Reviews You Can Rely On

The 5 Best Ski Pants of 2024

We compare men's ski pants from Arc'teryx, The North Face, Norrona, Patagonia, and others to find the best for your needs
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Best Ski Pants of 2024
We tested a ton of new ski pants in 2024.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor
Wednesday January 17, 2024

We have been buying and comparing ski pants for the last 10 years, having tested 58 pairs along the way. This review covers 19 of the best ski pants available, based on in-depth testing in wintery ski climates from Jackson Hole to Lake Tahoe to the Colorado Rockies. Sometimes the powder gods delivered, and other times we made tracks on corduroy. The ideal ski pants should function to fit comfortably, keep you dry, vent excess heat, keep you warm on the lifts, and have handy features, all while offering style points. We score each pair on these merits, resulting in a detailed assessment to guide you to your next pair.

See our detailed assessment of the best ski pants for women authored by our expert female testing team. We also have reviews of the best men's ski jackets to go with your pants. We've tested a ton of the best ski gear to take the guesswork out of your purchases, whether it's a new pair of ski goggles or a new pair of skis.

Editor's Note: We updated our ski pants article on January 17, 2024, with a selection of new products and some revisions to perennial favorites.

Related: Best Ski Pants for Women

Top 19 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 19
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Awards Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award   Top Pick Award 
Price $479.93 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$539 List
$323.40 at Backcountry
$329.40 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$224.50 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$123.83 at REI
Compare at 4 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
87
84
81
76
75
Star Rating
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Pros Immaculate weather protection, excellent fit, fleecy liningComfortable, weather resistant, great features, excellent priceWeather resistant, great fit, good features and styleGreat protection, comfort, ventilation, and styleComfortable, breathable, good looks, great features
Cons Expensive, light on featuresNot warm, less durable than other hardshell pantsExpensive, not warm, vents have meshNot warm, few pocketsNot warm or weather resistant
Bottom Line The best ski pants on the marketThese best-in-class bibs feature a comfortable fit and excellent weather resistanceExcellent hardshell ski pants, thanks to their fit, weather resistance, freeride style, and durabilityThese light and protective hardshell pants are the best option for backcountry skiingThe best softshell pants on the market for ski touring and fair-weather resort days
Rating Categories Arc'teryx Sabre Pant Mammut Haldigrat HS... Norrona Lofoten Gor... Patagonia Stormstri... Outdoor Research Tr...
Weather Resistance (25%)
10.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
5.0
Fit and Comfort (25%)
9.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
Ventilation (20%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Warmth (10%)
6.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
Features (10%)
7.0
6.0
9.0
7.0
10.0
Style (10%)
10.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Specs Arc'teryx Sabre Pant Mammut Haldigrat HS... Norrona Lofoten Gor... Patagonia Stormstri... Outdoor Research Tr...
Main fabric Nylon Polyamide 70D x 160D 100% recycled nylon 100% Nylon Nylon/Polyester/Spandex
Insulation None None None None None
Waterproofing Gore-Tex Drytech Pro 3-layer Gore-Tex H2No Ventia 3L Lower Legs
Waistline construction Integrated belt Bibs Snap/zipper fly with adjustable velcro waist tabs Snap/zipper fly with adjustable tabs Snap/zipper fly with adjustable tabs
Weight (in pounds) 1.28 lbs 1.34 lbs 1.44 lbs 1.05 lbs 1.64 lbs
Weight (in grams) 581 g 608 g 653 g 476 g 744 g
# of Pockets 2 3 3 2 5
Vents Outer thigh zips Outer thigh zips Outer thigh zips Outer thigh zips Outer thigh zips
Ski-specific features Scuff guards, transceiver pocket, elastic gaiters, integrated belt Transceiver pocket, cell phone slot, elastic gaiters, scuff guards Reinforced interior ankle, snap-in solution for powderskirt, gaiters Scuff guards, gaiters, 3-setting snap adjustment and zipper at bottom cuffs Elastic cuffs, scuff guard, transceiver pocket, gussetted ankle zipper
Recco Yes No No Yes No


