These are the 10 best ski and snowboard pants of 2022.
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. could earn revenue or commissions on certain items by clicking the links below.
The Flylow Foxy Bib pants are sturdy and stylish for women, while the Helly Hansen Legendary Pants are for men.
Arcâteryx / REI / Helly Hansen
If you’re heading into the mountains this winter, you’ll need a pair of ski or snowboard pants that not only keep your legs warm and dry, but also fit your style preferences. We sent 19 pairs of snow pants to our powder hounds to evaluate their warmth, comfort, value, and waterproofness.
After several ski trips, snowshoe excursions, and other cold-weather activities, we chose the women’s Flylow Foxy Bib Pants and the men’s Helly Hansen Legendary Pants Our overall top winners. Our testers raved about their great fit, excellent warmth, and mogul-ready range. We also included some other ski and snowboard trousers due to their optimal features for backcountry explorers, budget-minded skiers, and those who are looking for lightweight and breathable options.
Flylow Women’s Foxy Bib
Best Overall, Women’s
Why We Love It The bib keeps your pants from sliding down in high-intensity activities. It also gives you a slimmer look on the slope.
Things to Keep in Mind: You could make the materials thicker to provide more heat.
Our tester couldn’t stop raving about the sleek and comfortable fit of the Flylow Foxy Bib Ski and Snowboard Pants in their testing notes. The pants were a hit with our testers. They loved the adjustable bib which ensured that the pants fit perfectly without any discomfort at the shoulders or bunching. “I like the slim fit, they felt easy to move in and because of the bib, I was never worried they would ride down, and [they] fit under a sweater and ski jacket,” they shared. Despite the slimmer fit, the pants didn’t feel tight in the waist or thighs, and we noticed how easy it was to move around in them, which is a must for skiers and snowboarders alike. They’re also available in tall and petite sizes to ensure perfect proportions.
These polyester pants have 20K/20K waterproofing and breathability, meaning the fabric can withstand 20,000 millimeters of rain before you feel any dampness, so we’re confident that these pants will keep you dry in the wettest snow of the season. Though the fabric is tough, it’s very lightweight and breathable, but it could be a bit thicker for additional warmth. Still, we found the pants to be perfectly warm, and with a cozy set of thermal underwear on, you’ll be riding all day long In comfort and style
Price as at the time of publishing: $387
Sizes: | Insulated: No| Fit: Slim
Helly Hansen Men’s Legendary Insulated ski pants
Best Overall, Men’s
Why We Love It These snowshoes were warm and offered a great range of motion.
Things to Keep in Mind: This pair of pants is best paired with a lighter layer, as they are insulated and felt warm during testing.
From skiing to snowshoeing, Helly Hansen’s Legendary Pants are the ideal pair of men’s snow pants for a variety of seasonal activities. Perfectly roomy, the two-ply insulated fabric doesn’t feel bulky despite the extra thickness for warmth. The pants were worn by our tester during a snowshoe excursion In the Pacific Northwest, we discovered how warm the pants can keep our legs warm during high-intensity activities like snowshoeing. They also allow for breathability. The snow was dryer than expected, but the pants kept any moisture out of the legs during the hike. This led us to believe that the polyester fabric, which is seam-sealed, will withstand the most severe winter conditions.
These pants have a wide range of features, including an adjustable waist and boot gaiters, two zippered pockets for your hands, and a two-way mechanical stretch fabric. the aprés Comfort and warmth are top priorities. Helly Hansen offers a lifetime warranty that will allow you to keep ripping season after season.
Price at the time of publication: $200
Sizes: Up to 4XL| Insulated: Yes| Fit: Straight-leg
Arctix Insulated Snow Pants for Women
Best Budget
Why We Love It The fit is great and there are a range of options for inseam lengths: regular, long and short.
Things to Keep in Mind: Pants are very warm and insulated. Therefore, it is advisable to wear a lighter base layer to prevent overheating.
Our budget-friendly pick goes to the size-inclusive and toasty Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants. “They’re roomy without looking comically oversized and the short length option is greatly appreciated as they fit at the perfect part of my foot with ski boots on,” our tester raved in their notes. There are sizes from XS-XL. You can choose to have your inseam length customized for you. These insulated pants offer a wide range of sizes. The shell is waterproof and breathable, and it was dry inside and out. Two zippered pockets, an O ring for season passes or lift tickets, boot zippers, and adjustable waist belts make the pants a great choice. For an affordable pair of snow pants, we love that these don’t sacrifice quality for the price. Arctix also has a men’s version.
Price at the time of publication: $45
Sizes: XS- 4XL (short/regular, tall/long)| Insulated: Yes| Fit: Straight-leg
Related:
Roxy Women’s Rising High Pants
Best Style
It’s why we love it: It’s form-flattering and the high waist is a nice alternative to a bib.
Things to Keep in Mind: They don’t look like a standard pair of ski pants and instead have more of a slim fit at the waist and thighs with a flare at the legs.
