Snow Pants

Snow Pants

Skiing, snowboarding and other wintertime activities require you to keep every part of your body warm, including your legs. That's why it's nice to have pants that keep you warm and protect you from wind, snow and other elements. Below are a few basics to keep in mind before you buy:

Types of Snow Pants

Any warm, water-resistant pants will work for most types of snowy fun. There's no rule that says you can only use ski pants for skiing or snowboard pants for snowboarding. Pants listed for more extreme uses like backcountry skiing or mountaineering tend to be more durable and offer better weather protection. Pants that work best for an activity like winter running, on the other hand, should be sleeker and exceptionally breathable.

Ski pants: Windproof and waterproof (or water resistant), these lined or insulated pants have reinforced areas to protect from falls or ski edges and flexible areas to ease movement. Many have vents and features like gaiters or inner cuffs to keep snow out of your boots. (Learn more tips on what to wear skiing and snowboarding.) 

Snowboard pants: Weather protection, performance and features are virtually identical to ski pants. Often, it's the snowboarder aesthetic that distinguishes them from their alpine cousins.

Cross-country ski pants: Because your legs are constantly in motion, sleek, aerodynamic designs prevail. These pants typically have stretch for better range of movement. Many also forgo an outer shell material in areas like the backs of the legs, where windchill isn't a factor. (Learn more tips on what to wear cross-country skiing.)

All-around snow pants: These pants work great for winter walks or hikes, building snow forts, sledding or snowshoeing. Other options can work well for snow play: warm fleece pants, soft-shell pants or pairing rain pants with warm long underwear pants.

Winter Pant Features

Warmth: Some insulated snow pants use generic synthetic fills, while others use branded insulations like PrimaLoft. Because insulation inside can make pants a bit bulky, a lot of pants have a warm liner material instead.

Waterproofing: Pants for high-energy sports often have waterproof/breathable technologies like GORE-TEX fabrics. More affordable pants might have water-repellent outer materials instead. Fully waterproof but nonbreathable options are best for casual winter use.

Bibs: Cut higher for more warmth and coverage, bibs make it harder for snow to get in if you take a tumble. The tradeoff for the added coverage is a slightly higher price.

Snow cuffs/gaiters: These fit closely and securely over your boot tops to keep snow out.

Ankle zips and side vents: Ankle zips make it easy to get pants on over boots; side vents let you cool off after a long period of exertion.

RECCO^® reflectors: Sewn into the fabric, these aid any rescuers equipped with a special RECCO detector unit (including many ski patrols). The reflectors aren't a substitute for an avalanche transceiver and other essential avalanche rescue gear (and training), but they do offer an added tool for certain rescuers in certain situations.

More to Consider

Don't forget other winter essentials like an insulated jacket, winter boots, a hat and gloves or mittens. Consider also getting a pair of gaiters to keep the slushy stuff out of your boot tops. You can also stay warmer by wearing thicker socks or using hand and foot warmers.

More Reasons to Shop at REI

REI carries top brands like Arc'teryx, Burton, Obermeyer, Columbia, Helly Hansen and Patagonia. We also have checklists to help you stay organized for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and backcountry skiing, and a library of snowsports articles to help you enjoy your time on the snow.