Best Overall Ski Pants


Arc'teryx Sabre Pant


87
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 10.0
  • Fit and Comfort 9.0
  • Ventilation 8.0
  • Warmth 6.0
  • Features 7.0
  • Style 10.0
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Pro | Pockets: 2
REASONS TO BUY
Protective in all weather
Amazing fit
Thoughtful features
Great style
REASONS TO AVOID
High price
Stiff shell fabric

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. This uninsulated hardshell pant offers premium features to keep the weather out, like waterproof zippers, taped seams, and protective Gore-Tex Pro fabric. We love the fit and the range of motion. The Sabre pant is comfortable without being too baggy and has a great set of features.

These pants are just a shell; there is no insulation except for a thin fleece lining, so you'll need to have your underlayers dialed to stay warm on cold days. And, of course, not everyone needs such a pricey, high-performing pant to hit the slopes in, and we tested other pants that get the job done well for a lower cost. You can save a few bucks with the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated without compromising much performance. Overall, though, the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is a durable pant and our favorite shell ski pant we tested.

Read more: Arc'teryx Sabre Pant review

Testing the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant during a chilly day on the slopes.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Best Overall Bib Pant


Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib


84
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 10.0
  • Fit and Comfort 10.0
  • Ventilation 8.0
  • Warmth 4.0
  • Features 6.0
  • Style 8.0
Waterproofing: DRYtechnology Pro | Pockets: 3
REASONS TO BUY
Weather resistant
Nice fit and style
Great breathability
REASONS TO AVOID
Not warm
Expensive

If you're looking for an awesome bib pant, the Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib is one of the most comfortable pants we've ever worn, with great weather resistance and excellent style. The material is a bit more breathable and stretchier than a normal shell pant, yet still very waterproof. The stretch factor lends to their comfort, and their athletic fit provides a great range of motion. Plus, they look great.

These shells aren't as heavy-duty and stiff as most Gore-Tex pants, and they won't hold up to as much abuse from sharp objects and tree branches. As far as bibs go, these are on the minimalist side. 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 users in the market for bibs will be impressed by the Haldigrat. It offers nearly as much weather resistance as most other bibs, with much better comfort and versatility, at a relatively low price. If you're looking for an even more affordable bib, take a look at the Outdoor Research Carbide Bib.

Read more: Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib review

ski pants - testing the mammut haldigrat hs bib in early-season conditions in...
Testing the Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib in early-season conditions in Colorado.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Best Bang for the Buck


Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated


68
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 7.0
  • Fit and Comfort 8.0
  • Ventilation 5.0
  • Warmth 7.0
  • Features 7.0
  • Style 6.0
Waterproofing: HellyTech| Pockets: 3
REASONS TO BUY
Awesome performance-per-dollar
Lots of color options
Protective enough
Comfy while skiing
REASONS TO AVOID
Bland style
Small vents

The Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated is the best bargain on the market. They are highly weather-resistant, warm-ish, and durable, and they 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 bargain that gets the job done and then some. Across the board, they perform adequately for most needs at the resort while looking and feeling great.

These pants don't deliver the same performance as the best pants on the market, but they perform well across the board and are a great option for users who don't need all the bells and whistles but who still want to remain warm, dry, and comfortable while skiing. Their value can't be beaten. If you're looking for the ultimate in warmth and performance, check out the Arc'teryx Sabre

Read more: Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated review

Testing the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated on the ski slopes.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Best Bargain for Bibs


The North Face Freedom Bib


61
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 7.0
  • Fit and Comfort 7.0
  • Ventilation 5.0
  • Warmth 4.0
  • Features 6.0
  • Style 6.0
Waterproofing: DryVent 2L | Pockets: 5
REASONS TO BUY
Good weather resistance
Comfortable
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
OK pockets
Lacks style
Not much warmth

The The North Face Freedom Bib is an affordable, protective pant that has plenty of performance for most resort skiers. It has a waterproof fabric and completely covers the torso, preventing snow from getting into your base layers on deep powder days. The bib is comfortable enough for active skiing and riding and comes at a great price.

