The Best Women’s Resort Pants of 2024
This article originally appeared on Outside
The best ski days are the ones where the mountains, the snow, and the friends you're with are the only things on your mind. A great pair of ski pants or bibs eliminates distractions, like a wet butt or a cold one, so that every day you ski can be memorable for the right reasons. This year's ski pants and bibs are lighter and softer overall, making it easier to move freely down the slopes. And bibs? They're nearly universally better designed to make dropping the seat for a bio break a stress-free event. Whether you're looking for insulated pants for sub-zero days skiing Stowe's Front Four or you want bibs that can bounce between JHMR and Teton Pass, read on for our favorites.
The Winners at a Glance
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Most Functional Bibs: Backcountry Cottonwoods Bib
Best Value: Columbia Highland Bibs
Most Stylish: Beringia St. Elias Bib 2.0
Most Breathable: Arc'teryx Rush Bib Pant
Most Versatile Bibs: Patagonia Untracked Bibs
Best Bang For Your Buck: Helly Hansen Powderqueen Pant
Best Resort-Meets-Backcountry Bibs: Salomon QST GTX PRO Bib
Best For Tall and Lean Skiers: Adidas Terrex Techrock 3L Gore-Tex Bib Pants
Best Insulated Bibs: Flylow Foxy Insulated Bib
Best Mobility: Jones Shralpinist Stretch Bib
The Reviews: The Best Women's Resort Pants of 2024
Most Functional Bibs: Backcountry Cottonwoods Gore-Tex Bib Pant ($399)
Weight: 1.9 lb
Sizes: XS-XXL
Pros
Extremely durable
Can be worn as a pant and bib
Generous cut
Cons
Fabric is stiff and crinkly
Lots of zippers
Built-in waist adjustment system is redundant with belt loops
Run large (size down)
If you find ski pants confining, you'll jump with joy when you slip into Backcountry Cottonwoods. The fit is generous. Idaho-based tester Michelle Nicholson said, "These are the best fitting women's bib I've tried in a while. They gave ample room for layering since they're just a shell, but didn't feel bulky when I wasn't all layered up." Nicholson said she loved the bibs' clean lines, and that they weren't too form-fitting. "I even liked how loose they made the halter," said Nicholson. "There was space to breathe for women with breasts." Testers also praised how easy these were to operate when nature called. "The relief zippers are on point, there was no having to awkwardly sit so you don't pee on yourself or your pants when going inside isn't an option," said Vermont tester Bec Wojtecki. Made from woven nylon with a Gore-Tex membrane, the Cottonwoods can take the hardest abuse and come out the other side as good as new. They have tons of pockets-the chest one fit a beacon perfectly, and we loved the pleated leg pockets that had room to hold snacks, gloves, and more. Ankle gaiters kept snow out, and the bib is removable if you prefer to wear these as pants.
Bottom Line: Super durable, and highly functional bib with plenty of space for layering and movement
Best Value: Columbia Highland Summit Bib ($200)
Weight: 1.1 lb
Sizes: XS-XXL in long, regular, and short; 1x-3x come in regular and short
Pros
Big size range
Great value
Relaxed fit
Cons
Boxy cut
Leg zip flaps didn't lay flat
"As I was riding the quad up the face of Mt. Mansfield on a sub-zero Vermont morning in Columia's Highlands Bibs I realized that for the first time in a very long time, my butt cheeks were completely warm," said Vermont-based Louise Lintilhac. If you hate a cold butt sitting on a chair lift, these bibs will eliminate that problem permanently. "On the chair, I was super warm and comfortable, which was relaxing because the Highlands kit was soft, not stiff," said Montana-based Caroline Painter. "These pants helped me last a little longer on very chilly days." But the Highland Summit Bib's great features don't stop at warmth. Dual waist-to-knee side zips made getting into and out of these bibs a cinch and testers loved the broad, comfortable shoulder straps. The bibs weren't fully bathroom-break-friendly without removing the shoulder straps due to the high-cut back. But we had high praise for the two sets of waist snaps. The bibs had plenty of room for layering, but could also be made more shapely on days that required fewer fleecy tights. Snaps on the lower leg accommodated bulky ski boots but also cinched down for standard snow boots. And the bibs had a unique microfleece-lined chest pocket with a handwarmer kangaroo pocket at the waist. They were fuzzy and warm, but only usable with an unzipped jacket.
