Ski Pants
Skiing in jeans or activewear pants is a total drag. If you take an unexpected tumble, you'll be skiing wet and miserable for the rest of the day. That's no fun! Even if you're a beginner and weary of investing in the gear, trust us--don't skip the ski pants. They'll give you extra padding when you fall so you can get back up and try again, and add a layer between you and the snow. Get yourself some decent ski pants to stay warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes all day long!
Styles
When deciding what kind of ski pants to buy, there are two main styles to consider, plus the one piece hybrid suit, which is a cost-effective option since you don't have to buy two separate items.
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Ski Pants  - Fit like regular pants.
- Waistband is usually elasticized to allow for easy adjustment of layers.
- Doesn't offer as much protection from elements as bib pants.
- Easier to get on and off compared to bib pants and one piece suits.
- You can layer these easily with thermals or sweat pants.
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Ski Pants with Bib - Ski pants with a bib can vary from a high-waisted pair of pants with suspenders to the overall-style seen here.
- Warmer, more comfortable, and better protection from snow.
- Getting in and out of them is a bit more tricky.
- This style is great for skiing in powder, trails or colder weather.
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One Piece Suits - This is the warmest option available, and you don't need a jacket.
- These are great for people who are on the slope all day long or like to ski serious back-country terrain.
- Move around easily and without care; snow won't get it.
- Great for small children because they keep the snow out when playing in the snow between runs.
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Ski Bibs
Ski bibs are great for beginners who fall down a lot and don't want to get snow down their pants.
Pants
Pants are the most stylish choice here. However, you might get a little snow up your coat or down your pants if you wipe out. Premium ski pants take measures to prevent this to keep you dry. Look for features like rubberized cuffs or a skirt in your jacket to seal potential gaps.
Material Choices
- Waterproofing
- If the pants you love aren't waterproof, consider buying some waterproofing spray.
- If you ski anywhere in New England, buy waterproof pants.
- Look for pants with sealed seams.
- Insulation
- Some pants are just a waterproof shell, allowing you to wear as many layers as you like underneath.
- Other pants already have insulation built in to varying degrees. This is usually the most convenient.
- Generally, flexibility is good for certain conditions and locations. You can wear more layers for cold days and fewer for warmer days, but if your pants are insulated from the start there isn't much you can do about it.
- Fabric
- There are a wide variety of high-tech fabrics used in ski pants today.
- Look for waterproof, durable, breathable, windproof fabrics.
- If you don't plan to wear any thermals under your pants, make sure the pants are lined with something that won't irritate your skin and will wick moisture away--synthetic fleece or silk are good options.
Features
- Roominess
- If you prefer a snug fit, keep in mind that you might not be able to fit many layers underneath.
- Some pants have stretchy sections built in to the knees, ankles and waist to accommodate bulkier layers.
- Also keep an eye out for pants with articulated knees and stretch panels built in to allow greater freedom of movement.
- Leg opening
- Some pants are designed to tuck into boots; others fit over boots.
- Pants that fit over boots frequently have a rubberized snow cuff that snaps shut at the ankle to prevent snow getting into your boots.
- Pants that fit into boots may be more streamlined and/or sexy, but they do not keep the snow out! In this case look for snow gaiters .
- Some pants combine the best of both worlds - an inner layer tucks into the boot, while an outer layer protects against snow, rain, and everything else.
- If you ski in Vermont, get pants that will protect your legs and feet from all the elements, because you'll have to face them all. Possibly all in the same day, too.
- If you like to ski through deep powder, consider getting a double-layered pair to keep that powder out.
- Pockets
- There are a surprising number of places to put pockets on ski pants.
- There are, of course, the usual side pockets, but pockets can also be cargo pants -style, on the mid-thigh, or in the lower part of the pant leg (below the knee) for easy access while wearing a ski jacket.
- Look for pockets with zippers covered by flaps to keep the snow out in case of a spill.
- Also, zippers with large pulls will be easier to open when you're trying to open a pocket with gloves on.
- Edge Guards
- Kevlar edge guards on the inside ankle of the pants keep ski edges from cutting up your pants.
- Not an absolute necessity for the beginner, but more serious skiers will want to consider this feature.
Price
- Ski pants don't have to cost $200. You can probably find a good pair for $75 if you look around.
- If you're buying ski pants for a child who is still growing, don't spend too much money unless he or she is skiing competitively. You will only get one, maybe two seasons out of any pants before they are too short.
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