The Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2026

For riders who push deep into the mountains, the lightweight Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Pants ($649) provide premium weather protection, supreme articulation around the hips and quads, and optimal thigh pockets. While testing in Silverton, Colorado, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton found that there’s little these ski pants can’t handle from resort days to long tours in storms or sunshine. Now in its fourth iteration, this adventure-ready snow pant offers full range of motion and is 30% lighter than its predecessor, thanks to GORE-TEX Pro ePE — a PFC-free, eco-conscious upgrade that maintains waterproofing while nixing chemicals and without added weight. 

One of the most notable design details is the bellowed cargo pockets on the thighs. Designers previously prioritized knee mobility but had overlooked articulation in the hips and upper thighs — that’s now resolved. These spacious pockets make it easy to grab essentials, even while climbing the skintrack. Inside, a stretchy inner sleeve keeps gadgets from bouncing around, while elastic loops offer extra security to clip in gear.

A 3-layer, 80-denier recycled nylon shell delivers durability and protection from precip, excelling on bluebird days and in whiteout conditions. That said, this material feels lean with windchill, so consider wearing a heavier base layer if you’re taking the sled out or expect blustery weather. The PFC-free DWR finish fends off moisture, while reinforced cuffs prevent wear. Exterior vents efficiently shed heat, though the hidden zipper pulls (which are blocked by the bellowed pockets) can be tricky with gloves.

With a roomy fit that’s just-right, these pants are a top choice for high-output riders tackling long climbs or booting up a ridge to snag the goods. Topped with a low-profile and adjustable waist (there’s an integrated velcro belt plus slender belt loops), the PowSlayer is storm-proof, breathable, and built to perform. They’re also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. Keep them fresh with regular wash-and-dry care, but beware — oil stains on lighter shades are tough to remove.

Yes, these are pricey pants and could be overkill for weekend warriors. But if you’re looking to invest in a pair that will stand the test of time, feels and looks good, this is your crowned jewel.

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants ($169) don’t fit like the REI snow pants you remember — and that’s a (mostly) good thing. After years of boxy, functional silhouettes from REI Co-op, the Powderbound pants are much slimmer. GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort found the fit sleeker and more modern than expected, with a trimmer silhouette that looks more like contemporary resort ski pants than a budget fallback. Tested over two days of resort skiing at Aspen Snowmass and a winter hike in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, the Powderbound pants delivered solid performance — with a few caveats.

Built for resort skiing, the Powderbounds use a two-layer waterproof/breathable laminate paired with 40 grams of synthetic insulation. TL;DR version: You get reliable warmth on a 20-degree Fahrenheit ski day without excessive bulk. While they aren’t the most breathable pants out there, Balogh Rochfort still thought they were tolerable on a much warmer 34-degree Fahrenheit day. (The inner thigh vents helped). 

Fit proved to be both a highlight and a drawback. Balogh Rochfort appreciated the cleaner cut through the legs and hips but found the waistband ran snug in her usual women’s medium (5’5”, 145 pounds). In fact, they were tight enough that the snap popped while bending over. Skiers who fall between sizes or prefer extra room in the waist may want to size up.

Feature-wise, the pants are mostly effective. Pocket storage is the biggest miss; the thigh pocket won’t fit a phone. But the smooth recycled polyester is awesome, easily sliding over base layers and tall ski socks.

Overall, the Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants are a screaming value for pretty much anyone who uses a chairlift. While they don’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, the price tag and basic performance make them a strong pick for any skier. 

If you’re looking for a fully waterproof, storm-ready ski pant without dropping half your paycheck, Columbia’s redesigned Platinum Peak II 3L Pant is a standout. These women’s-specific pants are a bit of a unicorn: 3-layer weather protection, mobility, and thoughtful features at an approachable price. The Columbia Platinum Peak II 3L Pant ($250) is friendly on the pocketbook.