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 that they aren't waterproof and don't keep your valuables secure. The vents are small and not super effective. And these pants don't have the best style. Still, for users who want an inexpensive bib, these get the job done 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.

Read more: The North Face Freedom Bib review

ski pants - ripping in the north face freedom bib at the resort.
Ripping in The North Face Freedom Bib at the resort.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Best for Backcountry


Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour


75
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 5.0
  • Fit and Comfort 9.0
  • Ventilation 9.0
  • Warmth 4.0
  • Features 10.0
  • Style 8.0
Waterproofing: DWR | Pockets: 4
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable and flexible
Great pockets
Plenty of ventilation
Good style
REASONS TO AVOID
Not waterproof
Not warm

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. For most days in the backcountry, we reach for these pants before all others.

One major downside is that these pants lack a hard shell fabric and thus aren't waterproof. This is only a problem on days when the snow is really coming down or when rain is in the forecast. Otherwise, we like the breathability and comfort that come with a softshell touring pant. They aren't insulated and won't keep you warm without a baselayer underneath, but this is fine with us when we're gearing up for a day in the backcountry. Overall, these pants are our top choice for backcountry skiers and riders, and they represent a good value to boot. If you're in the market for a pair of ski pants that are more geared toward resort use, the Flylow Chemical is a great option.

Read more: Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour review

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

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
87
Arc'teryx Sabre Pant
Best Overall Ski Pants
$600
Editors' Choice Award
84
Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib
Best Overall Bib Pant
$539
Editors' Choice Award
81
Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex
$549
76
Patagonia Stormstride Pants
$449
75
Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour
Best for Backcountry
$249
Top Pick Award
70
Norrona Lyngen Flex1
$279
70
Outdoor Research Carbide Bib
$329
70
FlyLow Gear Baker Bib
$430
70
Patagonia PowSlayer
$599
69
Backcountry Cardiac Gore-Tex Pro Bib
$549
68
Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated
Best Bang for the Buck
$200
Best Buy Award
68
Spyder Dare
$300
67
The North Face Freedom Insulated
$170
66
Flylow Chemical Pant
$365
61
The North Face Freedom Bib
Best Bargain for Bibs
$250
Best Buy Award
61
REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Pant
$149
59
686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo
$230
59
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid
$325
59
Patagonia Upstride Pants
$329

ski pants - testing ski pants in the wyoming backcountry.
Testing ski pants in the Wyoming backcountry.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Why You Should Trust Us


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. Throughout the testing process, we paid attention to important attributes like warmth, ventilation, comfort, and features.

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)

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.

Day in and day out, we slogged through parking lots to test these...
Day in and day out, we slogged through parking lots to test these pants.
Skiing groomers and plowing powder were key parts of our testing...
Skiing groomers and plowing powder were key parts of our testing process.
Our testers have the experience to know where pants need to be...
Our testers have the experience to know where pants need to be flexible, and here, we perform the squat test on a pair of snug-fitting bibs.

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.


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 perform 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. That said, all of the pants in this review will protect against most weather that you encounter on the slopes, and the extra features and style found in the more expensive options are nice additions but not necessary for most skiers.

ski pants - we put these pants to the test for weeks of skiing, then continue to...
We put these pants to the test for weeks of skiing, then continue to use them after our review is published.
Credit: Jediah Porter

We found the greatest value per dollar in the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated, which are a warm, well-fitting, and comfortable pair of pants that are a bargain. 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.

ski pants - we like the helly hansen legendary insulated for everyday riding at...
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 Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour provides good value if you are in the market for a backcountry-specific pant. It has plenty of features, great comfort, awesome breathability, and a tailored fit at a price that is hard to complain about.

ski pants - enjoying some cold morning sun on the skin track while testing the...
Enjoying some cold morning sun on the skin track while testing the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

If you are looking for a pair of affordable bibs, the Outdoor Research Carbide performs nearly as well as the top products but at a much lower price. The North Face Freedom Bib is downright inexpensive and offers the best value in bibs for users who don't want to spend a lot of money.

ski pants - early season testing in the north face freedom bib.
Early season testing in The North Face Freedom Bib.
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.

