To determine which pairs truly deserved the title of best women's ski pants, our team (of course) went skiing.
From Colorado to California, Utah to Alaska, lift lines and backcountry objectives, we put these pants to the test. But, that doesn't tell the full story of our process: We put each pair of pants through objective tests in the lab. We assessed them against important metrics, that together align to make a pair of ski pants truly great.
Weather Resistance
Each pair of pants was not only subjected to a range of real-world harsh weather, but went through a controlled shower test. This involved two minutes of direct spray, where our (giggling) testers wore the pants while being drenched with water. This allowed us to evaluate how well the seams, zippers, and fabric held up against prolonged moisture exposure. We also tested them in biting winds and high gusts to assess their wind resistance and overall protection from the elements.
Fit and Comfort
We know from testing women's ski pants for a decade now, that fit is highly subjective and personalized. 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 assessed their effectiveness in practice. The best testing for this metric came on warm, spring-like days when proper airflow was essential to avoid overheating. We also assessed the properties and breathability of the fabrics themselves. and We continued to test venting capabilities during the uphill in the backcountry, where good temperature regulation is crucial to a pant's performance. Though not everyone will use their ski pants in the backcountry, this helps us determine how well they function in the most demanding environments.
Warmth
To test warmth, we donned each pair of pants in as cold and snowy conditions as we could find to assess how they well they retained heat. Cold chair lift rides, check. Early morning shoveling, check. Insulated pairs scored highest here, with an added boost of warmth for those sub-zero days.
Features
To evaluate this metric, we took stock which features each pant and bib included and how well they functioned. A pair of pants with more technical design elements, useful waist adjustment, or add-ons like RECCO Technology and fancy gaiters would score higher here. Pockets were a major consideration as well: How many, how large and how effective were they? Some pants have pockets that are more style than function, while others have pockets that do both. Pockets with the most capacity and best placement scored highest here, with bonus points for cozy fleece lining.
Style
Style is highly 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 color and variety the manufacturer 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. Aspects like modern cuts, a good fit, and little stylish details that make a difference for people who want both performance and style gained more points. We also considered which pairs garnered us compliments while we were out on the slopes.