During testing in Colorado and the French Alps, pro gear examiner Heather Balogh Rochfort found that these pants stayed bone dry through wet chairlifts, windy groomers, and deep powder wipeouts. Columbia’s Omni-TECH membrane isn’t as breathable as the Arc’teryx Sentinel pant, but it held its own during an uphill tour in warm spring conditions — at less than half the price. 

The relaxed fit through the legs allows for easy movement whether you’re booting Highland Bowl, skinning Tiehack, or bending to buckle ski boots. Our favorite feature? The zippered bottom leg openings that adjust to fit both bulky touring boots and resort setups. Waist adjustment tabs are also clutch for dialing in the fit—especially since sizing can be tricky. Fit note: We waffled between sizes, so consider sizing up if you’re in between. 

Tradeoff: Unlike the Picture Exa snow pants or the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank pants, the Platinum Peak isn’t dealing in recycled fabrics. However, at $250, the Platinum Peak II offers serious bang for your buck.

We love the fit and functionality of this season’s Outdoor Research Powderverse ($325), which is a hybrid insulated design that’s perfect for cold chairlift rides. The waistband and legs are slightly tailored and the roomy pockets are magic. At a middle-of-the-road price, the Powderverse includes integrated, targeted insulation across the backside and are downright comfortable ski pants.

Scoring high points, the two thigh pockets each easily fit a large phone even while sitting on the chair lift. They’re deep and wide with a smooth taffeta liner. With 20K waterproofing and 15K breathability, the Powderverse is made for weathering a storm on the ski lift or while touring. SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton tested this kit at Crested Butte Mountain Resort on blustery, cold, and sunny days alike, and found the fabric to be protective against snowfall, wind, and fairly breathable. 

Targeted insulation in the seat is so lean it’s not perceptible. Made from 85% recycled materials, the VerticalX Eco insulation amounts to 45g/m2, so it’s a modest degree of warmth. For ladies that get cold on the chairlift, we don’t think this’ll replace your need for heavy weight base layers or down shorts but it’s a nice addition. If you’d like more insulation in your ski pants, The North Face Women’s Freedom Insulated has 60g of Heatseeker Eco insulation but less waterproofing and breathability at 10K/10K. 

A third zippered pocket sits near the right hip, which is intended for a beacon. Inside, there’s a large plastic clip with a metal gate, as well as a mesh pouch to keep the beacon separate from other contents. While Tilton found that the pouch securely fit a Black Diamond Guide BT (and she didn’t need to wrestle it in there), there’s minimal room left inside the pocket itself. The hand pocket (layered slightly above the beacon pocket) is still usable. Be sure to check that your beacon can attach to the clip (the Guide BT wasn’t compatible). Also, beacon manufacturers typically recommend that skiers wear a beacon harness. 

Other minutiae we appreciate includes the fleece-lined wide waistband, which has belt loops and adjustable velcro tabs to customize the fit. Side vents dump heat on the outside of each leg (no mesh included). The durable hems are reinforced plus scuff guards reach 8.5 inches up the leg. If you prefer a traditional fit, a bit of insulation on the hindquarters, and appreciate spacious, functional thigh pockets, the Powderverse is a great pick with a moderate tag. 

If you’re looking for an insulated ski pant that balances eco-friendly materials with real-world performance, the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pants ($400) deliver. Ski apparel tester Heather Balogh Rochfort wore these on chilly ski days at Aspen Snowmass and loved how the body-mapped insulation — 60 grams in the butt and knees and 40 grams on the legs — kept her warm where she needed during brisk lift rides, but didn’t overheat her once she started carving downhill. 

Mountain Hardwear opted for a GORE-TEX ePE membrane, a PFAS-free fabric that has a lighter carbon footprint and weighs less than the old school GORE-TEX. The recycled face fabric also makes these a win for skiers who want to reduce their environmental footprint. Bonus: Storage is fantastic, too. Two hand pockets and two generously sized thigh pockets provided ample space for snacks, chapstick, and a trail map — all within easy reach.

