When suiting up to ski, it’s easy to neglect the lower half of the body. Jackets and upper-body layers may attract more interest and attention, but ski pants are equally important. From classic hardshell designs to breathable backcountry-oriented softshells, we’ve included styles for every kind of skier and every kind of budget. Whether you’re looking for something insulated on the coldest days, or breathable pants for ski touring, we have identified a solid selection for any mission. At the end of the list, check out our comprehensive buyers guide and FAQ where we’ve outlined key considerations for selecting the perfect pair of ski pants, also, have a look at our comparison chart to help steer your decision-making.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for.
- Best Overall Ski Pants for Men: Flylow Chemical Pants
- Best Overall Ski Pants for Women: Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Pants
- Best Budget Ski Pants: The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants
- Best for the Backcountry: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol
- Best of the Rest: Outdoor Research Skyward II Ascent Shell Pants
- Stio Environ Pants
- Helly Hansen Men’s Elevation Infinity Shell Pants 2.0
- Rab Khroma Kinetic Pants
- Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Plus Pants
- Helly Hansen Legendary Pants
The Best Ski Pants of 2023
Flylow Chemical Pants
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material Polyester with 3-layer Intuitive waterproof breathable membrane
- Waterproof Rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable Features None

Pros
- Durable
- Stylish
- Simple yet versatile
Cons
- Mildly restrictive when hiking or skinning
Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Pants
Specs
- Fit Low-rise, regular
- Material 2-layer HellyTech Performance fabric with DWR finish
- Waterproof Rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation 100% recycled PrimaLoft Black Eco
- Sustainable Features Recycled insulation

Pros
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Minimally restrictive
Cons
- Not ideal for the backcountry
The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants
Specs
- Fit Slim
- Material Nylon blend with 2-layer DryVent construction
- Waterproof Rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation Synthetic
- Sustainable Features Heatseeker insulation is made from 50% post-consumer recycled material

Pros
- Great value
- Durable
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Mildly restrictive
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material Nylon, polyester, and elastane blend with DWR coating
- Waterproof Rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation None
- Sustainable Features Bluesign-approved product

Pros
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Relatively water-resistant for a softshell
Cons
- Mesh lining reduces the effectiveness of side vents
Outdoor Research Skyward II Ascent Shell Pants
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material AscentShell 3L
- Waterproof Rating (mm) 10,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable Features None

Pros
- Breathable impermeable membrane
- Comfortable
- Sealed seems
Cons
- Cumbersome beacon pocket
Stio Environ Pants
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material PeakProof 3 Layer
- Waterproof Rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation None
- Sustainable Features None

Pros
- Soft lined hand pockets
- Large side vents
- Seeled seems
- Breathable
Cons
- Integrated belt
Helly Hansen Men’s Elevation Infinity Shell Pants 2.0
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material Polypropelene with Lifa Infinity Pro water-repellent technology
- Waterproof Rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation None
- Sustainable Features Helly Hansen claims that the Lifa Infinity Pro technology eliminates the need for certain chemical treatments

Pros
- Nice-looking pants
- Durable
- Versatile enough for the resort and the backcountry
Cons
- Expensive
Rab Khroma Kinetic Pants
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material Polyamide and elastane blend, 3-layer waterproofing with polyurethane membrane
- Waterproof Rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 25,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable Features Fluorocarbon-free DWR

Pros
- Good freedom of movement
- Versatile
- Nice looking
Cons
- Minimal room in the crotch area
Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Plus Pants
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material 200D partially recycled face fabric with GORE-TEX Pro membrane
- Waterproof Rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation None
- Sustainable Features Made from partially recycled materials

Pros
- Excellent waterproofing
- Durable
- High-quality zippers
Cons
- Not the most breathable
- Expensive
Helly Hansen Legendary Pants
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material Polyester face fabric with Helly Tech membrane
- Waterproof Rating (mm) 10,000
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation PrimaLoft
- Sustainable Features None

Pros
- Perfect for resort skiing
- Comfortable
Cons
- A little heavy for warm conditions
Ski Pants Comparison Table
Pants | Price | Fit | Material | Insulation |
Flylow Chemical Pants | $365 | Regular | Polyester with 3-layer Intuitive waterproof breathable membrane | None |
Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Pants | $225 | Low-rise, regular | 2-layer HellyTech Performance fabric with DWR finish | 100% recycled PrimaLoft Black Eco |
The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants | $169 | Slim | Nylon blend with 2-layer DryVent construction | Synthetic |
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol | $215 | Regular | Nylon, polyester, and elastane blend with DWR coating | None |
Outdoor Research Skyward II Ascent Shell Pants | $328 | Regular | AscentShell 3 Layer 50 Denier membrane | None |
Stio Environ Pants | $419 | Regular | PeakProof 3 Layer membrane | None |
Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Shell Pants 2.0 | $550 | Semi-slim / Regular | Polypropelene with Lifa Infinity Pro water-repellent technology | None |
Rab Khroma Kinetic Pants | $325 | Regular | Polyamide and elastane blend, 3-layer waterproofing with polyurethane membrane | None |
Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Plus Pants | $849 | Regular | 200D partially recycled face fabric with GORE-TEX Pro membrane | None |
Helly Hansen Legendary Pants | $200 | Regular | Polyester face fabric with Helly Tech membrane | PrimaLoft |

