Everybody needs a good pair of ski pants to get you through the harsh cold weather and challenging slopes. In this skiing resources guide, we’ll give you a list of the 7 best women’s ski pants designed to handle the most demanding winter pursuits.
In all outdoor winter activities, it’s crucial to always wear the proper attire whether you’re doing it in the backcountry, side country, or at ski resorts.
Keep yourself dry while enjoying outdoor winter activities this season! Read on to check out our top picks for the best women’s ski pants.
Is it Better to Have Tight or Loose Ski Pants?
Ski pants aside from their protective function should also provide maximum mobility for skiers. Given that men and women have different builds it is important to know that ski pants are also made differently.
Since women tend to have smaller waists and bigger hips, the ski pants must fit securely and comfortably around the waist and be a little bit detached on the legs to accommodate movement.
It’s also recommended that your ski pants should be 4-5 inches longer than your everyday pants to be able to nicely cover your ski boots.
It is safe to say that you should pick ski pants that are not too tight or too loose. Somewhere in between is best.
How To Choose The Best Women’s Ski Pants?
Although choosing the best pair of ski pants may not be the fanciest or most exciting, it’s important to find the right pair for you to have the best time up in the mountains.
If you haven’t found the right ski pants that suit your needs, here is something to help you in choosing the best ski pants for women.
Types of Ski Pants
Different types of ski pants cater to different kinds of skiers. You can choose from Insulated Pants, Non-Insulated Pants or Shells, Bibs, and Ski Touring Pants.
The warmest women’s ski pants come with insulation to provide extra warmth that is perfect for those who can’t stand the cold. Non-insulated pants are great during high-output activities like backcountry skiing uphill. Bibs tend to have more pockets and keep your pants from falling.
Ski Touring Pants offer more breathability, waterproofing, and backcountry-specific features while being as lightweight as possible.
Weather Resistance
Look for features that prevent water and snow from getting inside your pants. Look for pant material and construction that has waterproof and soundproofing features.
Choose from 2 layer, three-layer, and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) materials which are the most common.
Venting
These are located on the upper portion of the inner and outer parts of your ski pants. It is an important feature to look for as these are one of the key elements in regulating one’s temperature.
Other Features
- Reinforced cuffs or scuff guards– this is to prevent early wear and damage to the bottom part of your ski pants with constant contact with your ski boots.
- Pockets– Just like your everyday pants, ski pants also come with large pockets that can fit most items like snacks, phones, wallets, and other essentials.
- RECCO- most ski pants come with RECCO Technology which is built as an added safety feature. It is an avalanche safety technology that is placed on the plant material which helps rescuers/ ski patrol in locating you.
- Drop seats- most bibs come with this feature that allows the pants to open at the back for an easier time in the bathroom.
Best Women's Ski Pants
Ski pants are an important barrier between you and harsh weather conditions. That's why it's important to choose a pair of ski pants that come with the perfect balance of protection, warmth, and breathability.
With so many options on the market, picking the best one for you can be a challenge. To help you decide, we give you the best women's ski pants on the market.
Materials: Helly Tech® Protection
Insulation: 40g Primaloft® Black Eco insulation
Key Features:
- Fully sealed seams and DWR coating
- Inner thigh vents
- Adjustable Waist
- Water-Resistant Coating
The Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Insulated Ski Pant is perfect for those who enjoy skiing from dusk to dawn. It features Primaloft® Black Eco insulation to keep those legs of yours nicely warm.
Made with Helly Tech® Protection that provides waterproof, windproof, and breathable construction to keep you dry and from different outdoor elements. The switch cargo pants come with pockets that are super useful in holding your essentials as well as your snacks.
Materials: DryVent fabric
Insulation: Heatseeker™ Eco insulation
Key Features:
- Taped Seams
- Adjustable Waist
- Water-Resistant Coating
- Thigh Vents
- Articulated knees
The North Face Freedom Insulated Ski Pant for women has a classic design that matches no matter what your skiing style is. These pants are made with DryVent™ 2L and fully taped seams to keep your legs dry and comfortable.
