Reviews You Can Rely On

The 5 Best Ski Pants for Women

We tested women's ski pants from Arc'teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, Flylow, and more to find the best options
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Best Ski Pants for Women
A few of our most recent selections, including the award-winning Sentinel pants and REI First Chair Bibs.
Thursday October 26, 2023

Seeking the best women's ski pants? Combined with nine years of testing over 37 unique models, this 2023 review includes the 15 top options of the season, tested and assessed side by side. Spending hundreds of hours on the slopes, our lady testers had sweet powder turns, faced biting cold weather, and grunted through slushy, wet conditions. We evaluated each ski pant based on six performance metrics to score each comparatively. Whether you're looking for a pant that'll go from the resort to the backcountry, keep you dry when the weather turns foul, or leave a little more change in your pocket, we've outlined the best options available for you to consider.

If you need other ski gear, fear not — we've tested it all. See the best women's ski jackets, our favorite women's ski gloves, and toastiest top-ranked women's base layers. We've also put the best women's skis and top women's ski boots to the test, too, so you can spend more time shredding and less time comparison shopping.

Editor's Note: We updated our women's ski pants article on October 26, 2023, to share some additional recommendations alongside our award winners.

Related: Best Ski Pants for Men

Top 15 Product Ratings

Displaying 6 - 10 of 15
 
Awards    Top Pick Award Best Buy Award 
Price $279.96 at Evo
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$324.50 at Backcountry
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$279.30 at Evo
Compare at 2 sellers
$269 List
$133.83 at REI
$199 List
$98.83 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Comfortable, flexible fabric, affordable, lots of featuresBombproof, venting, removable bib attachmentWaterproof, breathable, RECCOWeather resistant Gore-Tex, great value, very comfortableVery warm, good ventilation, affordable price
Cons Not completely weatherproof, gets dirty easilyStiff, priceySmall chest pocket, fit longPockets could be more functional, some elements of construction are not very weather resistantLimited style and color options, few extra features
Bottom Line Technical yet comfortable and affordable, we recommend these pants for backcountry use with occasional resort days in betweenHarsh conditions are no problem in these pantsA simple yet effective lightweight bibThis well-priced bib is an excellent value for a pant with Gore-Tex constructionSimple yet functional, this bib is an affordable option for those looking for a basic design with solid performance
Rating Categories Black Diamond Recon... Norrona Lofoten Gor... Patagonia SnowDrift... REI Co-op First Cha... REI Co-op Powderbou...
Weather Resistance (25%)
8.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
Fit and Comfort (25%)
10.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Ventilation (15%)
6.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
Warmth (15%)
4.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
9.0
Features (10%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
Style (10%)
6.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
6.0
Specs Black Diamond Recon... Norrona Lofoten Gor... Patagonia SnowDrift... REI Co-op First Cha... REI Co-op Powderbou...
Measured Weight 1.5 lbs 1.8 lbs 1.2 lbs 1.7 lbs 1.7 lbs
Waterproofing 3-layer BD.dry 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer H2No Performance Standard 2-layer Gore-Tex 2-layer Peak
Vents External thigh 3/4 outer side zips External thigh Thigh Inner thigh, outer thigh
Insulation/Lining None None None Recycled polyester 40g polyester
Main fabric 84% nylon / 16% elastane, 4-way stretch 200D nylon 70% recycled polyester, 30% polyester 100% polyester Nylon
Waistline construction Button and zip fly with removable belt Button & zip fly Bib Bib Bib
Pockets 2 zippered thigh 1 zippered hand, 2 zippered thigh, 1 zippered rear 2 zippered thigh cargo, 1 zippered chest 1 zippered chest, 2 zippered thigh 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest


Best Overall Women's Ski Pants


Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants - Women's


79
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 9.0
  • Fit and Comfort 8.0
  • Ventilation 8.0
  • Warmth 6.0
  • Features 8.0
  • Style 7.0
Insulation: Thin, brushed liner | Waterproofing: 3-layer Gore-Tex
REASONS TO BUY
Weatherproofing
Versatile for resort and backcountry use
Durability
Well-designed pockets
Color and size options (short, regular, tall)
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited pockets
Price

If you want a pant that works for everything from bluebird groomer laps to the harshest storm days in the backcountry, our top choice is the Arc'teryx Sentinel. We love these pants for many reasons — with bomber construction and incredible weather resistance, pocket space for your essentials, and fleece lining for comfort and just a bit of warmth, the Sentinel is ready for whatever you throw at it. There's space to layer up underneath them for cold resort laps, and large external leg vents dump heat when you're ski touring. We also love their sleek and tailored look.

