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If you're trying to find which pants can keep you dry when the weather turns stormy, keep more change in your pocket, or transition from the resort to the backcountry, we've got you covered.
We've been testing women's ski pants for over a decade and have hands-on experience with over 50 unique pairs. After spending hundreds of hours on the slopes facing weather ranging from below zero to slushy, wet conditions, our female ski and snowboard testers are confident in our unbiased recommendations.
Our favorite overall women's ski pants are the Arc'teryx Sentinel. This is a shell pant, which means it has no insulation, allowing you more control over your layering, depending on the weather. The three-layer Gore-Tex offers some of the best waterproofing in our tests, and we love the style and fit.
Our overall favorite women's ski bibs are the Flylow Foxy. They're cute and comfortable, with plenty of pocket space for all your chairlift snacks. If you like the idea of an insulated bib, check out the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib, which is affordable, comfortable, and warm.
Editor's Note: We updated our women's ski pants review on December 24, 2025, to include some notable models we've previously tested but that don't currently make the cut in our lineup. Testers are currently out hitting the slopes with new pants from Outdoor Research, Helly Hansen, and Obermeyer.
If you want a versatile, top-shelf ski pant that works for everything from bluebird groomer laps to the harshest storm days in the backcountry, our top choice is the Arc'teryx Sentinel. We love these pants for many reasons. There's a lot to love about these pants. With technical details, impressive weather protection that stood up to our shower test, and plenty of pocket space for your essentials, the Sentinel is ready for any adventure. “I can layer underneath for cold resort laps, and the large leg vents make it easy to regulate heat while ski touring,” one tester noted. We also appreciate the sleek, tailored fit—especially when paired with the Sentinel Jacket (which we also tested and loved) for a monochrome style.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
80D nylon
Insulation/Lining
100d SD Cordura nylon
Waterproofing
3-layer ePE Gore-Tex
Vents
Outer thigh
Pockets
2 zippered thigh
So, what's the catch? The quality comes with a high price. Our lead reviewer says, “The price point is high for a pair of pants without many technical features, but I appreciate the minimal, streamlined approach to ski pants.” For backcountry use, our tests show the non-stretch Gore-Tex material is a tad limiting for uphill movement. If you're seeking a pant that moves well with you in the backcountry, something like the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pants might be up your alley. If you're looking for a performance shell pant, you'll probably be happy with what the Sentinel offers. Those on a budget or who don't ski often might opt for a more affordable pair, but it's worth keeping in mind that paying for high-quality pants now might mean you don't have to buy another pair again for many years, and as far as women's ski pants go, we haven't found anything yet that checks all the boxes as well as the Sentinel does.
It's rare to find a product that lives up to the hype, but the Flylow Foxy Bib is worth its accolades. This bib has everything you'd typically want for everyday use while excelling in various conditions. With thoughtfully placed pockets (the kangaroo pocket quickly became a favorite), a drop seat for easy bathroom breaks, and several fun color options, this bib did not disappoint. “These flattering pants are versatile, with a bunch of amazing features, like double-leg vents,” said our lead tester. This bib has the most efficient ventilation system of all the pants we tested, with leg vents on the interior and exterior of the legs to shed heat quickly.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
Recycled Tactic 3-layer softshell: 100% polyester
Insulation/Lining
None
Waterproofing
PFAS-Free DWR
Vents
Inner and outer thigh
Pockets
2 mid-thigh pockets, kangaroo pocket, 1 zip chest pocket, 1 zip back pocket
We know bibs aren't for everyone, so even this pair may not convince you. During the testing period, the DWR coating on the Foxy Bib wore down on the pair we bought, allowing the external fabric to saturate on wet storm days – although no water penetrated to our legs. We suggest using a waterproofing wash to re-up the DWR treatment regularly. “I would also note that for curvier ladies, these bibs are on the small side. I would size up if you're typically in between sizes,” shared our tester. If you're in the market for an excellent resort and backcountry bib, this is our top pick. If you're hoping for a bib that's a bit more affordable, we also like both REI bibs we've tested, the insulated REI Powderbound Bib and the shell-style REI First Chair GTX Bib.