The relaxed fit feels accurate to size for our 5’5” and 145 lb. tester, though we noticed that the medium was more relaxed than others brands like Columbia Sportswear’s Peak Platinum II 3L pants. While some may prefer a snugger cut, Rochfort appreciated the extra mobility for deep knee bends and quick boot adjustments.

During our test laps, the Rab Women’s Khroma Diffuse GORE-TEX Pants ($495) quickly gained the ranking of one of the best ski pants we’ve tested. To boot, the pants advance the traditional Khroma collection with a 100% recycled face fabric in that 3-layer durable sandwich. We found the material to be malleable, extremely protective throughout stormy blasts — including heavy snow and wind — and comfortable to rip around in. They remain just as rad for the upcoming season, sporting 28K waterproofness and the equivalent of 20K breathability. Compared to the Patagonia PowSlayer, the fabric is denser and heavier, offering greater durability and wind-blocking power but the fabric feels less breathable.

SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton really enjoyed the silhouette of the Diffuse with articulated knees and roomy enough upper legs that don’t leave her quads gasping for air. The hem circumference is plenty wide to fit over the necks of her ski or snowboard boots but also includes a functional 9.5-inch-long exterior lower-leg zip as an additional window. In a detailed twist, the internal gaiters have a soft pull-tab but ditched a metal hook, so you can’t snag your hand but also can’t double-secure the gaiter on your boots. Of course, the elastic band and interior grip strip typically keep the layer pulled down just fine.

Up at the waist, Tilton appreciated the option of using belt loops or the exterior integrated Velcro belt to tidy up the fit. (Based on the waist, we’d not recommend sizing up.) The pants close-up with a fly and two strong snaps.

Nodding at the collection of pockets, those cannot be overlooked. Rab included two hand pockets — where you can actually fully submerge a hand — plus a deep lower thigh pocket that spaciously bags a large phone with some space to spare. Inside the lowermost pocket is another small interior media pocket. While we’re on the fence about these types of hammocks — they’re typically too small for a phone, in our experience — they could be a good spot to slide a slender item like a driver’s license or ID.

To clarify, these pockets are roomy but not big enough for skins, in Tilton’s experience, especially for splitboarders, but also for skiers. Also, we wouldn’t recommend sticking your skins in an external pocket on the descent if it’s super cold out. Put those in an interior pocket where the glue can stay warm in case you need to slap ’em back on. Or use a skin saver between the two in your pack, so you can quickly pull them apart later.

The lower legs are truly beefy for 360 degrees with tall kick patches and a reinforced hem, so those bones won’t be breaking while you’re taking narrow steps with crampons or tight pivots with sharp ski edges. It’s a unique design: A secondary fabric amps up the hem, reaching 2 inches high on the interior and exterior, and also stretches 8 inches up the inside of the leg.

In a trapezoid shape, that kick patch is 7.5 inches at its widest and 5 inches at its narrowest. There are also two crampon patches on either side of the lower-leg zipper (5.5 x 8 inches and 4.5 x 8 inches). The crampon patches feel like super-lean knee pads and are fully integrated into the fabric, so they’re not aesthetically obvious. While you don’t need to be concerned about holes any time soon, know that your pant legs won’t be easy to roll up but they’ll not sag and stay upright.

For a clean look and a top-notch pair of women’s ski pants that won’t wear out any season soon, we’ll keep pulling on the Women’s Khroma Diffuse GORE-TEX Pants, especially for a pair that can rock resort days followed by long weekends out-of-bounds in any terrain, any weather, and at any time of the season. Plus, if you get steamy, there are two generous side leg vents to assist. If these are overbuilt for your needs, or you prefer a warmer pair, check out the 686 Aura Insulated Cargo Pants for a fraction of the cost.