The catch? You pay for what you get. The price point is high for a pair of pants without many techy features, but we appreciate the minimal, less frivolous approach to ski pants. If it's performance you want, you're likely to be happy with the results that the Sentinel provides. Put it this way — investing in high-quality pants now may mean you don't have to purchase ski pants again for several years. As far as women's ski pants go, we haven't found anything that checks all the boxes as well as this model does. If you don't have wiggle room in your budget, the more affordable Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell comes with four roomy pockets at a fraction of the price.

Read more: Arc'teryx Sentinel review

ski pants womens - best overall women's ski pants
Even on colder days, these non-insulated pants still kept us cozy when paired with a baselayer.

Best Overall Ski Bib


Flylow Foxy Bib


78
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 8.0
  • Fit and Comfort 8.0
  • Ventilation 9.0
  • Warmth 5.0
  • Features 9.0
  • Style 8.0
Insulation: None | Waterproofing: 3-layer Intuitive Stretch Stormshell
REASONS TO BUY
Plenty of pocket space
Drop seat
Appropriate for many functions
Burly
Exceptional ventilation
REASONS TO AVOID
External material quickly absorbs liquid

It's rare to find a product that lives up to the hype built around it, but that was our experience with the Flylow Foxy Bib. This bib has everything you'd typically want for everyday use while excelling in various conditions. With thoughtfully placed pockets (the kangaroo pocket quickly became a favorite), a drop seat for easy relief in the backcountry, and several fun color options, this bib did not disappoint. We expect this pant to handle on-snow abuse with the best of them, too, potentially providing multiple seasons of use. This bib also has the most efficient ventilation system of all pants we tested, with leg vents on the interior and exterior of the legs to shed heat quickly.

We know bibs aren't for everyone, so even this fantastic pair may not pull you over to the bib side. After extended use, the DWR coating on the Foxy Bib wore off from the pair we bought, allowing the external fabric to saturate quickly, although no water penetrated our legs. We suggest using a waterproofing wash to re-up the DWR treatment. If you're in the market for an excellent resort bib, this is our top pick. But if you're not thrilled about taking the bib route, the Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants offer excellent weather resistance in a versatile pant design.

Read more: Flylow Foxy Bib review

ski pants womens - best overall ski bib
We like the cozy kangaroo pouch as an extra handwarmer. Note -- this photo is of a past colorway, though the construction is the same.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Best Bargain Ski Bib


REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib - Women's


71
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 6.0
  • Fit and Comfort 7.0
  • Ventilation 9.0
  • Warmth 9.0
  • Features 5.0
  • Style 6.0
Insulation: 40g Polyester | Waterproofing: Peak 2-layer fabric DWR coating
REASONS TO BUY
Warmth
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited options
Few features

When testing the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib, we were impressed with how much there was to love at such a reasonable price. Simple yet functional, this bib offers most of what an average skier or rider might want while lapping a resort. Utilizing a Bluesign-approved 2-layer nylon shell with a DWR finish, this bib kept us dry during weather resistance testing and warm on cold, long chair rides. Articulated knees and hips left room to move, and the adjustable shoulder straps allowed a customizable fit.

