Best Ski Pants for Women: 8 Options to Help You Look Cool and Stay Warm

When I decided to start skiing, I couldn't wait to pick out the skiing outfit of my dreams. It needed to be functionally up to par, but it also had to transition to après-ski easily. The jacket was easy, and then I got to my ski pants. There were bibs or pants, insulted or not insulated, different silhouettes—I couldn't decide! So, I took the guesswork out of your ski pant shopping by breaking down some of my favorites and their pros and cons. Read on to find the best ski pants for women to ensure you have the best ski season yet in 2024.

Our top picks

What to consider when buying ski pants for women

Waterproofing

Staying dry is a crucial part of staying warm, so it’s one of the first things you’ll want to consider when buying your ski pants. How waterproof or water resistant you need your gear to be depends on the regions you are skiing in the most. If you’re frequenting warmer and wetter areas (think the Pacific Northwest), you’ll want more waterproof pants than if you are skiing in colder, drier climates like the Northeast.

Warmth

This one will come down a lot to personal preference—some people tend to run hotter or colder. I love a shell pant because it allows you to customize your layers. Typically, unlined pants are only meant for backcountry skiing where weight is a top concern, though if you’re sticking to the groomers and prefer a lighter pair they will certainly do the trick. Insulated pants are also a great option to provide consistent warmth. The most important thing to keep in mind is that keeping your legs warm is secondary to keeping your core warm—a warm core keeps a warm body!

Breathability

Believe it or not, you can really work up a sweat skiing! Breathability is important to keep you from getting too sweaty, which can cause a chill that is hard to shake. Breathable ski pants will allow the heat to escape and manage your overall temperature.

How did we select the best ski pants for women

I chose the best ski pants for women by searching through the top options on the market and analyzing their materials, benefits, and reviews to determine which ski pants for women are the best.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the best pants to wear to a ski resort?

At a ski resort, you’re spending a lot of time skiing, but you’re also spending a lot of time on the lift and in lines. To account for the changes in intensity, I recommend opting for hardshell ski pants with some insulation and ventilation to stay comfortable and warm when your activity varies.

What ski pants are the warmest?

If warmth is your key concern, you will want to look for ski pants that have insulation. Many of them have a thin lining, and much of the warmth comes from the layers you wear underneath, but insulated ski pants will keep you warm no matter what your base layer is.

Should I get softshell or insulated ski pants?

It really comes down to personal preference. You’ll find experienced skiers who will point you in either direction. Softshells may be a better option if you ski in variable conditions and want to control the level of warmth and insulated might be better if you’re skiing in consistent, cold conditions.

Do you need to wear leggings under ski pants?

Yes, you should wear some type of base under your ski pants. Many people gravitate towards leggings or long underwear to stay warm. If leggings aren’t your style, you can always look into the best sweatpants for women to stay comfortable.