Best Women’s Ski & Snowboard Pants: The Definitive Guide

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?

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?