With the excellent Heatseeker™ Eco insulation, skiers will feel the warmth without getting dragged by too much bulk and weight. Mobility is not a problem as the pants come with an adjustable waist and articulated knees.
Materials: 3-layer stretch Stormshell Intuitive fabric
Key Features:
- Kangaroo pocket
- Thigh vents
- Reinforced cuffs
- Powder gaiters
- Seamless cuff reinforcements
- Barn door zipper for easy entry
The Flylow Foxy Bib is a cult favorite worn by a loyal following of lady skiers. It has a flattering design, and functional features make you a winner on the slopes.
The bib is made with a Tactic 3-layer softshell that is stretchy for easy mobility and breathability to release moisture inside for maximum comfort. The kangaroo chest pouch is perfect for snacks, chapsticks, and other essentials.
Materials: BD.dry™ outer fabric
Key Features:
- High-mounted snow gaiters
- Reinforced hem patches
- Side zippers
- Adjustable Waist
- Ankle gusset
- Avalanche Rescue System
For professional and serious skiers, heavy-duty ski pants are a must-have. The Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Pant offers maximum comfort, mobility, and protection for backcountry skiing.
It is made with a 4-way stretch fabric that moves along with you during those big tours on the mountains. Alongside this is the Recon’s BD.dry™ waterproof/breathable solution that keeps you dry throughout your run. It is the perfect pants for uphill travel and includes easy-open side vents with a large PIEPS Pocket™ that functions to hold your avalanche beacon for easy access.
Materials: 100% nylon Omni-Tech™ Legacy Twill
Insulation: Omni-Heat® insulation, 100% polyester Microtemp XF
Key Features:
- Signature heat-reflective lining
- Adjustable waist, Internal leg gaiter
- Lower leg snap gusset
- Reinforced leg hem
- Zippered hand pockets
Enjoy skiing to the fullest with these ergonomic fit ski pants for ladies. The Columbia Women's Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow Pants feature a thermal-reflective lining that reflects and retains body heat for ultimate heat management, especially during harsh winter conditions.
It is critically seam-sealed to keep water out, so you always feel comfortable dry during your rides. Omni-Tech™ technology is credited for its waterproof feature, breathability, and multilayered construction that protects you from outdoor elements like high winds and water.
Materials: AscentShell 3L, 88% Nylon 12% Spandex 50D stretch plain weave face with 100% Polyester 50D knit backer
Key Features:
- Avalanche beacon pocket with clip
- Fully Seam-Taped
- Movement-Mirroring Stretch
- YKK® AquaGuard® Zippers
- Brushed Tricot-lined Waistband
The Outdoor Research Women's Skyward II Pant is packed with features designed to provide style, comfort, and function during ski tours that require hard work uphill. It Is waterproof, breathable, and lightweight that is perfect for those who don't want to wear bulky and heavy pants while skiing.
It features the AscentShell technology that shields you from outdoor elements like snow, wind, ice, etc., which keeps you from having the best time on the slopes. The Skyward II Pant is an award-winning ski pant that has gained the favor of athletes because of its versatility suited for different kinds of alpine sports.
Materials: 3 Layered Duratex™ Fabrix + water resistant
Features:
- Velcro waistband tabs
- Side pockets with secure zipper
- D-ring for simple attachments
- Elastic boot gaiter
- Reinforced leg guard
You will definitely be slope and snow-ready with all its features and you can feel protected with 3-layer fabric that will keep you dry and comfortable without the restricting feeling. Suitable for all snow sports such as snowboarding, skiing, hockey, etc.
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Skiing is challenging and can sometimes be dangerous if you’re not wearing the proper gear. Check out our this list of the best ski boots for wide feet to ensure safety while having fun on the slope.
And if you’re planning to go on the road trip of your life, may I suggest that you look into these Southwest USA Roadtrip Ideas that include national parks, state parks, roadside attractions, scenic views, and many more!
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