The 9 Best Men’s Ski Pants and Bibs for 2024

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Ski and snowboard pants are not only one of the more technical garments in your alpine wardrobe, they’re also one of the trickier pieces when it comes to getting a good fit. Let’s face it—very few ski pants are actually flattering. Still, the goal is to look on-trend, match our ski jacket reasonably well, and, above all, stay protected from the elements.

From icy chair lift rides to falling on your bottom and knees repeatedly on any given day, a sturdy, waterproof, breathable, and bendy pair of pants will be crucial for a successful day on the slopes, no matter the region or time of year.

Key features for this critical piece of gear include price, fit, adjustability, and waterproof/breathable technology. Newer skiers tend to lean toward pants versus bibs, but here in my recommendations, I’ve rounded up options that work for a range of riders and a variety of outings. My top picks come in a range of weights, materials, and styles to help you find the best ski pants and bibs for your day on the slopes.

Best Men's Ski Pants and Bibs

• Best Overall: Arc’teryx Sabre Pants

• Best for Powder Days: Flylow Baker Insulated Bibs

• Best for Touring: Patagonia Snowdrifter Bibs

• Most Affordable: Columbia Bugaboo Snow Pants

• Best Value: Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Bib

What to Consider in Ski Pants and Bibs

Fact: Winter sports take a toll on your body. The cold and wet environment coupled with unpredictable or rapidly-changing snow conditions, combined with intense physical exertion, means you’re laying it on the line every time you venture outdoors. You need to stay light, agile, and dry (that includes sweat, which can freeze once you stop sweating). One general rule: Too many features or too much weight will only slow you down in situations that require extreme mobility and quick thinking. Here are some other factors to keep in mind.

Locale

When choosing a pair of ski pants, consider whether you’ll be staying inbounds or hitting the backcountry. While there are plenty of ski pants that work well for resort days as well as the skin track, pants with heavier insulation will feel too hot and bulky for uphill travel. On the other hand, you might feel cold or need extra layers with only shell pants at the resort. If you’re looking for a one-quiver setup, opt for a pair of non-insulated pants or bibs sized enough for layering underneath for those lift-served days.

Waterproofing

Measured in millimeters, the waterproof rating tells you the amount of liquid your ski pants can resist without leaking. Look for at least 5,000mm, or 5K. A rating of 20,000mm (20K) or more offers the highest quality construction with more reliable waterproofing membranes. Lower waterproof ratings are suited for fair weather where you’ll take frequent breaks. Full days out in any conditions require 5K to 10K ratings. Going to be in the backcountry? Then 20K or more is the way to go.

Insulation

Insulation determines warmth and comfort. For frequent rides up the chairlift, go with insulated pants so you don’t lose all your heat between runs. Heading somewhere very cold? Insulation is crucial in consistently low temperatures. Skiers who prefer touring at higher intensities benefit more with little to no insulation to avoid getting too hot and moist. Others prefer a non-insulated shell so they can layer their own way underneath.

Breathability

Breathability ratings are measured in grams per square meter. Choose a garment with a 5,000- to 10,000-gram rating for lower intensity activities like in-bounds downhill skiing. Move into the 10,000- to 15,000-gram range for moderate touring in the backcountry. Ratings over 15,000 grams boast enough breathability for long days, warmer climates, or extended touring through deep and steep terrain.

Get Set For the Slopes: Best Men's Ski Jackets • Best Ski Boots • Best Women's Ski Pants • Best Roof-Mounted Ski and Snowboard Racks

Style

Ski pants come in two styles: pants and bibs. Pants are, well, pants. They stop at the waist with a button or zip closure (or both), usually fit with some hook-and-loop tabs or a belt to keep everything in its proper place. Bibs include added material up to the belly or chest and suspender straps that go over your shoulders for more security and weather protection. Bibs may offer a few more pockets but are a little harder to get in and out of, and they're warmer.

How We Selected Ski Pants and Bibs

We picked these ski pants from top brands based on the spectrum of qualities that skiers need in a range of styles, features and fits. There’s something for every type of skier depending on what the day holds: touring, powder, in-bounds or out, cold weather or warmer, low budget or high rolling, and niche needs versus overall best-in-show.

