Essential for helping you stay warm and dry in extreme conditions, the best women’s ski pants offer serious insulation without restricting your range of movement. If you’re hitting the slopes in 2024, our top pick is the Columbia Bugaboo Omni-Heat, a highly durable and comfortable pair made of Gore-Tex and with double side zips for ventilation. For an affordable option, we also love Arctix’s ski pants to keep you protected in harsh weather for under $50.
Beyond the two styles mentioned above, we drilled down to find a variety of women’s ski pants that work best for different skiers’ needs and budgets. Our selections are based on extensive research and recommendations from Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta and contributor Amy Jurries—both seasoned skiers who have logged hours in the field in all kinds of weather. From waterproof picks to full-coverage bibs, here are our selections for the best women’s ski pants of 2024.
Columbia Women’s Bugaboo Omni-Heat Insulated Snow Pants
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 10 total, including Dark Stone and Night Wave | Materials: Nylon, polyester
Crafted with easy mobility in mind, Columbia’s Bugaboo Insulated Snow Pants are top-rated for their warmth, thermal-reflective lining and breathable and waterproof nylon tech shell. At $120, they offer plenty of warmth at fair price. Seam-sealed and complete with internal leg gaiters, these pants do an excellent job of keeping snow and slush away from the body. This pick also earns points for its impressive color selection and inclusive sizing: On the Columbia website, you’ll find 10 unique hues available in regular and short-size inseams, as well as plus sizes.
This pair is backed by Jurries. “Columbia Sportswear remains a leader in outdoor gear at an affordable price as it is constantly innovating with new technologies and designs,” she adds. “The Bugaboo pants feature one of Columbia’s recent technologies—the Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining, which reflects your body heat back to you for extra warmth. You can really feel the difference when you are out on the slopes as you warm up quickly once you start to move even just a little.”
Pros:
Refreshingly affordable for beginners or budget-minded skiers
Omni-Heat reflective lining and insulation boost warmth
Plenty of colors to choose from
Cons:
Traditional hand pockets are harder to access with gloves
Insulation may make it more difficult to add layers underneath
Best Value Women’s Ski Pants
Thermal Tech Features At A Great Price
Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 37 total, including Cappuccino and Crimson | Materials: Polyester
Not only do Arctix’s Insulated Snow Pants come in an array of fun colors, they provide maximum protection against the harshest of winter weather. Despite their low price tag, they come equipped with high tech moisture-wicking fabric and 85 grams of heat-trapping ThermaTech insulation. In other words, these low-bulk snow pants keep you warm in temperatures ranging from 35 degrees all the way down to -20 degrees. An adjustable waistband and easy-access O ring make these pants an affordable must-have.
Pros:
Bargain price for those on a budget
Dozens of color options
Nearly 50,000 reviews and 4.4/5 stars
Cons:
Not waterproof, so they’re better suited for après activities
Best Luxury Women’s Ski Pants
Top-Rated Performance And Comfort
Arc’teryx Sentinel Pants
Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 5 total, including Storm Glow and Hazelnut | Materials: Gore-Tex nylon
Skiers are obsessed with the Arc’teryx Sentinel Pants for good reason: The brand’s formidable cold-weather bestseller is constructed of Gore-Tex, three-layer nylon fabric (a durable weave with moisture-wicking lining) and a three-layer low-loft soft shell exterior, making them extremely comfortable. For added protection against the elements, the Arc’teryx Sentinel pants are equipped with taped seams, a removable waist belt and double side zips for easy ventilation. Also great: The instep patches help prevent abrasion and the zippered thigh pockets safeguard your essentials from slips and falls.
After testing these pants out for herself, Jurries says, “I love the Sentinel Pants. Not only are they bomber waterproof, breathable and windproof, but they also have a flattering fit and a sleek look that make me feel stylish on the slopes.” Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who has worn the brand’s Sabre SV jacket for years, can also speak to Arc’teryx’s exceptionally high level of quality. “They seamlessly blend top-tier materials and high-quality construction to create gear that not only withstands winter weather, but also makes a bold statement in the snow with vibrant, contrasting colors,” he says.
