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Feb 19, 2025

The Best Ski and Snowboard Pants of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. We loved sleek, sturdy pants from brands like Stio, Flylow, and Helly Hansen. In

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We loved sleek, sturdy pants from brands like Stio, Flylow, and Helly Hansen.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure

If you’re heading into the mountains this winter, you’ll need a pair of ski or snowboard pants that not only keep your legs warm and dry, but also fit your style preferences. Since there are plenty of great snow pant designs out there to try, we hit the slopes with 29 pairs to assess the warmth, comfort, design, waterproofness, and value of each.

During several ski trips, snowshoe excursions, and other cold-weather activities, these ski and snowboard pants rose to the top of the pack. They earned rave reviews for providing excellent fit, ample warmth, and a mogul-ready range of motion. Optimal features for budget-friendly skiers, backcountry explorers, and those looking for lightweight and breathable options also helped some of our favorites stand out.

The bibs are adjustable in multiple areas so you can achieve full-body comfort.

There is only one leg length option.

It can be difficult to get bibs to fit in all the right places, so we love that the Stio Figment ski pants have a free-ride design with adjustable suspenders and a waist belt that let us tailor them perfectly to our bodies. The recycled polyester material is fully waterproof to prevent even the slightest drop of moisture from seeping through the fabric, while the breathable membrane allows air to pass through so you'll never overheat. We found the relaxed fit to be extremely comfortable and easy to move around in once we adjusted all the straps to our liking.

Perfect for spending all day taking run after run, the bibs feature various pockets for storing snacks, passes, phones, and wallets, providing more storage space than your average pair of ski pants. There are also lengthy side zippers to allow for going to the bathroom without having to take off the suspenders, which is a must-have for bibs. An ideal level of stretch, vents for cooling off, and a key loop also helped them earn a permanent spot in our boot bag.

The Details: Size XS to XL | Shell | Recycled polyester, ripstop, and nylon

They are high-waisted for extra warmth and easily adjustable.

The wide legs may not be comfortable for all users.

We love the lightweight fabric of these Helly Hansen shell pants, which come in a similar bib style for men. The wide-leg pants are not too stretchy, nor are they stiff considering how thin they are — they can easily be worn over other layers. After a six-hour day of skiing, we still felt warm and, more importantly, were completely dry. The cuffs have snow gaiters and the seams are nice and tight, so no moisture or cold air got through the shells at any point throughout the day. We also love that they have articulated knees, which makes it easier to kneel down and move around on the downhills without any fabric bunching up around the knees.

When it comes to comfort, the high-waisted style with built-in Velcro belt was one of our favorite parts of the pants as we were able to secure these around the hips and they felt comfortable all day. All of the zippers had nice pulls with waterproof closures, so nothing in our pockets go wet and they were so large they fit our neck gaiter, phone, trail map, and even some snacks. They did get a bit bulky at times, but it was nice to be able to carry all of those items around without worrying about losing anything.

The Details: Size XS to XL | Shell | Polyamide

We love the functionality and thoughtful design of these bibs.

The sizes are a bit limited.

We love a good pair of bibs and the Black Diamond Factor Bibs for women and men are our absolute favorite pair we've tested. Not only did they give us unrestricted range of motion while keeping us perfectly dry, they also have some of the best features we've seen in a pair of bibs. The zippers and snaps are all in intuitive locations, so you can get in and out of them quickly as well as access items stored in pockets without issue. The front pocket is perfect for storing cards, keys, and money while the leg pockets are padded for more delicate items (like a cell phone).

We also love that these bibs are durable — they are made out of high-quality materials that proved to be waterproof and protective. We tested these pants at near-zero temperatures with high winds and felt warm throughout the entire day. And, even after falling multiple times, they never felt damp.

The Details: Size S to XL | Insualted | Nylon, wool, and polyester

The bibs are available in sizes XS to 4X, catering to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders.

You'll want to layer underneath on cold days.

If you're not a fan of bibs, these Outdoor Research pants for men and women might sway you. The shell pants are super lightweight and comfortable to wear, and the best part is that they come in a huge range of sizes. A common reason skiers swear off bibs is due to the fit, but with sizes ranging from extra small to four extra-large with short, medium, and tall pant lengths, it's never been easier to get a bib with the right fit for your body. In testing, we loved how lightweight the fabric while also being super protective against the elements. Although shell pants are never the warmest option, these kept our legs from getting ice cold while skiing in a snowstorm.

The Details: Size XS to 4XL (short, medium, tall) | Shell | Nylon and tricot knit

The pants regulate temperature nicely, and they have inner-thigh ventilation.

The cargo pockets are velcro and don't feel super secure for valuables like keys or a phone.

