Choosing the right ski pants

After showing you how to choose the right ski jacket, we’re now going to explain how to choose the ski trousers to go with it! To pick the right pair, the criteria are the same as for a jacket. Here too, we’re talking about waterproofness, breathability and thermal insulation ratings. It’s also important to choose ski trousers with the features you actually need. Manufacturers offer plenty of practical options to make life easier: gaiters, reinforced hems, various pockets, fabrics that provide excellent freedom of movement, RECCO reflector, vents and much more. Read this guide before browsing our site to find the women’s ski trousers, men’s or kids’ model of your dreams.

Waterproofness and breathability

Waterproof protection and breathability are crucial concepts in any technical garment, and ski trousers are no exception. These properties protect you from moisture, and therefore from the cold. Waterproofness shields you from wet conditions in the form of rain and snow, while breathability allows excess heat to escape so perspiration doesn’t cool down and leave you feeling cold.

To ensure your ski trousers protect you from moisture, manufacturers have developed membranes that provide both waterproof protection and breathability. Among the best-known membranes, the famous Gore-Tex membrane naturally stands out, alongside others that may be less widely known, but are no less effective, such as Dryplay from Picture, Dermizax and DRYOsphere from Scott, etc.

To determine the waterproof rating of a membrane, a column of water is placed on it and the water height required for water to start passing through the membrane is measured in millimetres. This is known as the Schmerber measurement. It gives waterproof ratings such as 6,000 mm, 8,000 mm, 10,000 mm, 15,000 mm or even 20,000 mm. The higher the figure, the more protective the membrane. Currently, the most waterproof membranes reach up to 30,000 mm.

The breathability of a membrane is expressed in grams per square metre over a 24-hour period. You’ll therefore see ratings such as 6,000 g/m²/24 h, 10,000 g/m²/24 h, 20,000 g/m²/24 h, etc. Here again, the higher the number, the more efficient the membrane.

Breathability can also be measured using the Thermal Evaporative Resistance (RET) coefficient. Unlike the g/m²/24 h measurement, the lower the RET rating, the more breathable the garment. A high RET therefore indicates a less breathable garment.

Waterproofness and breathability levels are usually combined and abbreviated in the following form: 10K/10K for trousers waterproof to 10,000 mm and breathable to 10,000 g/m²/24 h, 20K/20K for trousers waterproof to 20,000 mm and breathable to 20,000 g/m²/24 h, and so on. The waterproof rating always comes first.

Durable water-repellent finish

To improve the outer fabric’s resistance to moisture, manufacturers often use a durable water-repellent finish (DWR). It makes droplets bead and roll off the surface of the textile rather than soaking in quickly. This finish complements the action of the waterproof membrane, but its effectiveness gradually decreases with use and washing.

To maintain the water repellence of your trousers, you can use a dedicated care product and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can also read our tutorial “ how to wash your ski jacket?”. Many brands are now developing water-repellent finishes without fluorinated compounds or without added PFAS.

Thermal insulation to keep the cold out

The legs are generally less sensitive to cold than the upper body during activity. However, when skiing at altitude in sub-zero temperatures, and with speed increasing wind chill, having insulating padding in your trousers can be a good idea. Manufacturers offer both natural and synthetic insulation, and aside from the origin of the material, these insulations differ in their thermal efficiency. The more warmth an insulation provides for the same fill weight, the less space it takes up, the more freedom of movement it gives you, and the better it breathes.

To help you choose, we include a warmth level indicator and insulation fill weight on the product pages for our ski trousers.

Primaloft: It stands out for its ability to remain effective even in damp conditions thanks to its water-repellent fibres. A perfect solution for taking on the elements while staying warm. Find out more about Primaloft.

Polartec: Renowned for its outstanding breathability, Polartec provides optimal moisture management while delivering consistent warmth. Ideal for high-output activity in cold conditions. Find out more about Polartec.

3M Thinsulate Insulation: This ultra-fine material delivers remarkable thermal insulation while maintaining excellent freedom of movement. Perfect for those looking to combine performance with low weight.

Dupont Sorona: Made from bio-based materials, Dupont Sorona stands out for its reduced environmental impact and excellent resistance to wear, while providing warmth and comfort.

But do you really need to buy warm ski trousers?

It’s therefore quite rare to get cold legs when skiing, given that on the slopes we’re constantly active, shifting from one edge to the other. In this context, it’s better to choose lightweight ski trousers and wear a thermal base layer when it’s very cold. That way, you can be sure your trousers will work just as well in the depths of winter as during spring skiing holidays.

