The Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2023

The winter season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited to have the secret to staying comfortable: Wear ski pants. On the slopes. Around town. While driving. These utility pants are the ultimate tool for staying warm and dry. With plenty of women’s-specific options, many pairs are fun and fashion-forward, too.

We’ve researched, tested, and rounded up our choices for the best snow pants in all the top categories. We’ve also provided a breakdown on how to choose the snow pants that will best fit your skiing or other winter needs from sledding and walking the dogs, to shoveling the walkway. While many women’s snowboard pants are tailored to the sport’s style and boot fit, many ski pants also pair well with snowboard boots.

Ski pants need to fit well and work year after year. From smart, useful pockets to leg vents and waterproofing, we outline the best features of each pant. And while there isn’t a single best snow pant for every woman, we’ve organized this list into categories to help you find the best ski pant for your downhill turns, uphill adventures, and other favorite winter activities.

To learn more about ski pants and how to choose the perfect pair, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ section at the bottom of this article. Also, have a look at our comparison chart to steer your decision-making.

Otherwise, jump to one of our top picks or scroll through all the options for the best ski pants for women in 2023:

The Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2023

Best Overall Women's Ski Pant

Stio Raymer Pant

Specs

• Shell 3L PeakProof shell with 50-denier plainweave nylon (20K/13K waterproofness and breathability) plus DWR finish
• Insulation None
• Pockets 3 (two zippered thigh pockets, one zippered glute pocket)
• Seams Fully seam-sealed for total waterproofness
• Zippers YKK water-resistant Aquaguard coil zippers
• RECCO No
• Fit Regular
• Cuffs 600-denier cordura kickpatch with TPU coat and DWR finish
• Our favorite perk The robust material offers enough protection with no bulk and the pants look great
• Best for Resort, backcountry, uphill workouts, and mellow nordic skiing

Pros

• Interior thigh vents for dumping heat
• Internal gaiters easily slide over boots

Cons

• If you tend to be super cold sensitive, consider looking at insulated ski pants
• Interior vents are not the largest or longest

Mary Murphy

After being off the market for a couple of seasons, Stio relaunched a completely overhauled version of the Raymer Pant ($349), which we absolutely love for skiing at the resort, uphill workouts, skinning in the backcountry, and even mellow nordic ski jaunts. This pant is truly an all-around staple for snowy activities from shoveling to play time and movement or simply getting around town during wintry conditions. There’s nothing we wouldn’t use these pants for come winter.

Among the biggest updates for the Raymer this season is the overall fit, which offers just enough wiggle room around the waist and thighs — we never feel restricted. At only 15 ounces, the pants are and feel lightweight, move quietly, and are soft to the hand. The designers nailed the articulated knees, which allow ease of motion.

At the cuff, the circumference fits well around ski boots or snowboard boots, even those with a double BOA system. A broad-reaching Cordura kick patch protect the interior of each leg against the metal edge of your skis or board, as well as boot clips while walking to the parking lot or taking the bus.

Around the waist, you can tighten up the band using the svelte velcro adjustment tabs. There are also belt loops and a double-stacked snap, which easily closes.

The only drawback we’ve found is that the internal leg vents are only 9 inches in length, which is on the shorter end if you need max airflow on a super hot spring tour. There’s also no mesh backing on the vents, and the zip pulls are small, so they’re not the easiest to grab. That said, the materials are durable and the ports are adequate for most tours, especially when the temps are super low.

All around, we love the way the Raymer pants look, feel, and perform.

Check Price at Stio

Best Budget Women's Ski Pant

The North Face Women’s Freedom Insulated Pants

Specs

• Shell 2-layer DryVent fabric
• Insulation The North Face Heatseeker
• Pockets 3 (two zippered hand pockets, one thigh cargo pocket)
• Seams Critically sealed (unsealed pocket seams)
• Zippers Non-waterproof zippered front pockets and vents
• RECCO No
• Fit Regular
• Cuffs Yes
• Our favorite perk The venting system
• Best for Enthusiastic resort skiers

Pros

• Fleece-lined pockets
• Thigh vents

Cons

• No DWR treatment

Mary Murphy

The North Face’s Freedom Insulated Pant ($169) is definitely a crowd-pleaser — and for good reason. The pants are well-insulated (a light base layer will do the trick even riding lifts on cold days) and have deep, fleece-lined hand pockets. The pants use The North Face’s in-house insulation and a mesh-backed venting system on the inner thighs.

