The 10 Best Ski Pants and Bibs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Stio’s Environ Pant was our favorite

L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She also regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. When she's not window shopping online or creating pro and con lists, you'll find her drinking tea and talking about her feelings.

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People / Erin Johnson

Snow bunnies, assemble!

It’s that time of year when winter sports enthusiasts and celebs descend upon the slopes. While skiing and snowboarding can be a blast, we’re partial to the fashion side of the sport. Thankfully, the days of choosing between warmth and chic snow gear are long gone, so you can “send it” while looking your best. We tested 20 ski pants on the slopes this winter to find out which ones kept us warm, dry, and Instagram-ready.

According to Alison Palmintere, Director of Communications of Ski Utah, staying dry is the top priority. “Letting moisture or sweat build up is a sure ticket to making you cold when you’re on the slopes,” she says.

No matter your preference or level of experience, breathability and waterproofing should be a given when picking the ski pant for you. Keeping these things in mind and weighing them against our firsthand experience on the slopes, we selected the top 10 ski pants available right now. Stio’s Environ Pant proved to be our favorite and delivered an impressive 5-star rating in all categories.

Below, find the best ski pants of 2023 for any style, budget, and experience level.

Stio

Available in regular and petite lengths

Made from recycled polyster

Available in women’s and men’s sizing

Adjustable waist via a belt

Breathable but waterproof

Expensive

Need to layer underneath

The Environ Pant from Stio is our top overall pick blending high-quality performance, functionality, and style. Stio is based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming — a top ski destination in the U.S. — and the brand is known for quality gear for serious snowboarders and skiers. We found this lightweight pant extremely comfortable, allowing us to move around easily without the bulkiness traditionally associated with ski pants. An adjustable belt gives a customizable fit to these slimmer-than-average ski pants. And our 5-foot tester appreciated that they are offered in a shorter length, if needed.

On the more technical side of things, we were blown away with the weatherproofing of this pant. On a recent trip with the brand, four of us sampled these pants for a day of skiing and, let’s be honest, falling, and they stayed as dry as if we had been inside all day. Even Palmintere raves about how waterproof these pants are, testifying, “When you're skiing a foot of blower pow at Deer Valley Resort, you stay warm and dry.”

These “peakproof’ pants are made of three breathable layers with the outermost made of recycled polyester (which we love). Even though these are breathable and lightweight, they kept us perfectly warm without adding extra bulk. Our testers only layered a pair of wool tights underneath these pants and felt their legs remained at normal body temperature for a full day of active, challenging skiing.

We love that these pants are available in fun, eye-catching colors like lavender, cantaloupe, or bright alpine green. (Perfect for all the ski trip content.) Other design features like easy-access and fleece-lined pockets, zip vents, and elastic boot gaiters make them a functional and stylish option for any après-ski activities, Palmintere points out.

The Environ Pants are an investment but are worth it for the quality details and aesthetic appeal, especially if you plan on going on a few ski or snowboarding trips over the next few years. The use of recycled polyester and the fact that Stio is a climate-neutral company are added incentives to invest in this brand. Plus, they're available in men's sizing.

Price at time of publish: $398.05

Sizes: XS-XL, Short, Regular | Materials: 100% recycled polyester

PEOPLE / Erin Johnson

PEOPLE / Erin Johnson

PEOPLE / Erin Johnson

Amazon

Affordable

Available in short, regular, and tall lengths

Wide variety of colors and patterns available

May not be as durable for more intense or frequent skiers or snowboarders

These insulated snow pants from Arctix are our top budget pick at around $50. (A true steal.) They’re a great lightweight option offering the comfort, mobility, and weatherproofing of more expensive brands at a fraction of the price. They’ll keep you warm as well, thanks to the roomy fit that allows for additional layers underneath. The flared leg is a fun style, and we love the wide variety of colors and patterns this pant comes in.

These pants come in three different lengths: short, regular, and tall for more inclusive sizing. Other design details, like perfect placement of the pockets to avoid bunching and bulging when storing essentials, seal the deal for us. These pants are great for the occasional snowboarder or skier or anyone just looking for an affordable snow pant.

Price at time of publish: $39.99

Sizes: XS-XL, Short, Regular, Tall | Materials: 100% polyester

REI

High-waisted silhouette

Available in fun eye-catching colors

Wind and waterproof

Tight fit might be difficult to layer underneath

Fashion meets function in these stylish ski pants. This silhouette differs from the usual baggy straight-leg ski pant, hugging the hip and legs and flaring out past the knee. We could definitely go straight from the slopes to any aprés ski activity in these.

Plus, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort in these pants. We found the material premium, stretchy, and comfortable — fitting our tester in all the right places. The Roxy Rising High Pants are available in six colors including fun green, aqua, and yellow shades. You’ll be sure to stand out in the line for the ski lift in these.

More than just good-looking, these pants are also wind and waterproof, and we love all the pockets for our slope-side snacking. They’re a bit of an investment but still reasonable for a high-quality and attractive ski or snowboard pant.

