Ski trousers buyer’s guide for men, women, and kids

To make sure you find the right outfit, our apparel manager, Laurence, has handpicked models from leading winter sports brands. The Glisshop Team has something for everyone, from those who spend a few days of fun in resorts to those impatiently waiting for the first snow falls and eager to dive in powder.

Kids specific models

With Glisshop, youngsters aren’t forgotten with a wide range of junior ski pants, some of which benefiting from adjustable leg length to follow the growth of every child.

What trousers for skiing?

As a beginner, the first runs are often punctuated by edge catches, often synonymous with losing your balance and falling in snow. Here’s why waterproof snow pants are required to avoid ending up soaking wet at the end of the day. The joys of skiing depend on staying dry, focused on your technique. Moisture can quickly make you feel cold, which could soon make you quit, thinking skiing isn’t for you.

For seasoned enthusiasts, Gore-Tex ski pants are essential to face any mountain weather. Snow falls, fog and maybe a drizzle are no longer an issue, your outfit acts as a proper shield.

Gore-Tex ski trousers or snow pants?

To enjoy your mountain stay and skiing season, your ski pants must be waterproof and breathable as well as durable and functional. Back in the days, apparel could meet one or some of these criteria, but it took the arrival of Gore-Tex and its revolutionary membrane to combine all of them in one garment. This Teflon-based membrane has a huge number of microscopic holes whose size has been carefully calculated. These pores block water molecules that are too big to go through but let damp air molecules escape out. As a result, you stay dry when it’s raining or snowing, while perspiration evaporates to the outside during intense activity.

Gore-Tex isn’t the only player anymore. These past years, several big names in winter apparel have developed their own membrane, available in various degrees of waterproofness: 5K waterproof, 10K waterproof, 15K waterproof, 20K waterproof. Giving you the option to choose the breathability or waterproofness according to your needs.

You can even choose both with 20K/20K snow pants that are as waterproof as they’re breathable. Membranes are not only waterproof/breathable, they’re also wind-proof, making your gear a true shield against the elements.

Choosing the waterproof rating you need

While virtually all snow pants are waterproof, what sets them apart is their type of membrane, whose capacity to keep your dry varies greatly. Base level membranes block droplets as long as the pressure isn’t greater than the equivalent of a 2,000 to 5,000 mm water column. This protection is enough for light snow falls or a short drizzle without a backpack on. This detail is important as the shoulder straps add pressure on this area and help the penetration of moisture. From 10,000 mm, a light pack won’t be an issue. The membrane is waterproof enough to bear the friction on the shoulders and back. Of course, this is true for jackets, not trousers. The highest-performing ski trousers or snow pants have a waterproof rating of 28,000mm, perfect for freeriders and ski touring enthusiasts who venture in deep layers of powder.

Focus on Picture ski pants’ membrane

Most Picture Organic Clothing ski or snow pants benefit from the Dryplay membrane which is made of waterproof and breathable laminated fabric. It offers great comfort and keeps you dry no matter the weather conditions. This multi-layer material has been tested in labs and real-life conditions to guarantee the best performance possible.

Strengths:

Snow and rain protection
Wicks away sweat
Keeps you warm and dry even in poor weather
Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and any mountain activity

Choosing the breathability rating of your snow pants

This trendy term simply indicates the membrane’s ability to wick away sweat while preventing water to penetrate inside. Even more complicated than the waterproof rating, the membrane’s breathability is expressed in grams of vapour a square meter of fabric can let through in 24 hours, i.e., g/m²/24h. What you need to know is that below 10,000 g/m²/24h, the fabric isn’t very breathable and above, it evacuates moisture effectively.

For conventional alpine skiing, a breathability of around 10,000 mm is sufficient. Good waterproofness should be preferred, notably because you can encounter significant snow falls on the ski lift without being able to take shelter.

For ski touring, we recommend highly breathable trousers, which provide optimal comfort on the climbs.