They might not have all the bells and whistles of more technical backcountry pants, but we really like this pair as a resort ski pant. The comfort combined with basic features like interior gaiters will keep you happy at the mountain all day long. The Freedom Pant keeps us dry on days with wetter snow, though the face fabric doesn’t feature a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment.

These pants are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay warm and dry on the mountain while sticking to a budget.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon

Best Runner-Up

Arc’teryx Sentinel Pant

Specs

• Shell 3-layer N70p GORE-TEX with Lo-Loft soft shell construction (nylon plain weave fabric with DWR finish)
• Insulation Brushed-knit polyester liner
• Pockets 3 (two zippered thigh pockets, one flap stash pocket)
• Zippers Not available
• RECCO No
• Fit Standard
• Cuffs 100-denier Cordura cuffs with Keprotec instep patches
• Our favorite perk High-reaching, stout interior cuffs for hem and pant leg protection
• Best for Avid backcountry enthusiasts, blustery resort days, environments full of changing weather conditions

Pros

• Durable
• Big side vents
• Waterproof

Cons

• No mesh backer on the side vents

Mary Murphy

There’s not much this pant can’t withstand. The Sentinel Pant ($550) is a super-premium build and is 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 545 g, and the beefy construction is reflected in the cost.

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 and privacy.

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. The hand 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.

To protect 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.

These waterproof-breathable pants with taped seams are as durable and as comfortable as ski pants come, so they’re a perfect option for mission-oriented and avid skiers that want to invest in a single pair for the long haul.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Arc'teryx

Best Insulated Ski Pants for Resort Days

Flylow Fae Insulated Pant

Specs

• Shell 2-layer polyester hardshell with DWR and 20K/30K waterproof and breathability
• Insulation 60g Greenloft recycled polyester (previously 40g PrimaLoft Eco)
• Pockets 3
• Seams Fully sealed
• Zippers YKK
• RECCO No
• Fit Regular (not too fitted or in the athletic category)
• Cuffs Reinforced 500-denier fabric
• Our favorite perk Insulation is made from post-consumer plastic
• Best for Chilly resort laps

Pros

• Malleable material
• Not-too-tight fit
• Lightly insulated

Cons

• Folks looking for a more athletic or backcountry-esce pant can look elsewhere

Mary Murphy

Looking for a do-all insulated and durable pant for winter? Look no further than the Flylow Fae ($350) pant. Especially if you already have a shell pant for uphill travel and need a comfortable, insulated pant for the coldest of resort skiing days (or just general winter wear), consider this one.

This design is lightly insulated, so you don’t feel like you’re in a sauna, in addition to being waterproof and well-built. We’re super impressed with the quality of construction. Since the pants debuted in 2020, Flylow switched to recycled Greenloft insulation, made from post-consumer recycled PET, and upped the design’s insulation from 40 g to 60 g.

When pulled on, the fabric is comfortable, soft, and easily moves with you whether you’re skiing or snowshoeing. We’re no fan of snow pants that feel too stiff or heavy — even if they’re advertised to have some stretch. So these pants fit the bill. Read our full review. 

Check Price at Flylow

Best Backcountry Ski Pant

Outdoor Research Women’s Skyward II AscentShell Pants

Specs

• Shell 3-layer polyester AscentShell fabric
• Insulation None
• Pockets 4 (two zippered hand pockets, two zippered thigh pockets)
• Zippers YKK AquaGuard zippered hand and thigh pockets
• RECCO No
• Fit Standard
• Cuffs Yes, with 420-denier scuff guards
• Our favorite perk Range of motion and breathability
• Best for Earning your turns

Pros

• Ample ventilation
• Large, easy-access beacon pocket
• Plenty of stretch

Cons

• No integrated RECCO

Mary Murphy

For backcountry skiing and riding the lifts on warmer days, Outdoor Research’s Skyward II AscentShell ($329) wins our top pick. Its AscentShell electrospun membrane gives the pant a good balance of breathability and lightweight. The four-way mirror stretch means you can wear the pant on the uphill or downhill while maintaining great range of motion.

If you do need to shed some heat, the pant has two-way zippered exterior venting on both sides. But the pant’s coolest feature is the designated beacon mesh pocket. You can easily stash your safety accessory and go.

We also really like the boot-adjusting power strap. It’s a slot added in the gaiters so you don’t have to remove them to tighten your boots. If you spend most of your time in the backcountry, this pant is your best bet.

