Arming yourself with a pair of ski pants is vital whenever you decide to head to the slopes. Depending on weather conditions, you can sometimes forego a ski jacket in favour of a hoodie, but ski pants are an absolute essential.
Finding the right pair of ski pants may seem daunting, but once you educate yourself on the right technologies to look out for, it’s pretty straightforward. Not only do you want to opt for stylish snow pants – especially if you’re going to be attending après ski parties – but you want to make sure your bottoms are waterproof and windproof, keeping you warm and dry as the temperature plummets. Also, make sure your pants are durable yet breathable – pants with mesh vents are a great option.
To help you prepare for the upcoming ski season, we’ve curated a list of brands that produce the best ski pants. These ski pants are highly insulated and will enhance your performance on the mountains; plus, they’re incredibly stylish too.
Black Diamond
Price: From $115
Sizes: S-XL
- Exceptional levels of water resistance
- Slim fitting
- Bib pants and regular pants both available
Founded in the 1980s by Yvon Chouinard, Black Diamond are primarily known for creating the most innovative climbing and mountaineering gear that promise to keep you warm in even the harshest temperatures. The company, based in Utah, has cultivated a loyal following through manufacturing quality winter clothing for the most affordable prices. If you’re looking for incredible apparel without breaking the bank, make sure you check out Black Diamond’s collection of ski pants.
Black Diamond ski pants find themselves at home when alpine skiing, as they fuse stretchy fabrics for greater movement with durability and protection against winter conditions. If you’re going somewhere exceptionally cold then Black Diamond also offers ski pants with high levels of insulation and water resistance to ensure you remain as protected as physically possible.
And of course, you have to factor in the stylish aesthetic, achieved through perfect fits and great colour options.
Helly Hansen
Price: From $180
Sizes: S-XXL
- Helly Tech technology for water resistance and breathability
- Four-way stretch across majority of the range
- Slim fit, insulated and bib pants all available
Helly Hansen is an international brand founded in 1877 after Helly Hansen envisioned creating pants that would offer sufficient protection against the harsh Norwegian climate. Today, Helly Hansen is renowned for producing some of the most innovative and sustainable ski guaranteed to keep you warm and comfortable, regardless of how low the temperature gets. The iconic ‘HH’ logo has also since become synonymous with premium ski gear, but the use of premium materials and fabrics perfectly justifies the connotation.
Helly Hansen offers superior shell ski pants that have fully taped seams, ensuring no cold elements sneak inside, which is reinforced by ‘Helly Tech’, a highly breathable material that ensures you’ll stay dry at all times. Additionally, many of their designs offer outer thigh vents, helping to regulate temperature, so you won’t become too overheated while you work up a sweat on the slopes.
Patagonia
Price: From $199
Sizes: S-XXL
- Proprietary H2No technology for water protection and breathability
- Wide range of sizes
- Slim, insulated and bib pants all available
Patagonia is an industry leader when it comes to snow and winter apparel. Founded in the early seventies, the company based in Ventura, California, creates high-quality clothes that equip you for the coldest weather conditions. Initially starting as a brand that manufactured climbing equipment, it later produced a versatile winter apparel line. Now, an empire, Patagonia has hundreds of stores and factories in 16 countries worldwide.
Patagonia produces the best-looking and most technically advanced ski pants for men while offering everything from active waterproof shell pants to snow bibs. Features across Patagonia ski pants include waterproof and windproof membranes to offer exceptional warmth and insulation, along with other smaller niceties such as waterproof zippers, cargo pockets and belt loops for added convenience.
Outdoor Research
Price: From $199
Sizes: XS-XXL
- Ski pants available for all different types of skiing
- Proprietary materials to protect against water and wind
- Wide range of colours and sizes
Outdoor Research is an award-winning brand designing protective clothing geared to help you tackle the great outdoors. Founded by adventurer Ron Gregg in the early eighties after a glacier expedition went wrong, Gregg was inspired to create traditional snow apparel featuring the latest technology. Outdoor Research has a series of alpine products designed to keep you dry in even some of the freezing weather conditions.
You’ll struggle to find a pair of ski pants better than Outdoor Research’s as they offer the finest durable and breathable materials, allowing you to stay out longer. Their pants have built-in VeritcalX synthetic insulation, helping heat stay trapped inside. Many of its designs also feature a Gore-tex membrane that seals out moisture and breathes with you. These men’s ski pants are available in cool blue and grey colours, ensuring they’ll go with any apparel.