Pros:
Fit offers room for layers underneath
Taped seams improve weatherproofness
Stash pockets carry on-mountain essentials
Cons:
Expensive
Because they’re so popular, they often wind up out of stock
Best Insulated Women’s Ski Pants
Taped Seams Offer Extra Protection Against The Cold
Outdoor Research Women’s Snowcrew Pants
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 5 total, including Cinnamon and Black | Materials: Recycled polyester
Performance, warmth and style make Outdoor Research’s Snowcrew Pants a top pick among skiers. “One of my favorite things about Outdoor Research is that, not only does it know how to design quality gear, but it’s a brand that also understands and supports women skiers (or any outdoor sport) of all levels and abilities,” says Jurries. They’re comprised of 56% recycled shell material and 85% recycled insulation, with fully taped seams to defend against penetrating moisture. The Snowcrew pants have waist adjustment tabs and belt loops for a customizable fit, and they’re available in both short and tall sizes. Other features include inner thigh vents that release excess heat, dedicated pockets to safely store essentials and snow gaiters to keep powder out of your boots when you’re getting after it.
Pros:
Inclusive and short/tall sizing
Thigh vents dump excess heat
Outdoor Research Infinite Guarantee is essentially a lifetime warranty
Cons:
Some reviewers report sizing issues—be sure to reference the size chart
Best Women’s Snow Bib
Full Coverage To Block Out The Elements
The North Face Women’s Freedom Snow Bib
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 10 total, including Almond Butter and Mandarin | Materials: Nylon, polyester
Cool enough to sport even off the slopes, The North Face’s Freedom Bib has articulated knees, belt loops (great for carabiners) and adjustable suspenders for a custom fit. The brand’s signature Chimney Venting system increases air flow by allowing warm air to circulate before it escapes through inner thigh vents. Also nice: The bib is made from recycled nylon and eco-polyester fabric.
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 9 total, including Iced Matcha and Ultra Blue | Materials: Polyester
Innovators of professional outdoor gear for over 140 years, Scandinavian brand Helly Hansen offers protection against the elements with their aptly-named Legendary Insulated Ski Pant. Fully waterproof and breathable, this style combines PrimaLoft insulation and thigh ventilation zippers, giving you the option to retain or release heat for optimal comfort and flexibility. Two-way stretch allows the fabric to move with you on the hill while water-resistant zippers protect the day’s essentials,
Pros:
Waterproof, windproof and breathable
Durable water repellent treatment defends against moisture
Bluesign fabrics are easier on the environment
Cons:
Some reviewers report that the sizing is a little long
Best Stretch Women’s Ski Pants
An Iconic Brand, Tested By The German Ski Team
Bogner Elaine Stretch Stirrup Ski Pants
Sizes: FR 33 to 44 (US 4 to 12) | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Brown | Material: Polyamide, elastane
German brand Bogner is credited with inventing the modern stretch ski pant as we know it, pioneering the design in the 1950s. The pants made it possible to ski faster, and it didn’t hurt that they looked great, too. Today, Bogner’s skiwear is tested by the German ski team for performance and fit. This iconic Elaine pair has a sleek cut, comfortable elasticated waistband and stirrup cuffs to keep them in place all day long. Keep in mind that this pick isn’t waterproof, nor does it offer pockets. However, if comfort and style are at the top of your priority list, these pants deliver.
Pros:
Stretch fabric boosts freedom of movement
Simple, timeless design for countless wintry occasions
Cons:
No pockets
Not waterproof
Best Stylish Women’s Ski Pants
Top-Rated For Style And Technical Features
Perfect Moment Aurora Flare Pant
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 3 total, including Navy, Black and White | Materials: Nylon, polyurethane
It’s ski pants but with flair—yes, actual flare. Perfect Moment’s Aurora Flare Pants have built-in kneepads, inner cuffs to keep snow out and a cozy thermal fleece lining to ensure warmth, comfort and style whether shredding or resting fireside. Founded by sports documentarian Thierry Donard, the Chamonix-based brand strikes the right balance between fit and performance.
Pros:
Contoured fit reduces unwanted bulk
Built-in kneepads boost durability
Windproof fabric adds comfort while you catch the lift to the summit
Cons:
Very pricey for a pair of minimalist pants
Design only features two small pockets
Best Slim Fit Women’s Ski Pants
Tailored For Wearing On And Off The Slopes
Roxy Diversion Snow Pants
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 3 total, including Cameo Green and Dusty Rose | Materials: Polyester
Skiing and style have long gone hand in hand, and if you want a flattering, tailored ski pant with less bulk, consider Roxy’s highly rated Diversion bottoms. The Portland, Oregon brand’s take on ski pants feature a slim silhouette with subtle flare through the leg as well as performance features, such as insulation to keep you warm, waterproofing and snap-closure gussets to guard against the wet chill.
Pros:
Mesh-lined thigh vents dump heat without letting snow in
Jacket-to-pant attachment system defends against unwanted drafts and powder
Roxy WarmFlight insulation keeps you toasty warm on the lift