The Best Ski and Snowboard Pants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

We loved sleek, sturdy pants from brands like Flylow, Helly Hansen, and Arc'teryx.

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021.

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Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers_Gokhale

If you’re heading into the mountains this winter, you’ll need a pair of ski or snowboard pants that not only keep your legs warm and dry, but also fit your style preferences. Since there are plenty of great snow pant designs out there to try, we sent our powder hounds out with 19 pairs to assess the warmth, comfort, design, waterproofness, and value of each.

After several ski trips, snowshoe excursions, and other cold-weather activities, we chose the women’s Flylow Foxy Bib Pants and the men’s Helly Hansen Legendary Pants as our best overall winners. They earned rave reviews from our testers for providing excellent fit, ample warmth, and mogul-ready range of motion. Other ski and snowboard pants made our list thanks to optimal features for budget-friendly skiers, backcountry explorers, and those looking for lightweight and breathable options.

Amazon

The bib prevents your pants from sliding down during high-intensity activities and has a svelte look off the slope.

The materials could be thicker for more warmth.

Our tester couldn’t stop raving about the sleek and comfortable fit of the Flylow Foxy Bib Ski and Snowboard Pants in their testing notes. Right away, the pants impressed them with an adjustable bib that ensured the suspenders fit our tester just right without any bunching in the waist or discomfort in the shoulders. “I like the slim fit, they felt easy to move in and because of the bib, I was never worried they would ride down, and [they] fit under a sweater and ski jacket,” they shared. Despite the slimmer fit, the pants didn’t feel tight in the waist or thighs, and we noticed how easy it was to move around in them, which is a must for skiers and snowboarders alike. They’re also available in tall and petite sizes to ensure perfect proportions.

These polyester pants have 20K/20K waterproofing and breathability, meaning the fabric can withstand 20,000 millimeters of rain before you feel any dampness, so we’re confident that these pants will keep you dry in the wettest snow of the season. Though the fabric is tough, it’s very lightweight and breathable, but it could be a bit thicker for additional warmth. Still, we found the pants to be perfectly warm, and with a cozy set of thermal underwear on, you’ll be riding all day long in comfort and style.

Price at time of publish: $258

The Details: XS to XL (petite, regular, tall) | Not insulated | Slim

Travel + Leisure / Madeleine Armstrong

Helly Hansen

These were very warm and had a superb range of motion while snowshoeing.

A lighter base layer might be best to pair with these pants since they have insulation and were noticeably warm during testing.

From skiing to snowshoeing, Helly Hansen’s Legendary Pants are the ideal pair of men’s snow pants for a variety of seasonal activities. Perfectly roomy, the two-ply insulated fabric doesn’t feel bulky despite the extra thickness for warmth. Our tester wore the pants during a snowshoe excursion in the Pacific Northwest and discovered how warm the pants will keep your legs during a high-intensity activity like hiking in the snow while remaining breathable. Although the snow was more dry than wet during the hike, the pants did an excellent job of preventing any moisture from leaking through, leading us to believe the seam-sealed polyester fabric will be tough against the harshest winter conditions.

With an adjustable waist, boot gaiters, two zippered hand pockets, and the two-way mechanical stretch of the fabric, these pants are outfitted with plenty of thoughtful features to take you from the slopes to the aprés with comfort and warmth top of mind. And, Helly Hansen has a lifetime warranty, meaning they will repair or replace your pants so you can keep shredding season after season.

Price at time of publish: $140

The Details: S to 4XL | Insulated | Straight-leg

Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter

Amazon

The fit is flattering and the inseam comes in short, regular, tall, and long options.

The pants are insulated and very warm, so wearing a lighter base layer might prevent overheating.

Our budget-friendly pick goes to the size-inclusive and toasty Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants. “They're roomy without looking comically oversized and the short length option is greatly appreciated as they fit at the perfect part of my foot with ski boots on,” our tester raved in their notes. The sizes range from XS to 4XL, and there is the option to have the inseam in short, regular, tall, or long lengths for fit customization. In addition to the impressive sizing choices, these insulated pants are noticeably warm and the shell boasted ideal waterproofness when we dumped water on the fabric and the inside remained perfectly dry. Plus, the pants are outfitted with two zippered pockets, an O-ring for a lift ticket or season pass, boot zippers, and adjustable waist straps. For an affordable pair of snow pants, we love that these don’t sacrifice quality for the price. Arctix also offers a men’s version.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: XS to 4XL (short, regular, tall, long) | Insulated | Straight-leg

REI

It’s form-flattering, and the high waist is a nice alternative to a bib.

The white pair gets dirty quickly, so you may want to opt for a darker color.

For skiers looking to stray away from the standard straight-leg ski pant, the Roxy Rising High Pants are your best option. While our tester normally prefers a straight-leg fit, these pants ended up being a winner thanks to the slim fit at the thighs and flare at the boot that looks sporty and stylish at the same time. "I am obsessed with the style of the flare pant and high waist," our tester said after regularly using the pants for two months. "I get tons of compliments on these when I wear them at a ski resort." The polyester exterior and fleece-lined interior feel premium, and with 15,000 millimeters of waterproofness, these hold up extremely well in the snow. The best part of these ski pants is that the polyester snow pant material ends right at the top of the hips and the rest of the waistline is an elastane belt that makes the pants exceptionally comfortable to sit, stand, walk, or squat for superb mobility. There are three buttons on the front of the pants that are reinforced with velcro strips on either side so you’ll never have to worry about a button popping undone on the slopes. And we love that there are two front zippered pockets and two back zippered pockets for storing snacks while skiing.