Sabre Pants

The Sabre pant offers everything you could want from a lightweight shell plus a little more warmth than you’d get from a shell alone. Think of this as a minimalist shell pant with benefits. You won’t notice the light flannel backing until you need it most.

GORE-TEX fabric keeps water, wind, and snow from seeping in by any means. Even the thigh vents come with WaterTight zippers that don’t budge for anything without your consent. I found these zippers move more easily than many waterproof versions.

A loose, relaxed fit ensures unrestricted range of motion and room for additional layers underneath as needed, while an adjustable belt holds it all in place. Plus, in typical Arc’teryx fashion, the Sabre is meticulously designed for good looks and sleek structure.

Baker Insulated Bibs

On epic days when the powder rises up to your knees or even your waist, you need a high-rise bib that keeps the snow out. For those times, the Flylow Baker Bibs are what I highly recommend. They feature a double-layered shell capped with DWR finish that blocks moisture so effectively that nothing’s getting in no matter how many face shots or face plants you take.

Choose these for the biggest powder days when you don’t want a lack of warmth or dryness to be the limiting factor. Adjustable waist tabs ensure an individualized fit—no easy feat for bibs—while articulated knees keep you feeling loose where you need it.

SnowDrifter Bib Pants

Ski touring is hard enough without a kit that may restrict your stride or compromise your energy efficiency, but you won’t have that problem with the ultra-tough Snowdrifter Bib, as Patagonia prioritized minimalism and versatility in this design.

You get high coverage and full weather protection thanks to the three-layer H2No laminate. At the same time, don’t worry about collecting sweat on the uphill that turns frigid on the way back down because the fabric is light enough to breathe. Go ahead and layer as you please, as a polyester knit backer manages moisture in real time.

Stretch polyester (that is 100 percent recycled material) leaves long strides and high steps unrestricted as you work your way up the mountain.

Bugaboo Snow Pants

The Bugaboo pant proves snow protection doesn’t have to come at so much of a cost that you can’t afford the lift ticket after getting kitted out.

These no-frills snow pants ensure anyone can get out on the mountain and remain protected. They’re not the most weatherproof option out there, so think of these pants as your go-to for moderate or clear days.

A wide-leg fit allows plenty of room for all body types and extra layers as well as for mobility. Omni-Heat insulation traps in your body’s natural heat for adaptive, individualized temperature regulation.

First Tracks Bib

When you invest in a snow bib, you want one that will last through a variety of conditions for years to come. That’s where the First Tracks Bib comes in. It addresses one of the biggest problems with insulated snow pants—excess warmth once you start working hard; but it’s the same in reverse for non-insulated versions.

The First Tracks Bib from Mountain Hardwear rides the line for a ski pant that works well in almost any type of weather, has incredible durability, and classic style.

Body-mapped insulation provides warmth where it’s needed while keeping things as simple and streamlined as possible. It's like getting two bibs in one. Long side zips eliminate the hassle of wearing a bib versus pants, so you get protection and ease of use. The proprietary double-layer membrane blocks moisture and perfectly placed pockets keep your essentials dry as well.

Force Snow Pants

It’s not easy to create a ski pant that protects against the elements without overheating you in the process, but Obermeyer’s Force Snow Pants do just that with some unique technologies.

HydroBlock wards off snow and moisture as well or better than many of this pant’s peers. Stretch fabric means you aren’t fighting against the material as you move, which reduces the amount you’ll sweat. Control Zone zippers allow for ventilation along the inner thigh where just enough air can be let in without completely counteracting the insulating properties.

Thoughtful features like elastic along the lip of the powder cuffs to keep them secure against boots, and zipper hem gussets with snap closures keep the elements from sneaking in through nooks and crannies.

And lastly, with a classic alpine brand like Obermeyer, you know you’re getting something that’s been proven against the weather for discerning customers for more than 75 years.

Trailbreaker Tour Pant

Outdoor Research designed the Trailbreaker Tour Pant to fit the needs of backcountry adventure without anything extra to weigh you down or create unnecessary complications or drag.