However, at such a reasonable price, these ski pants don't include many of the bells and whistles that more expensive, technical models do. We would not recommend wearing this model for extended periods in wet climates as the 2-layer DWR finished fabric is not designed to withstand heavy rain or snow. Its small chest pocket doesn't leave much room for storing gear, though the two thigh pockets easily fit a phone. Finally, this model is only available in two colors, limiting option availability for those who value style. The Powderbound Insulated Bib is an excellent option for someone wanting a great basic model and would prefer to save a few dollars rather than have a fully feature-loaded piece of gear. Conversely, those seeking more features and more color options should look at the Flylow Foxy Bib.

Read more: REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib review

ski pants womens - best bargain ski bib
Both on and off the mountain, we found the Powderbound to be super comfy.
Credit: Russell Brouillard

Best Bargain Shell Pant


REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib Snow Pants - Women's


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 8.0
  • Fit and Comfort 8.0
  • Ventilation 7.0
  • Warmth 5.0
  • Features 7.0
  • Style 8.0
Insulation:Thin knit liner | Waterproofing: 2-layer Gore-tex
REASONS TO BUY
Great value
Supremely comfortable
Weather resistant membrane
Stylish fit
REASONS TO AVOID
Pockets could be more functional
Zippers are not waterproof

The REI First Chair GTX Bib is an extremely comfortable and well-designed bib that boasts a tough 2-layer Gore-tex membrane. We love the features loaded into this pant, particularly the large leg vent openings and the drop tail essential for backcountry bathroom breaks. However, our favorite element of this bib is the extremely reasonable price.

The downsides with this bib are minimal, but some concessions are expected from a solid pair of pants at such a great price. We wish the First Chair featured waterproof zips on the pockets and vents, as we found this a weak point for water saturation. We also want zippers on all the pockets, as we found the hook and loop closure of the exterior thigh pocket limited its usefulness. Aside from these small criticisms, we found this bib to be a great performer in its lower price range. Still, you may want more peace of mind stashing your items in water-resistant zipper pockets. If such is the case for you, the Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants is a prime pick.

Read more: REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib review

ski pants womens - best bargain shell pant
Testing the windproof elements of the REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib on a blustery day in Colorado. This budget-buy kept us quite warm and dry with the right layers.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Best for Backcountry Touring


Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell - Women's


77
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance 8.0
  • Fit and Comfort 8.0
  • Ventilation 9.0
  • Warmth 5.0
  • Features 9.0
  • Style 7.0
Insulation: None | Waterproofing: 3-layer AscentShell
REASONS TO BUY
Roomy pockets
Weather resistance
Performance-per-dollar
Comfort
Features
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited Options
One zipper didn't lie flat

The Outdoor Research Skyward II is filled with thoughtful features that backcountry skiers or riders are sure to appreciate. Lightweight, with a stretchy, 3-layer fabric, this pant is incredibly comfortable and weather-resistant during our testing. We were impressed that such a stretchy material could fight off the elements.

The Skyward II Pant also scores high in the features category, having four pockets with ample space, one of which is beacon-specific, an adjustable waistband, booster strap compatible boot gaiter, and long, large outer thigh vents to easily dump heat when you work up a sweat on the boot pack. This model is an easy choice for a backcountry adventure option, and the fact that it is reasonably priced for all it offers, especially compared to comparable options, is the icing on the cake. If you prefer bibs to pants, check out the higher-priced but similarly high-performing Outdoor Research Hemisphere Bib.

Read more: Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell review

ski pants womens - the skyward ii's adjustable waistband makes for a more customized fit.
The Skyward II's adjustable waistband makes for a more customized fit.
Credit: Eric Sales

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
79
Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants - Women's
Best Overall Women's Ski Pants
$600
Editors' Choice Award
78
Flylow Foxy Bib
Best Overall Ski Bib
$430
Editors' Choice Award
77
Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell - Women's
Best for Backcountry Touring
$329
Top Pick Award
77
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bib - Women's
$649
75
Backcountry Cottonwoods Gore-Tex Bib - Women's
$399
75
Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pant - Women's
$400
75
Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants - Women's
$649
74
Patagonia SnowDrifter Bib - Women's
$399
73
REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib Snow Pants - Women's
Best Bargain Shell Pant
$269
Top Pick Award
71
REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib - Women's
Best Bargain Ski Bib
$199
Best Buy Award
70
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants - Women's
$269
63
The North Face Freedom Insulated - Women's
$220
57
Burton Avalon Bib
$240
56
Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant - Women's
$200
54
Columbia Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants - Women's
$120

ski pants womens - our favorite testing days for ski pants -- knee-deep pow. the...
Our favorite testing days for ski pants -- knee-deep pow. The Sentinel held up without an issue in these conditions, and more.

