Finding the right pair of ski pants is as important as finding the right pair of skis. There are pants out there for everyone, but with so many options, finding the right pair can be a daunting task. Having a style in mind can help to narrow your options down to a few brands and start looking into more technical details.

Our experts are here to walk through things like the difference between hard shells and soft shells and when it’s best to go with insulated pants or strictly shells. Check out some of the most popular brands below in this list that includes what the brands are known for, what to look out for, and information on the sizes they offer. Don’t forget to chat with a Curated expert for free advice and recommendations for the perfect winter pant for your needs.

HOW TO MEASURE

Chest Measure around the fullest part of your chest, underneath your arms

Waist Measure around the smallest part of your waist, keeping the measuring tape slightly loose.

Neck Measure the circumference of the base of your neck

Hip Measure the circumference at the widest part of your hips, standing with your feet together

Inseam With a pair of pants of your choice, measure the seam from the crotch to the bottom of the leg.

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Airblaster

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Airblaster is an apparel brand based out of Portland, Oregon, and its pants are designed for resort snowboarding. Airblaster makes it easy to find the right waterproofing and insulation for the conditions with three simple designations for each. Airblaster also specifies different types of fit with slim, relaxed, or baggy options. It also offers a good size range from XXS to XXL.

What to look out for:

While these are great resort and park pants, most models would be too warm for backcountry use or hiking at the resort.

Price range: $100 - $200

BURTON

Outerwear Pants

Apparel Pants

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Burton is another brand based in the United States that tailors its pants for resort and park snowboarding. With a full spectrum of pants and bibs in hard-shell and soft-shell options both with or without insulation, Burton really has something for every condition. Its GORE-TEX products are backed by Gore as well as Burton to be waterproof and breathable. Burton was the first snowboard brand to be certified as a B Corporation for meeting high standards in sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency.

What to look out for:

Burton’s snowboard pants tend to be a little baggy and on the heavier side. They’re great for resort and park riding, but there are better options for backcountry riding or hiking.

Price range: $50 - $250

Columbia

Standard

Inseam

Big

Tall

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Columbia makes high-end ski pants for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. It is more focused on resort skiing, but Columbia has some good backcountry options like the Kick Turn II. Sizes range from small to 3XL with different inseam lengths available in certain styles, and Columbia’s fit is more trim to slightly relaxed. Columbia uses a unique reflective layer inside some styles called Omni-Heat, which reflects body heat to add warmth without bulky insulation.

What to look out for:

With no XS size available, there’s a small gap in Columbia’s sizes. However, the more trim fit may let some people size up. The ski pants are also not the lightest weight or most technically advanced, but they feel and perform like top-of-the-line pants at a lower price.

Price range: $50 – $400

Dakine

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Dakine ski and snowboard pants are built for inbounds, park skiing, and snowboarding. They’re warm, have a baggier fit, and are built to last. Dakine’s pants are for skiers and snowboarders of any ability level who need a great pair of pants for regular use.

What to look out for:

With sizes from small to XXL, Dakine doesn’t have the biggest size range and most of its pants will be too warm for backcountry riding or hike-to terrain. However, Dakine’s pants are high quality and hard to beat for the price.

Price range: $70 – $450

Decathlon

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Since 1976, Decathlon’s goal has been to “sustainably bring the power of sport to everyone, everywhere.” It puts out high-quality products with an emphasis on price. With over 80 brands and sports, it has an extensive catalog, and winter sports products fall under its Wed’Ze brand. Decathlon’s ski pants come in sizes small to 3XL. They have a more tailored fit, and some run a little small. These fully-featured ski pants at unbeatable prices are great for anyone who is getting ready for a trip or is just looking for some new pants on a budget.

What to look out for:

While Decathlon’s pants are waterproof and breathable, they don’t always use a breathable membrane, so some options will be prone to overheating with active use.