If you're trying to hit the slopes on a shoestring budget, look no further than the Arctix Insulated Pant. We were surprised by how much performance these pants deliver for the price. Ski pants usually come with a steep cost, but this affordable pair is an exception. “They kept me super warm, and the fit still allowed for dynamic movement,” one tester noted. We also appreciate the tough, workwear-inspired fabric, which held up impressively against tree branches and hard use. With all of the classic features we look for, these pants handled most resort conditions with ease, but they aren't the best for spring days or cardio.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
100% polyester
Insulation/Lining
85g ThermaTech
Waterproofing
ThermaLock coating
Vents
None
Pockets
2 zippered thigh
If you're prone to overheating or planning to do any kind of aerobic activities while wearing ski pants, the Arctix is probably not the one to go for. “The synthetic insulation was amazing at keeping me toasty warm, but they don't shed excess heat and moisture well when you're working hard. There are no vents to unzip, so I ended up getting far too hot,” said our tester. Our tests showed the DWR coating wore off fairly quickly, too. Without an additional waterproof layer, this meant we experienced some wet-through on heavy storm days and wet spring days. With that in mind, the high-end waterproof/breathable membranes that perform better in these metrics overall have a much higher price point. The Arctix presents a great jumping-off point for the occasional skier, and its price point can alleviate some of the stress associated with purchasing a whole new set of gear. If your budget is a bit more flexible, the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant is just as warm and provides vents, although we actually liked the fit and comfort of the Arctix better.
When testing the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib, we were impressed with how much there was to love at such a reasonable price. Simple yet functional, this bib offers most of what an average skier or rider might want while lapping the resort on colder days. The 2-layer nylon shell has a DWR finish, and our reviewer noted, “This bib kept me dry during shower testing and warm on cold, long chair rides – and was great for snowmobiling, too.” Articulated knees and hips left room to move, and the adjustable shoulder straps allowed a customizable fit.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
Nylon
Insulation/Lining
40g polyester
Waterproofing
2-layer Peak
Vents
Outer thigh
Pockets
2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest
However, at such a reasonable price, these ski pants don't include many of the bells and whistles that more expensive, technical models do. We would not recommend wearing this model for extended periods in wet climates as the 2L DWR-finished fabric is not designed to withstand heavy rain or snow. Its small chest pocket doesn't leave much room for storing gear, though the two thigh pockets easily fit a phone. “I'd also say that this bib is too hot for higher output skiing in milder winter conditions,” noted our lead tester. The Powderbound Insulated Bib is an excellent option for someone wanting a great basic model and would prefer to save a few dollars rather than have a fully feature-loaded piece of gear. Conversely, those seeking more features and more color options should look at the The North Face Freedom Pant.
The REI First Chair GTX Bib is an extremely comfortable, well-designed bib with an effective two-layer Gore-Tex membrane. “Even in the wettest conditions, this bib kept me plenty dry,” noted our tester. We love the features loaded into these bibs, particularly the large leg vent openings and the drop tail essential for backcountry bathroom breaks. However, our favorite element of this bib is the extremely reasonable price that won't break the bank, which made an even higher value because of its versatility.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
100% polyester
Insulation/Lining
Recycled polyester
Waterproofing
2-layer Gore-Tex
Vents
Thigh
Pockets
1 zippered chest, 2 zippered thigh
The First Chair has a few shortcomings, but some compromises are expected from a solid pair of pants at such a great price. We wish this bib included waterproof zips on the pockets and vents, as our tests prove this is a weak point for water saturation. We would also like zippers on all the pockets, as we noticed the hook and loop closure of the exterior thigh pocket limited its usefulness. Overall, it's surprising to see a Gore-Tex bib sold at this price, and we're quite impressed. We also think REI's Powderbound Insulated Bib is worth a look, which is warmer and even more affordable (but doesn't feature Gore-Tex waterproofing).
The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants is a quality constructed, insulated pant that we appreciate for its thoughtful features. They're quite warm for those chilly chairlift rides (our testers felt quite toasty even on 0-degree days), but if you pick up the pace, you can let some heat out with the thigh vents. There are three pockets (two zippered hand pockets and a zippered thigh pocket), and they also feature RECCO technology for aiding in recovery.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main fabric
100% recycled polyester
Insulation/Lining
60g Thermogreen recycled polyester
Waterproofing
2-layer H2no
Vents
Thigh
Pockets
2 zippered hand, 1 zippered thigh
We love being warm, but these pants may be too warm for certain situations, like spring skiing or ski touring (or sidestepping back uphill to help your ski buddy after a yard sale). Our tester also had trouble dialing in the fit, finding these to be quite baggy in the thighs. The waist also lacks any velcro adjustments, but if you can dial in the fit and you like a warm pant, this is a quality pair that should have no problem lasting many seasons. We've also previously tested the Powder Town Bib, which is a shell style without insulation, and might be more your speed if you run hot.
