A good pair of ski pants will keep you warm, dry and comfortable throughout the day on the mountain. They should also provide enough freedom of movement to let you ski without restriction, whether you prefer groomed pistes, the terrain park or deep snow beyond the lift-served area.
The best ski pants for you will depend on factors such as the weather, your activity level and the layers you normally wear underneath your outerwear. In this guide, we explain the differences between various styles, materials and features to help you find the right pair.
One of the first decisions to make is whether you want insulated ski pants or lightweight shell pants.
Insulated ski pants contain a layer of insulation that helps retain warmth. They are particularly suitable for cold days, less intensive skiing and people who tend to feel the cold.
The advantage of insulated ski pants is that they require fewer layers underneath and provide a warm, comfortable feel. The disadvantage is that they can become too warm during high-intensity activity or on milder spring days.
Insulated styles are often suitable for:
Downhill skiing in lift-served resorts
Cold winter days
Children and juniors
People who tend to feel cold
Skiers who prefer a simple layering system
Shell pants usually have no insulating lining. Instead, they act as a protective barrier against snow, wind and moisture. Warmth is regulated with base layers and mid-layers.
This makes shell pants a flexible option for changing temperatures. On cold days, you can wear a thicker layer underneath, while a lightweight base layer may be sufficient in milder conditions.
Shell pants are particularly suitable for:
Active skiing
Ski touring and off-piste skiing
Changing weather conditions
Skiers who want to adapt their layering system
Spring skiing and warmer days
As you move and warm up, moisture builds up inside your clothing. If your ski pants do not allow enough of this moisture to escape, you may begin to feel damp and cold even though the fabric is keeping snow out.
Breathability is particularly important for intensive skiing, short uphill walks and ski touring. Ventilation zips along the legs can also make a significant difference. Opening the vents allows excess heat to escape quickly without requiring you to remove a layer.
For regular downhill skiing, a balanced combination of weather protection and breathability is often the best choice.
Traditional ski pants finish at the waist and are usually secured with a button, hook or hook-and-loop fastening. They are easy to put on and take off and work well for most types of skiing.
Ski bibs extend higher over the stomach and back and are held in place by shoulder straps. The higher construction provides additional protection against snow and reduces the risk of a gap forming between your jacket and pants.
Easy to put on and take off
Less fabric around the upper body
Suitable for milder weather
Easy to combine with different ski jackets
Better protection in deep snow
Stay securely in place during movement
Cover the lower back and waist
May provide additional storage
Well suited to freeride skiing and snowboarding
The choice largely comes down to personal preference. If you regularly ski in powder or tend to fall frequently, bibs can be a practical option. If you prefer a simpler and more streamlined design, traditional ski pants may be the better choice.
Small details can make a considerable difference when ski pants are worn for many hours.
Snow gaiters are located inside the lower legs and fit over your ski boots. They prevent snow from entering underneath the pants and are especially important in deep snow or during falls.
Ski edges and ski boots can cause wear around the ankles. Reinforced cuffs make the pants more durable and reduce the risk of cuts and abrasion damage.
Ventilation zips on the inside or outside of the thighs help regulate your temperature. Check whether the openings have a mesh lining, which can help prevent snow from entering.
Hook-and-loop straps, elastic sections or buckles at the waist make it easier to customise the fit. This is useful when switching between lightweight and thicker layers.
Pockets should remain easy to reach while you are wearing a ski jacket or backpack. Zipped pockets reduce the risk of losing your phone, lift pass or other belongings.
Some traditional ski pants can be fitted with braces. These provide extra support and can be removed when they are not needed.
Under your ski pants, wear layers that move moisture away from the skin. A base layer made from wool or synthetic fibres is usually a better choice than cotton, as cotton absorbs moisture easily and dries slowly.
In milder weather, a lightweight base layer may be sufficient. On cold days, you can add a warm mid-layer, such as lightweight fleece pants or insulated shorts.
A simple layering system consists of:
Base layer: moves moisture away from the skin.
Mid-layer: provides additional warmth when required.
Ski pants: protect against wind, snow and moisture.
Avoid wearing more layers than necessary. Excess clothing can restrict movement and cause overheating.
Choose your ski pants according to how, where and when you usually ski.
Insulated ski pants are suitable for skiers who want additional warmth and primarily ski downhill in cold weather. Shell pants are a flexible choice for active skiing and changing temperatures. Ski bibs provide extra protection in deep snow, while traditional ski pants are often easier to put on and take off.
Prioritise a fit that provides freedom of movement, and make sure the pants offer sufficient protection against wind, snow and moisture. Features such as snow gaiters, ventilation zips, reinforced cuffs and an adjustable waist improve comfort and make the pants more versatile in different conditions.
Explore our range of ski pants and find a style that suits the way you ski.
Ski pants are regularly exposed to snow, moisture and wind. It is therefore important that the outer fabric and seams provide sufficient protection against wet conditions.
Waterproofing is often expressed as a hydrostatic-head rating in millimetres. In general, a higher number means the material can withstand greater water pressure before moisture begins to pass through. For ordinary resort skiing in relatively dry winter weather, a moderate level of weather protection is often sufficient. If you frequently ski in wet snow, sit in the snow or spend long periods outdoors, it may be worth choosing a style with a higher waterproof rating and taped seams.
Look in particular for:
Waterproof outer fabric
Taped or sealed seams
Water-resistant zips
Reinforced areas around the cuffs and knees
Snow gaiters that fit securely over your ski boots
Bear in mind that water-resistant and waterproof do not mean exactly the same thing. A water-repellent treatment helps light precipitation and snow roll off the surface, while a waterproof membrane provides more comprehensive protection.
