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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.
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.
Our top picks
Best insulated ski pants for women: Marmot Women’s Slopestar Pants
If you prefer insulation for your days on the mountain, the PrimaLoft® Black Insulation ECO adds warmth without making you look bulky. Reviewers love the adjustable waist and that these ski pants err on the side of mid-rise as opposed to the popular high-rise.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - XL
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Insulation type: Synthetic
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 3
- Price at time of publish: $174.95
What we like:
- Taped seams keep water out
- Zippered leg vents make taking boots on and off easy
- More affordable than similar options
- Reviewers mention deep pockets
What we don’t like:
- May run small
- Limited sizes
The bottom line:
An affordable pair of ski pants guaranteed to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable.
Slopestar Insulated Pant - Women's
Best budget ski pants for women: 33,000 Women’s Softshell Snow Pants
If you’re looking to get into skiing but not ready to make a significant investment, these 33,000 Women’s Softshell Snow Pants are the way to go. They have the style and fit of ski pants at a higher price point, but they lack some of the features, like venting, which can come in handy when you’re working up a sweat.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 4 - 16, Regular and Short
- Weight: 1.26 pounds
- Insulation type: Synthetic, fleece-lined
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 9
- Price at time of publish: $49.99
What we like:
- Elastic waistband
- Velcro around the ankle to keep pants in place
- Zippered pockets to keep valuables secure
What we don’t like:
- No venting
The bottom line:
An all-around great ski pant for a beginner skier.
33,000ft Women's Softshell Snow Pants Waterproof Warm Ski pants Insulated Ripstop Snowboard Winter Pants Black
Best ski bib for women: Halfdays Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant
Halfdays is one of my favorite brands right now because of the Murphy Ski Suit, a stylish vintage-inspired one-piece—and these ski bibs (the term for overall-style ski pants) just made me love the brand more! The Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pants fit like a good pair of yoga pants and feature comfortable stretch throughout the bibs. This woman-owned company has thought of everything, including side zips to make it easier to slide the bibs over your hips, but still accommodating a smaller waist.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - 2X, Regular and Short
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Insulation type: Synthetic, fleece-lined
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 7
- Price at time of publish: $355
What we like:
- Woman-owned company
- Short inseams available
- Slim fit
What we don’t like:
- No easy-off option for bathroom breaks
The bottom line:
A stylish and uber comfortable pair of slim fit ski bibs.
Halfdays Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant
Best backcountry ski pants for women: Patagonia PowSlayer Pants
Patagonia is no stranger to the snow industry, and these ski pants show why. Designed for backcountry skiing, the PowSlayer pants will keep you dry in all scenarios while still providing the range of motion you need for the best day on the slopes. Patagonia also made our list for the best down jackets and the best winter jackets and coats, making the brand a top pick for anything outdoors-related in winter.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - XL
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Insulation type: None
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 3
- Price at time of publish: $599
What we like:
- Lightweight and packable
- GORE-TEX Pro fabric is waterproof, windproof, and breathable
- Structured for increased range of motion
- Watertight zippers and elastic ankle gaiters keep snow out
What we don’t like:
- Run large
- Not insulated making them less-than-ideal for very cold resort skiing
- Likely an investment only frequent skiers will want to make
The bottom line:
The ultimate ski pant to stay dry during backcountry adventures.
Patagonia PowSlayer Pants
Best softshell ski pants for women: Obermeyer Women’s Snell OTB Soft-Shell Bib Pants
Softshell ski pants—which are water-resistant and offer better ventilation than hardshell ski pants—are great for resort skiing and ensuring you’re warm, cozy, and dry, and the Obermeyer Snell OTB Softshell Bib Pants check all the boxes. Many reviewers who identify as plus size or curvy love the fit of these bibs as opposed to the more common boxy fit of other ski pant options.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 2 - 14, Regular, Short, Long
- Weight: 1.26 pounds
- Insulation type: Synthetic, fleece-lined
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 2
- Price at time of publish: $250
What we like:
- Stylish and flattering fit
- Fleece lining for additional warmth
- 4-way stretch
- Wide range of sizes
What we don’t like:
- Runs small
- No pockets
The bottom line:
A great pair of ski bibs for a day of resort skiing, with a great fit for curvier bodies.
Obermeyer Women's Snell OTB Softshell Pants
Most breathable ski pants for women: Arc’teryx Sentinel Pant
If you tend to overheat on your run and struggle to cool off, the Arc’teryx Sentinel Pant is a great option. These ski pants feature some of the largest thigh vents I’ve seen to help you cool off quickly without sacrificing water-resistance thanks to the breathable 3L GORE-TEX. Arc’teryx also makes a great fleece jacket for men, in case you’re in the market for that purchase.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 00 - 12, Regular, Short, Tall
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Insulation type: None; flannel liner
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 5
- Price at time of publish: $600
What we like:
- Double zips for maximum ventilation
- Integrated system available with Arc’teryx jackets
- Large pockets
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
A highly-vented pair of ski pants to keep you cool and dry.
Arc’teryx Sentinel Pant
Best slim-fitting ski pants for women: North Face Women’s Snoga Pants
These North Face Snoga Pants are currently on my wish list. These look just like my favorite pair of yoga pants, and reviewers say they are just as comfortable! A chimney-style venting system, which draws cool air into lower leg vents and pushes hot air out upper thigh vents for ultimate temperature regulation, helps keep you cool in these hot pants.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 00 - 16, Regular, Short, Long
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Insulation type: None
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 8
- Price at time of publish: $230
What we like:
- Yoga pant-style fit
- Chimney Venting™ system for continuous airflow
- Concealed-zip waist pocket
What we don’t like:
- Run very small
- Waistband is not adjustable
The bottom line:
A trendy yoga pant-style ski pant that keeps you cool.
North Face Women’s Snoga Pants
Best ski pants for beginners: North Face Freedom Insulated Pants
The North Face Freedom Insulated pants are the perfect fit for a beginner. It has excellent features like recycled synthetic insulation, three zippered pockets, a straight leg fit to fit over ski boots, and a variety of colors and sizes to choose from. This is a starter ski pant if I’ve ever seen one!
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - 3XL, Regular, Short, Long
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Insulation type: Synthetic
- Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: 31
- Price at time of publish: $220
What we like:
- Recycled Heatseeker™ Eco insulation
- Waistband has belt loops and adjustable tabs
- Chimney Venting™ system for continuous airflow
- Straight leg fit makes them versatile for many situations
What we don’t like:
- Thin material, but good for layering
The bottom line:
A basic ski pant with all the features to help you graduate from the bunny slope to black diamonds.
Women’s Freedom Insulated Pants
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.
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