Another day on the slopes with the Powder Town in the Front Range of Colorado. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
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The right pair of ski pants can help you focus on the real task at hand -- the skiing! Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Tested
Our team of female skiers and riders dedicated countless hours to scouring the market for the best women's ski pants and bibs, carefully selecting the top contenders featured here. Every pair was bought at full price and put to the test over an entire winter season across North America's mountains. We skied and rode through every kind of condition—warm, sunny spring skiing, deep powder days, and intense storms where the snow didn't let up. To ensure each pant received a thorough inspection, we also conducted objective lab tests to level the playing field. For example, every pair was put through a shower test for waterproofing. Through it all, we took note of each pair's strengths and weaknesses.
Our testing of women's ski pants is divided into six specific rating metrics:
Weather Resistance (25% of total score weighting)
Fit and Comfort (25% weighting)
Ventilation (15% weighting)
Warmth (15% weighting)
Features (10% weighting)
Style (10% weighting)
We took these ski pants out on the slopes of the resort and backcountry to test them out. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing team is well-versed in the world of skiing. Kaylee Walden is an AMGA-Certified Ski Guide based in Silverton, Colorado, who spends the majority of the year on snow, from the craggy San Juan Mountains to the glaciers of the Alps and the deep cold of Denali, she knows the importance of gear working as it should and keeping you protected from the elements.
Sarah Sherman has worked in the ski industry for over a decade as an instructor, marketing professional, photographer, and journalist. A self-proclaimed “gear nerd,” there are few things she enjoys more than shop talk and helping others find the right gear for their needs.
Reviewer Jackie Kearney is a snow and avalanche professional who calls the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado home. For the last decade, she has been skiing in and out of bounds here as much as one human could. Professionally, she has worked as a ski patroller in Lake Tahoe, California, and Telluride, Colorado. This team put these pants to the test in the most rigorous and immersive ski and snowboard environments to bring the results to you.
Our team skied and boarded lap after lap to see which ski pants were the best.
Analysis and Test Results
Each pair of pants and bibs was tested and ranked using our six rating metrics. Be sure to pay attention to each rating and reasoning as you go along, as certain metrics may be of more importance to you than others. For example, if you want a pair of pants for ski touring, you won't mind if a pair earned lower marks in the warmth metric, as you probably want an uninsulated one.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Ski pants and bibs come in a wide range of price points, with many factors separating budget-friendly options from premium, high-performance designs. Our testing explored these differences in detail. But at the end of the day, we will emphatically point out that if you only hit the slopes a few times a season, there's no need to splurge on top-tier gear.
If you're a bib girl, we recommend the affordable and comfy REI Powderbound Insulated Bib. It's likely too warm for higher-output skiing, but it's toasty in cold temps and you get a solid bib for the price. Our favorite budget ski pants are the Arctix Insulated, which are warm and super affordable. These pants are best suited for those who will only ski a handful of days per season. We also like the Columbia Bugaboo II, a decent and warm pant that should last a few seasons even for those who ski semi-regularly. The Patagonia Powder Town Insulated Pant is a step up in quality. It costs a bit more, but Patagonia is known for its durable, well-made gear and backs it with a great warranty.
The Arctix Pant really excelled on chilly lift accessed days where its warm insulation kept us nice and toasty on cruisers all day long. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance was a crucial consideration in our testing, heavily influencing each pair's overall rating. No matter how you spend your day on the slopes, staying dry is key to staying warm and comfortable. Nothing puts a damper on a perfect powder day faster than wet, soggy ski pants.
To test weather resistance, we not only wore the pants out in all kinds of conditions (sun, very wet snow, and stormy powdery days) but put each pair through our “shower test” — two minutes of constant water exposure in the shower, testing zippers, seams, and overall waterproofing.
There were very few surprises during this testing process—we typically find that the higher-end pants perform better than the rest. The Arc'teryx Sentinel took the top spots for water resistance, with the Mammut Stoney HS Thermo, Columbia Bugaboo II, and REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib as runners-up. These pants received strong scores for weather resistance, with no leakage during testing and limited water absorption in our shower tests.