Why You Should Trust Us


Our team of skiing and snowboarding friends spent hours researching the top pants and bibs on the market, doing lots of deliberating before finally narrowing down the selection to the top 12 featured here. Pants were purchased and worn while sliding and riding for two months throughout California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, from Mammoth Mountain to Palisades Tahoe to Sierra-at-Tahoe, and in Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon, experiencing the whole gamut of skiing conditions. There were spring-like days, powder days, and days where the snow fell more like rain. To ensure each pant received a thorough inspection, specific tests were also conducted. For example, every pair was put through a shower test for waterproofing. And throughout it all, notes were taken on their various attributes.

Our testing of women's ski pants is divided into six specific rating metrics:
  • Weather Resistance (25% of total score weighting)
  • Fit and Comfort (25% weighting)
  • Ventilation (15% weighting)
  • Warmth (15% weighting)
  • Features (10% weighting)
  • Style (10% weighting)

Since 2014, Sarah Sherman has worked in the ski and snowboard industry as a ski and snowboard instructor, marketing professional, photographer, and journalist. Regularly spending more than 100 days a season on snow and a self-proclaimed "gear nerd," there are few things she enjoys more than shop talk and helping others find the right gear for their needs. Throughout her experience, she has learned what makes a product great or bad, as well as which products suit different kinds of skiers and riders. She aims to provide all of the necessary information to get the right product in your hands so that you can have the best days out there ever.

Reviewer Jackie Kearney is a snow and avalanche professional who calls the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado home. For the last decade, she has been skiing in and out of bounds here as much as one human could. Professionally, she has worked as a ski patroller in Lake Tahoe, California, and Telluride, Colorado, and as a ski guide in the San Juan Mountains. With so many hours on skis, she certainly knows a thing or two about what gear does and doesn't work.

The OutdoorGearLab shower test in full effect.
The OutdoorGearLab shower test in full effect.
Getting some early season rips in the Lofoten ski pants.
Getting some early season rips in the Lofoten ski pants.
Our favorite way to test pants for warmth... In fresh snow.
Our favorite way to test pants for warmth... In fresh snow.

Analysis and Test Results


Each pair of pants and bibs was tested and ranked using our six rating metrics. Be sure to pay attention to each rating and reasoning as you go along, as certain metrics may be of more importance to you than others. For example, if you want a pant for ski touring, you won't mind if a pant earned lower marks in the warmth metric, as you probably want an uninsulated one.


Value


When it comes to ski pants, it can be hard to discern what justifies such a range in price. What is the difference between a low-priced product and a top-shelf, high-dollar one? We dove into the question in our testing, trying out pairs across the price spectrum and analyzing what made them great or not.

The results were pretty straightforward. If you are looking for a pair of pants to get you through a couple of days a season that will keep you warm and function well, then it usually doesn't make sense to spend a ton. The REI Powderbound Insulated Bib might serve you well in that situation. It may not be the most durable long-term, but what you get for the price will allow you to enjoy most days at the resort you might encounter. We recommend the Arc'teryx Sentinel Pant if you want a more long-term investment. Though it is on the high side of the price spectrum, durability provides value in the long run. These are a pair you can expect to put through the wringer and still get quality performance season after season. If you're looking to explore the backcountry, we recommend the Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant, which we found to be both reasonably priced while also fully loaded with features to keep you dry and comfortable both up and downhill.

Weather Resistance


Weather resistance was the most important metric we considered during testing, meaning it significantly affected a pant's score. No matter what kind of day you plan on having on the mountain, staying dry is a key factor in your overall comfort and happiness. Nothing ruins a fun day quicker than soggy pants.


