Snow is falling and it’s time to pick your winter gear. If you are looking for the best women’s ski and snowboard pants for the 2017-2018 season, you came to the right place.
I’d like to show you what to look for when making your selection and my top picks.
Sounds good?
Contents
- 1 How To Pick The Perfect Ski And Snowboard Pants
- 2 Volkl Perfect Fitting Women’s Pants
- 3 Obermeyer Malta Women’s Ski Pants
- 4 Columbia Bugaboo Women’s Ski Pants
- 5 Obermeyer Women’s Monte Blanco Pants
- 6 Obermeyer Bond II Women’s Pants
- 7 The North Face LRBC Insulated Women’s Pants
- 8 Obermeyer Essex Women’s Pants
- 9 Descente Selene Women’s Ski Pants
- 10 The North Face Sally Pants
- 11 Roxy Women’s Creek Snowboard Pants
- 12 Dakine Women’s Kams Pants
- 13 Spyder Women’s Winner Athletic Fit Pants
- 14 Burton Women’s Society Insulated Snowboard Pants
- 15 Bogner Luna Insulated Pants
- 16 Don’t Be Cold And Wet This Ski And Snowboard Season
How To Pick The Perfect Ski And Snowboard Pants
There are a few important factors to consider before your purchase and they are:
- Pick the right type
- Warmth, waterproof and breathability rating
- Fit
There are a few different types of pants and they are:
- 3 in 1 pants: This type of product features an outside shell that protects against the elements and an inner layer that provides warmth; they can be zipped or snapped apart on warmer days.
- Insulated pants: These have both the outershell that protects against winter weather and warm insulation but they can’t be zipped apart. These are the most popular ski and snowboard pants and are the most featured products on this list.
- Shell pants: These are extremely breathable and lightweight. However, they have no insulation so they aren’t very useful in cold weather without a base layer underneath. They can be worn on warmer, spring days alone.
- Stretch: These pants are made from stretchable fabric and are form fitting. They have thin insulation and provide moderate warmth.
After you find the right type, take a look at the warmth, breathability and waterproof rating. Warmth is based on the type of insulation, breathability describes the pants ability to dump out excess heat and waterproofing is dependent on the fabric of the outershell and it’s ability to keep moisture and wetness out.
Lastly, shift your attention to the different fits. There are four and they are:
- Slim: These are snug and shapely
- Slim/regular: These keep up with the trends without being too snug; some call it a happy medium
- Regular: Shapely but non-constricting; these provide a classical and traditional fit
- Loose: These are more baggy and leave plenty of room around the calves and thighs
All the pants on this list keep these points in mind. There are a ton of different options for everyone. Let’s take a look at my top picks now:
Volkl Perfect Fitting Women’s Pants
Company: Volkl
Price: $$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
The first product on this list is an affordable option; the Volkl Perfect Fitting Pants will only cost you around $80. That’s pretty good when you consider all the features it has, including:
- Very warm insulation
- Sensortex outershell membrane that does a pretty good job keeping moisture out and venting excess heat
- Stain repellent fabric
The Volkl Perfect Fitting Pants are slim fitting without being too tight. They have a little extra length to them and are tailored towards taller skiers. If that sounds like you then definitely consider these pants.
Take A Closer Look At The Volkl
Obermeyer Malta Women’s Ski Pants
Company: Obermeyer
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
Obermeyer is an excellent company and you will see a lot of their products on this list – the Malta’s are one of their best. These provide a lot of warmth and that’s because it has 40 grams of heavy duty insulation. Coldness won’t be a problem when wearing these. Also, they come with:
- Fleece lined waist for added comfort
- Water resistant cuffs and boot gaiters
- Lifetime warranty
You know you’re getting an excellent product when it comes with a lifetime warranty. You may eventually want another pair for variety reasons, but you’ll never need new ones because of wear and tear. These will cost around $140; not bad when you consider everything you’re getting.
Take A Closer Look At The Obermeyer Malta Pants
Columbia Bugaboo Women’s Ski Pants
Company: Columbia
Price: $$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.7/5
Columbia is a dependable brand and their Bugaboo Women’s Ski Pants are very reliable. It has 60 grams of warm insulation and Nylon exterior material that will keep water out and keep you dry. Some of its best features are:
- Plenty of pockets to keep your stuff safe and accessible
- Snow gaiters
- And a regular fit that will give you shape and breathing room
Here’s a video that goes a little more in depth:
Take A Closer Look At The Columbia Bugaboo Pants
Obermeyer Women’s Monte Blanco Pants
Company: Obermeyer
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
The Obermeyer Monte Blanco Pants are a little pricey at $189 but worth it if you can afford that. The Blanco’s are above average in the warmth, breathability and waterproofing departments. In all winter conditions, be it:
- Freezing temperatures
- Gusty winds
- Heavy snow
You will be protected. It’s great for performance too. This product is made from stretch materials and fabrics that are conducive to mobility and movement. If you are looking to hit the slopes hard this year, you should think about this product.
Take A Closer Look At The Obermeyer Monte Blanco Pants
Obermeyer Bond II Women’s Pants
Company: Obermeyer
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
It’s very important to note the Obermeyer Bond II’s don’t have inner insulation. This means they should be worn during the spring or with a base layer underneath. Besides that, they do a decent job in breathability and waterproofing. Where this product shines is with mobility and performance. If you ski aggressively or like to hit moguls, the Bond’s will be of use to you. Some additional features are:
- Hand warmer pocket
- Articulated knees that cater to movement
- A nice design and flattering fit
The materials are stretchy enough to fit layers underneath. You’ll definitely look good wearing them too.
