To test which pants truly deserved the title of best women's ski pants, our testing team, of course, went skiing.
From Mammoth Mountain to Palisades Tahoe, Snowbird to Telluride, and even in the backcountry, we put these pants through the wringer. But that doesn't tell the entire story of our detailed process. We tested each pair of pants for a number of thoughtfully constructed metrics, both on and off the hill, that together outline the different aspects of what makes a pant great, or not.
Weather Resistance
When Mother Nature didn't provide the perfect testing conditions, we created our own. Each pair of pants was not only put through a range of real-world harsh weather on the mountain, but also subjected to a controlled shower test: This involved a laughable two minutes, where our testers wore the pants while being drenched with water, evaluating how well the seams, zippers, and fabric held up against prolonged exposure. We also tested them in blustery conditions to assess their wind resistance and overall protection from the elements.
Fit and Comfort
With the wide range of body types, evaluating fit can be a bit subjective. Still, comfort is key for everyone — no matter their shape or size. To get a well-rounded view, we asked as many friends as possible to try on pants and had a testing team of different body types. We assessed if any elements of the fit made them uncomfortable or didn't work well for certain bodies.
Ventilation
For testing ventilation, we first examined the vents on each pair of pants and bibs and used them in the mountains. The most effective testing for this metric came on warm, spring-like days when proper airflow was essential to avoid overheating. We also assessed breathability and venting capabilities during the uphill in the backcountry, where good temperature regulation is crucial to the pant's performance.
Warmth
To test warmth, each pair of pants was worn in cold, snowy conditions to assess how they enabled the wearer to retain heat. Cold chair lifts, check. We even went so far as to sit in the snow directly in an effort to see how they did with direct contact with the cold.
Features
To evaluate this metric, we simply observed what each pant or bib included and how well those elements functioned. A pair of pants with more specific functions, thoughtfully placed pockets, or add-ons like RECCO Technology and fancy gaiters would score higher here. Some pants have pockets that are more style than function, while others have pockets that do both. Understandably, pockets that worked the best scored higher here.
Style
Style is personal and subjective, but we aimed to make it a little more measurable. We didn't just look at how the pants looked overall; we also considered how much variety they offered. Pants that came in different sizes to fit more body types or had a bunch of color options got higher marks. The more choices, the better! We also took into account the design—things like modern cuts, a good fit, and those little stylish details that make a difference for people who want both performance and style. We also awarded higher points to pants that got a lot of compliments while we were out on the slopes.