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.

ski pants - with a thick hardshell fabric and waterproof zippers, the norrona...
With a thick hardshell fabric and waterproof zippers, the Norrona Lofoten is a weatherproof machine.
Credit: Sam Willits

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.

ski pants - waterproof zippers on the arc&#039;teryx sabre pant help keep water out.
Waterproof zippers on the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant help keep water out.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

The Backcountry Cardiac GORE-TEX Pro Bib Pant includes waterproof fabric all the way up the torso, like waterproof overalls that keep all weather on the outside where it belongs. They eliminate the waist opening, which is a major weak point in weather-resistant ski clothing systems. Bibs are hands down the most protective ski pants. The Flylow Baker Bibs, OR Carbide Bibs, and Patagonia PowSlayer 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.

ski pants - the burly fabric and dwr coating keep all precipitation on the...
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 and Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Pant are softshell pants that add panels of waterproof fabric in the seat and in the lower legs to bolster weather resistance without impeding breathability, but in our experience, this addition doesn't make a huge difference.

ski pants - the black diamond dawn patrol hybrid features a stretchy softshell...
The Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid features a stretchy softshell material throughout most of the pant, which is comfortable, but not waterproof.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

We will note that as prices climb increasingly higher for top-of-the-line products, plenty of less-expensive options can provide 90% of the protection of the most expensive pants. For example, the Mammut Haldigrat HS is our favorite bib, keeps the weather outside in all circumstances, and costs a lot less than Gore-Tex pants. The downright affordable The North Face Freedom Bib keeps out enough snow and rain to be useful on 95% of ski days.

ski pants - a thin, low-coverage bib covers the lower torso on the mammut...
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

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. In our testing period, we were able to have multiple body types assess all the pants. We tried to test size Medium pants, 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 will be more comfortable to wear because they will conform to the body's contours. The Norrona pants fit our testers well, and the soft shell Lyngen Flex1 is the most comfortable pants of them all, with stretchy and thin fabric. The Lofoten Gore-Tex has a slightly loose and completely unrestricted fit without feeling baggy. Both of these pants also have wide hook-and-loop flaps around the waist that help customize the fit.

ski pants - the norrona lofoten has an excellent fit that is not too tight, not...
The Norrona Lofoten has an excellent fit that is not too tight, not too loose, and perfectly tailored.
Credit: Sam Willits

The Arc'teryx Sabre is a long-time favorite of ours due to its articulated fit that is pre-curved to match the way our lower body joints move. We also love the fit of the Mammut Haldigrat HS. All of the most expensive options have well-tailored and high-end fits that are comfortable to wear.

ski pants - the arc&#039;teryx sabre pant has a great fit with solid tailoring for an...
The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant has a great fit with solid tailoring for an active stance.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

The backcountry pants in our review feel like pajamas compared to all the other options. That's a good thing because you'll spend a lot of time hiking uphill in these pants, so they need to be super comfortable. The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour and Patagonia Upstride are both more comfortable than most other ski pants on the market, but we like the Lyngen Flex1 the most among the softshell options.

ski pants - the very stretchy and comfortable norrona lyngen flex1 pants...
The very stretchy and comfortable Norrona Lyngen Flex1 pants, showing off their range of motion.
Credit: Sam Willits

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 are long exterior vents with no mesh and then 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 a lot, mesh-lined vents are probably a good option.