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry

Best Uphill Workout Ski Pant for Women

La Sportiva Women’s Excelsior Pant

Specs

• Shell Midweight soft shell made of recycled polyamide and polyester plus elastane (bluesign-certified) and PFC-free DWR coating
• Insulation None
• Pockets 3 (two zippered hand pockets, one zippered thigh pocket)
• Zippers Not available
• RECCO No
• Fit Streamlined yet stretchy
• Cuffs An inch of reinforced cuff around the entire parameter and a 8.5″ high patch inside the leg
• Our favorite perk Slender-fitting for exercise without any rub points or tight spots
• Best for Uphilling, speed workouts, skimo races

Pros

• Breathable softshell fabric
• DWR treatment sheds wet snow

Cons

• Seams not sealed

Mary Murphy

Soft and breathable, the La Sportiva Excelsior Pant ($179) is a go-to pant for uphilling at the resort, especially when intervals or a speed workout are involved. And you don’t need to worry about quick kick turns with these wide cuff reinforcements.

The cut is super streamlined but stretchy and easily pulls over our quads, glutes, and hips. For extra air passage, there are two exterior side ventilation zippers that stretch nearly a foot, offering a heat dump.

Two hand pockets and one front thigh pocket offer space to hold goods. But since we tend to use these pants for uphill exercise at the ski area or in non-avalanche terrain, we don’t usually like extra weight in our pockets anyways. And the zipper teeth on the hand pockets are not the most comfortable to slide our hands through.

Also a standout on the Excelsior is an adjustable hem, which has a zipper and three snaps to tighten or expand depending on the placement over your ski boots.

Check Price at La Sportiva

Best of the Rest

Flylow Nina Pant

Specs

• Shell Three-layer Oxford polyester fabric with DWR and 20K/20K waterproof breathable membrane
• Insulation None
• Pockets Four (three on the front)
• Seams Fully taped
• Zippers YKK waterproof
• RECCO No
• Fit Regular
• Cuffs Reinforced
• Our favorite perk Both interior and exterior leg vents
• Best for Resort days

Pros

• Stretchy enough
• Roomy, comfortable fit for layers beneath

Cons

• Not streamlined for those looking for well-fitted ski pants

Mary Murphy

Similar to the iconic Flylow Foxy bib, the three-layer Nina Pants ($365) is everything you could want or need from a hardshell — just in a pant version. This well-fitting, versatile hardshell is likewise making a name for itself.

Fully outfitted, this design comes with an adjustable waist (velcro closure), articulated knees, and powder gaiters plus inner and outer thigh vents.

These pants provide a solid waterproof shell with great venting and are versatile enough for the resort or the backcountry. Those who are taller might find them short over their boots. Otherwise, we found them comfortable and true to size.

The pockets are spacious and lined, and the lower thigh pocket is comfortable enough for carrying a cellphone while moving and skiing. There’s also just the right amount of fabric to move and stretch in these pants, without feeling too light.

Read our full review.

Check Price at Flylow

Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Insulated Pant

Specs

• Shell 2-layer HellyTech Performance fabric with DWR finish
• Insulation PrimaLoft (100% recycled polyester)
• Pockets 4 (two zippered hand pockets, two thigh pockets)
• Seams Fully taped
• Zippers 2 YKK AquaGuard zippers on the front pockets
• RECCO Yes
• Fit Low-rise, standard
• Cuffs Yes
• Our favorite perk All-day comfort lapping runs
• Best for Resort skiing or side-country skiing on lift-served terrain

Pros

• Warm
• Stylish
• Embedded RECCO reflector

Cons

• Too warm for uphill travel

Mary Murphy

Among Helly Hansen’s staple ski pants, the Switch Cargo ($225) is a low-rise, hardshell snow pant complete with PrimaLoft insulation that’s also 100% recycled polyester.

Really, these ski pants for ladies are among our favorites overall because they check all the right boxes from sustainability to safety, comfort, style, and function. On the durability side, the pant hems are reinforced with tenacious panels, so they won’t shred while you shred. Plus, they help keep our backside warm while riding the ski lift on a frigid midwinter day.

Lightweight and built for performance, the Switch Cargo pants have a two-layer, PFC-free DWR-coated fabric. They also have articulated construction at the seat and knees for comfort during higher levels of activity. And they have an embedded RECCO rescue reflector.

We really liked the extra cargo pockets and stylish boot-cut flare. These are great insulated ski pants. Due to the insulation, they’ll be hot for backcountry skiing, so they’re not a great choice for earning your turns. That said, they have interior thigh zippers to ventilate when you’re working hard on-piste.

Skiers love the insulation, warmth, and great fit of these pants. And the majority of reviews mentioned that the pants work well in many different conditions on the mountain. Read our full review. 