There’s not much this pant can’t withstand. The Arc’teryx Sentinel Pant ($600) is a super-premium build intended to be tenacious for big mountain freeride missions compared to mellower backcountry tours. Lined with brushed flannel, the pants also provide a bit of warmth. The tradeoff? The durable design only weighs 510 g, and the beefy construction is reflected in the cost. These pants feature an embedded RECCO reflector, an anti-odor treatment, and have been a new 80-denier 3-layer ePE GORE-TEX, a PFAS-free textile. There’s not much that could make them better.

The sides have double zippers along the vents, which reach 14 inches in length, offering ample room for catching a breeze. But they don’t have mesh inserts, which we wish were added for a bit of protection. On each thigh, the wide, deep pockets are super spacious for holding a big phone or snack bars. There’s also a small, hidden stash pocket in the right-hand pocket. Those thigh pocket zippers are water-resistant (but not waterproof). Both a comfortable integrated waist belt plus wide belt loops provide the opportunity to adjust size and fit.

Among our favorite perks, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton loves the high-reaching and tenacious interior cuffs for hem and pant leg protection. To reinforce the fabric of the interior pant leg against ski edges, crampons, and abrasion, the stout Keprotec interior patches on the cuffs stretch 8 inches across and 8.5 inches high at their peak. The cuffs have super-stout 100-denier Cordura. Tilton appreciated the protection while touring around Colorado’s Elk Mountains.

The waterproof-breathable Sentinel Pant has taped seams and is as durable and as comfortable as ski pants come. They’re a perfect option for mission-oriented and avid skiers who want to invest in a single pair for the long haul. But if you’re looking for a robust pair that’s hardy for wind-worn days at the ski area, but don’t need a mountaineering-level design, check out the Rab Women’s Khroma Diffuse GORE-TEX Pants for $100 less.

The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Snow Pants ($269) are classic insulated resort pants designed to keep skiers warm, dry, and comfortable during long chairlift laps. After several days testing them at Aspen Mountain and Snowmass, ski gear expert Heather Balogh Rochfort found the pants deliver exactly what they promise: dependable warmth, cruisey mobility, and Patagonia’s strong sustainability credentials.

The pants use 60 grams of Thermogreen insulation, which is made from 100% recycled polyester. This provided plenty of warmth during a ski day in the low 20s (Fahrenheit). Balogh Rochfort especially appreciated how warm her legs felt on descents — even typically cold chairlift rides kept her quads comfortable. Two mesh-lined thigh vents help dump heat when needed, though these pants are definitely best suited to colder resort days rather than high-output skiing.

Fit leans slightly generous. At 5’5″ and 145 pounds, Balogh Rochfort found a medium roomy through the hips and thighs, but the waist required tightening with the adjustable tabs. Once dialed in, the articulated design moved naturally while skiing, and the smooth taffeta liner made layering easy.

Features are straightforward: two hand pockets, one thigh pocket, gaiters, scuff guards, and long thigh vents. The recycled H2No shell fabric, PFAS-free DWR, and Fair Trade Certified manufacturing round out the package. Tradeoff: The hand pocket is so deep that it sits behind the thigh pocket, causing some of your goods to bang around while you’re on the move.

The North Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants ($200) are a value-oriented resort pant designed for skiers who prioritize warmth, comfort, and affordability over cutting-edge technology or breathability. GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort tested the pants over a warm, early-season weekend at Aspen Snowmass, skiing both Highlands and Buttermilk in variable conditions that highlighted exactly who these pants are — and aren’t — for.

Built with a 2-layer DryVent shell and 60 grams of Heatseeker synthetic insulation, the Freedom pants deliver plenty of warmth. Balogh Rochfort noted that on the coldest day of testing (30 degrees Fahrenheit and a brisk wind chill), the insulation prevented the cold seep that often creeps into her thighs and backside on lift rides. She only saw light snowfall, but the pants had no issues shedding the delicate moisture. She even spent a decent amount of time sitting and crawling around in the snow at the base with her daughter, and was pleased to see that the knees and butt of the Freedoms never wet out. 