Testing ski pants for snow and water resistance. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Flylow Foxy Bib had no water leakage inside, but the external material seemed to absorb water and felt heavy to wear, taking on liquid. Similarly, the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant had a supple face fabric that quickly absorbed water. Finally, and notably, the REI Powderbound Insulated Bib held up well for its price point, with no leakage and minimal water absorption on the outer fabric and non-waterproof zippers.
Assessing waterproofing in the field during a big storm in the Flylow Foxy. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Fit and Comfort
The last thing you want to worry about on the mountain is uncomfortable or restrictive outerwear. Your ski pants should feel effortless—like a natural extension of your movement—without distractions or constant readjustments. With this in mind, we focused heavily on fit, mobility, and adjustability during testing. Since fit is inherently subjective, multiple women with different body types wore each pair, assessing how they moved both on and off the slopes and how often adjustments were needed throughout the day.
The top scorer in both fit and comfort is the Black Diamond Stretch Recon. As the name suggests, these pants have just the perfect amount of stretch to fit more like a second skin than a pair of pants, with a flattering fit and just the right amount of space for layering. These earned the elusive perfect 10 score. The Arc'teryx Sentinel, Flylow Foxy Bib, and the REI Co-op First Chair scored high in the fit and comfort category, though all for different reasons. The Foxy Bib was simple to get on with easily adjusted straps, and once they were on, it was easy to forget they were there. The straps remained in place throughout rigorous testing and did not need constant adjusting, as other bibs sometimes did. “I would definitely size up in these if I had the option, especially for better layering,” noted our lead tester. Thanks to an adjustable belt, the Mammut Stony HS also had great comfort and versatility for a variety of body types.
The Foxy, Sentinel, and Stony all have streamlined, slimmer fits that our testers found to be flattering.
The Patagonia models also ranked high in fit and comfort, thanks to their super soft, smooth inner lining. Putting these pants on felt like putting on a cloud, and they remained comfortable throughout skiing.
The Bugaboo Pant and Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant both ran a little large in the waist. Still, the hook and loop adjustments remedied this fit issue.
The Columbia Bugaboo II has velcro tabs inside the waistband to help cinch down the fit. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Ventilation
Ventilation, similar to warmth, is a metric that matters depending on your preference. Those who ski tour or hike in-bounds to less-traveled objectives should pay more attention to ventilation. While some pants are designed to provide added heat to escape the elements, many are designed to provide merely a layer of protection from wind and precipitation while allowing you to regulate your body heat with vents. This is especially important while ski touring or on days when temperatures are warmer and the sun is out. To test the ventilation of different pants, we measured the vents on each pair and tried them out in practice.
The Flylow Foxy Bib ranked highly in this category, as they have both inner and outer leg vents, allowing maximum airflow through the pants. Some skiers may never need this level of airflow, so we don't consider vents on both sides of each leg a must-have. However, testers who preferred high ventilation levels noted that the inner and outer leg vent combo was awesome. The Foxy Bib's upper body portion doesn't vent very well, though.
The vents on the Foxy bib doing the job while ski touring on a warm day. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Finally, it is worth noting that many insulated pants come with basic venting and score lower in this category. Ventilation openings on the inside of the leg, like in the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant, provide less airflow than on the outside. Those vents covered with a mesh lining inhibit airflow as well. Those mesh linings keep snow from entering deep powder or a tumble, but most of our testers preferred the free and open vents. Unless it's a particularly warm day, we generally zip up any vents when heading downhill. The Columbia Bugaboo Pant came with no venting.
Warmth
On a cold winter day, having a pair of pants that will keep your legs warm can make all the difference. However, not all pants are designed to be warm. Shell pants are meant to be lightweight and paired with base layers like long underwear for warmth when needed. With that in mind, it's worth noting that insulated pants will inherently score higher in this category, and shells will score lower. We recommend considering the typical temperatures at your favorite resorts or ski locale when deciding what level of insulation and warmth you need and consider having enough space under your pants or bibs for sufficient layering. A low warmth score does not necessarily indicate a poorly performing pair of pants. To measure warmth, we tested pants in various conditions, including early cold mornings when temperatures reached well below freezing, windy chairlift rides, and stormy conditions.