Bottom Line: The best value cold day ski bib, and a killer choice for skiers who struggle to stay warm on the lift.
Most Stylish: Beringia St. Elias Bib 2.0 ($675)
Weight: 1.4 lbs
Sizes: XS-L
Pros
Convertible bib to pants
Made from soft and quiet material
Wide shoulder straps were comfortable
Cons
Halter has to unzip for pee breaks
Not sure if you prefer pants or bibs? With Beringia's St. Elias, you get both. You also get a weather-adapting membrane that subtly releases extra heat or seals tighter against the wind as conditions and your body temp require. "The convertible bib to pant system is the best I have seen so far...it's super easy to use, and I especially like the front zipper for getting in and out of the bibs," said Vermont-based Caitlin Kelly. Kelly and others also praised the stretch and the generous waist belt loops. Sometimes bibs can feel like they're cutting into your shoulders. These have broad straps that were notably comfortable. They also have a wide, breathable mesh back panel that enhanced the fit without making us overheat. Thigh zip pockets were spacious. One has a lanyard. One of the oversized chest pockets has a top and side velcro closure that made getting a phone in and out fast and glove-friendly. A bootlace or buckle hook kept the cuff from riding up when we weren't wearing ski boots.
Bottom Line: Durable, flattering, functional, frontcountry/backcountry ready, and a great choice for serious skiers.
Most Breathable: Arc'teryx Rush Bib Pant ($700)
Weight: 1.3 oz
Sizes: 00-16
Pros
Lightweight
Generously cut
Not restrictive
Cons
Not the warmest bibs in our test
Often, simpler is better, and that's what testers loved about the Rush Bib Pant. These Gore-Tex bottoms, which some called high pants, and others considered a bib, have a C-Knit backer which made them one of the most breathable pairs of bibs we tested. Plus they just feel good to put on. They're lightweight, but the high-tech fabric combined with water-resistant zippers kept the weather out. And when we needed to let heat out, hip-to-knee zips were one-hand operable and fully vented the legs. After skiing in the Rush for a week in deep powder in Jackson Hole, Vermont tester Broudy said, " The mid-high below the boobs halter didn't crush my chest. It didn't restrict my breathing, it wasn't confining in any way. Plus, the bibs were easy to get out of when I needed to pee thanks to the full side zip that's secured with a snap on top. I loved them."
We also loved the cuffs, which were easy to slide over boots, as well as the robust kick guard that kept these from getting cut by ski edges. And the pockets were perfect. Both thigh pockets had extra features-a loop lanyard on the left, and an inner pocket on the right. The bib pocket, which was sized to hold a beacon, also has a loop lanyard. "Relaxed fit and true to size," said Vermont tester Douglas. "I felt like a pro in these bibs. They were incredibly versatile for all weather conditions and easy to layer and vent." "On an extra-early storm day dawn patrol, I had to do my morning business in the woods, in the dark, in a blizzard, due to an unfortunate misalignment of circadian rhythms and athletic ambitions," said New Mexico-based tester Abigail Barronian. "The drop seat is perfect-easy to access with a jacket still zipped, and long enough to easily get the pants out of the way." The bibs have an embedded RECCO reflector to assist search and rescuers in an emergency. They're also cut more generously than other Arcteryx ski bibs we've tried, which was a huge win.
Bottom Line: An all-around stellar bib/pant that was a top pick of all testers, and a favorite of women who don't usually love bibs because the chest is too tight
Most Versatile Bibs: Patagonia Untracked Bibs ($649)
Weight: 1.3 lb
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros
PFC-free waterproofing
Easily transitions from frontside to backside
Perfectly placed and sized thigh pockets
Cons
Suspenders aren't removable
Too long for some testers
Freedom. That's the word testers most often used to describe these bibs. "The pant legs were wide but not too wide and the cuffs fit excellently over my ski boots which often doesn't happen with size small bibs," said Utah-based Anneka Williams. "I liked how soft and flexible the material felt. Bibs often feel like they constrain movement or are just made of stiff, resistant fabric. These bibs, though, were super flexible and comfortable for a long day of movement. This made them really versatile across different terrain types." And long-legged skiers were over the moon with the length. Easy-to-operate dual waist-to-knee zips with one-hand operable zippers made pee breaks quick and efficient. Testers loved the overlapping zipper plus snap high-cut princess waist.