On a warmer, 30-degree Fahrenheit day, however, breathability became a limiting factor. Even while cruising mellow groomers, heat built quickly. While the mesh-backed inner thigh vents helped dump some heat, they couldn’t fully offset the realities of a 2-layer insulated construction. But that tradeoff is largely expected at this price point.

Fit is comfortable and forgiving once dialed, with wide legs that easily slide over ski boots and internal gaiters that aren’t overly restrictive. Sizing, however, runs tricky. At 5’5” and 145 pounds, Balogh Rochfort found the medium unusually tight through the hips. Ultimately, she sized up, relying heavily on the adjustable waist tabs to cinch down the pant size.

Bottom line: The North Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants are worth a look for everyday resort skiers who want reliable warmth, solid weather protection, and approachable pricing.

For women who want warmth, sustainability, and smart design all in one pair of pants, the women’s Picture Exa Pants ($240) hit the mark. These insulated snow pants stood out during testing at Aspen Snowmass by contributor and gear tester Heather Balogh Rochfort. Across seven days of skiing — ranging from cold storms at Highlands to slushy spring laps and even a hot uphill day with a 7-year-old in tow — the Exa kept her dry, warm, and completely comfortable. Field notes from Crested Butte-based SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton match that experience.

Made with 100% circular polyester from textile waste and insulated with 40g of recycled synthetic fill, the Exa lives up to Picture’s reputation for eco-conscious outerwear. But what really impressed us were the standout design details: the built-in waist gaiter, which seals out snow without the need for bibs, and the I-Fit system, which lets you draw the pant cuffs up via hidden pocket pull cords. These thoughtful attributes are rare in women’s ski pants and genuinely useful.

Despite the insulation, the pants never felt bulky or restrictive. The straight-yet-relaxed fit allowed room for movement and layering, while still flattering the silhouette. The wide and high-reaching interior waistband wasn’t too tight. Vent zips, lace-hook gaiters, and reinforced cuffs round out what we’d consider to be a solid set of design elements.

Our only complaint? We wish they had more pockets — especially a cargo or thigh stash for storing essentials. Still, for women who want performance, comfort, and environmental responsibility in one good-looking package, the Exa Pants are a great choice.

Like the best honey, the cut of the Stio Women’s Environ Pant ($429) is just right. The first thing we noticed when pulling on these pants is how well articulated the design is around the knees, quads, and backside without being overly baggy or too tight. Plus, this hybrid workhorse is built for mountain missions whether you’re skinning in the backcountry, lapping sidecountry lines, or hammering lift-served runs. Looking great and settling in as a top performer, the Environ is one of our favorite women’s ski pants to date. And as of this year, the Environ is now offered in extended sizes ranging from XXS to XXL and a variety of inseams: regular (30.5″ – 31.5”), short (28.5″ – 29.5”), or long (32.5″ – 33.5”).

Made with Stio’s in-house PeakProof 3-layer recycled fabric, the Environ delivers a level of waterproofing and breathability that’s vetted in the Tetons. After riding around Colorado from Copper Mountain to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton can affirm this textile has a lovely hand feel, isn’t too loud or crunchy, yet feels stout. With 20,000mm of waterproofness and 10,000g of breathability, plus PFAS-free DWR to bead moisture off the surface, this shell handles snow flurries, sleet, and sweat with finesse. It even does well to barricade wind. To dump heat on the skintrack or on spring days while riding the jib park, the exterior leg vents are retrofitted with burly dual, two-way zippers.