Price at time of publish: $199.95

Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, recycled polyester, elastane

PEOPLE / Anna Popp

Amazon

Available in a wide variety of colors and prints

Easy to add layers underneath for additional warmth

Available in 3 different lengths

Material is pretty thin

Low-rise (if you prefer mid-high rise)

The North Face, a trusted brand when it comes to winter wear, delivers a solid, basic snow pant with the Freedom Insulated Pants. If you’re looking for a pant to take you from backyard snowman-building activities to the slopes, these no-frill pants can make the transition. We found these pants comfy and cozy and loved the wide range of colors and prints. (Big fans of the Wasabi color and Mr. Pink Expedition Print.)

We did note the material of these felt thinner and not as premium as other pants like The Roxy Rising High Pants. With the looser fit and classic straight leg silhouette, we felt confident layering underneath would keep us protected from the elements. It delivers on the must-have basics of weatherproofing and breathability. At a decent price compared to other ski pants by well-known brands, these pants make a great choice for those who want a simple snow pant for activities on and off the slope.

Price at time of publish: $159

Sizes: XS-3XL, Short, Regular, Long | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester

Backcountry

Lots of pockets for storage

Adjustable suspenders and waist

Available in fun colors

Expensive

Consider these the Mary Poppins bag of ski pants because they can magically hold way more than you’d think. Pockets galore allow storage without adding bulk. The compartment right across the chest is a plus for us because it’s so accessible. Perfect for your phone, chapstick, sunscreen — you name it. In addition to the storage perks, these pants fit like a glove and stayed in place when we tested the range of mobility. They kept us warm in 30-degree weather and repelled water well. We did notice they retained some water when tested under a faucet, but ultimately determined that they’d stay dry after a day on the slopes. We also found them great for off the slopes as well, keeping us warm and comfortable. These pants come in four colorways: three great darker neutrals and a fun, bright purple and orange camo print we’re partial to. They’re on the pricier end of the spectrum, but the quality of these pants makes them worth it.

Price at time of publish: $300

Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, polyamide

Helly Hansen

Available in many colors

Available in women’s and men’s sizing

Helpful features for a variety of outdoor activities

On the pricier side

Women’s version has fewer color options

Helly Hansen delivers again with their Legendary Pants performing well when we went snowshoeing. These pants have gaiters and ankle zippers that are key for keeping snow out of your boots. Snowshoeing can be a great workout, and we liked how comfortable these pants felt without feeling bulky or constricting, while still keeping us warm and dry.

Breathability is also important when working up a sweat, and we appreciate the thigh vent zippers for that reason. The velcro side tabs allow for an adjustable waist and an even better fit. These pants come in a variety of colors, from neutral to bright. The price is on par with other popular ski pant brands, and Helly Hansen offers a limited warranty, which is a plus. They also come in a women's version but with fewer color options.

Price at time of publish: $200

Sizes: Women’s XS-XXXL, Men’s S-XXXXL | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, recycled polyester

PEOPLE / Frances Crouter

Evo

Available in women’s and men’s sizing

Very breathable with lots of ventilation options

Available in three different lengths

Expensive

Not lined or insulated so you'll need additional layers

For you backcountry skiers, the Trew Gear Capow Bibs are our top pick. We love the design of these bibs, especially for their breathability and extra storage (plenty of zippered pockets). Our tester tends to overheat when on the skin track (route used to navigate when backcountry skiing) and appreciated all of the ventilation features in these pants. Since these are specifically designed for backcountry skiing or snowboarding, they are not insulated and would require layering underneath for a more slow-paced activity. These are a pricey investment, but worth it for backcountry enthusiasts who spend a lot of their time outdoors. Note that they also come in women's sizing.

Price at time of publish: $479

Sizes: XS-XXL, Women’s: XS-XL, Short, Regular, Tall | Materials: Dermizax®, nylon

Amazon

Available in short, regular, and tall lengths

High-quality materials

Snug fit

Expensive

Not the thickest or warmest pants

If you prefer bibs to ski pants, look no further than these from Flylow. Bibs are great for added warmth, protection from the elements, and support, thanks to the suspenders. We found these specific ones to be very sleek and comfortable. The slim silhouette was fantastic and allowed for great mobility when testing. The easily adjustable design left us feeling confident that these wouldn’t slip or slide down.

These bibs are on the thinner side, but the snug fit throughout the legs made them more windproof. Layering these bibs under a sweater and ski jacket was a breeze for added warmth. These are weatherproof and water-repellant to keep you protected on the slopes. The Foxy Bib comes in a great range of colors and different lengths for an even better fit, and the multiple pockets are great for keeping necessities within reach and secure. These bibs are an investment, but it shows in the high-quality materials, zippers, and design.