The Untracked bibs are made with an ePE membrane built for the harshest weather and extreme and extended use that doesn't leech bioaccumulating PFCs into the snowpack. The bibs use a lighter face fabric and membrane paired with a soft-shell recycled nylon flannel backer and a PFC-free DWR finish. "These bibs offer easy venting so you can regulate your temperature throughout the day and the season," said Vermont-based Lintilhac. "The mid-coverage bib with the drop-seat configuration made it easy to go to the bathroom without taking off all your layers, and these pants gave me all the range of motion I needed in the skin track. The back panel breathed really well and the side vent did a great job of dumping heat while I was on the up track".
The drop-seat configuration and single-snap, zip-fly closure allowed testers convenient relief when nature called. And testers who bounced between the front country, sidecountry, and backcountry praised the exterior belt loops at the waist which allowed them to lower the bib top on sweaty tours. The Untracked bibs have two zippered thigh drop pockets, and the right pocket has an internal stretch-mesh pocket to hold a beacon or phone.
Bottom Line: The most versatile, and the most eco-friendly bibs you can buy.
Best Bang For Your Buck: Helly Hansen Powderqueen Pant ($300)
Weight: 1.6 lb
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros
Fun colors
Gusseted thigh pocket
Vented thighs
Cons
Hand pockets have limited use
Waist doesn't stretch
Fully waterproof and breathable, but without the crinkly, techy feel of a lot of the pants we tested, Helly Hansen's Powderqueen is made for every skier who wants to have a warm, dry, unrestricted day on the mountain. This pant's biggest wins are in the details: double pockets on the right thigh, a redundant snap and clip waist, and stretchy fabric without a ski tight fit. The knees are articulated and the crotch is gusseted for full freedom of movement. And the Powderqueen is outfitted with RECCO to help you get found in an accident. To give these lightly insulated pants weather versatility, Helly added mid-thigh-to-knee zips. Reinforced fabric on the bottom hem prevented ski cuts, while a snow gaiter kept the fluffy stuff out of our boots. Broudy says she loved them because the heathered shell is warm, waterproof and breathable with a chill vibe, "so you get pro-level performance in a pant that's a little lower key." Bonus: every pants purchase comes with a free ski ticket through HH's Ski Free program.
Bottom Line: An approachable pant with all the best tech, and a more relaxed attitude.
Best Resort-Meets-Backcountry Option: Salomon S/LAB QST GTX Pro Bibs ($600)
Weight: 1.7 lb
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros
Loads of pockets
Dual zips for easy bio breaks
Cons
Loud fabric
Gaiters were hard to slide over alpine boots
If you're often frustrated by the lack of pockets in women's ski pants, you'll be thrilled when you zip into Salomon's S/LAB QST GTX Pro Bibs. When Idaho tester Michelle Nicholson was "swimming in powder" on the deepest day of the year at Grand Targhee, these bibs kept the snow out. She sang the praises of the QST GTX's baggier fit, which accommodated her athletic build without binding. Vermont-based tester Bec Wojtecki felt the same. "These bibs were roomy enough on a curvy medium body to allow me to layer up and down." The stretchy halter accommodated most chest sizes and shapes. And a long chest zip made the QST GTX easy to get on and off. To-the-knee side zips facilitated bio breaks, and a snap at the waist kept zippers from working their way open as we shussed down the mountain. The bibs are lightweight but heavy-duty. And testers loved that these bombproof bibs came in black, which hid the salsa stains. One chest pocket has a beacon tether, but the thigh pocket does not. The cuffs are adjustable, but inner gaiters are not, and both are cut slim.
Bottom Line: A techy pant that's front-country/backcountry ready.