Those who love spending hours on end shaping kickers in the backcountry should also consider ultra-breathable models to let sweat evaporate. High-end models combine waterproofness and breathability.

Do you need warm ski trousers?

Generally, it’s rare to get cold legs knowing that you’re always active on the slopes. A good option is choosing snow pants with a light insulation and wearing a thermal base layer when it’s really cold. You’re then sure to be able to use the same pair of pants in the heart of winter and spring.

The key elements to consider when buying ski trousers or snowboard salopettes

Before taking the plunge and buying the model that caught your attention, check the various options and features: well-designed pockets, zip vents to cool down, snow gaiters that prevent powder from getting inside your ski or snowboard boots.

Choosing the right ski pants for this winter

Essential element of your ski outfit, the goal of technical trousers is to keep you warm and dry no matter what. The incredible progress of the last few years in terms of waterproof/breathable membrane and materials now allows to ski in any weather, both under a storm or the sun, and enjoy your day in complete comfort.

To stand out, winter sport brands never cease to innovate and release ranges to satisfy a broad range of skiers and riders. Ski trousers come in different fits, colours, with membranes of various degrees of efficiency. This combination of elements justifies the price gap from one pair of trousers to the next and plays a role in your choice, depending on your discipline and how often you use them.

What are the specifications of the best snow pants?

Waterproof, breathable and wind-proof trousers are already great, but brands now stand out thanks to other features.

Built-in snow gaiters

Located inside the trousers, they wrap the ankle and ski or snowboard boot. They keep your calves dry when skiing or riding in wet snow or powder.

Leg vents

When the sun comes out at high altitude, it can sometimes feel hot in the areas exposed. Here’s why some trousers feature zipped openings, located inside or outside the thighs. These openings provide very good ventilation and prevent you from overheating. However, if you’re not wearing a base layer, watch out for sunburns. Putting sunscreen on the legs in winter isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

Lower leg lifts

Some ski trousers have a system that allows to lift the lower legs. A hidden drawcord in the pockets enables you to lift each lower leg, making it easier to put on and remove your boots.

High waist

Like ski bibs or salopettes, snowboard pants with a high waist that goes from the hips to the belly button, prevent snow from entering at the back in case you fall in powder. Combined to the ski jacket’s powder skirt, protection is total.

Braces or suspenders

While they can add an old-school touch, they’re very handy to keep your trousers secure. With braces, no need to readjust your pants after riding through moguls or a terrain park session. If you’re not sure, you can pick a model with detachable suspenders. It gives you the option to ski with or without, it’s up to you.

Choosing the right fit for ski trousers

These past years, snow pants have been available with various fits, to meet every need and match every style. The standard fit or regular fit is very versatile and will fit most skiers. If you’re into freestyle or a more casual look, you’ll find a range of ultra-trendy freestyle garments. For style conscious ladies, women’s slim fit ski trousers are very comfortable to wear, enhancing the wearer’s figure.

Black, white or any colour you want

Beyond the choice of fit, you’ll also have an incredible number of colour and print options with brands such as Picture, Dynafit or Icepeak. It’s only a matter of personal taste. Orange, neon green, or super girly pink ski pants, the choice is yours. Don’t hesitate, bold colours are trendy. A lively colour is also an asset to be seen on the slopes, minimising the risk of collision.

Patagonia, Helly Hansen and many more brands available

You now know everything there’s to know to choose your ski pants among the many options in our winter apparel corner with brands such as 686, Black Crows, Burton, Colmar, DC, Degré 7, Dynafit, Icepeak, Millet, Nitro, Oakley, Patagonia, Picture, Protest, Quiksilver, Rossignol, Roxy, Salomon, Scott, Spyder, Sun Valley, Superdry, Volcom, Helly Hansen, Duvillard, Columbia or even Norrona. Pick the pair you like the most and hit the slopes in style.

Bjorn Daehlie cross-country ski headband and beanie