Long, open vents without mesh on the Patagonia PowSlayer.
Long, open vents without mesh on the Patagonia PowSlayer.
Mesh-backed vents on the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex.
Mesh-backed vents on the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex.
We prefer vents without mesh, shown on the left, compared to those with mesh backing, on the right.

The Flylow Baker Bibs, Flylow Chemical, and Backcountry Cardiac Bibs 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. These pants provide great ventilation, but the bib options have extra material around the torso that keeps warm air inside this critical area.

ski pants - vents on both sides of each leg offer the most ventilation of the...
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: Sam Willits

The long, mesh-free vents of the Arc'teryx Sabre, Outdoor Research Carbide Bib, Patagonia Stormstride Pants, Patagonia PowSlayer Pants, and Mammut Haldigrat are super effective. These pants all use three-layer shell fabrics for weather protection, which are inherently less breathable than soft shell 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.

ski pants - large, well-placed exterior thigh vents on the arc&#039;teryx sabre pant...
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.

ski pants - the waterproof stormstride provides excellent weather resistance and...
The waterproof 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 Norrona Lyngen Flex1, Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour, Patagonia Upstride, and Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Pant all utilize softshell fabric, which is much more breathable than even the most ventilated hardshell pants. These pants allow the user to work harder while spring skiing or traveling uphill through the backcountry without overheating. Softshells are our preferred pants for ski touring and ski mountaineering in fair weather.

ski pants - the norrona lyngen flex1 has a thin soft shell fabric that breathes...
The Norrona Lyngen Flex1 has a thin soft shell fabric that breathes impeccably well.
Credit: Sam Willits

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 the best long underwear underneath. So, we tested for warmth but didn't put a great deal of weight on this metric.


Our favorite insulated pant is the Spyder Dare. This product performed highly in the warmth metric while also remaining relatively comfortable and weather-resistant. When skiing in truly frigid conditions, we would reach for these pants over the others. If the temperatures are just below freezing, these pants will be too hot, and we find them too warm for most days at milder ski destinations.

ski pants - the spyder dare pants pack warm insulation into a svelte package.
The Spyder Dare pants pack warm insulation into a svelte package.
Credit: Sam Willits

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.

ski pants - a thin layer of synthetic insulation provides adequate warmth in the...
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.

ski pants - the thin, brushed fleece liner of the sabre&#039;s shell fabric adds a...
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: Sam Willits

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 OR 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. The Patagonia Upstride soft shell fabric is also relatively warm, but the thinner softshell of the Norrona Lyngen Flex1 poses a serious cold hazard if anything goes wrong and the temperatures plummet.

ski pants - the patagonia upstride is made from a thin softshell fabric that...
The Patagonia Upstride is made from a thin softshell fabric that doesn't offer much warmth.
Credit: Ben Markhart

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 Lyngen soft shell pants also share this connective feature and have four large pockets, one on each hip and one on each thigh.

ski pants - the norrona lofoten&#039;s two thigh pockets, one hip pocket, adjustable...
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.

ski pants - three pockets on the baker bib!
Three pockets on the Baker bib!
Credit: Sam Willits

The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour has many useful pockets. Two are located on the waist, one of which contains a transceiver clip and sleeve to make sure that your beacon doesn't rotate into an uncomfortable position. The other two pockets are located on the middle of the thigh and are useful for a wallet, neck gaiter, or small snack.

ski pants - the rear, thigh, and waist pockets on the outdoor research...
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.

ski pants - we think the outdoor research trailbreaker tour pants look great.
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.

ski pants - the loose and &quot;core&quot; style of flylow gear.
The loose and "core" style of Flylow Gear.
Credit: Sam willits

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.

ski pants - we think the arc&#039;teryx sabre pant looks good with a refined, classy...
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, Norrona Lyngen, Mammut Haldigrat, Patagonia PowSlayer, Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour, and Patagonia Stormstride all fit this modern look.

We love the look of the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex.
We love the look of the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex.
The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex exemplifies modern freeride style.

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.

Jeff Dobronyi