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Whether you’re zipping down the mountain, tubing, or cross-country skiing, you’re going to need a bunch of gear to stay comfortable. One of the key pieces you’ll need is a trusty pair of ski pants. And who better to consult than folks who practically live on the slopes? I asked a handful of professional and Olympian skiers for the best women’s ski pants on the market, and I can assure you their top picks include something for everyone.
The Best Women’s Ski Pants at a Glance
When looking for ski pants, you should consider comfort, fit, breathability, design, and style. Let’s start with comfort. Do the pants allow for free range of movement while you ski or do they feel too restrictive? For fit, are you aiming for a looser- or tighter-fitting garment? While some skiers prefer to be snug, others opt for snowboard pants or men’s sizing to achieve a baggier feel.
You might be wondering why breathability is mentioned here. Although you might think you should buy pants that keep you extra warm, you may very well break a sweat at some point during the day and wish you had ordered a more lightweight pair. Luckily, some pants feature design elements that release heat. As for design, I’m really talking about practicality. You’re likely not bringing a purse, backpack, or any kind of bag with you on the slopes. So ideally, your ski pants have plenty of pockets and compartments to store all of your essentials (think sunscreen, chapstick, hand cream, your valuables, hand warmers, and snacks).
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to pick ski pants that match your personal style. Whether you want to blend in with versatile neutrals or make a bold statement in the lift lines, our experts’ picks have got you covered. And we even have a roundup of the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold so that you have both the top and bottom covered as you ski.
So without further ado, keep scrolling to discover the absolute best women’s ski pants, according to professional and Olympian skiers.
Who are our experts?
Jaelin Kauf (@jaekauf)
Current U.S. Ski Team Member
2022 Olympic Silver Medalist (Moguls)
Fastest woman on the mogul’s World Cup circuit, consistently ranking in the top-five for the past four seasons
7 World Cup victories
25 World Cup podiums
4 World Championship podiums
5 National Championship titles
Olivia Giaccio (@oliviagiaccio)
Current U.S. Ski Team Member
2022 Olympian (Moguls)
First woman to attempt a cork 1080 in a World Cup competition
Has skied at 68 resorts thus far
World Cup victory
Sophia Laukli (@sophialaukli)
Current U.S. Ski Team Member
Member of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Cross Country Team
Youngest American to Win a FIS World Cup Cross-Country Race
Had her first FIS World Cup podium in the final stage of the 2022-23 Tour de Ski
Professional trail runner with Salomon and went on to win the overall in the prestigious Golden Trail Series world series
Ashley Caldwell (@ashleyskis93)
Current U.S. Ski Team Member
2022 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist (Aerials)
World Champion
Only female to land “The Daddy,” a quadruple-twisting triple backflip
Holds a World Record for the hardest acrobatic trick ever landed by a female
4 Olympic Games since 2010
World Cup Championship title in 2016
Halfdays.Halfdays Carson Bib PantOn Sale % off“These pants are the perfect combination of practicality and style. I love that they offer a feminine style without being too form-fitting and tight. Bibs are also a must for me when skiing and these have the high back that keeps any snow out!” — Jaelin Kauf, 2022 Olympic Silver Medalist (Moguls)
MaterialShell/Lining/Insulation: 100% Recycled PolyesterFitWomen’s; FittedWaterproofYes (20,000 mm waterproof rating)Weight780gColorwaysBlack, Navy, Oat Milk, Flame, Spritz, Sage, Disco, Lightning, Mustang, Alpine Green, Alpenglow (11)SizesXS, S, M, L, XL, 1X, 2XLength(s)Regular, ShortRECCONoCareMachine wash cold separately.Only use technical fabric detergent.Don’t use a center agitator washing machine.Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.Do not iron. Do not dry clean.Discounted ColorwaysSage and Alpenglow on Halfdays; Blue Bird, Granita, and Olive on Backcountry
Kappa.Kappa 6Cento 622P US Snowboard PantsOn Sale 30% off“These pants are breathable, comfortable, and resistant to all the wear and tear that skiing puts them through. I love a bit of a baggier fit, so I wear the snowboard-style pants while competing. I also love the pop of color—it’s always fun to represent the USA in our color scheme while competing on the road!” — Olivia Giaccio, 2022 Olympian (Moguls)
Material100% Polyester FitMen’s; Regular fitWaterproofYes (20000 mm waterproof rating)Breathability20000gr/m2/24 breathability ratingColorwaysBlack, Navy, Blue Fiord, Red (4)SizesS, M, L, XL, 2XLRECCONoLength(s)Regular
Helly Hansen.Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell PantsOn Sale 40% off“I love these snow pants: They’re ultra-light, so they’re perfect for a warm ski day or an activity where you’re getting a little sweatier—like backcountry touring! I definitely wouldn’t recommend wearing them on a cold day, though, as you might freeze!” — Olivia Giaccio, 2022 Olympian (Moguls)