To test weather resistance, we not only wore the pants out in all kinds of conditions (sun, very wet snow, and cold powdery days) but put each pair through our "shower test"—two minutes of constant water exposure in the shower, testing zippers, seams, and overall waterproofing.

There were very few surprises during this testing process—we typically found that the higher-end pants generally performed better than the rest. The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Shell Pant came out on top. This model seemed to shed water like an umbrella and, even after two minutes in the shower, felt almost completely dry after a good shake-off. Following close behind were the technical, high-end pants, including the Arc'teryx Sentinel, the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bib, the Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant, and the Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib. These pants all received strong scores for weather resistance with zero leakage during testing and limited water absorption.

ski pants womens - shower testing the weather resistance of the or hemispheres. our...
Shower testing the weather resistance of the OR Hemispheres. Our shower test didn't phase them at all, as the water simple beaded up and ran off the outer fabric, and didn't seep through the waterproof zippers.

The Flylow Foxy Bib had no water leakage inside, but the external material seemed to absorb water and felt heavy to wear, taking on liquid. Similarly, the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant had a supple face fabric that quickly absorbed water. The Burton Avalon Bib did not bode well during testing, with water seeping through its zippers. Finally, and notably, the REI Powderbound Insulated Bib and REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib held up well for their price points with no leakage and minimal water absorption on the outer fabric and non-waterproof zippers.

ski pants womens - water seeped through the zipper seams into the inside of the pockets...
Water seeped through the zipper seams into the inside of the pockets of the Avalon during our intense shower tests.

Fit and Comfort


When you're on the mountain, the last thing you want to be bothered by is the way your outerwear fits and feels. You want something that feels like an extension of yourself, isn't fussy and gets the job done. This was kept in mind throughout our testing, as well as mobility and adjustability. While this metric is inherently subjective, multiple women tried on each pair of pants, comparing how they fit different body types, how the pants moved on and off the hill, and noting how often they needed adjusting.


The Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant, the Arc'teryx Sentinel, Flylow Foxy Bib and the REI Co-op First Chair scored high in the fit and comfort category, though all for different reasons. We were impressed with the incredible stretch and mobility found in the Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant during testing—Outdoor Research has created something special with their stretchy 3-layer AscentShell fabric, allowing unrestricted movement both up and downhill.

ski pants womens - touring uphill in the skyward ii pants.
Touring uphill in the Skyward II pants.
Credit: Eric Sales

The Foxy Bib was not only simple to get on with easily adjusted straps, but once they were on, it was easy to forget they were there. The straps remained in place throughout rigorous testing and did not need constant adjusting, as other bibs sometimes did. The legs were roomy with plenty of space for layering, and the material felt comfortable and soft. One tester with wider hips noted that she would probably size up as the material tapers at the hips into the waist.

ski pants womens - it's a hard job, but someone's got to do it. out testing and...
It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it. Out testing and shredding in the comfy and well-fitting Foxy Bib.
Credit: David Williams

The REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib impressed us for similar reasons. The wide suspender straps were comfortable and stayed snuggly in place throughout testing. The stretch of the pants and a thoughtful, stretchy, knit back panel meant that this bib never felt too restrictive on our torso.

ski pants womens - the rise, taper and stretch of the rei co-op first chair gtx bib...
The rise, taper and stretch of the REI Co-op First Chair GTX bib gave it high marks in the fit and comfort realms.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

The Patagonia models also ranked high in fit and comfort, thanks to their super soft, buttery inner lining. Putting these pants on felt like putting on a cloud, and they remained comfortable throughout skiing. On the other end of the spectrum, the Burton Avalon Bib scored fairly low. The bib material felt stretchy and comfortable, even with the legs of the bib being a slimmer fit, but they ultimately scored low due to sizing and mobility. The pants fit longer than others tested and consistently unzipped on the sides when testers bent at the waist.