Price at time of publish: $200

The Details: XS to XL | Not insulated | Slim/flare

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Evo

The pants have special features for backcountry skiing like an avalanche beacon pocket, stretchy fabric, and an upper bib.

You’ll want thick base layers for resort skiing since these pants aren’t insulated.

Backcountry skiing is a thrill, but it’s imperative to go into it prepared for the intense workout with a pair of lightweight and breathable snow pants like the Trew Capow Bibs, which are also available in women’s sizes. This pair of pants is specifically designed for backcountry skiers, as the fabric is both stretchy and breathable, and we love that there are ample ventilation pockets in the bib and pants. “As someone who tends to overheat easily while on the skin track, I really appreciate all of the massive ventilation,” our tester shared in their notes. Plus, there are six zippered pockets to store snacks, as well as an avalanche beacon which is a must-have for safely skiing in backcountry conditions. One thing to note is that because these pants are designed to be lightweight and stretchy, there isn’t any insulation, so if you’re doing more resort skiing, we recommend layering up or opting for an insulated pant for warmth.

Price at time of publish: $479

The Details: XS to 2XL | Not insulated | Straight-leg

Evo

The pants regulate temperature nicely, and they have inner-thigh ventilation.

The cargo pockets are velcro and don't feel super secure for valuables like keys or a phone.

Skiing and snowboarding can be quite the workout, so it’s nice to have a pair of breathable snow pants like the Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Insulated Pants. Made with the brand’s Helly Tech Performance fabric, these pants are designed to have the perfect balance of waterproofness and breathability, and it was well demonstrated during testing. "I love these pants," our tester said after regularly wearing the pants for two months. "They are so comfortable and breathable. I have a great range of motion and they stay put (they don't ride up or slip down). They also kept me warm in very low temperatures, but do not feel bulky at all. I previously tested these pants in Utah where temperatures didn't get below 27 (degrees Fahrenheit), but in Minnesota we skied in 15 degrees (Fahrenheit), and I was warm." If you do find yourself a little too warm after a mogul run, the pants have handy inner-thigh vents that are easy to access and unzip. The only thing we didn’t love about these pants is that the side cargo pockets only have velcro to secure the contents of the pockets, so our tester recommended using the standard zipper pockets at the hip of the pants.

Price at time of publish: $135

The Details: XS to XL | Insulated | Straight-leg

Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers_Gokhale

Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers Gokhale

Backcountry

There are five useful pockets for storing everything from a phone to an avalanche beacon.

The fabric was a little moist on the inside after long exposure to running water.

Unless you like to carry a small backpack around with you on the slopes, a pair of snow pants with ample pockets is the best way to keep your valuables with you, and these Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pants have the perfect amount of storage. With five pockets between the bib and the legs of the pants, we were impressed with the variety of places to store a wallet, phone, avalanche beacon, and more without feeling weighed down. “Everywhere you reach on the pants have somewhere to put your belongings in without making them bulky. The compartment right across the chest is a plus for me because it’s easily accessible,” our tester raved. After regularly wearing the pants for two months, they added, "I absolutely love the Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pants. The straps are adjustable and comfortable, the amount of compartments in the pants and bib are so convenient, and the warmth is better than any other ski pant I own." We also love their slim fit with enough stretch in the Helly Tech Performance fabric that our tester was both comfortable and warm while wearing the pants in near-freezing temperatures.

Price at time of publish: $225

The Details: XS to XL | Lightly insulated | Slim

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Calta

Arc'teryx

These are extremely lightweight and comfortable pants to ski in.

The pants are a little thin, so we recommend layering them with a thick pair of thermal underwear.

If you’re in search of ski pants that feel like wearing a regular pair of pants, then the Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants will be your go-to gear for skiing. "They fit absolutely perfectly, the fit has not changed at all, and they have retained their shape and color," our tester said after regularly wearing the pants for two months. "If these were not obviously ski pants, you could wear them out. That's how well they fit." While the price tag is higher than most pants we tested, these pants are weatherproof, lightweight, and easy to move around in, making them well worth the investment for the promise of staying warm and dry while skiing for many seasons to come. We found that the slim fit and lightweight fabric make the pants incredibly comfortable to wear, and we were impressed with the way the fabric repelled water during our test for waterproofness. Made with waterproof Gore-tex fabric and insulation and watertight zippers, these pants make us confident they'll keep your legs dry in rain or wet snow. “I ran these under water, and water literally glides right off these pants. It's like magic,” our tester shared.

Price at time of publish: $550

The Details: 0 to 12 (short, regular, tall) | Not insulated | Slim

Arc’teryx

The pants are lightweight and thin, and they proved to be completely waterproof during testing.

