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We field-tested and compared 17 men's ski pants from Arc'teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, and others to find the best for hitting the slopes.
We tested a ton of new ski pants, side-by-side, to help you choose the very best pair for your needs and budget.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated December 15, 2025
A great pair of ski pants insulates you from the cold and keeps moisture out so you can spend longer on the slopes, but there's more to it than that. You'll want to choose a pair that is comfortable, durable, and that offers great mobility (bonus points for useful and secure pockets!)
We bought 17 of the best ski pants available and tested them in wintery ski climates from Jackson Hole to Lake Tahoe to the Colorado Rockies. We search for pairs that fit comfortably, keep us dry, vent excess heat, and keep us warm on the lifts, all while offering style points. After thorough testing and comparison, we've highlighted the best ski pants to meet your needs.
The best pants we tested are the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant. These uninsulated shell pants have incredible weather resistance, comfort, and ventilation, and they look good, too.
For the best value, take a look at the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated, which is warm, comfortable, and hundreds of dollars less than the priciest pairs.
If you're in the market for a bib, the Mammut Haldigrat HS is the best one we tested, thanks to a perfect fit and plenty of weather resistance. The North Face Freedom Bib also offers plenty of weather protection and is more affordable.
Editor's Note: We updated our men's ski pants article on December 15, 2025, to share some other notable pants our testers recommend. We are currently testing a selection of pants from Patagonia, Flylow, Arc'teryx, and more, and will be publishing our findings in the coming months.
If you ski often enough to justify spending top dollar on a cream-of-the-crop ski kit, the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is our top recommendation. These uninsulated hardshell pants offer some of the best weather protection in the industry, with premium features to keep moisture out, like waterproof zippers, taped seams, and protective Gore-Tex Pro fabric. We love the fit and the range of motion, which is nearly perfect — they're comfortable without being too baggy and have great features. At 1.3 pounds, it's also one of the lighter options. That, combined with great ventilation, makes it a more versatile pair of pants when properly layered. Lead tester Jeff Dobronyi, “These are really versatile. I wore the Sabre in sub-zero temps as well as warmer spring skiing. And I love that the integrated belt kept the pants right where I wanted them.” This pant is similar to the excellent Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex but edges out this model to earn our favor.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
80d plain weave recycled nylon
Insulation
Flannel backer adds light insulation
Waterproofing
3L GORE-TEX ePE
Waistline construction
Snap/zipper fly with integrated belt
Weight (in pounds)
1.28 lbs
Potential buyers should know these pants are just a shell. That means they lack insulation except for a thin fleece lining, so you must dial your underlayers to stay warm on cold days. Of course, not everyone needs such an expensive, high-performing pant to hit the slopes in, and we tested other options that get the job done well for a lower cost. Those wanted a shell pant with great performance can save around $150 for opting for a pant like the Patagonia Stormstride. Overall, though, the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is a durable option that will serve dedicated skiers well and is our favorite uninsulated pant we tested.
If an amazing bib pant is what you seek, the Mammut Haldigrat HS is one of the most comfortable pairs we've ever worn, with terrific weather resistance and killer style. The material is more breathable and stretchier than a normal shell pant, yet waterproof. The stretch factor lends to their comfort, and their athletic fit offers excellent range of motion. Plus, they look great. Our lead tester, IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Dobronyi, says, “When I travel for ski guiding, I grab these pants above all others, whether I'll be touring for turns or skiing the side-country.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
Polyamide
Insulation
None
Waterproofing
Drytech Pro
Waistline construction
Bibs
Weight (in pounds)
1.34 lbs
These shell pants aren't as heavy-duty and stiff as most Gore-Tex pants and may not hold up to as much abuse from sharp objects and tree branches. For a bib, these are somewhat minimalist, but the lack of a continuous shell bib from the hips up through the torso adds considerable comfort and range of motion, and we think most skiers seeking a bib will be as impressed by the Haldigrat as we are. It offers as much weather resistance as most other bibs, with better comfort and versatility. If you're looking for a more affordable bib, we also like the Outdoor Research Carbide Bib, which also excels in weather resistance.