The Norrona Lofoten Pant scored in the middle of the ranks—it remained comfortable with a baggy fit, but its stiff material felt bulky at times. The Columbia Bugaboo Pant and Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant both ran a little large in the waist. Still, the hook and loop adjustments remedied this fit issue.

ski pants womens - zipping up the top bib, which is removable on the lofoten.
Zipping up the top bib, which is removable on the Lofoten.

Ventilation


Ventilation, similar to warmth, is a metric that matters depending on your preference. Those who ski tour or hike inbounds to less-traveled objectives should pay more attention to ventilation. While some pants are designed to provide added heat to escape the elements, many are designed to provide merely a layer of protection from wind and precipitation while allowing you to regulate your body heat with vents. This is especially important while ski touring or on days when temperatures are warmer and the sun is out. To test the ventilation of different pants, we measured the vents on each pair and tried them out in practice.


The Flylow Foxy Bib ranked highly in this category, as they have inner and outer leg vents, allowing maximum airflow through the pants. Some skiers may never need this level of airflow, so we don't consider vents on both sides of each leg a must-have. However, testers who preferred high ventilation levels noted that the inner and outer leg vent combo was awesome. The Foxy Bib's upper body portion doesn't vent very well, though.

This is followed by the Norrona Lofoten Pant, which has vents that begin at the boot and go almost up the side of the pant. This is complemented by two-way zippers, allowing a customizable vent size. The Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib also ranked highly, with large outer vents that dual zippers, similar to the long and sufficient vents on the Sentinel and the Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant, can also adjust.

ski pants womens - our testers found the sentinel pants to dump all the heat we needed...
Our testers found the Sentinel pants to dump all the heat we needed at the resort and on the way up in the backcountry.

Finally, it is worth noting that many insulated pants come with basic venting and score lower in this category. Ventilation openings on the inside of the leg, like in the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant, provide less airflow than on the outside. Those vents covered with a mesh lining inhibit airflow as well. Those mesh linings keep snow from entering deep powder or a tumble, but most of our testers preferred the free and open vents. Unless it's a particularly warm day, we generally zip up any vents when heading downhill. The Columbia Bugaboo Pant came with no venting.

ski pants womens - utilizing the outer thigh vents on the skyward ii pant.
Utilizing the outer thigh vents on the Skyward II Pant.
Credit: Eric Sales

Warmth


On a cold winter day, having a pair of pants that will keep your legs warm can make all the difference. However, not all pants are designed to be warm. Shell pants are meant to be lightweight and paired with base layers for warmth when needed. With that in mind, it's worth noting that insulated pants will inherently score higher in this category, and shells will score lower. We recommend considering the typical temperatures at your favorite resorts or ski locale when deciding what level of insulation and warmth you need. A low warmth score does not necessarily indicate a poorly performing pair of pants. To measure warmth, we tested pants in various conditions, including early cold mornings when temperatures reached well below freezing, windy chairlifts, and during hike sessions to get fresh powder.


The North Face Freedom Pant, the REI Powderbound Bib, and the Patagonia Powder Town all perform well in colder temperatures thanks to their insulation. We liked the sleeping bag style baffled insulation of the Powder Town, which helped to keep the insulation evenly distributed in the pant. The Burton Avalon Bib is listed as a shell product but is lined with a thick material that still provides some warmth, earning a higher score than other shell options. These models listed above would be best for those looking for added warmth on a cold resort day.

The Arc'teryx Sentinel is lined with a thin, fleece-like fabric that adds warmth to this shell pant. Testers noted that this made the pants feel less cold and more comfortable when worn without a pair of long underwear underneath. It is worth noting that, again, most technical shells scored low in this metric, such as the lightweight, 3-layer Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant, which have no insulation. Warmth is up to the layering ability of the user for these shells, which many skiers and snowboarders prefer.

Features


Sometimes it's the little things that separate a great product from a mediocre one, and this is certainly the case when it comes to ski pants. A thoughtfully placed pocket, an added buckle, a key clip, RECCO technology — these are all features that can make a difference in your overall experience when wearing a pair of pants or bibs. To rate this, each pair of pants was thoroughly inspected to note each feature offered and its practicality.


