants, these ski pants kept him warm for hours whilst watching the northern lights in Norway.

Be aware that they should be worn over additional layers of leggings or pants, hence the oversized fit. And, if they ever rip or arrive in a less-than-pristine condition, Canada Goose will repair or replace them free of charge, thanks to the lifetime warranty they guarantee.

Size: 2XS–2XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, responsible duck down

Best Budget

Halfdays Emma Soft Shell Pants

View On Halfdays.com View On Backcountry.com $319

Founded by an Olympian, a product designer, and fashion visionaries, Halfdays caters to women who seek function, style, and comfort in their skiwear. Not only that, but they’re one of the few brands with a more inclusive size range, offering up to double extra large in waist sizing and regular and short pant lengths. (For reference, the shorter version is recommended for people five-foot-four and shorter.)

You’ll find that the Emma soft shell pants come with four-way stretch fabric that clings onto your figure at the top, while extra-long pants bunch up at the bottom. With a zippered hem, too, you can easily slip in and out of ski or snowboard boots. On top of all the functional details, they’re available in five modern neutral colors, all with the same water-resistant finish, water-repellent zippers, and a fitted waistband. While reviewers claim that these fleece-lined pants kept them very warm, the brand doesn’t list the temperature range you can expect to wear them in.

Size: XS–2XL | Colors: 5 | Material: Nylon, spandex, recycled polyester

Best Slim Fit

Healthyoga Snow Pants

View On Amazon $42

There are the traditional baggy ski pants, and then there are the more fitted sleek options such as this one. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, you should ask yourself whether you plan on layering thick pants underneath before choosing which style to go for. If you tend to run a little warm, then a simple thermal leggings and slim ski pants combo will do just fine.

These pants are equipped with a waterproof and heat-retention shell and a super soft fleece lining. Ankle zippers and an elastic band make it easy to slip over ski boots and keep the cold air from seeping in. At the waist, you’ll find an adjustable buckle belt which you can loosen after a hearty meal at the ski hut. You’ll find ample amounts of pockets throughout the pants to store small valuables as well. The sizing is provided on a small to large scale, rather than a numerical scale, which can make finding the right size a little more difficult.

Size: S–XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: Polyester, spandex

Best Suspenders

Perfect Moment Isola Racing Pants

View On Perfectmoment.com View On Shopbop.com $690

Influencer Tania Motuzas finds that “style plays a huge part in skiing, especially if you are skiing at places like Aspen or the Alps" but would never give up functionality for fashion. Luckily, with the Perfect Moment ski pants, you don’t have to either. These bib-style overall ski pants are more than just a cute look — they offer a waterproofing exterior, a thermal fleece lining, and an internal boot cuff to block out incoming snow. While you’ll find many other classic ski pants features, like zippable pockets and a four-way stretch fabric, the most notable difference is the attached knee pads that cushion your landings. The stylish suspenders can be adjusted in length, which helps you to adjust the size to your height a little better. We only wish that the style came in more than just a houndstooth print, which can be an acquired taste.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyester, nylon

Best Print

Fusalp Celia Sixties Fuseau Ski Pants

View On Fusalp.com View On Net-a-Porter $980 View On Modaoperandi.com $980

Ski culture is more and more becoming a place for fashionable expression (let’s thank the après ski movement for that). We have to give it to these intricate prints for creating a statement on the slopes, which were loosely inspired by the funky ’60s.

But more than just an eye-catching pant, these were thoughtfully engineered to withstand rigorous movements. The extra-high waist covers your entire lower and mid back, ensuring no snow can creep in from under. It’s made of windproof stretch fleece, so even though it’s slim-fitted, it will still give into movements comfortably. There’s the boot zip for an easy-on, easy-off appeal, and discreet zip pockets on each side of the hip. There isn’t a wide range of sizes, but the brand does recommend sizing up if you’re stuck between two options.

Size: 34–42 | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester, elastane, polyamide

Best Water-Repellent

The North Face Summit Series Chamlang Futurelight Pants

View On The North Face View On Backcountry.com View On REI $400

These waterproof ski pants were made using North Face’s Futurelight technology, which allows for better ventilation and breathability without sacrificing waterproofness. While they’re intended for high-intensity training, they, unfortunately, lack warmth. But don’t worry — they pack in mobility, durability, and stretch. The pants also cover an additional layer of boot gaiters, which are easily accessible through the zipped hem. We’re happy to report that they’re offered in short, regular, and tall lengths, to help you customize your fit as much as possible.