Marmot
Price: From $80
Sizes: S-XL
- Affordable
- Most styles suitable for different types of skiing
- Gore-Tex & PrimaLoft insulation used throughout most of the range
On an Alaskan Glacier in 1971, Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley founded the Marmot Club – a small group of mountain climbing enthusiasts, as a way to ditch classes at U.C Santa Cruz. These two friends began creating their own parkas and sleeping bags and soon launched Marmot Mountain Works. What started as a hobby eventually evolved into a world-class brand leading the industry with its forward-thinking and sustainable technologies.
Marmot are now responsible for some of the most technically capable men’s ski pants around, offering everything from softshell pants to cargo pants to highly insulated bibs. Their 3-Layer Gore Pro material is highly breathable and durable. These pants also feature waterproof zippers, high pockets and an adjustable waist to feel like a customised fit. If you’re looking for ski pants providing additional warmth, make sure you check out their collection.
Columbia
Price: From $120
Sizes: S-XXL
- Reliable brand
- Affordable
- Omni-Tech for water and wind resistance
Columbia was founded in the late thirties by Paul Lamfrom. Columbia is one of the best ski brands out there as their clothes are impeccably crafted with groundbreaking technology while incorporating their Pacific Northwest heritage. Columbia is led by a group of outdoor enthusiasts who are all about inspiring people to get moving and explore all that the world has to offer.
Make sure you check out their range of ski pants, as these designs feature Omni-Heat technology to keep you dry and well ventilated. These ergonomic-fit snow waterproof pants have thermal-reflective lining and synthetic insulation; and also include heaps of zipper pockets, so you can safely store away all your items. These pants include fully sealed seams, ensuring no snow will creep inside.
Norrona
Price: From $179
Sizes: S-XL
- Gore-Tex used across majority of range
- Great selection of ski pant styles and colours
- Recycled materials used on selected styles
Norrona dates back to 1929 in Norway, with Jorgen Jorgensen on a quest to create more durable outdoor clothing and performance-enhancing equipment. Generations later, Norrona is still a premier ski clothing brand as it manufactures incredibly functional and stylish clothing.
Norrona ski pants are treated with great care and feature finer details, including waterproof and breathable fabrics. Many of these designs also have a Gore-tex membrane ensuring ultimate durability for the cold water. Norrona ski pants are extremely convenient, as they come with pant cuffs, thigh pockets and zippered vents. This collection is incredibly versatile as it features all kinds of men’s ski pants available in different sizes, lengths, fits and colours, promising you’ll find a style that suits.
Rossignol
Price: From $175
Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Affordable
- Good choice of colours
- PrimaLoft insulation
Rossignol is a leading ski brand that has been around for over 100 years. The French manufacturer of alpine, snowboard and Nordic equipment is a pioneering company manufacturing the very best products and was even one of the first companies to produce plastic skis. Rossignol has remained a benchmark for the ski industry, so you can expect quality apparel while looking through their online store.
Rossignol has an extensive collection of freeride, backcountry, track and softshell ski pants designed for the most vigorous winter sports. They offer a range of styles that vary from adjustable, straight and relaxed, pants, available in different colours and sizes. While these pants are highly fashionable, they also offer waterproof and windproof materials for ultimate protection in the deep snow.
Salomon
Price: From $200
Sizes: XS-XXL
- Reputable brand
- Affordable
- All skiing types catered to
Salomon was founded in 1947 in the city of Annecy in the heart of the French Alps. The business was initially run by the Salomon family, producing only skis in its small workshop. However, the brand later expanded into selling a vast range of the best snow clothing and equipment. Salomon cultivated a loyal fan base after their products were featured in the 1966 Olympic Games and since then, their presence on the slopes has only increased.
Today, Salomon produces some of the best men’s ski bibs, alongside softshell and hardshell ski pants that offer ultimate warmth and protection. If you practice your skiing in slightly warmer climates, such as Australia, then Salomon has a collection of lighter pants perfect for warmer days, along with ski pants offering heavy insulation for much colder temperatures. These items also include a four-stretch material so that they will move with you – the perfect backcountry ski pants.
Best of all, Salomon ski pants are incredibly affordable, yet don’t sacrifice on quality.