Choosing the right waterproof-breathable and insulation level

Depending on your discipline and the conditions, you won’t have the same needs in terms of protection from moisture and cold. If you go ski touring, you’ll alternate between phases of intense activity and more relaxed moments. You’ll therefore be better off with ski trousers without insulation and with good breathability in order to wicks perspiration away as water vapour. Indeed, if sweat isn’t evacuated, it will cool you down significantly. If you only ski downhill, insulated trousers can provide extra comfort in cold weather, particularly on the lifts. Finally, waterproofness is never excessive and helps you stay dry even when you’re out in bad weather. It’s even an essential criterion for freeride skiing, so you remain dry even after a fall in the deepest powder.

Essential features for enjoying the snow

• RECCO reflector : this is a useful option on ski trousers. The RECCO reflector bounces back the signal emitted by detectors used by professional rescuers to help locate a person. For off-piste enthusiasts, it therefore acts as a supplementary safety device. However, it does not replace the avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe required for travel in avalanche terrain.
• Pockets : front, rear, cargo, zipped, buttoned or hook-and-loop, make sure your ski trousers have the pockets you need so you’re not disappointed! Zipped pockets are, of course, the safest option for your gear: you’re unlikely to lose your phone if it’s securely stowed in a pocket with the zip closed.
• Ventilation zips, zips and sealed seams : zips and seams are weak points on trousers because they can provide a narrow entry point for moisture. The most technical trousers are therefore equipped with waterproof zips and sealed seams. For improved breathability, many ski and snowboard pants also feature zipped vents that can be opened or closed depending on intensity. This option lets you adapt your trousers to the situation and enjoy optimal comfort throughout your session.
• Trouser/jacket connection: there’s nothing more unpleasant than snow getting inside your trousers after a fall. To prevent this, either wear bib pants or choose trousers with a jacket connection system to block any route in for snow. These attachment systems, usually using zips or press studs, may only be compatible with the jacket designed to match the trousers.
• Reinforcements and snow gaiters : found on most ski trousers, these two features are genuinely useful. The lower legs of ski trousers need reinforcement because these areas see a lot of wear (scuffs from boot crampons, ski edges and poles). Snow gaiters, meanwhile, are designed to fit over snowboard boots or ski boots when you ride, helping prevent snow ingress, especially in powder.
• Adjustable length for children : as with jackets, some brands offer children’s ski trousers with an adjustable leg length. This means that if your child grows from one winter to the next (which is very likely), you can gain extra trouser length and avoid having to buy a new pair. This is often achieved with a removable stitching system.

Bibs or trousers? What type of clothing should you ski in?

Between team bibs and team trousers, everyone has their arguments. When it comes to style, some people think salopettes are old-fashioned while others defend their trendy look to the hilt. Others find them impractical, slower to put on, requiring more faff when you need to go to the loo, and so on. On the other hand, they have the advantage of blocking all snow entry points, a major plus when riding in powder. Each to their own, and the most diplomatic (or the most undecided) will choose ski trousers with braces.

A true relic of the past, you can still spot a few one-piece ski suits on the slopes. Indeed, a handful of die-hard skiers continue to resist the natural evolution of ski clothing and have not yet retired their neon all-in-one suit.

What size should you choose for your men’s or women’s ski trousers?

In addition to all the technical criteria covered in this guide, size is an important factor when choosing pants. A model that’s too small won’t be comfortable, while one that’s too large won’t keep you warm and will let air in around the waist. To make things easier, each of our product pages includes a size guide. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us for personalised advice.

The fit also matters. Slim-fit trousers offer reduced bulk, while a regular or looser cut provides more freedom of movement and makes layering with a thermal base layer easier. Whatever fit you choose, you should be able to bend your knees and squat down without feeling excessive tension around the thighs or crotch.

How much should I spend?

The question of budget is a valid one. It can be the deciding factor between two models. Glisshop offers ski clothing for every budget so everyone can enjoy winter sports. Top-of-the-range models benefit from the most technical materials and come with multiple practical details that can make all the difference. However, more affordable models are far from left behind. Modern fabrics are all effective and protect you from cold and bad weather.

Which brand should you choose?

With the wide selection of ski clothing for women, men and children that we offer, it can be difficult to choose. Our experts select the best models each season from a range of reputable brands. All the ski trousers we offer are made from effective materials and fabrics that protect you from cold and snow. The question of which brand to choose simply comes down to personal preference. You may be drawn to Rossignol ski trousers or perhaps a Volcom model. All the brands available at Glisshop design high-performance clothing.