Why You Should Trust Us
Our crew of GearJunkie gear testers includes skiers and snowboarders with a wide range of experience levels. We’re backcountry skiers, former ski racers, splitboarders, and snowmobilers. We meet for an annual gear testing week to swap notes, too, including a recent ski week at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado.
When testing apparel and outer layers, we pay careful attention to fit, durability, waterproofing, breathability, and overall value. In recent years, we’ve put dozens of ski pants through the wringer in just about every kind of snow and weather condition.
As new snow pants hit the market, we’ll be sure to give them a thorough assessment in consideration for this list. At any given time, our roundup includes the best ski pants on the market.
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Ski Pants
Ski pants come in a wide variety of styles. While some options on this list are built to prioritize burly weather resistance, others are geared toward breathability and minimal weight.
This buyers guide carefully breaks down all the factors that differentiate one pair of ski pants from the next. With the information provided, we hope you’ll be able to easily identify the perfect pair for you.

Types of Ski Pants: Hardshell vs. Softshell
There are two major categories of ski pants: hardshell and softshell. Choosing between these ultimately comes down to personal preference, and one category is not strictly better or worse than the other.
Hardshell ski pants feature a waterproof barrier between you and the surrounding conditions. Just like hardshell jackets, pants in this category often include taped seams and tend to feel thick and hardy to the touch. In a good pair of hardshell pants, you can sit down directly on the snow without worrying about a soggy bottom.
The main downside to hardshell pants is they tend to limit mobility. Hardshells are by far the more common choice for resort skiers. On this list, the Rab Kinetic Pants are a fantastic hardshell option.
Because hardshell pants are generally more popular and more common than softshells, most of the pants we’ve included on this list are hardshell. However, in recent years, softshell technology has seriously improved. Major companies like Arc’teryx and Black Diamond have been working to create softshell pants that offer plentiful mobility without sacrificing waterproofing.
On this list, the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol pants are excellent modern softshell pants and a great example of where the outerwear industry is headed. Especially among backcountry skiers, softshell pants are growing in popularity with each passing season.
Some hardshell pants, such as the OR Skyward II, utilize new membrane technology that is so soft and stretchy that it actually mimics a softshell pant. This is especially nice on uphill travel where glide and leg motion is quite a bit more pronounced than on the downhill. That is unless you telemark ski, in which case, a little stretch would really go a long way to comfort.
Pants vs. Bibs
To ski in pants or to ski in a bib? This is a fundamental outerwear question that divides the skiing world into two camps. Ski pants need little explanation, as they’re worn just like any other pair of pants — waist-high and secured with a button.
The primary downside of wearing pants while skiing is that cold and snow can find their way up the back of your jacket or down your pants, especially during a fall. Some of the best standard-style ski pants we’ve included are The North Face Insulated Freedom Ski Pants and the Flylow Chemical Pants.
Enter ski bibs. With a high waistline held up by shoulder suspension straps, bibs eliminate the fatal flaw of ski pants. When skiing deep powder, the joy of knowing you won’t get snow down your pants offers valuable peace of mind. If you’ve never skied in a bib, just know they do take a little getting used to.
Also, bibs tend to be warmer than pants, so they may not be the best choice for those balmy spring days. For more information on bibs, check out our favorite options for men and women.
Skiing Styles: Resort vs. Backcountry
While many ski pants are versatile enough for both resort and backcountry skiing, certain styles and features are better suited for one setting or the other.
For in-bounds skiing, we recommend pants with burly outer materials, reliable waterproofing, and a semi-relaxed fit that allows room for layers underneath. You won’t often be traveling uphill while resort skiing, so it’s generally okay to wear pants that mildly restrict hiking movement. On this list, our favorite pants for resort use are the Rab Kinetic Pants and The North Face Insulated Freedom Ski Pants.
While skiing or riding in the backcountry, freedom of movement is a basic requirement. For maximum mobility, backcountry ski pants are usually crafted with stretchy materials that will comfortably accommodate a wide range of movement. The articulate knees and pliable materials of the Stio Environ make it an ideal crossover ski pant. It excels in both the front and backcountry.
Breathability is also an elevated priority in the backcountry. Hiking can be strenuous, and large vents can prevent overheating. If you tend to run warm in the backcountry, be sure to look for a pair of ski pants with zippered side vents like the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol.
Compared to resort-leaning pants, backcountry styles tend to be more form-fitting and less waterproof. Of course, it’s always important to check the weather and snow conditions and dress accordingly no matter where you’re going to ski.
Warmth and Insulation
Our list of recommendations includes both insulated ski pants and non-insulated shells. Ultimately, the choice between these categories comes down to your personal preference. If you tend to run cold or frequently ski in frigid temps, you may want to seek out a warm insulated option like The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants.
For most skiers, we recommend going with shell-style pants due to their unmatched versatility. Shells can be worn on their own or combined with a variety of underlayers. Depending on the conditions of the day, you may choose to combine your pants with thin baselayers, fleece pants, or both to attain the perfect level of warmth and comfort.