Price range: $70 - $450

Flylow

Short Inseams are 2"shorter than listed inseam. Long inseams are 2" longer than listed inseam

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Flylow started making burly ski pants in 2005 when the co-founders couldn’t find a pant that would last through a season, so they decided to make their own. Their line of hard-shell pants and bibs has a relaxed fit with sizes from XXS to XL. Flylow also offers different lengths in some styles. It provides insulated options or strictly shell pants, but they are all warm. Flylow pants are perfect for anyone who skis 100 or more days a season and needs clothing that can keep up, or for someone who just wants a pair of pants to last them a long time.

What to look out for:

Flylow pants are on the heavy side. There are some lighter weight touring options available, but different brands have better options for the touring category. Flylow’s durability is hard to beat.

Price: $250 – 500

Helly Hansen

Alpha sizing

Pant size

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Helly Hansen produces durable, warm, high-performance ski pants that are a favorite among ski patrollers across the country. Its men’s-pant sizing runs from small to XXL with a relaxed to slightly baggy fit. Helly Hansen’s waterproof ski pants are built for advanced skiers who need pants that can hold up to regular use, but they’re great for skiers of any ability.

What to look out for:

Helly Hansen’s pants are perfect for any resort application, but they’re a little warm and heavy for dedicated backcountry skiers.

Price: $200 – $550

Icebreaker

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Icebreaker is headquartered in New Zealand and specializes in merino wool clothing for all seasons. Its base layers are perfect for any skiing application from resort to backcountry use, and merino wool’s natural antimicrobial properties make it ideal for trips where one base layer has to last for multiple days of skiing. Icebreaker base layers come in a variety of weights, so there are warmer and cooler options. Merino wool is very breathable, dries quickly, and still insulates while wet, so it is a great material for base layers.

What to look out for:

Some of Icebreaker’s base layers run small, so anyone who is between sizes should consider sizing up. Its lighter layers aren’t quite as durable as other options, but with proper care they can last for seasons of regular use. Icebreaker’s merino wool is one of the best options available for regulating temperature.

Price: $85 – $130

Marmot

Standard

Big

Big and tall

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Marmot makes high-performance ski and snowboard pants at a great price. With insulated options including the Layout Insulated Cargo Pants and shell options like the Freerider, the company provides options for any condition. Marmot has removed the fluorocarbon-based chemical PFOA from all of its new materials and uses recycled and renewable materials in 44% of its volume.

What to look out for:

Marmot’s apparel is high-quality and functional. It uses less expensive materials and construction techniques than some of the highest-end brands, but the result is a comparable product for as little as half the price.

Price: $175 – $350

Mountain Hardwear

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Mountain Hardware's line of ski pants and bibs are ideal for active resort skiing and backcountry tours. Many of its pants are GORE-TEX shells, so they are breathable and guaranteed to be waterproof. The relaxed fit provides plenty of mobility without being too baggy.

What to look out for:

Mountain Hardwear’s shell pants provide top-of-the-line waterproofing and breathability, but it doesn’t have many insulated options. Anyone who runs warm will love these ski pants, but it’s best to look at other options for insulated ski pants.

Price: $250 – $450

The North Face

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

The North Face has a ski pant for nearly everyone, from beginner skiers to professional athletes. It offers a full line of ski pants ranging from insulated pants for resort skiing to lightweight shells for backcountry use. The pants have a standard fit but may be more tapered or baggy depending on the style. The North Face’s Futurelight™ membrane makes its high-end shells stand out above other brands. Futurelight is an air-permeable membrane, so more air can pass through the waterproof membrane than with other industry standards.

What to look out for:

The North Face has a variety of ski pants at different price points, but the Futurelight, which sets its shells apart, is relatively expensive.

Price: $150 – $550

Obermeyer

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Obermeyer's line of ski pants is ideal for resort skiers,. It offers insulated pants and hard-shell or soft-shell options. Most of its pants and bibs are fully featured with cuff zippers, integrated belts, and zippered pockets. With options from pants, to pants with suspenders, to full bibs, there really is an option for everyone and any condition.

What to look out for:

All the added features and Obermeyer’s heavier materials can make some of its pants a little heavy and bulky for backcountry skiing and hiking. Obermeyer also doesn’t have many true beginner-level, budget-friendly options, though it is an excellent brand for more serious skiers who are looking to invest a bit more in their gear.

