The 8 Best Women's Snow Pants for Every Budget, Style, and Skill Level
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Finding women's snow pants that are comfortable enough to wear on the mountain all day and fashionable enough for après ski hangouts at the lodge is no small feat. The best snow pants for women are warm but breathable and flattering but functional — and landing a pair that meets these requirements is easier said than done. Luckily, professional snowboarder for Malta, Jenise Spiteri, has some tips to help steer you toward the perfect pair of women's snow pants to wear while hitting the slopes this winter.
"A comfortable fit is the most important factor to look for," Spiteri says. "It's key to be able to move around freely and not be restricted in any direction." Next up on her list of priorities, Spiteri says that waterproof materials are essential for an enjoyable day on the mountain. "It's a bummer to fall, but a bigger bummer to then spend the entire day with wet pants because of it," she adds.
Plus, when shopping for snow pants, Spiteri recommends keeping in mind the regions in which you'll be skiing the most. "Insulation level is a really important thing to look for," she explains. "Depending on where in the world you're riding, you'll want a varying level of warmth. For example, riding in Colorado typically requires pants with more insulation than riding in California."
Her personal picks? First up, Spiteri suggests the Volcom Grace Stretch Pant, calling it "really easy to move around in" and noting that it features convenient pockets for her phone. "Pockets big enough to comfortably zip closed with my phone inside are a necessity." The Burton Gloria Pants are another favorite of Spiteri's, and they come in regular, tall, and short versions, so they'll work for women of all heights. (Related: The Best Ski Clothes to Take You From the Slopes to Après-Ski Cocktails)
Below, top-reviewed snow pants from Columbia, Roxy, The North Face, and more trusted brands to compile the eight best women's snow pants for every budget and style. Pair these with top winter jackets for women, and you'll be toasty — and stylish — from head to toe on the mountain.
The Best Women's Snow Pants:
Best Overall: Stio Women's Environ Pant
Best for Different Climates: Burton Gloria Pant
Best with Pockets: Volcom Grace Stretch Pant
Best Bib Design: Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pant
Best for Price: Arctix Women's Insulated Snow Pants
Best for Warmth: Columbia Women's Arctic Trip Snow Omni Heat Waterproof Pants
Best Flattering Pair: Roxy Creek Slim Fit Snow Pants
Best for Breathability: The North Face Women's Summit L5 LT FutureLight Pants
Stio
Best Overall: Stio Women's Environ Pant
Lightweight and low-rise, these breathable waterproof pants sit right at the hips — a feature that makes them look extra flattering come après activities. More importantly, they allow you to take turns with ease and command the trails, courtesy of the super-durable fabric that moves with you. They also feature abrasion-resistant patches on the bottom of the leg for added protection from the elements (and your boots). And when all your hard work on the mountain makes you heat up, just unzip the two air vents on the sides for instant cooling. These will be the BFF of any outdoor adventurer. (Take them on one — or all — of these epic winter escapes.)
If you need any more convincing, Outside Magazine named these women's snow pants the "Best All-Around Ski Pants," and customers rave about their comfort and practicality. "Have skied in them [three] times and the functionality is awesome," one said. "Totally windproof and warm. I have had lots of compliments on them. So happy!!"
Buy It: Stio Women's Environ Pant, $399, stio.com
Amazon
Best for Different Climates: Burton Gloria Pant
If you ski in various regions like the Pacific Northwest and the East Coast, you probably wear different gear in each mountain climate. However, these Burton snow pants will be comfortable in any temperature, thanks to inner thigh vents that unzip and allow air to pass through, cooling you down on warmer days in the spring. But fleece lining and insulation will keep you warm during frigid blizzards in the thick of winter. Four front pockets and two back pockets conveniently store skiing essentials like your lift pass, phone, chapstick, and money (for that necessary après ski hot chocolate). Choose between 19 colors, from classic black and gray to standouts like teal and orange in these Burton snow pants.
"Well insulated and my butt isn't getting wet anymore when I sit down to strap in!" one customer claimed. "At first you think they won't be stretchy but they have the perfect amount of stretch once you have them on!"
Buy It: Burton Gloria Pant, $210, amazon.com
Tactics
Best with Pockets: Volcom Grace Stretch Pant
Perfect for snowboarders, according to Spiteri, these lightweight shell snow pants feature a loose fit for maximum comfort while you hit the slopes — and while you relax afterward. You'll want to wear thicker layers underneath to stay toasty in the winter, but during spring boarding, the breathable fit will be ideal. Totally waterproof, you'll stay dry during heavy periods of snow or rain on the mountain. Plus, large thigh pockets easily store your phone and snacks (with room to spare).