Take A Closer Look At The Obermeyer Bond II Pants
The North Face LRBC Insulated Women’s Pants
Company: The North Face
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.9/5
The North Face is a really recognizable brand and you will see their gear on and off the mountain. That’s because they are both fashionable and well made; they offer superior protection too. The LRBC Insulated Pants come with some awesome features, which include:
- One of the highest warmth ratings on skis.com (60 grams of Heatseeker insulation)
- HyVent waterproof and breathable technology that does an excellent job keeping you completely dry
- Thigh vents to keep you cool when spring skiing or snowboarding
It has all the pockets and feminine fit you look for too. For only $125, this is one of the best values on the list.
Take A Closer Look At The North Face LRBC Pants
Obermeyer Essex Women’s Pants
Company: Obermeyer
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 5/5
These are one of my top picks for many reasons. Some people think the Obermeyer Essex Pants balance style, performance and function – I tend to agree. It conforms to your body nicely without being constricting. Also, it has:
- 40 grams of Thinsulate insulation
- Reinforced knees and rear to prevent ripping
- Plenty of pockets for your phone and other valuables; it features a hand warmer pocket too.
This is another product that advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy.
Take A Closer Look At The Obermeyer Essex Pants
Descente Selene Women’s Ski Pants
Company: Descenete
Price: $$$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 5/5
This is one of the pricier products on the list at around $290 and for good reason. The Descente Selene has some of the highest ratings in warmth, breathability, and waterproofing. These are form fitting and will definitely show off your shape. A few more features include:
- Made for high performing skiers and snowboarders
- Polyester materials that are excellent for movement
- Lifetime warranty
The Selene’s are mountain ready and will protect you in all weather conditions. You’ll be grateful to have these on when its cold, windy and snowing.
Take A Closer Look At The Descente Selene
The North Face Sally Pants
Company: The North Face
Price: $$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
The Sally’s are another product from the popular brand North Face. They do an excellent job in the warmth department and a decent job keeping moisture and excess heat out. They come with:
- Elastic grip gaiters that prevents snow from getting in
- Zipper hand warmer pockets
- Relaxed fit and articulated knees for mobility
If you are a really aggressive skier or snowboarder you may want a different pair of pants. But if you like to stay on trail and cruise at moderate speeds, you will love the Sally’s.
Take A Closer Look At The North Face Sally Pants
Roxy Women’s Creek Snowboard Pants
Company: Roxy
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
The Roxy Creeks are specifically made for snowboarders and should not be worn alone in the dead of winter. There’s no insulation, so to be warm you’ll need to wear an extra layer underneath. It also has a comfortable brushed black fleece liner and:
- Has a jacket to pant attachment to keep snow out
- Keeps wetness out and you cool on warmer days
- Slim fitting
You will definitely get the freedom you need to snowboard like a champ all day wearing these.
Take A Closer Look At The Roxy Creek Snowboard Pants
Dakine Women’s Kams Pants
Company: Dakine
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
I own a few Dakine products and know firsthand how quality their gear and products are – the same can be said about their Kams Pants. These aren’t the warmest pants (they’ll give you a decent amount) but they do provide superior waterproofing and breathability. Some more features include:
- Comfortable mesh lining
- Plenty of pockets to store your stuff
- Zipper vents to cool you off quickly
They aren’t terribly pricey either ($120). You may need an extra layer on colder days; besides that these will get the job done.
Take A Closer Look At The Dakine Kams Pants
Spyder Women’s Winner Athletic Fit Pants
Company: Spyder
Price: $$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
Spyder is a ski and snowboard giant and anyone wearing their gear is very lucky – you’ll be warm too. These are fairly priced at around $90 and offer:
- Moderate protection against moisture
- Lightweight design that won’t slow you down or make you feel too bulky
- Lifetime warranty
Here’s a video that goes a little deeper:
Take A Closer Look At The Spyder Winner Athletic Pants
Burton Women’s Society Insulated Snowboard Pants
Company: Burton
Price: $$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 4.8/5
Burton is another excellent company you will see all over the mountain. The Women’s Society Pants come in all kinds of colors and won’t break the bank either (around $150). Specifically made for snowboarders, this product:
- Has mesh lined thigh vents
- Stretch material that is perfect for movement and mobility
- Comes with hand warmer pockets
If you are a snowboarder and like to cruise, these will work for you.
Take A Closer Look At The Burton Women’s Society Insulated Pants
Bogner Luna Insulated Pants
Company: Bogner
Price: $$$$$
Sizes: All
Rating: 5/5
The last pair of pants on this list comes from one of the most fashionable ski brands on earth – Bogner. In fact, they make some of the best women’s ski jackets too. Their products aren’t cheap and their Luna Insulated Ski Pants will cost around $790. Is it worth the price? That’s for you to decide. These are supremely warm and will keep all moisture out too. Also, they are:
- Light weight and high performing
- Made from stretch material that allows for movement
- Very fashionable and form fitting
If you can afford these, then you should consider them. You’ll definitely look good in them.
Take A Closer Look At The Bogner Luna Insulated Pants
Don’t Be Cold And Wet This Ski And Snowboard Season
Being freezing while skiing or snowboarding sucks – I know from firsthand experience. Don’t risk having a bad day on the slopes with cheap gear. The pants on this list are quality, well made and excel at protecting you from the winter elements. I know you’ll find a pair you love here.
If you have any questions about what you’ve read, comment below and I’ll respond as fast as possible. If you want your friends and family to see, share on social media.
Are you ready for the most comfortable and fun winter season possible?