A thin, low-coverage bib covers the lower torso on the Mammut Haldigrat, which offers less coverage than most other bibs, but we find this one to work just as well at keeping snow out. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The suspenders are stretchy and comfortable to wear, crossing in the back where you can't feel it. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Large zipper vents help you to release heat if you warm up. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated is the best bargain on the market. These pants are highly weather-resistant, fairly warm, durable, and look pretty good — all for a fraction of the price of the top ski pants. If you're looking for a great pair of pants for almost any day of the ski season, these are a great value that gets the job done and then some. One tester remarked, “These pants have the refined tailoring of much more expensive options.” Across the board, they perform adequately for most needs at the resort while looking and feeling great.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
Polyester
Insulation
Polyester
Waterproofing
Helly Tech
Waistline construction
Snap/zipper fly with adjustable tabs
Weight (in pounds)
1.30 lbs
These bottoms don't provide the same top-tier weatherproofing of the premium options, like the Arc'teryx Sabre. That said, they are absolutely adequate at keeping moisture out and are a terrific choice for skiers who don't need all the bells and whistles and still want to remain warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes. Simply put, their value can't be beat. Sure, you can find even more affordable options, like the Columbia Bugaboo V or the bargain basement priced Arctix Essential Insulated Bib, but we find the Helly Hansen Legendary to offer the most performance for your dollar and recommend it to anyone seeking a great pant that won't break the bank.
The North Face Freedom Bib is an affordable, protective pant with plenty of performance for most resort skiers. It has a waterproof fabric that covers the torso completely. “I love these on deep powder days — they prevent snow from reaching my base layers,” our tester said. The bib is comfortable enough for active skiing and riding and comes at a great price. If you want good protection from snow, water, and wind, these will do the job.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
160D X 140D recycled nylon
Insulation
50D recycled polyester
Waterproofing
DryVent 2L
Waistline construction
Bibs with adjustable waist tabs
Weight (in pounds)
1.52 lbs
That said, don't expect these pants to perform as well as more expensive alternatives. The pockets are finicky, mostly using hook-and-loop closure mechanisms, which means they aren't waterproof and won't keep your valuables super secure. The vents are small and not super effective. And these pants don't have the best style. Still, these get the job done for users who want an inexpensive bib and won't break the bank. If you're more concerned with performance than price, the Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib is the way to go.
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour is a versatile and comfortable softshell pant that has gone through many iterations and is a perennial favorite of our backcountry ski testers. The current version has a great fit, a comfortable and stretchy main fabric, tons of useful pockets and other features, and ventilates easily. Most days in the backcountry, we reach for these pants before all others. Our lead tester, international ski guide Jeff Dobronyi, says, “I spend a high percentage of winter days in these pants, and they generally keep cold snow and occasional moisture at bay.”
It's important we emphasize that these aren't pants we recommend for resort skiing. Hard shell fabric is absent from these pants, so they are not waterproof, and you'll want to avoid them when snow or rain is in the forecast. When inclement weather does arise in our backcountry forecast, we opt for the Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib or the Patagonia Stormstride Pants. If it's a bluebird day, we appreciate the breathability and comfort offered by softshell touring pants like the Trailbreaker Tour. They aren't insulated and won't keep you warm without a baselayer underneath, but we're okay with that when we're gearing up for a day in the backcountry. These bottoms are our top recommendation for backcountry skiers and riders, representing a good value to boot.
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour is a great companion on the skin track, as long as the weather isn't too foul. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
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Testing ski pants in the Wyoming backcountry. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
How We Tested
We have been buying and comparing ski pants since 2013, and we've tested over 50 men's pairs along the way. Our search for the best ski pants began with considerable research into the market, which eventually yielded the top models discussed here. Testing was largely done in the field at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, Kicking Horse, and backcountry trips in the Tetons and Colorado Rockies. We tested each pair of pants in different climates, from windy Sierra storms to frigid, clear days in Jackson Hole. We often took one run per day in each pair, changing pants in the gondola between runs to get side-by-side product comparisons in similar conditions. Since we can't always count on rain during the testing period, we observed each pair's water resistance by wearing them in the shower for 5 minutes and checking for water penetration.