Price: $150 – $400

Outdoor Research

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Outdoor Resarch makes high-performance ski pants for serious skiers and snowboarders. Many of its shell options use GORE-TEX as the waterproof, breathable membrane, so it is backed by Gore’s waterproof guarantee. Outdoor Research has a standard fit with plenty of pockets and features that also keep bulk to a minimum. There are both insulated and shell options, but the pants are intended for more active skiing in the resort or backcountry.

What to look out for:

Outdoor Research uses high-end materials to make a premium product, so there are more budget-friendly options available if that is your top priority.

Price: $230 – $600

Patagonia

XXS to L

XL to XXXL

Inseam will vary depending on style; when lengths are offered, "short" is 30, "regular" is 32 and "long" is 34, unless otherwise noted.

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Patagonia is an environmentally conscious brand that makes high-performance pants for advanced skiers and snowboarders. With a range of lightweight shells for backcountry skiing and waterproof, insulated pants for resort use, Patagonia has the right pant for any condition. Its environmental efforts include using recycled materials in its fabrics and reselling used gear to keep it out of landfills. Patagonia is part of the 1% for the Planet movement and helps grassroots organizations that are working to solve local environmental problems.

What to look out for:

Patagonia’s pants have a more tailored fit than many other ski pants, and the company doesn’t offer many lower priced options. These pants are a high-end product that are built to last for serious skiers and snowboarders.

Price: $200 – $600

Picture Organic

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Picture Organic is a brand that was started by snowboarders for snowboarders. Picture Organic is a certified B Corporation with a mission to combat climate change. It uses recycled materials in its fabrics and never ships its products by plane to reduce its environmental impact. The pants are made for advanced snowboarders and are intended for resort riding.

What to look out for:

Picture Organic’s pants have a more tailored fit and may fit a little small, so anyone who is between sizes should consider the larger option.

Price: $170 – $350

Quiksilver

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Quicksilver is a surf and winter sports brand that makes ski and snowboard pants for resort and park riding. Its Repreve® shell material is made from recycled plastic bottles, and the company has recycled over 200 million bottles so far. Quiksilver pants have a relaxed fit and the sizes range from XS to XL.

What to look out for:

Some of Quiksilver’s lightweight GORE-TEX shells could work in the backcountry or for hiking, but most of its pants are heavier and for strict in-bounds riding.

Price Range: $80 – $250

Spyder

Numeric bottoms

Alpha sizing

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Spyder has shell and insulated ski pants for intermediate to expert resort skiers. Some of its pants are more tapered than a typical pair of ski pants, but they still allow for plenty of mobility. Spyder is worn by the U.S. Ski Team, so it can handle the abuse of regular skiing.

What to look out for:

Most of Spyder’s pants are quite warm, so they’re less ideal for backcountry use, hiking, or anyone who runs warm. They’re also a little expensive for someone looking for an entry-level ski pant.

Price: $270 – $600

Volcom

XS to M

L to XXXL

Snow pants

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

Volcom makes snowboard pants for resort and park use. It has good options for beginners and expert riders with a variety of price points. Volcom’s sustainability efforts include using less water and using Repreve® fibers that are made from at least 95% post-industrial and consumer waste that can be traced.

What to look out for:

Volcom offers pants at a variety of price points, but some of the lower-priced options use less-durable materials, so plan on spending more for pants that will see regular use.

Price range: $200 – $400

686

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for:

686 makes snowboard pants for beginner to expert riders. The pants are best suited for resort and park riding, but its soft-shell options could work for occasional touring and hiking. 686 is Climate Neutral certified, and its sustainability efforts include reclaiming its textile scraps to make new products and using recycled insulation.

What to look out for:

686 produces a wide range of pants at different price points, but the less expensive options use lower performance materials than the higher-end options. If a shell pant claims to be waterproof it will be waterproof, but lower-priced pants will be less breathable.

Price range: $180 – $320

A great starting point when picking out ski pants is narrowing things down to a couple of styles and brands. Our experts are here to help with the technical details, like fabric options and insulation types. Chat with an expert today for free personalized suggestions or to ask questions about specific products.