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Dynafit Women’s Beast Hybrid

Specs

• Shell 3-layer Dynashell polyamide-nylon fabric with DWR finish
• Insulation None
• Pockets 2
• Seams Fully sealed seams
• Zippers Water-repellent YKK zippers
• RECCO No
• Fit Athletic
• Cuffs Yes
• Our favorite perk Great performance in lots of different conditions (thanks to the ventilation zips)
• Best for Those who like to tour

Pros

• Built for strenuous uphill travel
• Waterproof knees, thighs, and seat

Cons

• Not completely waterproof

Mary Murphy

For those who spend more time going uphill than down, the Beast Hybrid ($350) from Dynafit is a great choice. This hybrid pant offers the breathability of softshell pants. But Dynafit added waterproof fabric in the knees, thighs, legs, and butt — places most likely to let water in during wet conditions.

Ventilation zips with water-repellent zippers extend from knee to hip to dump heat at any moment. These are a high-performance pant for recreational skimo or touring athletes who get their cardio on the skin track. Note: The fit on these pants is definitely on the slimmer side, so consider that when choosing a size

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Columbia Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow Pant

Specs

• Shell 2-layer nylon Omni-Tech fabric
• Insulation Microtemp XF
• Pockets 5 (two hand pockets, two back pockets, side leg pocket)
• Seams Fully taped
• Zippers Zippered front pockets and zippered leg pocket
• RECCO No
• Fit Active
• Cuffs Yes, with snap closure
• Our favorite perk Good performance for the price
• Best for Beginner skiing in resorts

Pros

• Warm
• Waterproof
• Inexpensive

Cons

• No ventilation

Mary Murphy

The Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow Pants from Columbia ($120) win for both comfort and style. They are lightweight at under a pound and have internal gaiters, fully taped seams, and an adjustable waist to help with custom sizing.

While they lack a couple of key features (like vents), for waterproof snow pants, you can’t beat the price. The soft insulation adds warmth without sacrificing waterproofness. These pants are definitely a better option for resort skiers and beginner riders.

We don’t recommend these for backcountry travel. But if you’re an occasional skier looking for a pant that can also handle wet, wintry weather while working in the yard or sledding, the Omni-Heat pants will do the trick.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Columbia

Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants

Specs

• Shell 3-ply, 2-way stretch polyester face fabric, 2-ply Helly Tech waterproof/breathable membrane, DWR treatment to repel moisture, Bluesign-certified materials
• Insulation PrimaLoft Black 60g
• Pockets 4 (two zippered hand pockets, two back pockets)
• Seams Fully sealed
• Zippers YKK Aquaguard zippers
• Cuffs Yes, reinforced
• Waterproof Rating 10,000mm
• Fit Standard
• Best for Durability and quality on a budget

Pros

• Sleek appearance
• Well-insulated
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Not the most breathable

Mary Murphy

Compared to many options on this list, the Legendary Insulated Ski Pants ($200) from Helly Hansen stand out for their simple, classic design. For skiers looking for a clean, understated look that also performs well, look no further than these stellar resort skiing pants.

With a form-fitting shape that still offers room for underlayers, the Legendary Pants are fully compatible with both ski and snowboard boots. The articulated knee offers freedom of movement, and the reinforced bottom hem holds up to abuse from ski edges. There’s even an integrated RECCO reflector.

For insulated ski pants, these still manage to feel lightweight and breathable (thanks to venting). The 60 g PrimaLoft Black insulation reduces the need for excess underlayers, even when the temps drop into the low teens. Appearance-wise, the insulation is only slightly noticeable. We’re glad that these don’t have the fluffy “Michelin Man” look of some other insulated styles.

The Legendary Pants are perfect for the occasional skier looking for simple yet high-quality pants for resort skiing. They’re not the cheapest options out there, but they can easily justify their price tag in the long term.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon

Women’s Ski Pants Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

The GearJunkie team is made up of intermediate to expert alpine and backcountry skiers. We’ve skied runs in-bounds and hut-to-hut all over North America, including bell-to-bell resort powder days, ski-to-surf trips such as on Vancouver Island, backcountry hut adventures, skimo races, and cross-country laps on the nordic trails.

Women’s ski pants are essential for staying comfortable and dry while in motion, riding the lift, or taking a snack break. Over the years, we’ve tested many different ski pants, and this list comprises the best of the best. GearJunkie’s Snowsports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton has more than 32 years of snow pant experience living and playing outside in the high-altitude mountains of Colorado.