Best For Tall and Lean Skiers: Adidas Terrex Techrock 3L Gore-Tex Bib Pants ($550)
Weight: 1.3 lb
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros
Easy to operate drop seat
Sweat-wicking back panel
Generous two-way zips for venting
Cons
Thigh pocket is tight for a beacon
Brushed for softness against the skin, and cut for freedom of movement, Adidas' Terrex Techrock 3L Gore-Tex Bib Pants were slim, trim, and sweat-wicking. "For taller, leaner skiers, like Douglas, "Adidas really knocked it out of the park with these bibs fit-wise. I didn't want to take these off and got compliments apres-ing." "The fit was great: trim through the butt and torso but baggy in the legs, which made them easy to move around in," said Barronian. They're light, with a protective rubber print on the inner cuffs instead of heavyweight fabric, and ribs-to-mid-thigh zips for venting, which also made bio breaks easy. Testers loved that we never needed to worry about snow down the pants with these bibs. They're cut high in the back, but the back panel is stretchy and breathable, enhancing movement along with the gusseted crotch, and pre-shaped knees. Major props for the oversized chest pocket that held a phone, keys, and even a sandwich. But the inch-and-a-half webbing waist belt got mixed reviews because it's not removable without cutting it off, and some testers thought it didn't match the bib's clean aesthetic. Bonus: the pants come with a repair patch to keep them in service longer. And another bonus: the bib straps are quick-release and easy to adjust. Snow gaiters let us snap these tight around different kinds of boots, and an inner gaiter snugged around boot cuffs to keep snow out.
Bottom Line: Technical bibs cut for straight, not curvy, women.
Best Insulated Bibs: Flylow Foxy Insulated Bibs ($430)
Weight: 1.7 lbs
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros
Easy drop seat
Double thigh vents and chest pockets
Good value
Cons
Chest insulation made these too warm for some testers
With universally-appealing steezy style, and all the bells and whistles of the best bibs, Flylow's Foxy fit great and held up beautifully even after a season of heavy use. Made from Intuitive Tactic 2L, a wallet-friendly, proprietary waterproof breathable membrane under a 100 percent recycled polyester shell with 40 grams of insulation, the jacket kept testers warm and dry whether the wind was blasting and the snow was falling, or we were being pelted with a wintery mix. "Super comfortable, perfectly fit, and warm!" said Jackson-based Flo McCall. Designed for practicality, the drop seat was user-friendly. "Anytime I needed to use the restroom, these bibs made it so easy... the mesh stretch in the back made it quick to move the butt fabric aside," said Utah-based Abby Ghent. We also loved that leg pockets close by zipping down, a thoughtful detail that made grabbing a quick snack or some lip balm a non-event. Testers appreciated the oversized side entry chest pocket that was overlaid with a small pocket for keys and a credit card. Powder skirts aren't always useful. Powder skirts in Flylow jackets snap to Foxy Bibs to give skiers and riders onesie-like snow protection. Zippered thigh pockets held essentials. These have a back pocket too. And all key zippers are waterproof.
Bottom Line: An insulated bib with attitude and all the features.
Best Mobility: Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs ($500)
Weight: 1.4 lb
Sizes: XS-L
Pros
Spacious chest and thigh pockets
Belt loops
100 percent recycled fabric
Cons
Limited sizing
Whether we were lapping the hill, then lunching before lapping some more, hammering out as much vert as we could before work, or snowmobiling to ski backcountry lines, we loved these bibs. Made for big missions, but just as good at handling moderate ones, Jones' Shralpinist Bibs have all the features to let skiers focus on the line without being distracted by confining clothing or gear limitations.
Four-way stretch and a 30K/30K waterproof breathable membrane were protective, soft, and easy to move in without being crinkly or confining. The adjustable shoulder straps were "set em and forget em" comfortable. Side seam venting doubled as a release for stress-free bio breaks. And stretch woven panels in the chest and back left plenty of breathing room. The fit was relaxed and flattering without being baggy with belt loops that let us trim the fit if needed, and also drop the bib for hiking. "The pockets were perfect," said Broudy. "Thigh pockets accordioned and had an inner stretch sleeve tether to hold a beacon, and chest pocket storage was separated so I could keep track of stuff I needed to carry, and didn't have to search around." And, when the ski day continued into a ski night, these bibs had enough stretch to handle the dance floor. Testers also loved the ski edge repelling gaiters and elasticized inner gaiters which worked as well for skiers as for snowboarders.