"For a girl with curves, these were the perfect fit and not too tight," said one shopper. Another gave their seal of approval: "I absolutely love the feel and color of these pants. Nice and soft but feel very durable. The color is rich."
Buy It: Volcom Grace Stretch Pant, $190, tactics.com
Backcountry
Best Bib Design: Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pant
Overalls and bib snow pants are super comfortable for anyone who doesn't want to be bothered by a constrictive waistband. You just have to be okay with a little more effort to go to the bathroom (which is always an ordeal when bundled up for a day on the slopes). Another bonus, besides the comfortable fit of bib snow pants, is that they keep snow from getting between your coat and snow pants when you fall. This pair from Helly Hansen (a longtime trusted sportswear brand) features a flattering straight leg design and easily adjustable straps for a customizable fit to your body.
"A big pro for me is these pants are super waterproof (important when sitting on snowy lifts/if there is deep snow)," a shopper explained. Another noted, "Great fabric, comfortable, warm, nice neutral color that works with a wide range of existing winter clothing and gear, and true to size!"
Buy It: Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pant, $300, backcountry.com
Amazon
Best for Price: Arctix Women's Insulated Snow Pants
If you're looking to make a statement on the mountain with bright pants or bold patterns, these insulated women's snow pants will do it while keeping you warm, no matter where you're exploring. They have boot gaiters to keep your feet dry and side pockets for extra storage, too. Even better, they're very budget-friendly — perfect if you only wear them a couple of times a year. And on top of all of that, they are Amazon's best-selling ski pants, so you'll have peace of mind adding a couple of pairs to your cart. (P.S. did you know you can rent ski gear from Rent the Runway now?)
More than 24,000 Amazon shoppers give these affordable women's snow pants a perfect rating. "I was very surprised with the quality of the material, craftsmanship, and comfort," wrote one reviewer. "These were very inexpensive and hit all my must haves....I can not recommend them enough. It snowed this weekend and I walked the dog in 20 degree weather. I was very comfortable — could have stayed outside all day in these pants. Plus they wash well."
Buy It: Arctix Women's Insulated Snow Pants, from $30, amazon.com
Columbia
Best for Warmth: Columbia Women's Bugaboo Omni Heat Insulated Snow Pants
Columbia snow pants have been wildly popular for years, and this pair is a prime example of why. Complete with Omni-Heat technology — a silver lining that reflects your body heat back to you — you'll stay heated even in the coldest temperatures with these women's snow pants. The thick, double-button waist also provides added comfort. Choose from three colors, including black, bright teal, and dark purple and get ready to take on those black diamonds.
One skier claimed you can "feel the warmth seconds after putting them on." They continued, "It's like having heated pants." Plus, another called them "great for snowshoeing and northern winters!!"
Buy It: Columbia Women's Arctic Trip Snow Omni Heat Waterproof Pants, $110, columbia.com
Roxy
Best Flattering Pair: Roxy Creek Slim Fit Snow Pants
Waterproof material, a flexible construction, and a fleece lining make these perfect to wear outside from morning to night. Plus, you'll look good while doing it, thanks to the high-waist, fitted thighs, and bell-like bottoms. The bright, winter-white color will also complement the snow for added chicness.
"These are the BEST pair of snow pants I have EVER had!" a reviewer raved of the older model of these pants on Roxy's site. "They are incredibly comfortable and very warm, they fit nice, snug as I wanted them. I don't like baggy snow pants so these were perfect for me. Very fashionable as well, goes with anything."
Buy It: Roxy Creek Snow Pants, $170, roxy.com
The North Face
Best for Breathability: The North Face Women's Summit L5 LT FutureLight Pants
If you prefer to feel like you're wearing no bottoms at all (without actually freezing your buns off), add these The North Face snow pants to your cart ASAP. They offer stand-out stretch and breathability, while still maintaining superior waterproofing and blocking wind, all thanks to The North Face's top-notch technical material known as FutureLight. No puffiness necessary, even when you want warmth and wetness protection.
"I wanted something that was going to be [light], packable and flexible, and these pants ended up being all of that," one shopper said. "I wore a base layer underneath them, and was comfortable and warm...The material is very light and also quite flexible so it's very easy to bend in all directions and not feel restricted. The waterproofing also seems very good."
Buy It: The North Face Women's Summit L5 LT FutureLight Pants, $280, was $400, rei.com