Size: XS–2XL in short, regular, tall | Colors: 2 | Material: Recycled polyester, nylon

Best Bib

Burton Kimmy Gore-Tex 2L Bib Pants

View On Burton.com View On Evo.com $490 View On Backcountry.com $490

Are you going to be knee-deep in powder snow while skiing or snowboarding off the beaten track? That’s when you’ll want to opt for a bib-style pant so that no snow can hit your belly. In this case, you can wear the bib over your ski jacket, rather than under, thanks to its oversized appeal. (This and its lightweightness also give room for rigorous movements, so you can swing into every curve.)

They’re ranked low on the warm scale, but high on the waterproofing and breathability. They’re mostly intended to give you a little coverage from the wind and snow while you show off your moves to your mates.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Gore-Tex 2L nylon

Best Quilted

Mackage Alison Reflective Light Technical Pant

View On Mackage.com

If you want to be the coolest person on the mountain, then opt for these quilted reflective ski pants. They’re the next best thing to wearing your blanket around your legs, thanks to their duck-down filling. You can wear them in temperatures down to 14 degrees, but if you layer some warm pants under we’re certain they can go in even colder weather. Like all good skiwear, these have a waterproof exterior and some hip pockets. What gives it an extra leg up, however, is that they are reflective. So is snow, so we’re not certain just how useful that will be during the day, but we’re sure they’ll look cool in some flash photography at night. What we don’t love is that they are pull-on pants without any adjustable features around the waist. We worry this could ride down the hips during the day.

Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyamide, polyester, elastane, recycled nylon, duck down, feathers

Best White Ski Suit

FP Movement Downhill Diva Suit

View On Freepeople.com

Back in the '80s, almost everyone whizzed down the mountain in one of these full suits. FP Movement gave it a modern spin and created a stylish suit in all-white. It features a puffer jacket on top that’s connected to a fitted pant on the bottom. A front zip goes all the way down the front of the pants making it easy to slip in and out of. With any onesie, you’ll want to make sure the measurements fit your body correctly. This one has a 29-inch inseam, and you can find more details on the rise, sleeve, and bust lengths on their site as well.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Nylon, recycled polyester, elastane

Best Tall

REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib Snow Pants

View On REI $99

Tall ladies, it is particularly important to find pants long enough to ski in as anything too short may ride up and over your boot, inviting snow into your socks. These not only have an inseam length of 32 inches (which reaches the floor in a relaxed fit on the pictured model, who is five-foot-nine), but the bib style allows you to loosen the straps a little and let the pants dangle lower if need be.

There are two layers of water and windproof nylon shells. If you do find it to get a little warm, however, you’ll find hip/thigh vents you can zip open to let a little fresh air in. Like all good ski pants, you’ll find an elastic boot closure to keep snow out. Some shoppers do point out that the pants run a little small, so perhaps size up if you’re between two options.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Recycled polyester, nylon

Best Petite

Obermeyer Hillary Stretch Pant

View On Obermeyer.com

The same applies to our petite friends — you don’t want to find yourself drowning in long pants. You can choose between short and long lengths at Obermeyer, with the latter having an inseam length of 28 inches (varies between sizes). We love that there’s a stylish mild flare at the hem, which also serves to fit over thick boots easily. If you look over at their fit, waterproofing, breathability, and warmth scale, you’ll notice that these pants serve better on warmer days. These are rather lightweight and don’t have a ton of insulation, so keep them around for sunny days.

Size: 2–18 | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyester, elastane

Best Curvy

Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs

View On Outdoorresearch.com

You may have noticed that the ski scene is not particularly size-inclusive. Outdoor Research surely noticed and created these Carbide Bibs to close the gap a little. Offered in soft pink and black, these ski pants not only serve curvier bodies but petite and regular heights as well. We love the little chest pocket on the bib, but you’ll find additional zipped pockets around the hips as well. To make getting in and out of the pants easier, there is a side zip on the right-hand side as well. While it’s quite waterproof and decently stretchy and breathable, it’s not ranking very high where warmth is concerned. If you’re worried you’ll be a little cold, we recommend bundling up properly underneath.

Size: XL–4XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon

Best Shell

Helly Hansen Motionista 3L Shell Pants

View On Hellyhansen.com View On Backcountry.com $49

Shell pants are lightweight, single to triple-layered pants that have no insulation (these have three layers). They’re great pants for snow-related activities beyond skiing (like building a snowman) or for anyone who frequently finds themselves overheating in traditional ski pants. Their main function is to be waterproof and keep all that slushy snow from soiling your base layers. These options still have all the great features of ski pants, like snow gaiters at the hem and ample amounts of pockets. They have a four-way stretch, so you can still get a good amount of movement in them. Take note that these are low-rise pants, however, and won't have a lot of lower back protection.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyamide, polyester, elastane