Best Ski Pants For Women Of 2021, According To Pro Skiers

2022-04-24 07:37:30 By : Mr. Robben Duan

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Stay dry and protected through all your winter activities.

So you're going on a ski trip! You're super excited to hit the slopes, but as you go through your mental checklist to make sure you have everything you need before leaving, you realize that, yup, your current ski pants situation could use an upgrade. Lucky for you, there are plenty of ski pants that you can order online with speedy delivery (many of which are from your favorite retailers like REI and Amazon).

"Ski pants are an essential ingredient to staying dry and warm while skiing or snowboarding," says Lexi Dowdall, a former athlete with Ski Utah and Director of Freeride at the International Free Skiers Association. "Protection from the elements will foster a more pleasant experience while maximizing your comfort and time on the hill."

Because there are tons of options out there, it can tricky to know what quality ski pants look and feel like and how much to spend. Here's the criteria to keep in mind.

The following are the 20 best ski pants you can buy online, all according to WH editors, ski experts and pros, and reviewers. All you need to do is add to cart...and hit the slopes.

These windproof, waterproof pants pull out all the stops. They're on the thinner side for breathability and easy wear while skiing on various terrains. Plus, they've got zipper pockets and openings on both sides to air yourself out if you're getting a little too hot.  

Reviewer rave: "The recommendation was to buy the pants same size as my jeans which worked out well for me. I needed something thinner/less bulky that would still hold up to winter conditions for ski touring. I love these pants!" —Sommer, rei.com

Helly Hansen is kind of a big deal in the winter sports world. The Legendary Snow Pants, specifically, are not only stylish (they come in cute colors like red, light blue, and white), but they're also built to be super warm with a polyester insulation in the seat and knees. Plus, these come with built-in boot gaiters to prevent any snow from getting in at your ankles.

Reviewer rave: "Amazing legendary pants. I got these as a gift for my fiance before we went skiing for the first time together and she loves them! They were stylish, fun and she loved her new ski outfit... They worked so well, especially when paired with a matching jacket. The pants fit wonderfully, easily go over a pair of ski boots, are warm, flexible, and very water-resistant. Highly recommended!" —Aaron, hellyhansen.com

These pants by Mammut have two layers of waterproof protection to keep you dry all day long as you tumble in the snow. This design is also known for being malleable no matter which kind of skiing you're doing, as it has an elastic waistband and stretchy fabric for maximum flexibility. 

Reviewer rave: "The pants I ordered arrived very briefly after the payment with a very well wrapped parcel. The pants are well fit, and its stretchy technical material are well used! So recommended!" ―Rui, mammut.com

If you're checking out ski pants for the first time and you're not ready to drop hundreds of dollars on a new pair, these pants by TSLA might be for you. (The cost only about $35 on Amazon.) These are made with a blend of spandex and polyester for a lightweight, softshell pant that'll still protect you from the elements. 

Reviewer rave: "Very nice looking cold weather pant. The quality and workmanship is excellent I bought a medium for my daughter who is 5'5" and 120. She could have probably fit in a small but she’s happy she can wear leggings underneath if needed. These are an exceptional value." —J, amazon.com

With material that stretches and adjusts while you move, these pants provide a flexible softshell structure that's still durable for all the elements. Plus, there's mesh throughout the pant that both blocks out snow while also giving you some breathability so you don't overheat.

Reviewer rave: "These pants are my go-to for ski touring in southwest Colorado. For our mostly dry and fairly temperate winters, they are the perfect softshell pant. They are waterproof enough to stand up to kneeling to dig pits, deep pow, and booting up couloirs, but breathable enough for those super hot, long spring days." —KW, blackdiamondequipment.com

These bib pants are meant to provide you with the ultimate feeling of security. The over-the-shoulder straps and easy-access belt loops keep your gear in place for the entirety of your ski excursion. And yep, these even have fleece-lined pockets for keeping your hands extra warm when you need it.