While testing women’s ski pants in the field, we assess durability, overall fit, ease of movement, protection against the elements, fabric feel, breathability, ventilation, and functionality. We take a look at specific features from pockets, zippers, vents, and gaiters to the waistband and cuff design.

We’ve tested ski pants while carving turns in ice-cold temperatures, blizzards, blustery wind, intense sun, and even rain from far-out tours to parking lot tailgating.

Beyond our team’s experience, we also consider the most innovative, sustainable, legacy, popular, and bestselling women’s ski pants on the market. These ski pants represent a broad range of price points and features for a variety of applications and needs.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Women’s Ski Pants

Snow pants aren’t hard to find, especially if you live in a colder climate. But finding the right pair can be harder than you think. So here are a few tips to get you started.

Consider Activity and Usage

Chances are, if you’re looking for a pair of snow pants to wear for a specific winter sport such as backcountry skiing, alpine skiing, or snowboarding, they’ll each have slightly different design features, fit, and style that make those pants more comfortable and functional for the day’s winter activity. That being said, many ski pants do work for other winter activities such as sledding, shoveling, fat biking, ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, winter hiking, dog walking, building snow caves, snowball fights, pow surfing, ice skating — you name it.

As you narrow down your top activity, consider the average temperature, conditions, and your personal body heat. Do the temperatures hover at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or up towards 30 degrees, and is there often windchill? Do you expect dry or wet snow? Will you be consistently moving, or do you anticipate being sedentary such as on the ski lift or while watching the kids play in the snow outside? And do you generally tend to run hot or cold?

Depending on the activity and output, you’ll want either insulated or uninsulated pants and ventilation as well as waterproofness. Each of those factors influences the price tag.

Type of Fit

Do you prefer a relaxed or more athletic fit? While this is a personal preference, a more streamlined fit is often more comfortable and ergonomic for skinning uphill as well as activities like fat biking.

If you want an unencumbered range of motion, maybe go with a relaxed fit. And if you run cold and wear more or thicker base layers, consider an insulated pant or going up a size.

It’s also important to note sizing sometimes differs depending on the pant’s style. And fit will also depend on your frame — if you’re taller or shorter than average or wear plus sizes, look for pants that offer accommodations or sizes for those builds.

All the pants on our list have some form of adjustable waist.

Which Fabric Should You Choose?

For powder days or backcountry travel, it makes a lot of sense to invest in a GORE-TEX or similar fully waterproof fabric.

The climate where you venture outdoors is also an important variable. There are three general snowpack zones: maritime, closer to the ocean; transitional; and continental with lower humidity and colder temperatures. The maritime snowpack has more water content and will be more wet, such as on Vancouver Island. Comparatively, Colorado’s continental snowpack typically has less water content and is much dryer.

Furthermore, two-layer and three-layer fabrics have different weights, waterproofness, and breathability ratings.

Ask yourself whether the pant will work for what you want. The goal is to find a pant with a fabric that will protect you and complement your activity level on the mountain or in the backcountry whether you’re taking resort laps for a couple of hours or skiing hut-to-hut for a few days.

Ski Pant Pockets and Features

Every pant has different features, but we have two must-haves for snow pants. They need to have internal gaiters that secure well over boots (gaiters with boot adjustment access are a plus) and functional, deep, wide, easy-to-open-and-close pockets. Ladies, you know what we’re talking about. That inch-wide chapstick pocket just doesn’t cut it.

Thigh pockets are especially great if you don’t like pocket items (like a cell phone or beacon) bunching up near your hips. Another important feature to consider getting in your pant is a RECCO reflector for safety in avalanche terrain.

Budget and Price

Depending on how often you hit the slopes, price is a factor. If you’re still starting out in a snowsport, or only make it to the mountain a couple of times a year, consider a more budget-friendly pant.

As you gain experience, you can always invest in a higher-quality pant that will ultimately perform better and last longer on the mountain.

Quality snow pants range in price from $120 (the Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow Pants from Columbia) to the Arc’teryx Sentinel Pant ($550) — a benchmark of superior design, protection, fit, feel, and long-lasting quality.

On the lower end, you’ll also find the North Face’s Freedom Insulated Pant ($169) and La Sportiva Excelsior Pant ($179), which serve different purposes: one is tighter for athletic pursuits and the other is more robust for everyday work.

A tier up in price you’ll find the Switch Cargo ($225) and Legendary Insulated Ski Pants ($200), which are excellent for avid resort skiers and riders.

Next, you’ll see higher quality snow pants that are more robust for backcountry, race, or mountaineering pursuits like Outdoor Research’s Skyward II AscentShell ($329) and the Beast Hybrid ($350).

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