The North Face Freedom Pant, the REI Powderbound Bib, and the Patagonia Powder Town all perform well in colder temperatures thanks to their insulation. We liked the sleeping bag-style baffled insulation of the Powder Town, which helped to keep the insulation evenly distributed in the pants. These options are best for those seeking extra warmth on a cold resort day. We were also impressed with the budget-friendly Arctix and Columbia Bugaboo pants. These kept us nice and toasty during our resort testing days for a significantly lower price.
The Arctix is an insulated pant that excels at keeping the wearer warm, though its lack of vents might make them a little too toasty. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
The Arc'teryx Sentinel is a shell pant, but it's lined with a thin, flannel backer that adds a touch of warmth. Testers noted that this made the pants feel less cold and more comfortable when worn without a pair of long underwear underneath. It is worth noting that, again, most technical shells scored low in this metric. Warmth is up to the layering ability of the user for these shells, which many skiers and snowboarders prefer.
For a shell, the Sentinel is impressive at keeping us warm. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Features
Small details can make a big difference when it comes to ski pants, often separating the excellent from the average. Strategically placed, good-sized pockets, a well-designed buckle, a key clip, or RECCO technology — all of these features can enhance your overall experience on the mountain. To evaluate this, we carefully examined each pair, taking note of every feature and assessing its practicality in real-world conditions.
One pair of pants that scored well here was the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pant. Coming with a removable belt, an avalanche transceiver pocket, RECCO technology, gussets, and leg gaiters, these pants are filled with backcountry features. Both the Mammut Stony and Arc'teryx Sentinel come with effective, integrated belts to help keep them where you want them.
Integrated belts can be helpful for achieving the perfect fit.
The Arc'teryx Sentinel features a ski strap slot to adjust your boots without having to take off the internal gaiters, a thoughtful touch we appreciated, and the kind of higher-end design elements we expect from a pant at this price point. The Patagonia Powder Town had notably functional gaiters, with lace loops and a lace hook that truly kept snow out on various boot types. The Sentinel Pant additionally comes equipped with a key clip and large, articulated pockets. Finally, it has a low-profile, removable belt that some of our testers liked.
Lace loops on gaiters, like on the Patagonia Powder Town shown here, can add a very valuable extra level of protection in deep snow. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
The Flylow Foxy Bib came fully equipped with plenty of pocket space, featuring a chest pocket, kangaroo pocket, and two roomy thigh pockets that could easily fit a beacon, a bubbly water, or a phone for music. The other pants' features are generally basic, with sometimes an extra pocket or two for aesthetic purposes. The REI Powderhound Bibs also feature a chest pocket and thigh pockets for plenty of storage, but the other REI bib we tested, the First Chair Bib, lacks a chest pocket and only has two velcro thigh pockets (although one also includes a zipper for more security). As far as pants go, the Columbia Bugaboo II has several pocket options that are appropriately sized.
Good pockets can make or break a pair of ski pants, and it's nice to be able to have a few options for storing essentials.
We appreciate pants with zipper vents for cooling us down, which is discussed in more detail in the ventilation metric above. Some bibs have vents that double as a drop seat, giving you the ability to take a quick pit stop without removing your jacket or bib straps.
The REI Powderbound's drop seat zips open on both sides, with snaps at the top. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Style
Look good, feel good, ski good—or something like that. Style is part of the game when purchasing a pair of ski pants and matters more than we often acknowledge in buying decisions. While this is inherently a subjective opinion, we consulted with friends and current trends to identify pants that can take you from the slopes straight to the après scene and beyond, considering colors, sizing options, and the pants' overall look.
The Flylow Foxy Bib and the The North Face Freedom Pant come in a variety of different colors as well as different length options (short, regular, tall), meaning that there is sure to be an option for anyone's preference or need.
Testers loved the style and cut (and fun colors!) of the Flylow Foxy bibs. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Recently, contrasting zippers have made quite a splash in the market, along with fun prints and patterns. Some folks like to pair bright, mismatched colors, while some will opt for a matching set. Totally up to you how you show your style on the hill, and that's part of the fun! Our testers tend to gravitate towards bright colors that pop on the slopes, like the salmon pink Mammut Stoney HS Thermo. The Arc'teryx Sentinel pants have a more modern and streamlined look, giving them extra credit in this category. Pair the Sentinel with the matching jacket for extra style points.