Price at time of publish: $429.95

Sizes: XS-XL, Lengths - short, regular, tall | Materials: Polyester

PEOPLE / Madeleine Armstrong

Arc’teryx

Slim silhouette

Lightweight

Extremely weatherproof

Expensive

Few color options

If you’ve got the budget, the Macai Pants from Arc’teryx are a high-quality investment. These aren’t your typical bulky ski pant: The Macai Pants look like regular slim-cut pants that you just happen to wear while skiing. A belted waist keeps them secure while you look trim and sharp on your skis. These Arc’teryx pants are very lightweight and thin but still kept us warm during testing.

You can layer underneath for added warmth or go without a base layer if you’re someone who tends to overheat when skiing. These ski pants are also totally waterproof — no water got through these bad boys, and they're stylish enough for aprés ski activities, as well.

Price at time of publish: $575

Sizes: S-XL | Materials: Goretex, polyester, Keprotec™

Arc'teryx

Great color selection

Super lightweight

Extremely weatherproof

Will need to layer underneath

Expensive

For our stylish snow bunnies seeking to splurge on chic and comfortable ski pants, the Sentinel Pants from Arc’tery will have you feeling like you’re Princess Diana skiing in Klosters. We found these ski pants super comfortable and incredibly lightweight. In testing, these weren’t constricting at all, and they're more than just attractive — they’re weatherproof, too. In our waterproof test, the water glided right off the pants like magic. These pants are quite thin, which we love compared to the usual bulky ski pants, but you’ll need a baselayer to keep warm.

We love that these Arc’teryx pants come in different lengths and four colors, including a bright pink shade called Techno (it’s giving Ski Barbie). The price is high, but the clever design and extreme weatherproofing features make them stand out.

Price at time of publish: $550

Sizes: 0-8 (short), 00-16 (regular), 6-12 (tall) | Materials: Goretex, Keprotec™

Comfort is key, especially in activewear like ski pants. You want to be sure you feel good in your ski pants before, during, and after you hit the slopes. Mobility and range of motion are also important factors to consider since most snow activities are extremely physical.

There are a variety of fits and silhouettes on the market, so you can choose one that feels most comfortable to you. Some prefer a baggier silhouette (ideal for layering) while others like something more form-fitting, like the Flylow Foxy Bib. Above all, you don’t want to feel too constricted or weighed down by your pants. “It's best to try them on, or if you're shopping online, I'd recommend ordering a couple of sizes to try,” says Palmintere. She adds to look for adjustable features like waistbands for an optimal fit.

You want your ski pants to be wind and waterproof to protect you from the elements. Look into design features that prioritize weatherproofing, like waterproof fabrics or built-in boot gaiters that will keep you dry. Water and snow should roll off the pants without being absorbed by the outermost layer. You want to keep the interior of the pants dry at all times because no one wants to feel cold and wet while skiing.

The best ski pants offer a blend of warm insulation and breathability. You want to keep your body temperature regulated — not too cold but also not overheated. Like Palmintere mentioned above, built-up sweat can leave you damp and cold. Look for multiple layers of insulation in your ski pants and fabric that wicks moisture away from the body, or customize your warmth level with wool layers underneath your ski pants. Our Best Overall pick, the Stio Environ Pant, has an adjustable belt and boot gaiters to keep snow out but enough room in the leg area to layer to your preference.

There are various elements of aesthetic and functional design to consider when it comes to ski pants. Aesthetically, there are fun, sporty designs as well as more sleek and understated silhouettes. Consider whether you'd prefer a high-rise ski pant to a traditional mid-rise or vis-versa. Or maybe you'd rather opt for bibs — it's all a personal preference. Functionally, consider the placement and quantity of zippered pockets for storage and vents for extra breathability.

PEOPLE / Julia Sayers Gokhale

We tested 20 ski pants over the course of two months. Our testers evaluated each ski pant prior to skiing and noted first impressions on quality and design. We then tried on each pant with typical ski or snowboarding gear to assess comfort level and evaluate fit. Then an initial squat test was performed to test the range of motion. We further tested the pants either skiing, snowboarding, or doing other heart-pumping physical activity outdoors to see how they fared against the elements. Finally, we evaluated how waterproof the pants were by exposing them to snow or pouring water directly onto the pants and seeing if any water was absorbed.

There are not many major design differences between snowboarding and ski pants. Palmintere expanded on a few sport-specific features to keep an eye out for. “Snowboard pants might fit looser in the waist and hips to allow you to bend over to strap into your board, and ski pants might have kickpatches near the feet because there's generally a bit more wear and tear there with ski boots," she says.

This comes down to personal preference, according to Palmintere, with the aim being a “happy medium” somewhere in between. At a minimum, you should be able to squat comfortably in your ski pants. If they're too tight, your range of motion will be limited. If they're too loose, you might gather snow in unwanted places.

Generally, you want to wear synthetic or wool (not cotton) layers underneath your ski pants. With this in mind, Palmintere suggests purchasing ski pants “loose enough to fit over those but tight enough that it's not letting the wind break through.”

Why Trust PEOPLE?

L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She also regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. For additional insight into selecting the warmest and most durable ski pants and bibs, she spoke to Alison Palmintere, Director of Communications of Ski Utah.

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