The 10 Best Ski Pants of 2023-2024
By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | November 1, 2023
They say a bad day of skiing is better than a good day in the office. And while that statement may be 100% true, the one thing the office has going for it is that it's (hopefully) pretty warm and dry there. But never fear, ski gear is here. The best ski pants are ready to ride with you on the best days of the season, and the worst ones. Heck, some of these pants are so comfy you might just want to wear them into the office as well. Our favorite ski pants of the season are waterproof, breathable, durable, and good-looking, built to keep you dry and happy through the rigors of outdoor winter sports. When choosing ski pants we picked out something for every rider’s preferences, with a plethora of options of insulation, functionality, fit, and features.
New This Year:
This season, resort-oriented products on the ski side are steering the direction for men's ski pants. We're witnessing a subtle but significant shift towards pants, with an emphasis on baggier fits that offer both comfort and style. The influence of team riders is evident, as many are now gravitating towards pants over bibs. This evolution captures a blend of functionality and fashion, ensuring skiers can look and feel their best on the slopes.
The North Face Freedom Insulated
The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants feature a sturdy DryVent™ waterproof breathable shell with 60 grams of Heatseeker™ insulation to give you a bit of a buffer when the weather turns really cold. Classic TNF styling and a slimmer "original" fit tick all the boxes, making this perennial favorite nothing less than an essential piece of winter gear.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| DryVent 2L | DryVent 2L | 60 g Heatseeker Recycled Polyester | $219.95 |
Trew Gear Cooper
Navigate winters with confidence in the Trew Gear Cooper Pants, the ultimate 20K pant designed to conquer the unforgiving Pacific Northwest weather and terrain. Crafted from Trew's heavy duty PNW 2-layer nylon fabric, as sturdy as the landscapes that inspired them, these pants are your steadfast companion for pow days, park days, and spring slush alike! With pockets aplenty and improved breathability (20,000gsm) over previous iterations, the Cooper Pants are for the locals and diehards who want premium performance but at a bargain price point.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| 20,000 | 20,000 | None | $249.00 |
Patagonia Storm Shift
The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants are up for volatile weather, thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane and warm, wicking liner. The PFC-free protection and Fair Trade Certified™ sewing elevate these pants from run-of-the-mill technical bottoms to winter-ready, pow-chasing eco-warriors.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| 28,000 | 20,000 | None | $349.00 - $399.00 |
The North Face Freedom
Get back to basics with The North Face Freedom Pants, a staple of the riding community for years and a bomber pant that saves some moolah for other basics like lift tickets and beer. Done up in TNF's DryVent™ fabric with a burly 160 x 140 denier nylon face fabric, the Freedom Pants will take a beating and still be there for first chair tomorrow.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| DryVent 2L | DryVent 2L | None | $199.95 |
The North Face Build Up
The North Face Build Up Pants hold their own against garments costing twice as much without skimping on the things that matter, like quality 2L DryVent™ construction. Simple details like an elastic waist and fewer pockets mean big savings for the rider, meaning you can actually afford to eat when you hit the slopes.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| DryVent 2L | DryVent 2L | None | $139.95 |
Helly Hansen Legendary
Hard-wearing and burly coverage for your bottom half without sacrificing comfort is the Helly Hansen Legendary Pants' stock in trade. You get tough 2-way stretch fabric, PrimaLoft® insulation, and just the right number of features in a solid pant that won't break the bank.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| 10,000 | 10,000 | PrimaLoft | $200.00 |
The North Face Summit Tsirku GORE-TEX Pro
Elevate your mountain game with The North Face Summit Tsirku GORE-TEX Pro Pants. Designed to handle long approaches and epic heli drops, these bibs feature GORE-TEX Pro technology for breathability, durability, and unbeatable waterproofing, letting you shred through fresh powder with ease.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| 28,000 | 20,000 | None | $699.95 |
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town
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 (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| N/A | N/A | Synthetic | $269.00 |
The North Face Sidecut GORE-TEX
We know some customers who are super picky about the sidecut of their skis or snowboards, it's got to be just right. These same customers will have no issue with The North Face Sidecut GORE-TEX Pants because we know they'll rip at any speed and in any snow conditions. Call them a "one pant quiver" for all of your alpine sliding needs, and get busy.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| 28,000 | 3L | None | $449.95 |
Patagonia Powder Town
You don't need a powder day to appreciate the new Patagonia Powder Town Pants - you'll love their waterproof breathable H2No® weather protection in sleet, hail, graupel or "snain" all the more. Built of 100% postconsumer recycled Polyester with a soft, brushed tricot mesh lining, and finished with HeiQ® Eco Dry PFC-free DWR to make the water bead away, the Powder Town Pants prove you can overachieve without spending a ton of money.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation | Original Price |
| N/A | N/A | None | $249.00 |
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 Kid & Toddler Snowsuits
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.