The Roxy Rising High Pants will be a great option for skiers who want to go beyond the traditional straight-leg ski pants. Although our tester prefers a straight-leg style, the Roxy Rising High Pants proved to be a great choice. The slim fit at the legs and flare at boot make these pants look sporty and stylish. The polyester exterior and fleece-lined interior feel premium, and with 15,000 millimeters of waterproofness, we’re confident these will hold up well in the snow. These ski pants are extremely comfortable. The polyester snow pant material reaches the top of your hips, and the rest of your waistline is an elastic belt. This allows you to stand, sit, walk, or squat with great mobility. There are three buttons on the front of the pants that are reinforced with velcro strips on either side so you’ll never have to worry about a button popping undone on the slopes. Two zippered zippered pockets on the front and two zippered back pockets are great for snacks. while skiing.
Price at the time of publication: $200
Sizes: XS to L| Insulated: No| Fit: Slim/flare
Trew Capow SkiBib
Best Backcountry
It’s why we love it: These pants are made for backcountry skiing and have special features such as an avalanche beacon pocket and stretchy fabric.
Things to Keep in Mind: You’ll want thick base layers for resort skiing since these pants aren’t insulated.
Backcountry skiing is a thrill, but it’s imperative to go into it prepared for the intense workout with a pair of lightweight and breathable snow pants like the Trew Capow Bibs, which are also available in women’s sizes. This pants is made specifically for backcountry skiers. The fabric is stretchy and breathable and there are plenty of ventilation pockets. “As someone who tends to overheat easily while on the skin track, I really appreciate all of the massive ventilation,” our tester shared in their notes. There are six pockets with zippers to store snacks as well as an avalanche beacon, which is crucial for backcountry skiing. One thing to note is that because these pants are designed to be lightweight and stretchy, there isn’t any insulation, so if you’re doing more resort skiing, we recommend layering up or opting for an insulated pant for warmth.
Sizes: XS-XL| Insulated: No| Fit: Straight-leg
Price at the time of publication: $479
Helly Hansen Womens Switch Cargo Insulated Pants
Most Breathable
It’s why we love it: They regulate temperature well and have an inner-thigh ventilation.
Things to Keep in Mind: The cargo pockets are not secured with velcro.
Both skiing and snowboarding are possible. quite the workout, so it’s nice to have a pair of breathable snow pants like the Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Insulated pants. Made with the brand’s Helly Tech Performance fabric, these pants are designed to have the perfect balance of waterproofness and breathability, and it was well demonstrated during testing. Our tester wore these pants for a day at the mountain and noted that “they kept my temperature perfectly balanced — there wasn’t a time that was too hot either, even though our second day got a little warmer.” And if you do find yourself a little too warm after a mogul run, the pants have handy inner-thigh vents that are easy to access and unzip. The only thing we didn’t love about these pants is that the side cargo pockets only have velcro to secure the contents of the pockets, so our tester recommended using the standard zipper pockets at the hip of the pants.
Price at the time of publication: $225
Sizes: XS to L| Insulated: Yes| Fit: Straight-leg
Related:
Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pant
Best Pockets
Why We Love It You can store everything, from your phone to an avalanche beacon, in five pockets.
Things to Keep in Mind: After prolonged exposure to running water, the fabric became slightly damp.
Unless your preference is to bring a small backpack with you to the slopes, a pair if snow pants with lots of pockets is best. The Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pants offer the perfect amount of storage. The five pockets located between the bib of the pants and the legs of your pants make it easy to store your phone, wallet, avalanche beacon and more. “Everywhere you reach on the pants have somewhere to put your belongings in without making them bulky. The compartment right across the chest is a plus for me because it’s easily accessible,” our tester raved. The pants are slim and comfortable with enough stretch in Helly Tech Performance fabric. Our tester found them to be warm and comfortable in cold temperatures.
Price at the time of publication: $300
Sizes: XS to L| Insulated: Lightly insulated| Fit: Slim
Related:
Arc’teryx Women’s Sentinel Pant
Best Shell, Women’s
Why We Love It These are lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear while skiing.
Things to Keep in Mind: These pants are quite thin so we recommend layering with thick thermal underwear.
If you’re in search of ski pants that feel like wearing a regular pair of pants, then the Arc’teryx Sentinel Pants will be your go-to gear for skiing. Although the price tag may be higher than many other pants, these pants are waterproof, lightweight, and easy-to-move. This makes them well worth it for their promise to keep you warm and dry on your skis. The pants are extremely comfortable due to their slim fit and light fabric. We were also impressed by the fabric’s ability to repel water during our waterproofness test. These pants are waterproof and made with Goretex fabric. They also have insulation and watertight zippers. “I ran these under water and water literally glides right off these pants. It’s like magic,” our tester shared.
Price at the time of publication: $550
Sizes: 0-12 (short, regular and tall)| Insulated: No| Fit: Slim
Arc’teryx Men’s Macai Pants
Best Shell, Men’s
Why We Love It These pants are light and thin and were waterproof in testing.