Reviewer rave: "Love these bibs! Went for a medium going by the size guide and they are spot on. Flexible and lightweight for split boarding but also great for a day on the piste. Plenty of pockets and and zips and poppers all worked fine for me, I’m not really a sit down snowboarder but has been plenty waterproof so far." —Eilidh, burton.com

With features like snow gaiters, belt loops, and a fleece-lined design for extra warmth, you're getting lots of bang for your buck when it comes to this pair of Spyder ski pants. The material is made of flexible nylon, too, so you'll have all kinds of mobility as you make your way down hills and slopes. 

Reviewer rave: "Very flexible. I was looking for a great pair of pants that would be water resistant and still give me the flexibility to help by bending and squatting down when helping my little one skiing." —V., amazon.com

So you love having all the pockets when it comes to your ski pants or bibs. That means that this pair of North Face bib pants is for you: It has zippered hand pockets, two big enclosures on the bib's breast area for stashing any essentials, plus a cargo pocket with a hook-and-loop seal. The bib straps are also adjustable and the suit contains a belt loop, all for giving you the most comfortable fit. 

Reviewer rave: "This bib is amazing. I've lived through Canada, Japan and America chasing snow season upon season and this bib is by far the best items I've ever worn on the slopes. Buy it, you won't regret it!" —Jax, thenorthface.com

With leg gaiters, zippered pockets, and reinforced hemlines, you can rest easy knowing that you won't have any snow, wind, or water slip through the cracks of these pants. They're also made with thermal insulation to keep you warm AF—even if you're skiing all day long.

Reviewer rave: "Perfect cold weather pants! So happy with these pants! I got them for an upcoming trip to Norway and Finland….perfect fit, length and warmth for the cold temperatures!! I’ll be nice and cozy." —Chrissy, rei.com

These scratch-resistant and tear-resistant pants protect your legs from the elements as you ski—especially since they're lined with fleece for extra warmth all day long. And yup, these pants are basically a steal at just $42, and they have a reinforced knee to give you some mobility. 

Reviewer rave: "These are my new ski pants for those days where it's not cold enough for insulated bibs but also not warm enough for just some outdoor pants. The are so soft on the inside even after being washed." —Melanie, amazon.com

With over 36,000 reviews on Amazon, these pants are definitely beloved by skiers everywhere. These pants have a super durable coating that makes them resistant to the outdoors without sacrificing important adjustability and mobility. They're also created with synthetic insulation to make sure you're warm all ski session long. 

Reviewer rave: "Absolutely loved these!!! I even got complimented on them and was asked where I had purchased them! Wore them almost every day on our ski trip and they were awesome. Warm, waterproof and comfortable. I would love to purchase another pair in a different colors!" —Maranatha, amazon.com

Another bargain buy to add to your list, BenBoy ski pants are a total steal at only $30. Plus, with over 8,000 reviews on Amazon, these are loved by reviewers—particularly for the waterproof, windproof durability and lightweight feel. 

Reviewer rave: "The material is flexible, durable and high quality. The inside fleece lining is just the right amount with plenty of room for leggings or jeans underneath. Slim fit without being tight, and loose without being boxy like snowboarding pants. I was able to cover my snow boots as well." —A., amazon.com

REI's Co-Op Powderbound pants are available in two colors: black and cork. They come with two layers of insulation to keep you extra warm as you ski, and they're also made with "durable water repellent" to protect against wind, rain, sun, and snow. And in case all that protection leaves you a little sweaty, these have thigh vent zipper to air you out, too. 

Reviewer rave: "Love that these come in petite! I'm 5'4" and the petites hit perfectly when wearing boots. No fabric dragging or the awkward bunch at the bottom." —Anonymous, rei.com

Yup, these pants are designed for withstanding even the most "freezing temps." With gaiters to seal out snow, thermal insulation that keeps you warm even when wet, and a soft polyester lining, you'll definitely want to bring these ski pants along when you know you'll be traversing super chilly landscapes. 