Skiing and snowboarding can be quite the workout, so it’s nice to have a pair of breathable snow pants like the Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Insulated Pants. Made with the brand’s Helly Tech Performance fabric, these pants are designed to have the perfect balance of waterproofness and breathability, and it was well demonstrated during testing. If you do find yourself a little too warm after a mogul run, the pants have handy inner-thigh vents that are easy to access and unzip. The only thing we didn’t love about these pants is that the side cargo pockets only have Velcro to secure the contents of the pockets, so we recommend using the standard zipper pockets at the hip of the pants.

The Details: Size XS to XL | Insulated | Polyester and nylon

They have five useful pockets for storing everything from a phone to an avalanche beacon.

The fabric was a little moist on the inside after long exposure to running water.

Unless you like to carry a small backpack around with you on the slopes, a pair of snow pants with ample pockets is the best way to keep your valuables with you, and these Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pants have the perfect amount of storage. With five pockets between the bib and the legs of the pants, we were impressed with the variety of places to store a wallet, phone, avalanche beacon, and more without feeling weighed down. We also love their slim fit with enough stretch in the Helly Tech Performance fabric that we were both comfortable and warm while wearing the pants in near-freezing temperatures.

The Details: Size XS to XL | Lightly insulated |Polyester and polyurethane

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Our legs were kept perfectly dry in inclement weather thanks to the fully waterproof materials.

They run a tad large, but the adjustable waist makes it easy to get a better fit in the top.

One of the worst feelings while skiing is getting off the chairlift only to realize that your bottom is wet and cold from the ride up. After testing Patagonia's men's Storm Shift Pants (there's a women's version available, too) in damp conditions, we're happy to report that the double-layer shells ward off moisture from seeping through, thanks to the Gore-tex ePE fabric and DWR finish.

We also love that the pants come with all the bells and whistles we look for in snow pants, including vents, an adjustable waist, boot gaiters, and functional pockets for storing valuables. The pants have a slightly baggy design, which makes it easy to add base layers underneath, but the waist is a bit large. Luckily, the adjustable waist is easy to tighten or loosen up as needed.

The Details: Size XS to 2XL | Shell | Gore-tex ePE and recycled polyester

The lightweight material and excellent waterproofing make these an all-season staple for skiers and snowboarders.

They have a more relaxed or "freerider" style that won't be for everyone.

No matter what the weather is like where you're skiing, these pants from Backcountry are up for the challenge. Made with lightweight recycled polyester and Gore-tex fabrics, these shells proved to be the ideal pair of pants for skiing or snowboarding in rain or shine. They are on the roomier side, so it's easy to layer thick thermal underwear on extra-cold days on the mountain. For rain or sleet, we are grateful for the Gore-tex material with a DWR finish for even more protection.

In addition, the Velcro waist adjusters and boot gaiters help keep snow outside the pants on powder days, and we love the inclusion of built-in Recco reflectors for safety purposes. We found these pants run true to size for men (there is a women's version as well), but be sure to note the relaxed fit that won't be ideal for those looking for more slim-fit ski pants.

The Details: Size S to 2XL | Shell | Gore-tex ePE and recycled polyester

The functional features and high-quality materials make these pants worthy of the investment.

You'll want to double-check the size chart to get the best fit.

Arc'teryx makes some of the best ski gear in the business, so we were excited to get our hands on the brand's "revised" version made with Gore-tex fabric to give it a lighter and more durable design. We tested the pants at various ski resorts in Oregon, where the weather conditions are incredibly unpredictable. In dry, sub-freezing weather, the pants were perfectly warm (with base layers on, of course) and protective from the wind. In wet and heavy snow conditions, we were kept perfectly dry throughout an entire day.

We are also impressed with how lightweight and flexible the pants are, which makes it easy to carve on groomers or head off-piste for tree runs. The vents, side hand pockets, adjustable waist, Recco reflectors, and instep guard all add to the value of the pants. We think the durability and features make these pants worth it, but our only note is to be sure to check the size chart (maybe twice) to make sure you get the right fit.

The Details: Size S to 2XL | Shell | Gore-tex ePE Gen 2, recycled nylon, and polyester

These triple-layered ski pants are warmer than shells and less bulky than insulated pants.

They might be too warm for spring skiing.

If you're in the middle of the great debate of shell versus insulated ski gear, we recommend these triple-layered ski pants from Bogner. While they aren't made with insulation, they boast three thick layers of fabric, adding extra warmth compared to shells that might have only one or two layers. We skied with these pants in single-digit temperatures as well as in damp sleet, and each time we wore them, our legs were kept perfectly dry and noticeably warmer than when wearing other ski pants.

Bogner has been making ski gear since the 1930s, so they knew not to skip on features like an adjustable waist, boot gaiters, instep guards, and pockets. Plus, our favorite feature is the high-waisted top that has a padded back panel that adds extra protection and warmth while skiing in powder or other inclement weather. Though these aren't insulated, they might be too warm for spring skiing.