Durability
Ski pants will inevitably take a beating. After many days of skiing through trees, rubbing against boot buckles, and sitting on chair lifts, pants are going to show signs of wear. On this list, the Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Shell Pants 2.0 stand out for their durability.
For backcountry skiing and touring, thinner and lighter pants are common. On this list, the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol pants slightly compromise on durability in favor of mobility and comfort.
If you prefer to own a single pair of ski pants that holds up decently well in all settings without major sacrifices, check out the Flylow Chemical Pants.

Waterproofing
While wearing ski pants, you’ll likely sit on wet surfaces and move through falling rain and snow. For this reason, reliable water resistance is an absolute must. Many of the styles included on this list come with high-end waterproof membranes and outer fabrics.
Within the outerwear industry, GORE-TEX is generally considered top-tier waterproof protection. All well-made waterproof ski pants will come with taped seams, waterproof zippers, and a DWR coating.
In the backcountry, outerwear serves a slightly different purpose, and many options in this category only include waterproof materials in key areas. Because the backcountry involves more hiking and fewer lift rides, breathability and mobility are often considered more important than full waterproofing. On this list, partially waterproof pants like the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol are worth considering for backcountry riders and skiers.
Breathability and Ventilation
Every skier has a different comfort zone when it comes to temperature regulation and layering. For those who tend to run warm, breathable, and well-ventilated outerwear may be absolutely essential.
In general, ski pants will offer varying degrees of ventilation and breathability depending on their intended use. While running laps on groomers at the resort, most skiers will be comfortable in heavier, less-breathable pants like the Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Shell Pants 2.0. If you prefer more temperature control, The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants come with zippered vents to shed excess heat on the go.
When backcountry skiing or touring, grueling uphill treks call for air-permeable outer layers. Softshell designs like the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol are less water and windproof, but their increased breathability is a welcome asset on a steep skin track.
Fit
When selecting ski pants, a comfortable fit is all-important. Personal preference is the most important variable here. If you don’t know what kind of fit you’re after, we absolutely recommend trying on pants before buying them.
Most resort skiers go with a standard fit that’s semi-loose but not overly baggy. Conditions at the resort vary from frigid and stormy to sweaty and spring-like throughout the season, and slightly loose-fitting pants allow for versatile layering options underneath. On this list, the Flylow Chemical is a top-notch resort skiing design that conforms to the body, looks stylish, and feels great.
For backcountry skiing and touring, slim-cut pants are common. Stretchy materials combined with a leg-hugging fit are ideal for hiking uphill.

FAQ
Ski pants are purpose-built lower-body skiing outerwear. While specific-use ski pants are not strictly necessary, we always recommend using the proper tool for the job.
An average day of skiing includes inclement weather, rugged terrain, and thousands of mid-ski lunges and micro squats. High-quality ski pants are specifically designed to accommodate these unique circumstances. Other pants just aren’t quite up to the task — especially jeans!
The best ski pants for beginners are comfortable, durable, and budget-friendly. Unlike skis themselves, ski pants don’t exist on a beginner-to-expert spectrum. Though some pairs are more expensive and more feature-packed than others, your choice of pants probably won’t make or break your skiing ability.
With that said, we recommend that beginners, especially at the resort, select a fully waterproof pair of hardshell ski pants. When learning to ski, you can expect to fall often and spend plenty of time sitting on the snow. A dry skier is a happy skier, and a happy skier is more likely to learn and progress.
All of the ski pants that we’ve recommended on this list are made by high-quality, reputable brands. In general, some of the top ski pant brands include Arc’teryx, The North Face, and Flylow.
In almost any conditions, we recommend wearing a thin pair of base-layer bottoms under your ski pants at the very least. When choosing a baselayer, we recommend close-fitting designs with soft and comfortable materials such as merino wool or polyester.
Other layers such as fleece pants can provide additional insulation and warmth on cold days. If you tend to run cold, we recommend insulated styles such as The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants.
Many high-end ski pants come equipped with a built-in RECCO reflector. These compact and passive units can be detected by devices frequently carried by ski patrollers and search and rescue.
When someone gets lost, the RECCO reflector becomes an additional safety measure that may aid in locating them. On this list, the Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Pants it’s equipped with a RECCO device.