Our ski pants testing is divided across six different metrics:
Weather Resistance (25% of overall score weighting)
Fit and Comfort (25% weighting)
Ventilation (20% weighting)
Warmth (10% weighting)
Features (10% weighting)
Style (10% weighting)
For more on our testing, check out our article on How We Test.
Why Trust GearLab
Mountain guide, avalanche forecaster, and OutdoorGearLab contributor Jeff Dobronyi leads the charge in our ski pant testing. Jeff lives, skis, and guides in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, one of the coldest and snowiest places in the country. He skis almost every day of the winter, only taking days off when his legs are begging for a break. Jeff's gear has to work day in and day out because he puts it through the wringer, both recreationally and professionally. These demands and years of experience make him an informed and discerning judge of ski apparel.
We put these pants to the test for weeks of skiing, then continue to use them after our review is published. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Testing ski pants on a cold, sunny day. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Some ski pants have more stretch than others. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Analysis and Test Results
We ask a lot from our ski and snowboarding pants. They need to resist wind, snow, and maybe even rain. They should be comfortable, fashionable, and durable. On top of all that, they need to provide versatility for all the conditions winter might throw at us. To help you find the best pair, we assess each pair on these key performance areas and discuss the best performances below.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Our selection of pants covers a considerable price range, from budget options to pants that command a serious premium. The good news is that there is great value to be found in many of the less-expensive options. Except in the gnarliest of weather, the least expensive products we tested performed adequately at the resort. Weather resistance is what really sets the more expensive products apart. To fully guard against every drop of water, every snowflake, and every whisper of wind, well-sealed pants almost always cost more. The more expensive products also feature durability improvements, increased ventilation, fashion upgrades, and general refinement. The extra features and style found in the more expensive options are nice additions, but not necessary for most skiers.
We found the greatest value per dollar in the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated, which are a warm, well-fitting, and comfortable pair of pants with an affordable price tag. The North Face Freedom Insulated is another long-time favorite of ours, offering solid performance across the board but a little less style. The REI Powderbound Insulated pants also provide warmth, moderate weather resistance, and useful features for a rock-bottom price. The Patagonia Powder Town is a bit more refined, but still remains affordable.
Taking the Patagonia Powder Town pants for a spin. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour offers good value for anyone seeking a pair of backcountry-specific pants. It has plenty of features, great comfort, awesome breathability, and a tailored fit at a price tag that is hard to gripe about. If you are searching for affordable bibs, the Outdoor Research Carbide performs almost as well as the top models but at a much lower cost. The North Face Freedom Bib is downright inexpensive and offers the best value in bibs for users who don't want to spend a ton of cash.
Early season testing in The North Face Freedom Bib. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Arctix Essential Insulated Bib kept us warm on the coldest winter days, for a minuscule price tag. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
We like the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated for everyday riding at the resort, and we think they are the best value on the market. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo pants offer value in a unique way since they include both a shell pant and a fleece liner pant that zips into the shell. This modular design allows users three different pant configurations. The fit and comfort of this package isn't our favorite, and it has a baggy look, but it represents a good value nonetheless. The Arctix Essential Insulated Bib comes with a rock-bottom price tag and is warm enough for the occasional winter user.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance is our top priority when evaluating ski pants. This attribute is a function of both the shell fabric and garment design. All the pants we tested have adequate, weather-resistant outer fabrics for bluebird day usage, and many feature completely waterproof materials. However, the fabric is meaningless without thoughtful design.
Pants must have separate and tight inner powder cuffs, protected zippers and flaps, and a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. This DWR is what makes water “bead” on the surface of the fabric. It blocks light weather and keeps the face fabric dry. This is important for weather protection, but it also ensures that the fabric laminate remains breathable.
