Whether you’re an avid skier or just someone who hits the slopes once a year during a winter getaway, a good pair of ski pants is not something to skip out on. Anyone who has tried to ski in regular pants like jeans or leggings probably learned the hard way that that’s uncomfortable at best, and dangerous at worst.
Proper ski pants are designed to keep you warm in extreme climates to prevent frostbite, as well as keep you dry. They are also hardwearing and ready to survive some falls on the slopes, as well as plenty of years of use. A pair of insulated pants like The North Face Women’s About-A-Day Insulated Snow Pants will keep you warm as well as mobile.
What to know before you buy ski pants for women
They are meant to be long
When trying on women’s ski pants, it might seem as if those that fit your waist and inseam are too long. Ski pants are meant to be longer than regular pants so that they can cover your bulky ski boots and keep cold air out and away from your ankles. Expect ski pants to be three to four inches longer than your regular pants.
Climate
You’ll want pants that will keep you dry and warm when you land in the snow, but you might not always be skiing in cold weather. Some ski resorts open their slopes when temperatures are still as high as the mid-60s. Meanwhile, you might go skiing in sub-zero temperatures at other destinations. Overheating or being too cold can make a day on the slopes difficult and even dangerous, and not all ski pants are right for all climates. Consider the climate where you’ll be skiing and buy pants with the appropriate materials and insulation.
Regular pants won’t cut it
We’ll say it plainly: yes, you really do need ski pants. Between the skis themselves, the boots and the lift ticket, skiing gets expensive quickly, which might drive you to skip the important purchase of ski pants. However, falling even once in regular pants will leave you soaking wet, which will put your day on the slopes to an end, and possibly ruin your pants. A good pair of ski pants is something you can’t afford to cut corners on.
Ski pants for women features
Softshell vs. hardshell pants
When shopping for ski pants, you’ll come across both hardshell and softshell pants. Hardshell ski pants often have excellent waterproof properties as well as insulation. They will traditionally have a baggier look, which also makes them great for base layers such as long johns. Softshell ski pants are, as their name suggests, made of a softer material that is more flexible and allows for a good range of movement. They might not be as hard-wearing as hardshell pants, but they do typically have a more flattering fit.
Pockets
It’s important that your ski pants have plenty of pockets that are secure. You need your arms free to hold your ski poles, so carrying a purse on the slopes is not an option. Some skiers wear a backpack, but these can make it difficult to sit comfortably on the ski lift and they throw off the wearer’s balance. It’s best to store your essentials in your ski clothes, including in the pockets of your ski pants. Make sure the pockets are secured via some sort of closure like zippers or snap buttons to keep your belongings safely inside.
Fit
Your ski pants should fit in a way that allows you to have a full range of motion. Being able to move your body without restriction not only makes skiing much more fun, but it also makes it safe as you might need to swerve or stop unexpectedly. A flexible or adjustable waistband will also be useful because you might want to layer up beneath your pants on some days and not on others depending on the weather.
Ski pants for women cost
Ski pants for women can range in price significantly. Lesser known brands can offer them for as little as $30, while name brands typically price their women’s ski pants at between $100-$300.
Ski pants for women FAQs
What are ski pants made of?
A. The most common fabrics you’ll find in ski pants are nylon and polyester. Both are lightweight and durable, as well as waterproof. Some might have a soft lining, such as fleece.
Do I need to use suspenders with ski pants?
A. You do not have to use suspenders with ski pants, but many frequent skiers understand the benefits of doing so. When you are riding down a slope particularly fast, your pants might begin to slowly sag, which is an issue you simply cannot address while you’re skiing. Suspenders will make sure your pants stay up so you can focus on the sport.
Which ski pants for women should I get?
Best of the best ski pants for women
The North Face Women’s Aboutaday Snow Pants: Available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
Our take: These pants are windproof and waterproof to keep you comfortable on a cold day.
What we like: Ready for extreme climates, these pants feature a high-performance insulation and are both windproof and waterproof. They have fleece lining for added warmth and metal hardware for durability.
What we dislike: Some of the designs are not stylish.
Best bang for your buck ski pants for women
Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants: Available at Amazon
Our take: These affordable pants are lightweight while still very warm.
What we like: These pants are reinforced at high-wear areas like the ankles and hems and are water and wind resistant. They come in over a dozen colors and designs as well as short and tall sizes.
What we dislike: These don’t have many pockets.
Honorable mention ski pants for women
Roxy Women’s Cabin Snow Pants: Available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
Our take: These pants have a flattering fit and are loaded with zippered pockets, which will keep your belongings secure as you ski.
What we like: These pants fit similarly to regular pants but have features that make them ready for a day on the slopes like boot gaiters, stretch fabric and a jacket-to-pant attachment system.
What we dislike: They are too long for people who are petite.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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