Ski season is not far away now so that means it’s time to buy some new gear to look stylish out on the snow.

Ski pants are a necessity as they keep you warm and dry so you can spend more time focussing on flying down the slopes. It is also important to make sure you buy ski pants that are comfortable so that you have a much more enjoyable time.

When picking out the best ski pants for you, there are many different options for you to pick from.

In this list, I’ve put together the 7 best ski pants in 2022 to help you look good and feel good this skiing season.

What to Look For in the Best Ski Pants

Fit

Nowadays there are many different fits and styles for you to choose from when it comes to ski pants. You can go from slim fitting all the way to urban baggy style.

However, at the end of the day, you are not there for a fashion show, you are there to ski which is why I recommend going for something in the middle. This will give you the range of motion that a baggy fit will provide but slim enough so your pants aren’t getting in the way and catching on to things.

Some of the pants in this article may vary in fit slightly but they will all be a good fit for you on the slopes.

Weather Protection

Weather protection is one of the most important features to look for in ski pants as this is what will keep you warm and dry as well as keep your phone and other necessities in your pockets dry.

Different ski pants will provide different amounts of weather protection so you must think about what weather conditions you will be skiing in and make a decision based on that.

Insulation

The amount of insulation will vary in different ski pants. Once again you will have to think about the different conditions you will be skiing in. If you know it will be very cold then I’d recommend getting some ski pants that provide more insulation.

If your ski pants don’t already have insulation this can be fixed by using underlayers to keep you warm.

Price

Prices will vary in different ski pants depending on the materials used and what features the pants have. If you’re a regular skier then you may be looking at ski pants that are a bit more expensive as you require the features in more expensive ski pants however if you are only just starting out then you may look at something cheaper.

For a first-time skier, I’d recommend The North Face Freedom Pants.

7 Best Ski Pants in 2022

1. Arc’teryx Sabre AR Pants

Fit: Regular | Weather Protection: Yes | Insulation: Low | Price: $549

The Arc’teryx Sabre AR Pants are some of the best ski pants on the market right now. They offer top-of-the-range weather protection and excellent ventilation to keep you from overheating.

They are made to withstand heavy snow and rain as well as strong winds with Gore-Tex built into the shell to ensure top-class weather resistance. All pockets and zippers are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about anything getting wet.

Not only do they provide great protection, but they are also stylish and comfortable so you can look and feel good flying down those slopes. Although they could be more insulated, these pants allow for custom layering underneath for those cold days.

The only downside I have is the price however, you are paying for a top-quality product.

2. Flylow Chemical Pants

Fit: Baggy | Weather Protection: Yes | Insulation: None | Price: $360

The Flylow Chemical Pants are a very durable pair of ski pants that’ll last you years.

These pants provide great weather resistance and, even though they lack insulation, the thick fabric provides a lot more warmth than most uninsulated ski pants. However, I would still recommend wearing layers underneath for those cold days.

But what about for those warm days? Well if you’re someone who needs ventilation in their ski pants then I have found the pants for you. The Flylow Chemical Pants have dual leg vents that, when opened, provide a nice cool breeze so you can feel like you’re wearing shorts!

Due to the thick fabric, this can make these pants feel a bit stiff so if you’re someone who likes to hike and climb then you may feel some resistance.

3. Patagonia Powder Bowl Pants

Fit: Athletic | Weather Protection: Yes | Insulation: Low | Price: $299

The Patagonia Powder Bowl Pants are a solid choice when it comes to picking your next pair of ski pants.

With a more athletic and slimmer fit compared to other ski pants, this makes these pants more maneuverable and comfortable.

The Patagonia Powder Bowl Pants feature Gore-Tex fabric to give you excellent weather protection when you need it. They also have waterproof pockets to keep your phone dry so you can continue snapping those pictures on the slopes.

The pants feature a thin meshing lining that can add some insulation and warmth however we still recommend having some underlayers for those colder days. Vents are also provided on these pants on the outside of the legs.

These pants are a great value-for-money option for skiers of all levels.

4. The North Face Freedom Pants

Fit: Regular | Weather Protection: Yes | Insulation: High | Price: $170

If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly option that is still of excellent quality then The North Face Freedom Pants are perfect for you.

North Face has always been a great brand when it comes to winter gear and these ski pants are no exception. The fabric is waterproof and windproof so it is able to protect you against most weather conditions.

Also, these pants have some of the best insulation on this list. This is due to their synthetic insulation which will provide you with a ton of warmth.

However, it appears their main focus with these pants was keeping the warmth in so they lack ventilation. The only ventilation is some inner thigh leg vents so if you’re someone who likes to stay cool, then I wouldn’t recommend these pants.

5. Helly Hansen Legendary Pants

Fit: Athletic | Weather Protection: Yes | Insulation: Medium | Price: $300

The Helly Hansen Legendary Pants have a classic, slim design that is very minimalist to make you look stylish on the snow.

Although they are a lightweight pair of pants, so you can keep moving with ease, they contain a 60-gram layer of Primaloft Black Insulation that will keep you warm. And for those days when it’s a bit warmer, these pants have leg vents to help you let off some extra heat.

These pants are also fully waterproof and windproof so you can stay comfortable all day long on the slopes.

6. Flylow Baker Bib Pants

Fit: Baggy | Weather Protection: Yes | Insulation: None | Price: $420

Much like the Flylow Chemical Pants, the Flylow Baker Bib Pants are extremely durable and made to tackle the harshest weather conditions.

While they may lack in the comfort department due to the thick fabric, you can expect these pants to take anything that is thrown at them. They are built to be very weather resistant and although they may not have any insulation, the thick fabric is definitely able to keep you warm and dry. The bib also provides an extra layer of weather resistance.

These pants have a great selection of features such as pockets, elastic powder cuffs, knee patches and many more.

Whilst they may seem a bit on the expensive side, you can expect these pants to last you for years to come.

7. Outdoor Research Skyward II Pants

Fit: Regular | Weather Protection: Yes | Insulation: None | Price: $299

The Outdoor Research Skyward II Pants are a high-performance pair of ski pants that provide great weather resistance as well as excellent ventilation so you can tackle all weather conditions.

These pants use Outdoor Research’s AscentShell fabric which gives a waterproof membrane that stays breathable. The zippers are also completely sealed and waterproof.

The AscentShell fabric is stretchy which provides a more comfortable fit that is easy to move around in making it more enjoyable for those longer days out on the slopes.

When it comes to ventilation, these pants are some of the best on the market. As I mentioned earlier, the fabric is very breathable and for those super hot days, the Skyward II Pants have long outer-thigh vents.

If you’re someone that is more interested in warmth, then I wouldn’t recommend these pants. They have a thin fabric and that is all so you will have to ensure you have underlayers on for those cold days.