Elastic powder cuffs are standard features for ski pants, but the Mammut Haldigrat's cuffs are very stretchy and easily fit over boot buckles. Credit: Sam Willits
The basic yet effective cuffs on the budget Columbia Bugaboo V pants help seal out snow. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
If you spend a lot of time skiing in stormy weather, the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is the most protective pant money can buy. In addition to the impenetrable Gore-Tex membranes, waterproof zippers, sealed seams, and powder skirts of other protective pants, these pants also have clips that can attach to Arc'teryx jackets, creating a weatherproof suit.
Waterproof zippers on the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant help keep water out. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
With a thick hardshell fabric and waterproof zippers, the Norrona Lofoten is a weatherproof machine. Credit: Sam Willits
Bibs are hands down the most protective ski pants. They eliminate the gap between pants and jacket, which is a major weak point in ski clothing. The Flylow Baker Bibs and Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs also supply excellent protection. Our favorite bib, the Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib, successfully keeps all wetness outside the pants with a torso covering that isn't as restrictive as most other ski bibs.
The burly fabric and DWR coating keep all precipitation on the outside of the Flylow Baker Bibs. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Some pants in our review forgo waterproof technology in favor of more breathable and flexible softshell fabric. These pants aren't designed to withstand stormy weather, but they still provide resistance against light weather and snow. The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour is a softshell pant with panels of waterproof fabric in the lower legs to bolster weather resistance without impeding breathability, but in our experience, this addition doesn't make a huge difference.
The Trailbreaker Tour's upper material is softshell, which is stretchy and offers great mobility for the backcountry. However, we recommend a burlier material for resort days or stormy weather. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
One thing we should note is that as prices climb increasingly higher for high-end products, plenty of the lower-priced options can provide 90% of the protection of the most expensive pants. For instance, the Mammut Haldigrat HS is our favorite bib we tested, keeps the weather outside in all circumstances, and costs much less than Gore-Tex pants. Even downright affordable pants like the Columbia Bugaboo V, The North Face Freedom Bib, and Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated keep out enough snow and rain to be useful on 95% of ski days.
The North Face Freedom Bib is an affordable, uninsulated ski bib that will keep you dry at the resort. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Fit and Comfort
Good ski technique is vital to both our enjoyment of the sport and to reduce the risk of injury. If a garment limits our range of motion, ski technique could be limited or altered, leading to less fun on the slopes and a potentially dangerous experience. Well-fitting and comfortable ski pants won't hinder our motion, while poorly fitting pants can feel restrictive and limiting.
Of course, fit and comfort depend on body type. Some pants feature a slim fit through the thighs and knees, while others are baggy and loose. In our experience, the perfect-fitting ski pant sits somewhere right in the middle — not too tight and not too loose. Everyone is different, so pay close attention to our photos and see if our testers have the same body type as you. Our lead tester typically wears a size Medium, but in a couple of cases, we had to return them and get size Large.
Fit goes hand in hand with comfort. A well-cut pair of pants conforms to the body's contours and will be more comfortable to wear. The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex has a slightly loose and completely unrestricted fit without feeling baggy, similar to the Patagonia Powder Town. Both of these pants also have wide hook-and-loop flaps around the waist that help customize the fit.
The Norrona Lofoten has an excellent fit that is not too tight, not too loose, and perfectly tailored. Credit: Sam Willits
We enjoyed the fit of the Patagonia Powder Town. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Arc'teryx Sabre has been a tester favorite for years for its articulated cut, which is pre-curved to match the way the lower body joints move. We also love the fit of the Mammut Haldigrat HS. As a general rule, all the priciest pants we tested have well-tailored and high-end fits that are comfortable to wear.
The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant has a great fit with solid tailoring for an active stance. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour feels like pajamas compared to the hardshell models. These are a backcountry focused pant, which are generally more comfortable and offer better mobility than most other ski pants on the market. This is important is good since you'll spend a lot of time hiking uphill in these pants, so they need to be super comfortable. However, this is not a pant we recommend for resort skiing.
Testing the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour in the backcountry. We love this pant for touring. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Ventilation
Each day on the ski slopes is different, from warm, sunny, and windless days to brutally cold and stormy ones. Most skiers only own one pair of ski pants, and these pants need to keep us warm on the coldest days of the season. The rest of the time, our pants may be too warm and need to be able to dissipate any excess heat from our legs into the outside atmosphere. Breathable, soft shell fabrics let warm air escape every day of the year and aren't ideal for the coldest days. Zippered vents allow the user to choose when to let air escape and when to trap warm air inside.