Zonal waterproofing is a great example of this. You’re not sitting on cold, wet lifts in the backcountry, so you don’t need as much protection under your butt. But you do need it along the lower legs while you’re skinning and descending through untracked power.

The Trailbreaker offers greater protection from the elements below the knees while keeping the upper half lighter and leaner. High abrasion resistance ensures you don’t have to fear a few bumps and scrapes against unexpected hazards like rocks, edges, tailgates, and branches. Plenty of pockets—including one specifically designed for your avi beacon—balance safety with minimalism.

Leeds Bib Pant

For those aspiring to fully take advantage of their season pass, the Orage Leeds Bib is here to keep up with you. These bib pants are made for frequent, heavy use. They bounce back quickly and retain their structure over time so you can hop back in them day after day.

Minimal features means less that can falter over the months and years they accompany you on the lifts. Critically sealed seams protect the most vulnerable places from moisture. Inner thigh vents help with temperature control so the Leeds Bib Pant functions well from the coldest days to more moderate conditions. Plus, just enough insulation backs up that comfort anywhere along the spectrum.

Consider these your most reliable resort companion that will serve you well no matter what kind of day you’re having.

Khroma Kinetic Bib Pant

Rab’s Khroma Kinetic Bib Pant is an amalgamation of softshell and hardshell design—soft enough to wear comfortably without swishing and clamminess, but also protective enough to remain reliable when the weather goes south.

The result is a pant that’s effective in terms of both breathability and stretch, and water- and windproofing for extreme use. That means you can wear these for high-octane adventures as well as slower days cruising groomers.

A slightly slimmer fit gives the Khroma a sleek profile. Four well-placed pockets keep you prepared for the day but don’t get in the way. And the drop-seat feature makes it easy to take a water break and get right back at it.

Beginner Advice from Expert Aaron H. Bible

Should I take a ski lesson?

Of course, everyone wants to charge it and follow their buddies into the trees and down slopes they shouldn't be on, but there's time for that. Just like any other sport, you have to master the fundamentals first—especially if you aspire to ski out of bounds.

With a ski lesson, you not only get a tour guide for the mountain, but an experienced and trusted companion to chat with on the lift about gear, the history of the area, ski culture, and technique. Get a solid foundation and some reliable pointers, and you'll be out shredding on your own before you know it.

What should I pack for a day on the slopes?

If you’re not carrying a backpack, really there’s not much to pack. Extras I might have in my pockets include: a spare pair of goggle lenses, a beanie, a buff, a bar of some kind, a goggle wipe/goggle bag, lip balm or small sunscreen, my phone, a wallet or just ID and credit card, ski pass…maybe a walkie talkie, maybe a very small little soft flask for water.

Tell me your apres plan.

This is a whole other story…but a great plan is to relax and enjoy, but not to overindulge so you can’t ski or drive. Most resorts have a least one great apres spot mid-mountain or at the base; just make sure you have dinner in your near future before you start partying.

How long should a beginner spend on their first day out?

This is a tricky question because most beginners pay for expensive lessons or expensive day passes and want to stay out as long as possible to get their money’s worth. If you did a full day (8:30 or 9 to 3:30 or 4) including lots of breaks, that’s probably ok.

Conversely, most locals know that a typical ski day is only a couple hours long. Now, if I’ve gone somewhere to ski where I’m hiking and skiing out of bounds or it’s a massive powder day or epic crew, then yes, it will be a very full day, bell-to-bell as they say (because a kind of bell rings when the lifts start turning and when they are stopping), but most people need to work into that if they come skiing on vacation.

The key to it all is to stay hydrated. The next key is to stretch. It’s best to start early and try to get first chair because the conditions are always better in the morning. Usually the weather is nicer or more stable in the morning, but not always. Sometimes people are waiting for things to clear up or soften up and that’s ok too, but plan your eating and hydration accordingly.

Most places sell a “half-day” ticket that starts around 1 pm, but that’s not a good plan…it’s more expensive and usually colder (unless it’s a late spring day) and everything is skied off and bumped out by the afternoon. So, bottom line: I would say about four hours with a nice break in the middle is about right for a beginner.

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