MaterialShell: 54% Polyester (Recycled), 46% PolyesterFitMen’s; Customers say it “runs large”WaterproofYesBreathability20,000g/m² breathability ratingWeight600gColorways574 Midnight, 658 Hickory, 755 Triple ESPR, 876 Concrete, 584 Ocean, 495 Darkest SPR (6)SizesS, M, L, XL, 2XLRECCOYesLength(s)RegularCareClose hook and loop before washing. Close zippers before washing. Do not iron on print. Do not soak. Do not use fabric softener. Do not use washing detergent. Wash separately. Remove promptly from the dryer. Use washing agent for technical garments. Wash with extra rinse cycle.Discounted ColorwaysDarkest Spruce, Ocean, and Storm on Backcountry
Arc’teryx.Arc’teryx Beta PantOn Sale 30% off“These pants are another lightweight option with a little more insulation and flexibility in controlling your temperature. The side zippers on these are a game-changer when it comes to how hot/cool you want to be!” — Olivia Giaccio, 2022 Olympian (Moguls)
MaterialN70p 3L GORE-TEX fabric with GORE C-KNIT™ backer technologyFitWomen’s; Regular fitWaterproofYesWindproofYesWeight310gColorwaysBlack (1)SizesXXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLength(s)Regular, Short, TallRECCONoCareDo Not BleachClose All Fastenings Before WashMachine Wash MediumTumble Dry Normal MediumDo Not Dry CleanDo Not IronWash SeparatelyDo Not Use Fabric SoftenerDouble RinseDo Not Leave WetRemove Immediately
Salomon.Salomon S/Lab QST Gore-Tex Pro Shell PantsOn Sale 40% off“Shells are my go-to for days in the mountains because I can add or subtract layers from underneath depending on the day. The bibs also help keep snow out while adding pockets for essentials (a.k.a. snacks).” — Sophia Laukli, member of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Cross Country Team and the 2020 Junior World Championship Team Relay Silver Medalist
MaterialBody insert: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane; Lower lining: 100% PolyamideFitWomen’s; Regular fitWaterproofYes (28000mm waterproof rating)WindproofYesBreathability28000gr/m2 breathability ratingWeight650gColorwaysDeep Black, Olive Night/Almond Milk (2)SizesS, M, L, XLLength(s)RegularRECCONoCareDo Not Dry CleanMachine Wash Cold (30°C)Tumble Dry LowWash With Fasteners ClosedCool IronDo Not BleachDo Not Use Fabric Softener
Salomon.Salomon Brilliant Ski PantsOn Sale 48% off“When it’s super cold and the outing is relaxed, I’ll grab these for the insulation and versatility. They’re still waterproof but easier to wear in many settings since they don’t have a bib top. In black, they pair with anything.” — Sophia Laukli, member of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Cross Country Team and the 2020 Junior World Championship Team Relay Silver Medalist
MaterialPadding: 100% Polyester; Bottom: 84% Polyamide, 16% Elastane; Lining insert: 93% Polyester, 7% Elastane; Pocket Lining: 100% PolyesterFitWomen’s; Regular fitWaterproofYes (20000mm waterproof rating)WindproofYesBreathability20000gr/m2 breathability ratingWeight800gColorwaysDeep Black, Enamel Blue, Safari (3)SizesXS, S, M, L, XLLength(s)RegularRECCONoCareDo Not Dry CleanMachine Wash Cold (30°C)Tumble Dry LowWash With Fasteners ClosedCool IronDo Not BleachDo Not Use Fabric SoftenerDiscounted ColorwaysSafari on Moosejaw
Salomon.Salomon Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper TightsOn Sale 30% off“These pants are awesome anytime it’s cold out—equally good for cross-country skiing and running when the temps are low. Can’t go wrong with Gore-Tex, especially when it’s wet or windy.” — Sophia Laukli, member of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Cross Country Team and the 2020 Junior World Championship Team Relay Silver Medalist
Material79% Polyamide, 21% ElastaneFitWomen’s; FittedWindproofYesWeight250gColorwaysDeep Black (1)SizesXS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLLength(s)RegularRECCONoCareDo Not Dry CleanMachine Wash Cold (30°C)Tumble Dry LowDo Not BleachDo Not Use Fabric SoftenerDo Not IronDiscounted ColorwaysDeep Black on Moosejaw
Swix.Swix Triac NeoShell Pants“These are my go-to pants to wear over my race suit on race day. They’re great for training and I very much look forward to putting them back on after a race (but would suggest keeping them on unless you have to take them off!).” — Sophia Laukli, member of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Cross Country Team and the 2020 Junior World Championship Team Relay Silver Medalist
MaterialMain Material: 65% Polyamide, 35% polyester; Second Material: 53% Polyamide, 47% Elastane; Panel: 57% Polyamide, 28% Polyester, 15% ElastaneFitWomen’s; Snug fitWindproofYesWeight270gColorwaysBlack (1)SizesXS, S, M, L, XLLength(s)RegularRECCONo
Kappa.Kappa 6Cento 665 US Ski PantsOn Sale 25% off“These pants fit great! It’s hard to find ski pants that move and make you look good! They are also super warm for those chilly and windy powdays! The waistband is perfect for adjusting to your size and there are leg vents if you get too hot!” — Ashley Caldwell, 2022 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist (Aerials) and World Champion
Material100% PolyesterFitWomen’s; Slim fitWaterproofYes (20000 mm waterproof rating)Breathability20000gr/m2/24 breathability ratingColorwaysWhite, Grey Asphalt, Navy (3)SizesXS, S, M, L, XLLength(s)RegularRECCONo
Kappa.Kappa 6Cento 622P US Snowboard PantsOn Sale 30% off“Also an incredibly warm pant! They move easy and are great for when you want a baggier fit!” — Ashley Caldwell, 2022 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist (Aerials) and World Champion
Material100% PolyesterFitMen’s; Regular fitWaterproofYes (20000 mm waterproof rating)Breathability20000gr/m2/24 breathability ratingColorwaysBlack, Blue Fiord, Navy, Red (4)SizesS, M, L, XL, 2XLLength(s)RegularRECCONo