Our testing team includes backcountry ski guides who recommend well-venting resort pants for occasional backcountry use. However, they noted that if you are an avid backcountry skier, dedicated backcountry pants are well worth the investment due to the benefits of comfort.
Ventilation is supplied by breathable fabrics and zippered thigh vents. All of the pants we tested have vents of some sort, but the breathability of pant fabrics ranges from impermeable to downright breezy. Vents on both the inside and outside of the thigh allow for maximum airflow. The next best setup is long exterior vents with no mesh, followed by exterior vents with mesh. The least effective vents are often those that are mesh-backed and located on the inner leg. Unfortunately, this is the most common ventilation scheme. Mesh will keep some snow out, but it also inhibits airflow. We prefer no mesh, but most resort-oriented pants include mesh to guard the vents. If you ride hot and tumble often, mesh-lined vents are probably a good option.
Long, open vents without mesh are preferable. Credit: Sam Willits
Mesh-backed vents on the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex. Credit: Sam Willits
The Flylow Baker Bibs and Flylow Chemical earn special mention because of their inner and outer leg vents. Dual vents on each leg create a swirling flow of air that travels up and down the legs inside the pants. The pant legs provide great ventilation, but the bibs have extra material around the torso that keeps warm air inside this critical area.
Vents on both sides of each leg offer the most ventilation of the waterproof pants in our review. The FlyLow Baker Bibs (shown) and Chemical pants offer this configuration. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The long, mesh-free vents of the Arc'teryx Sabre,Outdoor Research Carbide Bib,Patagonia Stormstride Pants, and Mammut Haldigrat are super effective. These pants all use three-layer shell fabrics for weather protection, which are inherently less breathable than softshell fabrics (which aren't waterproof). As such, these long vents are critical for dumping heat when your internal body temperature rises on hot days, aerobic bump runs, or long skin tracks and bootpacks.
Large, well-placed exterior thigh vents on the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant allow for good air movement. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Some hardshell pants forgo the use of burly (and expensive) Gore-Tex membranes, instead opting for proprietary or alternative waterproof and breathable membranes. The Patagonia Stormstride and Mammut Haldigrat use alternative technical membranes that are more breathable than Gore-Tex, with minimal sacrifices in weather resistance.
The waterproof Patagonia Stormstride provides excellent weather resistance and breathability, fending off the worst backcountry storms while allowing the user to work hard while breaking trail. Credit: Bart Young
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour uses a softshell fabric, which is much more breathable than even the most ventilated hardshell pants. These pants are ideal for backcountry skiers who are working hard to skin uphill. In fair weather, softshells are our preferred pants for ski touring and ski mountaineering to help prevent overheating.
We can lunge, stretch, and skin in the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour without feeling uncomfortable. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Warmth
As with all cold-weather clothing, insulation matters; however, it's important to note that many skiers give little thought to their pants' insulation because our lower bodies aren't as sensitive to cold as our upper bodies. In cold conditions, we usually opt to wear a warm pair of long underwear underneath. So, we tested for warmth but didn't put a great deal of weight on this metric.
The affordable Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated is also a warm, synthetically insulated pant, but it doesn't have as much insulation as other options on the market. We think this pair strikes the best balance between warmth and versatility. On cold days, we appreciate its insulation, but on warm days, we barely notice that it's there.
A thin layer of synthetic insulation provides adequate warmth in the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Arc'teryx Sabre is made with a three-layer construction, but the inner layer is fuzzy with a micro-fleece lining. This adds enough warmth to simulate the insulation value of the “two-layer” pants with three-layer construction. The rest of the three-layer shell-only pants aren't nearly as warm.