There isn’t much insulation in the pants, so you’ll want a warm base layer underneath for colder days.

Arc’teryx is a pricier outdoor gear brand, but after testing two pairs of their ski pants, we determined that you get what you pay for with the company: extremely high-quality garments like the men’s Macai Pants. "They look as new today as they did when I first wore them," our tester said after regularly wearing them during ski season. The lean fit is very flattering and looks sleek, and we love that the pants are incredibly lightweight so they won’t feel like a traditional pair of snow pants. They’re made with a variety of durable materials that really make them stand out in terms of waterproofness thanks to the double-layer Gore-tex shell and watertight zippers. Our tester said that these pants are “totally waterproof” with no chance of snow getting through the taped seams and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. There is a light layer of synthetic insulation for wicking away moisture and regulating temperature, but you might want an extra layer for cold days since they're slightly thin.

Price at time of publish: $575

The Details: S to XL | Lightly Insulated | Slim

Amazon

These are a no-frills pair of snow pants with simple features for any kind of snow sport.

The pants run slightly large.

No matter the type of cold-weather activity you prefer, The North Face Women's Freedom Insulated Pants are a great choice for a simple pair of snow pants that are warm and comfortable to wear. Also available for men, the pants are made with the brand’s Heatseeker Eco insulation for regulating warmth and the seam-sealed DryVent shell for staying dry. "I think these actually perform better than I originally thought because they are super super warm in freezing conditions and they kept my legs dry in really wet conditions," our tester said after regularly wearing the pants for two months. While we wish the pants were a little thicker in material, we think they provide a good amount of warmth, especially with base layers underneath. We loved the waterproofness of the pants after our tester ran the legs under a stream of water for several minutes, and the underneath of the pant remained completely dry. The straight-leg fit is versatile for skiing, snowboarding, or any other type of outdoor venture, and while the waistline runs a bit big, there are adjustable straps on either side of the hip to customize the fit.

Price at time of publish: $99

The Details: XS to 3XL | Insulated | Straight-leg/baggy

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

While we found plenty of winners for our list of best snow pants, several almost made the cut but fell short during testing.

Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pants: The pants proved to be water-resistant with waterproof pockets after our tester stood in the shower with the pants on, but the four-way stretch didn’t impress us, as they felt a bit tight.

Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell: These pants have various technical features for backcountry skiers like a slim fit, lightweight materials, and an avalanche beacon pocket, but because they aren’t insulated, they're not the warmest pant you can get or the most impressive shell we tested.

Travel + Leisure / Ellie Storck

Flylow Baker Bib: Our tester thought these pants were breathable during a winter hike, but the waist bunched up around the bottom of the bib, which was awkward.

We tried over 19 pairs of ski and snowboard pants for men and women from popular outdoor gear brands like Helly Hansen, The North Face, Arc’teryx, and more to find the best of the best on the market. Rating each pair on a scale of one to five, we judged the pants based on categories including comfort, warmth, weatherproofing, and design while skiing and snowboarding or doing other winter activities with similar intensities.

After wearing the pants for several hours for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or walking in the cold, the most comfortable snow pants we tested had a variety of adjustable components that made it easy to customize the fit without sacrificing the range of motion. To test waterproofness, we ran a stream of water down a leg of the pant and hung them out to dry to see how well the pants repelled water and how quickly they dried after being wet.

Our testers evaluated the warmth of the pants after completing a high-intensity activity outdoors. the highest rated pants for warmth kept our legs warm without overheating. In the process of wearing the pants several times, we paid close attention to the design of the ski pants, noting thoughtful features like avalanche pockets, sturdy zippers, adjustable components, and other useful designs that made the pants stand out.

While any pair of good-quality snow pants can keep your legs warm and dry, the best fit can vary depending on the intended use of the pants. For example, a pair of snowboard or freeride pants might have a looser fit for crouching low whereas ski pants will have a slimmer fit for aerodynamics. You can wear both pants for either activity, but it’s good to consider the differences for style preferences.

Ask any skier or snowboarder their preference for a bib or no bib, and they will have a strong opinion. Bibs can be nice for skiing in deep powder, as the suspenders can prevent snow from making its way into places snow has no place getting into. A bib also adds an additional layer of warmth and insulation with the top of the bib usually rising to the chest area. However, the suspenders are a slight inconvenience for going to the bathroom, but that’s already a nuisance with so much outdoor gear on anyway.

Generally, you’ll want to wear a pair of thermal underwear under ski pants for adequate. Consider opting for a base layer made with moisture-wicking synthetic materials like nylon or polyester instead of cotton which will absorb moisture and make you colder in return. Merino wool is also a great choice for its natural thermoregulation and moisture management. You’ll also want a pair of wool socks for regulating heat and keeping your toes warm.

The tag on a pair of snow pants should recommend the best way to wash them, but in the event that it does not, separate your ski pants from other clothing and wash them on delicate with cold water to prevent damage.

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp grew up in Bend, Oregon, spending every weekend in the winter skiing at Mt. Bachelor. Anna participated in this test alongside T+L editors who helped determine our list of the best ski and snowboard pants you can get for your next trip to the slopes.

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