The Best Ski Pants

Buying Guide

Skiing is a popular sport, but at the end of the day, you’re spending hours in chilly temperatures. It’s important to make sure you’re safely dressed. The problem is, while you’re working up a sweat on the slopes, you might not notice the cold weather, but your body can still suffer damage.

Layering is key to sufficiently covering your body in wintry conditions without restricting movement. You can find lightweight but insulating clothing that does the job. You’ll also want material that’s breathable, and if it wicks moisture away from your body, that’s a huge benefit. Sweat can saturate certain fabrics, creating unsafe conditions for skin that’s coming into contact with snow.

One big consideration, though, is how you’ll transport your clothing. You’ll have to pack for your ski trip, so you need ski clothes that will squeeze into your suitcase. But if you’re changing when you get to the ski lodge, make sure it’s also compact enough to fit in your ski bag.

You can find a wide range of ski pants, but many focus on a few key features. You’ll need an outer shell that repels water combined with an inner insulating layer. This is typically some form of lightweight fleece. But the danger of insulation for warmth is that you’ll inevitably be sweating, so many ski pant manufacturers build in ventilation to keep airflow moving.

When you’re spending a day on the slopes, you’ll also have belongings to secure on your body. Your phone, car keys, room key and lift tickets will probably need to be secured in zippered pockets with a lining that keeps them secure while you ski. Your jacket may have those zippered pockets, but it can also come in handy to store some items in your pants.

• Bright colors do more than express your personal style. They make you easy to spot on the slopes, which can improve safety.
• Frigid temperatures can drain your phone battery. Your phone might even shut down altogether. If you can, leave the phone in your room or, at the very least, consider ski pants with pockets that will insulate your phone. It’s always best not to charge your phone while it’s still cold. Give it time to warm up first.
• Ski pants can be limited in sizing. It’s important to make sure you get the right fit. If you’re shorter or taller than average, look for a pair that includes sizing for those heights.
• If you ski often, you’ll need to look for a durable pair of ski pants. Expert stitching can ensure your pants hold up over many ski trips.
• Not all ski pants are machine washable. Look for a pair that you can toss in the washer after a long day on the slopes, even if you have to line dry.
• Cuffs that fit snugly will help keep snow and chilly air off your ankles while you’re skiing. Some come with buttons or snaps to give you that tight fit you need.
• Gaiters are another option for getting the ankle protection you need. Some pants come with gaiters designed to slide over your ski boots and form that snug fit. Before you buy a pair, make sure the cuffs of your pants will fit over your boots.
• Keeping track of your lift tickets can be challenging when you’re focused on enjoying your day. Make sure you have a pocket with a zipper that will keep them dry. You might even want to slide them into a sealed plastic bag for extra protection. Some ski pants come with a ring that you can use to attach your lift tickets to keep you from losing them.
• Flexibility is important when you’re concentrating on your form. Look for a pair of pants with some spandex to make sure your movements won’t be inhibited.