The thin, brushed fleece liner of the Sabre's shell fabric adds a small amount of insulating power, as well as great next-to-skin feel. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Backcountry pants and warmth require some further discussion. Backcountry skiing is both warmer (when going uphill) and colder (in the event of even a minor emergency with no lodge available) than regular resort skiing. We bring extra layers for emergencies, and we choose our primary ski pants for the uphill portion. Backcountry ski-specific pants are not nearly as warm as resort pants, for a good reason. The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour pants are made with a thick softshell fabric and are generally warm enough for most conditions while also dumping heat effectively when needed.
Features
Important features include integrated belts, well-designed pockets, key or pass clips, Recco rescue technology, and cuffs that accommodate ski boots. None of these features are make-or-break attributes, but a full set of features makes a good pair of pants even better.
The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex has the best set of features among hardshell pants. With two large and well-placed thigh pockets, an internal sleeve in one of these pockets for an avalanche transceiver, and a smaller hip pocket for lip balm or credit cards, these pants have all the storage space you'll ever need. They have elastic powder cuffs, scuff guards, and buttons around the lower hems to tighten the circumference around boots while wearing crampons. The pants also feature a zipper around the waist for modular additions of bibs or connecting to a Norrona jacket.
The Norrona Lofoten's two thigh pockets, one hip pocket, adjustable hook-and-loop waist flaps, and belt loops. Credit: Sam Willits
The Flylow Baker Bib also has an excellent set of features, with two thigh pockets and three pockets on the bib itself.
The Flylow Baker Bib has three useful pockets on the torso. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour has many useful pockets. Two are located on the waist, one containing a transceiver clip and sleeve to ensure your beacon doesn't rotate into an uncomfortable position. The other two pockets are located in the middle of the thigh and are useful for a wallet, neck gaiter, or small snack.
The rear, thigh, and waist pockets on the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Style
Style is subjective. However, some rules generally apply. Many skiers prefer pants that blend in with the crowd, instead choosing to use their jackets to make a fashion statement. But if you end up at the watering hole at the end of the day, you'll probably take your jacket off, in which case your pants will be the centerpiece of your look. Furthermore, anyone who has ever skied at a resort knows a ton of thought that goes into the overall look of a ski get-up. And really, it's a shame to spend so much money on a pair of pants that look terrible.
Ski pants don't need to look like anything other than ski pants. You will likely own fewer ski pants than you do ski jackets. Choose your colors carefully. It is tempting to go for one of the colorful pants available, but this limits your jacket selection. If you mix and match jackets, grey or black pants are traditionally the most versatile. But nowadays, ski pants come in a variety of muted colors that branch out from the norms, like khaki and navy blue. Some products are still available in brighter colors, but not all.
We think the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour pants look great. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Fit is also an important component of style. A baggy fit is fading in popularity. Snowboarders can get away with more “sag” and extra fabric, given that their legs remain a fixed distance apart. Skiers require a greater range of motion. Backcountry users, whether on skis or snowboards, need even more range of motion than skiers at the resort.
The loose and “core” style of Flylow Gear. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Highlighting these style changes, the Arc'teryx Sabre has slimmed down in the years we have been testing. The latest iteration has a closer fit than its ancestors without losing mobility. The North Face Freedom Insulated pants are the most neutral pants in our review, and they look pretty good. The Flylow Baker Bibs are a tad loose for our liking, but many skiers and riders prefer the baggy look.
We think the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant looks good with a refined, classy, and tasteful style. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Many high-end technical pants are moving towards a “freeride” look that has been popularized by skiers and riders who shred hard but also need pants that allow them to access backcountry terrain. The best pants for these pursuits have athletic, tailored fits, but the saggy look of past styles still remains attractive. The result is a look that is technical and athletic enough to convey that the user likes to travel through technical terrain but also ski back down with style and ease. The Norrona Lofoten, Mammut Haldigrat, Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour, and Patagonia Stormstride all fit this modern look.
The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex exemplifies modern freeride style.
How To Choose Ski Pants
All snow pants are created equal. Not exactly. Below, we outline some things to consider before making your purchase.
How Often Do You Ski and in What Conditions?