The Details: Size 4 to 14 | Padded, lined shell | Polyester, recycled polyester, and polyamide

While we found plenty of winners for our list of best snow pants, several almost made the cut but fell short during testing.

Flylow Baker Bib: We thought these pants were breathable during a winter hike, but the waist bunched up around the bottom of the bib, which was awkward.

Norrona lofoten Gore-tex Insulated Pants: While these are sturdy and high-quality pants, the baggy fit may not be for everyone and we do wish they had more pockets.

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Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pants: The pants proved to be water-resistant with waterproof pockets after we stood in the shower with the pants on, but the four-way stretch didn’t impress us, as they felt a bit tight.

Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell: These pants have various technical features for backcountry skiers like a slim fit, lightweight materials, and an avalanche beacon pocket, but because they aren’t insulated, they're not the warmest pants you can get or the most impressive shell we tested.

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We tried over 29 pairs of ski and snowboard pants for men and women from popular outdoor gear brands like Helly Hansen, The North Face, Arc’teryx, and more to find the best of the best on the market. We judged the pants based on categories including comfort, warmth, weatherproofing, and design while skiing and snowboarding or doing other winter activities with similar intensities.

After wearing the pants for several hours for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or walking in the cold, the most comfortable snow pants we tested had a variety of adjustable components that made it easy to customize the fit without sacrificing the range of motion. To test waterproofness, we ran a stream of water down a leg of the pant and hung them out to dry to see how well the pants repelled water and how quickly they dried after being wet.

We evaluated the warmth of the pants after completing a high-intensity activity outdoors. the highest-rated pants for warmth kept our legs warm without overheating. In the process of wearing the pants several times, we paid close attention to the design of the ski pants, noting thoughtful features like avalanche pockets, sturdy zippers, adjustable components, and other useful designs that made the pants stand out.

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While any pair of good-quality snow pants can keep your legs warm and dry, the best fit can vary depending on the intended use of the pants. For example, a pair of snowboard or freeride pants might have a looser fit for crouching low whereas ski pants will have a slimmer fit for aerodynamics. You can wear both pants for either activity, but it’s good to consider the differences for style preferences.

Ask any skier or snowboarder their preference for a bib or no bib, and they will have a strong opinion. Bibs can be nice for skiing in deep powder, as the suspenders can prevent snow from making its way into places snow has no business getting into. A bib also adds an additional layer of warmth and insulation with the top of the bib usually rising to the chest area. However, the suspenders are a slight inconvenience for going to the bathroom, but that’s already a nuisance with so much outdoor gear on anyway. Another alternative is a ski suit, which offers a seamless connection to keep any snow from getting through to your skin.

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Generally, you’ll want to wear a pair of thermal underwear under ski pants for adequate. Consider opting for a base layer made with moisture-wicking synthetic materials like nylon or polyester instead of cotton which will absorb moisture and make you colder in return. Merino wool is also a great choice for its natural thermoregulation and moisture management. You’ll also want a pair of wool or wool blend ski socks for regulating heat and keeping your toes warm.

The tag on a pair of snow pants should recommend the best way to wash them, but in the event that it does not, separate your ski pants from other clothing and wash them on delicate with cold water to prevent damage.

Ski pants should generally be longer than traditional pants or trousers. This is because they need to cover your ski boots, which are quite bulky, and still offer plenty of protection from the snow when you're sitting or bending over. Opt for pants that are about four or five inches longer than your normal pants. When standing, the bottom hem of your pants should rest comfortably on the tops of your feet and bunch a little bit from the extra material. However, you don't want them to be so long that the material gets caught under your boots, as this can cause you to trip.

When hitting the slopes, make sure you have all the gear you need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day.

Helly Hansen Alphelia Ski Jacket: This ski jacket was a favorite of ours during testing, offering supreme warmth and breathability. It also has a variety of versatile features, like Recco reflectors, a removable hood, goggle shammy, and a powder skirt.

Swany X-cell Men's Gloves: These ski gloves are made with high-quality leather for warmth. They're also made with a quick-drying lining that will wick away sweat on active days.

Smartwool Targeted Cushion Over-the-calf Socks: These socks have a great balance of cushioning and breathability, keeping your feet toasty, supported, and comfortable all day long.

T+L associate editor Anna Popp grew up in Bend, Oregon, spending every weekend in the winter skiing racing at Mt. Bachelor. She also lived in Grenoble, France, where she skied in the heart of the French Alps while going to school. Anna tried several pairs of ski pants alongside other T+L expert testers who helped determine our list of the best ski and snowboard pants you can get for your next trip to the slopes.

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