The 10 Best Women's Ski Pants of 2022-2023
By: Sarah Ziffer: Women's & Kid's Techwear Buyer | November 7, 2022
Shopping for women’s ski pants can be challenging. There are so many options, with so many features, materials, colors, and cuts. That’s why there’s no one best pair of ski pants for women. Every person is different and has different priorities. Folks skiing in the PNW are looking for extra waterproofing, while others might focus more on warmth or breathability. So, instead of trying to figure out what pair of pants is best for everyone, we’ve put together this list of the leaders in every category. It’s up to you to define your priorities and then use this list to choose the best pants for you.
New This Year:
Luckily, there are more great women's ski pants on the market than ever before. Patagonia’s new Powder Town collection has both shell and insulated options, and Outdoor Research is now offering plus-size options to fit a wider range of bodies. So now’s the time to replace those ratty old ski pants, with one of these pairs of the best women’s ski pants!
This Year's Best Women's Ski Pants:
Roxy Rising High Pants
In a culture of baggy pants and oversized jackets, the Roxy Rising High Pants stand out from the rest with a stylishly modern fit. The stretchy, higher-rise waist looks good and keeps snow from creeping in on deeper days, and the 15K Roxy DryFlight® membrane sheds moisture all day long. These pants bring a stylish fashion that is fully matched by their technicality.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| 15K | 4 | $199.95 |
Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants
You can't become a legend overnight. It takes a few years to achieve this mythical status, and the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants have paid their dues. From their subdued styling to their reliable construction and cozy insulation, these are snow pants that deserve their lofty moniker. They might be affordable, but don’t let the price fool you, these are some high-end pants.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| 15K | 2 | $200.00 |
The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants
The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants are a mountain classic that combines waterproof protection from the elements and an adjustable fit. Using TNF's proprietary DryVent™ fabric technology and 60g of Heatseeker™ insulation for protection from the cold, they're so stylish and functional that you'll want two pairs! If you tend to run a little cold, these are the pants for you.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| Not Listed | 3 | $168.95 |
Oyuki Hara YamaPro 2L Pants
Developed to provide the ultimate in resort and sidecountry performance. Oyuki Hara YamaPro 2L Pants keep the storms at bay to deliver warmth, comfort, and technical performance. Born from premium Japanese technical materials, these pants are deceptively durable and incredibly comfortable in wet or dry conditions. The articulated performance fit takes into account the way we move on the mountain to deliver a female fit like no other. With Kevlar-reinforced cuffs and a temperature-regulating design, there's a good chance you'll never stray from your trusty pair of Oyuki Hara YamaPro 2L Pants. These are some of the most stylish and comfortable snow pants on the market.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| 20K | 3 | $349.95 |
Patagonia Storm Shift Pants
The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants were made for skiers and boarders to get out and ride in tough conditions, comfortably. Their two-layer construction features a GORE-TEX Membrane that's water and windproof, as well as an articulated fit that moves with your body. These are some of the most weather-repellent pants on this list, perfect for folks dealing with terrible weather.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| 28K | 4 | $349.00 |
Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pants
Get your head out of the clouds and run (don't walk) to the bank to withdraw the funds for the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pants. A no-nonsense GORE-TEX layer with just enough insulation to fend off the bite of winter without being so overkill it'll make you constantly sweaty, the Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pants offer the utmost protection from cold, wet weather. If your top priority is staying warm and dry, the Cloud Bank is a great choice.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| 28K | 4 | $324.95 |
Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Pants
A stretchy shell pant with a polyurethane membrane to give it enough water resistance for wet snow or riding the lifts in a storm, the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Pants feature BD.dry™ waterproof breathable technology, offset side vents for climbing, and a low-profile beacon pocket for a super well-rounded setup you can use inbounds and out. This is a top choice for anyone who likes to split their time earning their turns and skiing inbounds.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| 20K | 3 | $349.95 |
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants
The new Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants are built of 100% postconsumer recycled Polyester with a soft, brushed tricot mesh lining, and finished with HeiQ® Eco Dry PFC-free DWR to shed water like a boss. With 60 grams of Thermogreen® 100% recycled synthetic insulation between the lining and the face fabric, you can be sure these pants will do the job even when it's downright cold.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| Not Listed | 3 | $269 |
Helly Hansen Aurora Infinity Shell Pants - Women's
When you're in the back or sidecountry, hard at work earning your turns - touring, snowshoeing, or just booting up to find freshies, having breathable and waterproof outerwear is a saving grace. No lodge for a quick defrost out there. With a 3-layer construction and a Helly Tech® Professional membrane, the Helly Hansen Aurora Infinity Shell Pants moderate moisture in conditions where other snow pants fail. When you're at your most vulnerable have the technical gear that won't let you down. Choose versatility and choose performance with the Helly Hansen Aurora Infinity Shell Pants.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| Not Listed | 4 | $450.00 |
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Plus
With fully featured functionality designed specifically for resort riding, the Outdoor Research Snowcrew Plus Pants sport a stretchy fit and light insulation for the right combination of mobility and warmth. Ventia® 2 layer construction with mechanical stretch built in and 45 grams of VerticalX Eco insulation set you up for success for lap after lap of good times.
| Waterproofing | Pockets | Original Price |
| Not Listed | 2 | $199 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Fleece Vests
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Sarah Ziffer
Growing up in Florida, I missed out on the chance to get involved in snow sports. Tired of the heat, and seeking out the mountains, I moved to Seattle to start a new adventure. A few years after moving to WA I fulfilled my dream of learning to snowboard and immediately fell in love with it. After just one time out on a friend’s board I was hooked. I outfitted myself from head to toe with gear from evo, and got a season pass at Snoqualmie.
I quickly realized that snowboarding inspired me to live a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. I left my job at a fashion company to come and work for evo and become immersed in the culture and experiences that make the snowboarding community so vibrant. I have been at evo since 2017, am currently the women's and kids' techwear buyer, and enjoy learning and experiencing everything this incredible community has to offer.