You don't need to splurge for a high-dollar pant if you're only out a few weekends per season. A mid-range or budget option may suit your needs just fine. If you go hard and ski 3+ days a week each winter, you'll probably want to select a well-constructed pant that's durable enough to withstand some use and abuse.
It would help if you also considered the conditions you typically ski in. If you're in an area that gets a lot of wet snow or you're a beginner who may fall often, you'll definitely want to opt for a waterproof, hardshell pant. We generally only recommend softshell pants for backcountry skiers who are skinning uphill and are confident in their abilities. Folks who spend cold or windy days at the resort will most likely appreciate an insulated pant.
Types of Ski Pants
There are several types of ski pants to choose from, and every skier seems to have their preference.
Insulated Pants - If you run cold, you'll likely want a pant with some added warmth. Many resort skiers opt for insulated pants, which can help keep you warm on those long chairlift rides in blustery winds. Some options have vents to help dump heat on warmer days or if you get too toasty. Insulated pants also allow you to wear a thinner layer underneath.
Shell Pants - These are typically waterproof, but provide no insulation, so you'll need to layer adequately underneath to stay warm. Folks skiing in the backcountry typically opt for an unlined hardshell (or softshell) pant that offers good mobility. These unlined pants can keep you from overheating when skinning uphill.
Bibs - Bibs can be useful for keeping snow away from the waist and adding some extra warmth to your core. Some companies are making a hybrid bib/pant with the option to zip away the upper portion and leave it at home.
What Features Do You Need?
Pockets are an important feature of your ski clothes. Unless you're carrying a backpack, you'll need somewhere to stash your wallet, car keys, ski pass, chairlift snacks, lip balm, etc. Having several well-placed pockets is important, and you'll want them to have closures to keep your valuables safe (Velcro or zippers, although we're partial to zippers).
Some pants are now sold with RECCO reflectors built in, which can help locate you in the unfortunate case of an in-bounds avalanche. Note that you should never use a built-in RECCO reflector as a substitute for an avalanche beacon. If you're traveling in the backcountry, you should always carry a functioning beacon that is powered on. We know most folks are staying in bounds at the resort, though, and a built-in RECCO reflector can provide some peace of mind.
What's Your Style?
We know you want to look and feel good on the ski hill. We do, too! The current style is a neutral fit that isn't overly baggy or too tight. Colors can be all over the map, and we love being able to locate our skiing buddies off in the distance by the unique colors they're wearing. Still, your style is your own, so select something that speaks to you.
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour being put through their paces on the uphill. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Other Notable Ski Pants
The North Face Freedom - This is the non-insulated version of the Freedom line from The North Face, and if you're looking for an affordable, well-performing shell pant, it's worth a look. It's been several years since we tested this version (more recently we've examined the bib version and the insulated pant, and we think all versions are worth their salt, especially in a market where a decent pant can cost upwards of $400. These will cost about half that, and they're decently comfortable with respectable weather protection, and they come in a variety of colors. And, since they've been in production for over a decade, you can often find older colorways on discount.
Spyder Dare - This is one of the warmest ski pants we've tested. We liked that they have a suspender setup, so you can wear them in a bib configuration or just as pants. Our testers found them comfortable and the waterproofing adequate, but noted that the vents are small. If you're skiing in super frigid conditions, this is a great pant. However, if the temps warm up at all, you might find yourself overheating, which makes them less versatile for varying conditions.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Pant - This is a backcountry-focused pant with stretchy material for range of motion on the skin track, and they have huge zipper vents for maximum airflow when you need it. Though the bulk of the pant is comprised of a softshell material, there are hardshell panels in the seat and lower legs, which helps protect against abrasion and offers more waterproofing. The pants have RECCO tech built in and a pocket for your avalanche beacon. Though not our favorite backcountry pant, they're worth a look if you're in the market for a pair.
Conclusion
It can be a daunting task to select the perfect pair of ski pants. With the many options available, how do you choose? Weather resistance, comfort, and ventilation are the most important factors for most skiers, but style and features are also important to some. There is a good pair of pants for every budget. Having the right pair of ski pants can make or break a trip. Our recommendations here will help you maximize your fun on the slopes.