There might only be three of them, but they serve us well. Each oversized hand pocket is well angled and fully lined with a buttery soft fabric. A roomy, bellowed thigh pocket can fit a large phone, and doesn’t feel like the device is slamming around inside. The zip closure is protected by a snappable flap. The super comfortable, wide waistband is another detail that fits our jam. The design includes wide belt loops, an adjustable Velcro band, plus a double-snap (with easy-to-use, deep snaps) and velcro closure. The pants even come with an in-house designed wide belt with a simple hook-and-loop system: Not many snow pants come with belts! One potential drawback, though: The belt is stitched into place at the center back. If you don’t like belts, consider a different pant.

We also appreciate the reinforced hems, which have large Cordura kick patches, to elongate the fabric’s lifespan and resist abrasion from crampons, ski edges, or boot buckles. While the pants aren’t the easiest to roll up, due to the patches, they aren’t stiff, either. The internal boot gaiters don’t have a metal hook, which we don’t mind, and keep the fluff out on blower days. To hang to dry at the end of the day, the internal hanger loop is wide enough to dangle the pants off a sizable wall hook.

If you want a baggier cut, check out the 686 Aura Insulated Cargo Pants, which are insulated and have double the number of pockets. If you’re looking for a lightweight ski pant with an equally awesome fit and well-made, roomy pockets, scope out the Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Pants, which are 496 g compared to the burlier 652-gram Environ. Whether you’re slashing pow, booting couloirs, or riding chairs, these pants are built to keep up — and look good doing it. For riders that prefer one pair of pants that can do it all, the Environ is one we keep reaching for, whether it’s stormy or bluebird.

If you relish freedom of movement and baggy as a fashion statement, don’t kick this pair of freeride ladies’ ski pants to the sidelines. A steadfast option in the lineup, the Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen Ski Pants ($310) brings the brand’s popular bib silhouette into a suspender-free option for the gals. While the bibs have been in the lineup, some shredders prefer a bit more freedom and less fabric than what a bib offers.

What’s more, the Powderqueen is loaded with 40 g of insulation, which is lightweight but powerful: SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton definitely noticed the warmth and felt far more relaxed on icy, damp, and windy lift rides at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The designers opted for the PrimaLoft Black Eco, which is 100% recycled: Helly Hansen converts plastic bottles into fibers. Among PrimaLoft’s classic lineup of insulation — Gold, Silver, and Black — the Black Eco offers up the equivalent of 350-fill power down. The CLO value, which is a metric used to measure the thermal insulation of clothes, is 0.65. Comparatively, nude skiing would be 0, and ripping turns in a highly insulated onesie would be more than 1.

In a 2-layer design, the material is Helly Hansen’s longstanding proprietary waterproof-breathable and windproof membrane, called Helly Tech, which initially hit the market in 1984 — four decades ago. While we’ve ridden through blizzards more than a few times while wearing this fabric over the years, we’re still confident it works based on test laps in these pants.

Tilton digs the pockets on these pants. Helly made sure to offer two hand pockets plus a deep pocket on the upper right quad. The waist is secure thanks to a triple-secure closure: fly, two snaps, and a slider. She’s not coming undone. In addition to wide belt loops, the pants also include a smooth, integrated Velcro belt along the interior of the waistband, so you can tailor the circumference.

While keeping us warm, we can’t overlook the mobility of these pants between the baggy legs — freeing our thighs — adjustable waist, articulated knees, gusseted crotch, and 2-way stretch. A couple of other perks include the integrated RECCO for safety if a rescue is needed, PFC-free DWR, internal gaiters, and 8×8-inch durable kick patches on the interior hems. Bringing business and steez, don’t sleep on the Women’s Powderqueen Ski Pants.

A walking piece of art, the 686 Aura Insulated Cargo Pants ($190) boast articulated style that makes us want to shred. Alongside ample cargo space, the Aura are lightly insulated in all the right spots, keeping us comfortable all day on the lift, yet also have ventilation and adequate weather protection for the occasional squall. The best part? These pants don’t break the bank. 