The North Face
Price: From $150
Sizes: S-XXL
- Proprietary materials and technologies for incredible protection
- Great range of styles and colours
- Options for skiers and snowboarders
Named after the harshest, most unforgiving side of the mountain, it’s a given that The North Face manufacture the best ski gear keeping you warm and dry in even the most extreme weather conditions. The North Face has remained the gold standard ever since 1966, as they’ve always provided sustainable and performance-enhancing apparel.
And, when it comes to on-mountain leg protection, North Face ski pants are up there with the very best, both in terms of performance and appearance. With features such as DryVent 2L fabric for comfort and extra warmth while also offering a good amount of stretch for movement, your runs will never have been easier.
The North Face also has its own FlashDry technology to help with moisture wicking, keeping you both cool and dry, while other benefits include adjustable waists to help you find the perfect fit. Best of all, we think The North Face ski pants look great and they’re definitely on the affordable end of the spectrum, meaning you get great bang for your buck.
Spyder
Price: From $149
Sizes: S-XXL
- Quality craftsmanship
- Race suits for all levels of athlete
- Huge choice of colours and ski pant styles
Spyder is a Colorado-based brand that’s an absolute staple for the ski and snowboard industry. Since its launch in the late seventies, Spyder has been producing high-quality ski clothing embraced by professional skiers worldwide. This household brand is primarily known for manufacturing highly insulated ski jackets made from premium materials. However, aside from creating innovative jackets, Spyder also make some damn fine ski pants for men.
Spyder’s collection of softshell and bib ski pants come with fully taped seams, inner thigh vents, thigh pockets, belt loops and zippered vents. Many of their snow pants also feature Primaloft, providing ultimate insulation, keeping you warm in freezing temperatures.
Moncler Grenoble
Price: From $1,100
Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Outright luxury
- Perfect for wearing for après ski
- PrimaLoft insulation, 4-way stretch
Moncler Grenoble is a luxury ski-wear brand that has been around since 1952. Founded in Monestier-de-Clermont, France, by René Ramillon and André Vincent, Moncler Grenoble has always strived to make the most fashionable ski-wear apparel so you can rock it both on and off the slopes. This brand is known for manufacturing great outerwear, including their lightweight yet highly insulated ski jackets. They also create exceptionally stylish high performing ski pants.
You’ll struggle to find a better-insulated pant, as these designs are made from durable and rugged materials, properly equipping you for harsh climates. While these pants are tough, their highly breathable fabric will ensure you don’t overheat while you ski your absolute heart out. Also, these pants include a waterproof and windproof finish, promising to keep you warm and dry.
Haglofs
Price: From $220
Sizes: 46-58
- Slim, insulated and bib ski pants
- Gore-Tex for best possible protection against the elements
- Suitable for skiing and snowboarding
Wiktor Haglof created his self-titled brand back in 1914 with nothing but a toolbox and a dream. Striving for innovation, Haglof was a carpenter by trade who was determined to create the ultimate outdoor backpack that would assist you on all your explorations. Since then, Haglofs’ ventured out, creating a whole line of premium outdoor apparel and equipment, setting a high standard for detailed craftsmanship and technical designs. Haglofs’ range will have you feeling confident enough to discover new places and destinations.
Haglofs ski pants are synonymous with being extremely warm and cosy. These designs act as a line of defence in cold weather to help retain body heat. If you’re looking for impeccable well-made snow pants, definitely check out Haglofs’ Elation pants. These pants feature a two-layer Gore-tex membrane that’s highly durable, protecting you in even the most aggressive, stormy weather. Pants also come with an articulated knee and mesh-lined side vents, allowing you to cool off without letting snow inside. These pants are available in black and blue.
Colmar
Price: From $258
Sizes: 46-60
- Style meets substance
- Exceptional fit and comfort
- Teflon EcoElite water-repellent treatment
Colmar is an Italian fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 1923. The company initially began producing gaiters. However, after World War II, they changed their focus to ski wear, manufacturing the best clothes for downhill and backcountry skiing. Their line of men’s skiwear is not only highly protective and high performance, but they feature cool and fresh designs.
Colmar is responsible for some incredible ski and snowboard pants which benefit from highly technical waterproof, water-repellent and wind-resistant materials. Their pants include polyurethane shin guards for protection, warm padding and a waterproof snow gaiter. They also have ski pants with adjustable suspenders, ensuring they’ll stay secure during down your downhill pursuits. Colmar pants are all about function and practicality as well, as they feature belt loops, pockets with waterproof zippers, articulated knees and waterproof boot gaiters.