Women's Snow Pants

Women's Snow Pants

Winter activities are more fun if your legs are warm, so it's nice to have pants that can protect you from wind, snow and rain.

Types of Women's Snow Pants

Any warm, water-resistant pants can work for most types of snowy fun. No rule says you can only use ski pants for skiing or snowboard pants for snowboarding.

Ski pants: Windproof and waterproof (or water resistant), these lined or insulated pants typically have abrasion-resistant areas and flexible areas. Many have vents and often gaiters or inner cuffs to keep snow out of your boots. (Learn more in What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding.) 

Snowboard pants: Weather protection, performance and features are very similar to ski pants. It's mostly the "snowboarder look" that distinguishes them.

Cross-country ski pants: Because legs are constantly in motion, sleek, aerodynamic designs and stretch fabrics prevail. (Learn more in What to Wear Cross-Country Skiing.)

All-around snow pants: These pants work great for winter walks and hikes, building snow forts, sledding and snowshoeing. Also consider warm fleece pants or soft-shell pants.

Pants Features

Warmth: Most insulated snow pants have a water-resistant synthetic fill. For warmth with less bulk, look at pants that have a warm liner material instead.

Waterproofing: Waterproof/breathable technologies like GORE-TEX fabrics are best for high-energy activities. More affordable pants have water-repellent outer materials. Waterproof but nonbreathable options are best for casual use.

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

Ankle zips and side vents: Ankle zips make it easy to get pants over boots; side vents let you cool off if you work up a sweat.

RECCO reflectors: Sewn into the fabric, these aid rescuers equipped with a special RECCO detector unit. (They're one more rescue tool-but not a substitute for essential avalanche rescue gear and training.)