Bottom Line: A high-performance bib with extreme weather protection for winter missions.
How to Buy Women's Resort Pants
Buying ski pants or bibs is a little like buying jeans. Sometimes you have to try on a few pairs before you find the ones that feel like they were made for you. Here are our top tips for buying the bottom half of your ski kit.
Pants or bibs? Are you a bibs girl or a pants girl? If you hate tight things around your waist, you sometimes tour as well as ski lift-serve ski, or regularly ski in deep conditions, bibs might be the best choice. They have more weather protection, more pockets, and most can be easily dropped without stripping when nature calls.
How's the fit? Whatever your size and shape, there are pants and bibs out there for you. Buy a pair with space to layer underneath, and with enough stretch or space that they aren't restrictive on the chair, on the slopes, and during apres.
Do the pockets deliver? Whether you need to carry snacks, an avy beacon, a goggle wipe, sunscreen, or something else, get ski pants that have pockets that are intuitive, easy to access, and the right size to hold what you need.
Insulation and vents? The best ski pants for you will keep you warm enough but not too warm. If your personal temperature seems to fluctuate, get pants or bibs with thigh vents. Choose insulated if you always have a cold butt and don't want to wear too many layers. Or go for shell pants for ultimate temperature flexibility-you can add as many or as few layers as the day requires.
How We Test
First, we get in touch with all the brands we know and love. Sometimes we even awkwardly introduce ourselves to steezy skiers in the lift line when we see ski pants we like and we want to know more. Then we reach out to our favorite ski clothing brands and wrangle samples of next year's styles. We box up those pants and bibs and ship them to testers all over the country: Vermont, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico. Then we hit the slopes, the side country, and the backcountry. We ski our faces off, and keep those pants on for other winter activities too: snowmobiling, fat biking, sledding, and of course apres. We do everything we can think of in the pants to see how they hold up, how warm they keep us, and how they feel when we ski them bell to bell, and if the salsa stains wash out. We're women from 23-59. Some of us are expert skiers and ski professionals. Some are full-time moms who shred. Some of us are weekend warriors and dawn patrollers who get laps in before work and after hours. All of us love to ski whenever, wherever, and however we can.
Number of testers: 19
Number of Products Tested: 28
Number of Days on Snow: 846
U.S. States Tested In: 8 (plus 4 countries)
Meet Our Testers
Berne Broudy is a Vermont-based skier who calls Stowe Mountain Resort her home hill, though she spends as much time in the backcountry as possible. Broudy has been reporting on environmental issues, gear, and travel for two decades. She's developed and guided hiking and cycling trips all over the U.S. and South America. She's led students through Ghana and Peru, and she's biked across the United States. She's had fat biking first descents in Alaska, she helped establish the first sport climbing in East Greenland, and she was on the first female team to traverse the country of Jordan by bike. Before writing and photographing professionally, Broudy worked in the sustainable forestry industry. She skis every day there's snow on the trails behind her house, and clocks resort days and backcountry days anytime and anywhere she can, from Vermont to Japan and all points in between.
Salt-Lake City-based writer and climate scientist Anneka Williams grew up roaming around New England's trails and trying to keep up with the "big kids" on ski lines at Mad River Glen. Now 25, she's already notched adventures in Chilean Patagonia, the Bhutanese Himalaya, the streets of Copenhagen, the trails of the French Alps, the Alaskan tundra, and the Andean paramo. One of Williams' favorite places to ski is Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. "There's nothing better than finishing a ski in the Wheeler Peak basin and then going for a dip in the Rio Grande Gorge, unless you're also snacking on chocolate-covered espresso beans," said Williams.
Kerry Douglas, a 38-year-old Vermont-based ex-ski racer loves groomers, the woods, steep and deep pow turns, and everything in between including earning her turns in the backcountry. Douglas learned to ski at 18 months old sliding down the driveway of her family's Stowe, Vermont home between her Dad's legs. Douglas recently returned to Vermont after 12 years in New York City where she worked in marketing and visual design for Patagonia. Now she's a mom, and she loves raising her daughter in the mountains. Douglas logged 500,000 vert this season. But that wasn't her most memorable time on snow. In August 2017, her husband proposed after they booted up La Chimenea in Portillo, Chile.
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