One pair of pants that ranked scored well was the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pant. Coming with a removable belt, an avalanche beacon-specific pocket, RECCO technology, gussets, and leg gaiters, these pants are filled with features for those looking for an out-of-bounds adventure. Similarly, the backcountry-designed Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bib ranked high in the features category, with all the pockets one could want (both thighs, a kangaroo pocket, and a chest pocket), including an avalanche beacon specific space. They also notably have a drop seat for necessary breaks in the backcountry (or making resort bathroom breaks easier), an easily overlooked but much-appreciated feature.

The upper body portion of the Hemispheres Bib is well-designed with...
The upper body portion of the Hemispheres Bib is well-designed with useful features.
The drop seat of the Hemispheres Bib.
The drop seat of the Hemispheres Bib.

The Hemispheres also features a ski strap slot to adjust your boots without having to take off the internal gaiters—a thoughtful touch that was also found in the similarly ranked Arc'teryx Sentinel and another Outdoor Research product that scored high in this category, the Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant. The Skyward II Pant comes with all but the bib-specific features of the Hemispheres. The Patagonia Powder Town had notably functional gaiters, with lace loops and a lace hook that truly kept snow out on various boot types. The Sentinel Pant additionally comes equipped with a key clip and large, articulated pockets. Finally, it has a low-profile, removable belt that some of our testers liked.

ski pants womens - lace loops on gaiters can add a very valuable extra level of...
Lace loops on gaiters can add a very valuable extra level of protection in deep snow.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

The Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib comes with RECCO technology, and the bib design allows drop seat access from either the left or right side, but they're otherwise fairly simple. The Norrona Lofoten Pant comes with a zip-on attachment that allows them to work as a bib, but it lacks the drop seat that is now featured on many bib designs.

The Burton Avalon Bib has a chest pocket and two thigh pockets, but the thigh pockets do not come with zippers, which resulted in a lower score since testers felt uncomfortable storing valuables in them. For similar reasons, the single non-zippered pocket on the REI Co-op First Chair Bib detracted from its pocket functionality. The Flylow Foxy Bib came fully equipped with plenty of pocket space, featuring a chest pocket, kangaroo pocket, and two roomy thigh pockets that could easily fit a beacon, a beer, or a phone for music. The other pants' features are generally basic, with sometimes an extra pocket or two for aesthetic purposes.

ski pants womens - checking out features like pocket size.
Checking out features like pocket size.
Credit: Claire Gibson

Style


Feel good, ski good—or something like that. Style is part of the game when purchasing a pair of ski pants and matters more than we often acknowledge in buying decisions. While this is inherently a subjective opinion, we consulted with friends and current trends to identify pants that can take you from the slopes straight to the après scene and beyond, considering colors, sizing options, and the pant's overall look.


Topping the charts in this category is the Burton Avalon Bib. This pant was designed with style in mind, looking casual and similar to regular everyday overalls. The Flylow Foxy Bib and the The North Face Freedom Pant come in a variety of different colors as well as different length options (short, regular, tall), meaning that there is sure to be an option for anyone's preference or need.

Recently, taped and contrasting zippers have made quite a splash in the market, and we are seeing them on more and more products. Pants like the Norrona Lofoten and the Arc'teryx Sentinel have a more modern and streamlined look, giving them extra credit in this category.

Some pants like the REI Powderbound Insulated Bib Snow Pant and the Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib are only offered in very limited color options, so they scored lower.

ski pants womens - calling a wrap on a fun day of skiing in the stylin' avalon bib from...
Calling a wrap on a fun day of skiing in the stylin' Avalon Bib from Burton.

Conclusion


Ultimately, your personal preferences should take precedence in your purchase decision. However, we hope our detailed review can help you make the best-informed decision. Not everyone can be expected to rigorously test each pair of pants before buying to find out what is best for them, but we are happy to do it for you and share the results. We hope these reviews allow you to spend less time in the fitting room and more time on the mountain.

Sarah Sherman and Jacqueline Kearney