We like the Mammut Stoney's style and color offerings. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We assessed each pair of pants for their style. Matching kits are a bonus! Credit: Kaylee Walden
How to Choose Ski Pants for Women
When choosing a pair of ski pants or bibs, consider the conditions and climate of your home mountain and how and when you like to ski. If you like to spend some days going uphill in the backcountry, it's likely you won't want to go for the warmest insulated option, since it will be tough to regulate heat. If your mountain frequently sees rain at lower elevations, you'll want to prioritize the level of waterproofing – so on and so forth.
Types of Ski Pants
Insulated Pants: These pants help keep you warm by trapping warm air around your legs with lofty insulation. Each company has different names for their insulation, which will be noted in grams. Insulated pants are best for those who get cold easily or frequently ski in colder northern latitudes.
Shell Pants: These pants have a waterproof and breathable lining, but require thoughtful layering underneath for warmth. They typically have long zippered vents to quickly regulate heat. Shells are best for high-output activities but are versatile enough, with proper layering.
Bibs: Somewhat resembling technical overalls, bibs have extended fabric that at least covers part of the abdomen and has shoulder straps. Bibs help keep snow out, offer more pockets, and prevent your pants from sliding down. These are often non-insulated, but insulated options do exist, too. We prefer a bib with a drop seat feature that allow you to unzip the backside for bathroom breaks without removing the straps.
Ski-Touring Pants: Designed for the backcountry, these pants often offer a specific beacon pocket. They also prioritize breathability and waterproofing with a two or three-layer shell. They weigh as little as possible but are often the priciest of the bunch. Softshell pants are also a great option for backcountry touring in continental snow climates, where the snow comes in drier.
Whether for a single ski vacation or seeking out backcountry descents on the regular, we've got you covered with the right ski pants. Credit: Kaylee Walden
How Important is Weather Resistance?
No matter if you're skiing at the resort or exploring the backcountry, staying warm and dry is essential. This is where proper waterproofing makes all the difference. Every pant we reviewed incorporates some level of defense against the elements – though some perform better than others. Insulated and more casual ski pants typically feature a two-layer construction, while technical shells and backcountry options rely on a three-layer design for superior performance. Additionally, a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating can be applied to virtually any fabric, helping to prevent moisture from seeping in even on the wettest of days.
Waterproofing is determined by measuring how much water can be poured over one square inch of fabric without leaking. If you live in a maritime snow climate, look for an option rated around 20,000mm. Anything over 10,000mm is considered “waterproof” – but certain wetter climates demand more.
Breathability is determined by measuring the grams of water vapor that can pass through one square meter of fabric in 24 hours. Those headed out to the backcountry should aim for an option that is rated 15,000 to 20,000 g/m2. This rating is also suitable for someone who tends to run warm. If you're a mellower skier or don't sweat much, anything around 5,000 g/m2 will be sufficient. Choosing an option with adequate ventilation will also help prevent overheating.
Testing weather resistance with full powder immersion. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Other Women's Ski Pants Worth Considering
Patagonia Powder Town Bib - We tested both the bib and pant versions of the Powder Town. Though we liked them both, the pant version is warmer (the version we tested has insulation), and we found the pants slightly more comfortable than the bibs. That said, if bibs are your jam, and you're looking for a shell pair, the Powder Town Bib is well-constructed and features watertight zippers.
Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants - Norrona makes high-end ski gear that has yet to let us down. Sure, we'll admit that an $800 pant is absolutely unnecessary for those spending a handful of days at the resort each year, but if you're a dedicated skier (and one who dips frequently into the backcountry), the Lofoten provides the protection and features you need for big days out in inclement weather.
Burton Avalon Bib - This is a stylish bib that looks and feels great on the ski hill. They didn't wow us in our water resistance test (the zippers aren't watertight), but for those bluebird days when you're looking for a comfortable bib, this is an affordable one that will get you out on the slopes with minimal fuss (and minimal wallet strain).
Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib - This lightweight shell bib is designed for the backcountry has some great features, like RECCO technology and a drop seat for quick bathroom breaks. It also performs at the top of the class for water repellency and breathability.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a great pair of ski pants can help get you out on the slopes, and we hope that our testing has helped steer you towards the right pair for you. Choosing ski gear can be daunting, especially if you're attempting to build your kit from the ground up. You'll want to start with the best ski boots for women, and a ripping pair of all-mountain skis. From there, grab a pair of cozy ski gloves and ski goggles and you're ready to hit the slopes and have some fun.
—Kaylee Walden, Sarah Sherman and Jacqueline Kearney