Designed with windproof infiDRY 10K fabric, these pants provide waterproof and breathable protection, while a PFAS-free DWR coating helps shed moisture without harmful chemicals. While there’s not enough waterproofing for week-long, watery PNW-level storms, this degree provides plenty of waterproofing for fair-weather riders, bluebird weekends, and in drier snow climates. Keeping us warm, the infiLOFT insulation is strategically placed with 40g of mapping at the seat and knees. Above the knees, an internal fleece liner covers our quads, hamstrings, and glutes. The whole package delivers warmth where it’s needed sans bulk. On warmer days or during high-output skiing, the internal leg vents enable temperature regulation, preventing overheating on boot-packs or park laps.

Per the name, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton loved the cargo pockets. In total, there are six pouches including two on the back, traditional hand pockets, and two cargo hammocks on the hammies. The most secure closures are the zips for the hand pockets, otherwise the designs latch with Velcro plus a snap on the cargo pockets. A key clip is inside the front hand pocket. Beyond belt loops, an internal waist adjustment lets us dial in the fit without a belt. Also, three horizontal loops placed below the belt loops offer a pant-jacket connection to help keep the jacket locked down on pow days. 

A few details are on our short wish list. It’d be nice for the bottom side of the hand pockets to also be lined with fleece, not just the top. And the waistband closure is two shallow snaps surrounded by scratchy Velcro. It works OK, but isn’t comfortable against our fingers, and deeper snaps would be quicker to secure. Thoughtful details balance out the critiques like a lift ticket eyelet on the left-front belt loop and the expandable dual-snap lower-leg hems. Without going overkill, a narrow strip of 500-denier fabric reinforces the lowest boundary of the hem. And the boot lace hook has a garage when it’s not in use, while the gaiters are lined with four rows of grip, keeping them down over our boots. 

As a B Corp-certified brand, 686 also meets high standards for environmental responsibility and ethical manufacturing. For resort skiers seeking warm, functional, stylish, and eco-conscious pants, the Aura Insulated is a top choice loaded with storage opps and at a sweet price. In need of a performance-oriented pair that’s more waterproof, lightweight, and ready for backcountry days? Scope out the Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Pants.

Anyone seeking a minimalistic, lighter-weight, insulated pant — sans the puffy look and feel — will delight in the Helly Hansen Alphelia Insulated 2.0 Pant ($310). Filled with Primaloft Black Eco insulation, these pants feel featherlight while being incredibly warm and fluffy, keeping us comfortable in teen temps on slow chairlifts and after the sun set while gathering at the tailgate with friends.

These Alphelia ski pants have a slimmer-fitting, modern look. We found the design to be true to size, offering a wide range in waist size (23 inches to 37 inches) but lacking in length variation. If you want to go longer, you have to go bigger, which could be a problem for taller ladies looking for longer inseams.

The pant sits high on the waist, providing an adjustable Velcro belt band and gives a flattering, tighter fit from the waist through the glutes and thighs. There are also belt loops, should you need to throw on a belt.

Topped off with articulated knees, the four-way stretch HELLY TECH Performance fabric gave us ample freedom of movement while carving turns and lunging around moguls. The waterproofing also kept us dry in a wild spring snowstorm. These pants come with an embedded RECCO rescue reflector and fully sealed seems.

One drawback: The cuff width is in line with the pants’ slim leg fit and does not have a zipper to widen, and we found it fit pretty snuggly over our ski boots. And we struggled to fully stretch the fabric over a snowboard boot.

The minimalistic design of the Alphelia Insulated pant means there are only two standard-size hand pockets with waterproof zippers, no more and no less. We found ourselves relying on jacket pockets to carry essentials like a cellphone. And while the zippered, mesh ventilation on the inner thighs helped us with cooling off in the lift line on warm days, these pants would be far too warm for uphilling or backcountry exploration due to the insulation. 

The Alphelia are form-fitting, lightweight, insulated pants with a high-waisted design and are ideal for gals trying to stay toasty at the resort while avoiding a baggy aesthetic.