Reviewer rave: "I work at a ski resort and I needed a good pair of snow pants...Patagonia has never let me down! I have worn these pants 5-6 times a week for two months now and they are holding really well! They keep my very warm (with a good base layer of course), and I love the adjustable waist band and vents on the inner thighs. They have really helped me enjoy working and playing outside in the winter." —Anonymous, patagonia.com

"If you snowboard, these pants are great," says expert Lauren Myatt, a product line manager at Aspen Skiing Company. "The bib pocket is perfect for secure yet easy access to your phone for chairlift pics," Myatt says. Plus, all the joint areas have an articulated fit so that you can move your bod around and ski with ease. 

Reviewer rave: "They are AWESOME! I love these bibs especially the snaps on the side that prevent it from splitting when you bend over or take that unexpected glorious tumble." —Bree, amazon.com

"These are softshell stretch pants that just fit amazingly well on so many different body types," Myatt says. They come in a pretty wide size range—with different fits for tall and short people—as well as a high-back waistband so that you're fully covered at all times. 

Reviewer rave: "These pants are great. I own black and powder blue in a 10L. They are a bit long, but regular is definitely too short for me. They feel great on, but they also look very flattering and offer a feminine silhouette." —Ivana, dickssportinggoods.com

If you're looking for pants that are made with earth-conscious materials, these are the fit for you. "Many of Picture Organic's fabrics are recycled and they've pioneered some wild manufacturing technology converting sugarcane waste into outerwear," Dowdall says. Fit-wise, these pants are high-waisted and provide "supremely warm insulation," Dowdall adds. 

Reviewer rave: "Pants are a nice insulated pant that has pretty a good waterproof rating and is always ready for a powder day with the powder skirt on top. They are a pretty simplistic pant with only two pockets in the front and two outer vents. The coolest part of the pants for me were the bungee cords in the pockets to lift up the bottom cuff on the legs." —The Good Ride, thegoodride.com

"The top-rated Nina Pant from Flylow offers a boatload of functional features, a sleek modern silhouette and huge pockets," Dowdall says. "This brand offers some of the most interesting and contemporary designs in skiing and it's always a fan favorite amongst die-hard skiers," she says. Particularly, Dowdall loves the way these pants fit tend to fit any body type. 

Reviewer rave: "Functional and flattering, a hard combo to find in women's gear. I have a hard time finding technical gear because I have curves and most manufacturers tailor styles to tom-boy figures. The Nina pant is mid rise, roomy in hips and legs and has lots of secure pockets. Love the inner and outer thigh vents for max ventilation. The plum color is deep and a great alternative to standard black." —Ann, amazon.com

These hardshell bibs are designed and tested in Jackson, Wyoming, as the winters there are what Dowdall calls "a force to be reckoned with." They're not insulated, either, so you can tailor your base layers to what you prefer based on the temperature and ski setting, Dowdall says. 

Reviewer rave: "I've skied 50 days in these bibs, now using them in the backcountry. They barely show any wear (I have washed them using Tech Wash a few times). I researched tons of bibs before buying these and love the way I can drop them without taking off my jacket. They're badass, they perform well, and I'm impressed with the product. Happy customer!" —Kate C., stio.com

Made from recycled fibers, these (admittedly expensive!) pants are both eco-conscious and great quality. They have a high waistband in the back and give you the ability to unzip at the legs for maximum comfort. Plus, there's an articulated knee construction to ensure you can move around with ease as well as outer venting in case you get a little too steamy from exertion. 

Reviewer rave: "I bought this pants in the beginning of March 2021 to use them for skiing in the Swedish mountains. The absolutely best ski pants you can find when the weather conditions changes a lot from minus, plus, sun, rain, snow and hard wind. They didn’t disappointed me at all. I love them!" —Ann-Kristine, norrona.com