Things to Keep in Mind: There isn’t much insulation in the pants, so you’ll want a warm base layer underneath for colder days.
Arc’teryx is a pricier outdoor gear brand, but after testing two pairs of their ski pants, we determined that you get what you pay for with the company: a pair of extremely high-quality pants like the men’s Macai Pants. The lean fit is very flattering and looks sleek, and we love that the pants are incredibly lightweight so they won’t feel like a traditional pair of snow pants. They’re made with a variety of durable materials that really make them stand out in terms of waterproofness thanks to the double-layer Gore-tex shell and watertight zippers. Our tester said that these pants are “totally waterproof” with no chance of snow getting through the taped seams and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. A thin layer of synthetic insulation is added to the pants for moisture wicking and temperature regulation. We found that they are quite thin.
Price at the time of publication: $575
Sizes: S-XL| Insulated: Lightly Insulated| Fit: Slim
The North Face Women’s Freedom Insulated Pants
Best Basic
Why We Love It: These are a no-frills pair of snow pants with simple features for any kind of snow sport.
What to Consider: The pants run slightly large.
No matter the type of cold-weather activity you prefer, Women’s Freedom Insulated Pants from The North Face are a great choice for a simple pair of snow pants that are warm and comfortable to wear. Also available for men, the pants are made with the brand’s Heatseeker Eco insulation for regulating warmth and the seam-sealed DryVent shell for staying dry. Although we would prefer the pants to be thicker in material they are still warm enough to wear with base layers. After putting the pants under water for several minutes, our tester was impressed by the waterproofness. The bottom of the pants remained dry. The straight-leg fit makes it versatile for snowboarding, skiing and other outdoor pursuits. There are adjustable straps to adjust the fit on each side of the hip.
Price at the time of publication: $113
Sizes: | Insulated: Yes| Fit: Straight-leg/baggy
Other ski and snowboard pants we tested
Although we were able to find many winners in our list, several failed to make the cut during testing.
Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pants: The pants proved to be water-resistant with waterproof pockets after our tester stood in the shower with the pants on, but the four-way stretch didn’t impress us, as they felt a bit tight.
Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell: These pants have various technical features for backcountry skiers like a slim fit, lightweight materials, and an avalanche beacon pocket, but because they aren’t insulated, they’re not the warmest pant you can get or the most impressive shell we tested.
Flylow Baker Bib: The pants were very breathable for winter hiking, according to our tester. However, the waist was tight around the bib which made it uncomfortable.
Our Testing Process
We tried over 19 pairs of ski and snowboard pants for men and women from popular outdoor gear brands like Helly Hansen, The North Face, Arc’teryx, and more to find the best of the best on the market. We rated each pair using a scale from one to five. The categories included comfort, warmth and weatherproofing.
After several hours of wearing the pants, we found that the best snow pants were the ones with adjustable components. This made it possible to adjust the fit and maintain freedom of movement while hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing. To test for waterproofness, we ran water through a leg of the pants and then hung them up to dry to check how fast they dried.
After participating in a high-intensity outdoor activity, our testers tested the warmth of each pair. Our legs were kept warm by the pants with the highest heat ratings. After wearing the pants many times, we noticed thoughtful details such as avalanche pockets, strong zippers, adjustable parts, and other useful features that made them stand out.
Here are some tips for buying ski and snowboard pants
Consider ski or snowboarding pants style
Any pair of snow pants will keep your legs dry and warm, but the right fit may vary depending on what you are wearing them for. Freeride or snowboard pants may have a tighter fit to allow for crouching low, while ski pants are more suited for aerodynamics. You can wear both pants for either activity, but it’s good to consider the differences for style preferences.
Take into account bibs or no bibs
Ask any skier or snowboarder They will be able to tell you whether they prefer a bib or not. For skiing in deep powder, bibs are a good choice. Snow can’t get into places that the suspenders don’t belong. A bib provides warmth and insulation, with the top usually reaching the chest. However, the suspenders are a slight inconvenience for going to the bathroom, but that’s already a nuisance with so much outdoor gear on anyway.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear underneath ski pants?
<p>Generally, you’ll want to wear a pair of thermal underwear under ski pants for adequate. A base layer made from moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester can be an option. They will absorb moisture, making you feel colder. Merino wool is a good choice because of its natural thermoregulation, and moisture management. You’ll also want a pair of wool socks for regulating heat and keeping your toes warm.</p>
How can I wash my snow pants?
<p>The tag on a pair of snow pants should recommend the best way to wash them, but in the event that it does not, separate your ski pants from other clothing and wash them on delicate with cold water to prevent damage.</p>
Travel + Leisure: Why Should You Trust It?
T+L commerce writer Anna Popp I grew up in Bend Oregon and spent every weekend skiing at Mt. Bachelor. Anna was a participant in the test along with T+L editors, who helped to determine our list for the best snowboard and ski pants that you can buy for your next trip on the slopes.
Related:
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter Each week, we will send you our top travel products.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Check out the original article Travel & Leisure.