Men’s Ski Pants Buying Guide

Is it your first time skiing? One of the most important things you need to do is buy the appropriate ski wear. Whether you’re zipping down the mountain on fresh powder or gliding over snow-covered terrain, you’ll need the right ski clothing to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, and this includes men’s ski pants. Ski pants are essential not only because they keep your lower body comfortable on the slopes but also because they protect against moisture and the cold weather.

When it comes to choosing the best ski pants, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the many options that are available in the market. However, determining the perfect pair of men’s ski pants is easy once you’ve done your research. This guide will help you find exactly what you need for that upcoming trip to the slopes.

Men’s Ski Pants vs. Men's Snow Pants

Before you dive into the different types of ski pants for men, you first need to learn the difference between men’s ski pants and men's snow pants. Snowboarding and skiing are two different sports that have different requirements and so the pants that you should wear for either would be different. Ski pants, in general, are designed to be snug and form fitting, while snowboarding pants are looser and baggier to allow movement for jumps and other tricks.

Types of Men’s Ski Pants

Insulated Ski Pants

These are the most common and popular type of ski pants that provide warmth and protection from the elements. The insulation weight is measured in grams and the higher the number, the greater the insulation is. If you want to stand out on the slopes, opt for designer ski pants that provide excellent functionality along with impeccable style.

3-in-1 Ski Pants

With 3-in-1 ski pants, you can have ski pants and mid- or base-layer pants all in one. This type of ski pants has an outer shell that is waterproof and weatherproof and has an insulating layer that you can snap or zip into the inside of the pants. You can choose to wear just the outside when the weather is warm, use both on colder days, or just the mid- or base-layer when lounging around.

Shell Ski Pants

These pants are windproof, waterproof, and highly breathable, but have no insulation. This type of ski pants is the most lightweight and provides the widest range of mobility. While these pants offer the highest level of protection from the elements, you will need to wear a heavier or thicker base layer pants, since they do not have any insulation.

Softshell Ski Pants

Softshell pants are made from a softer, more stretchy fabric that provides greater comfort and a wider range of movement. These are considered the best men’s ski pants in terms of breathability and are ideal for warmer climates or for skiers who run warm while skiing.

Warmth Factor

No Insulation

Men’s ski pants that have no Insulation are considered shells and are primarily designed to prevent precipitation. These pants provide minimal warmth but offers the widest range of mobility. If you are going to wear shell pants on the slopes, it is best for you to wear a thicker base layer and/or mid-layer.

Slightly Warm

These pants are lined and lightly insulated, making them a great option for warmer days. It is advisable for you to wear layers in cold temperatures or windy days.

Insulated Pants

These are ideal for the normal cold weather. It is recommended that you wear a wicking base-layer to help with moisture management. Wear extra layers if you tend to get cold easily, or if you're skiing in extremely cold temperatures.

Warmer Pants

In general, warmer ski pants have down or synthetic insulation, which can keep you warm in cold temperatures. For moisture management, add base-layers, mid-layers can be quite stifling, depending on the temperature.

Warmest Pants

These pants offer the most insulation and heat, providing you with a solid layer of warmth against the extreme cold. This type of ski pants is perfect for frigid temperatures and conditions.

Waterproof Rating

Waterproof Rating of >20,001mm

Pants with very high waterproof rating are the best option for keeping your lower body warm and dry. These ski pants are made with the best waterproof fabrics and repellent DWR coating. Even with sustained snowfall and moderate rain, these pants will keep you dry and warm.

Waterproof Rating of 15,001mm-20,000mm

Pants with high waterproof rating can withstand any conditions and will keep you dry in heavy, wet snow and rain. When shopping for designer ski wear, be sure to choose not only based on style but also check for waterproofing and breathability.

Waterproof Rating of 10,001mm-15,000mm

Pants with moderate waterproof rating are the most common ski pants. These are made with water repellent DWR coating and waterproof fabric, keeping you warm and dry in light to moderate snow and in light rain.

Waterproof Rating of 5,001mm-10,000mm

Pants with mild waterproof rating are also made with water repellent DWR coating and waterproof fabric. These ski pants can keep you dry in average snowfall and light rain.

Water Resistant (<5,000mm)

Water resistant pants are treated with a water repellent DWR coating as well. These ski pants can keep you dry in light snow but will absorb water in the rain.

Breathability Rating

Breathability Rating of >20,001g

Ski pants with very high breathability rating can keep you dry and comfortable in just about any weather condition. These pants breathe extremely well and will ensure that you are dry the whole day.

Breathability Rating of 15,001-20,000g

Ski pants with high breathability rating are also the ideal choice for active skiers as they offer excellent breathability to keep you dry as you zip down the slopes.

Breathability Rating of 10,001-15,001g

Ski pants with moderate breathability rating are the most common. These pants can keep you dry and comfortable throughout a full day of moderate activity and will be able to handle sustained periods of high activity.

Breathability Rating of 5,001-10,000g

Ski pants with mild breathability rating provide enough breathability to keep you feeling comfortable throughout a day of low to moderate activity and short periods of high activity. Keep in mind that you need to be careful with layering to avoid sweating from intense activity.

Breathability Rating of <5,000g

Ski pants with low breathability rating offer the least level of breathability. Wearing these pants will keep perspiration against your body as you perform moderate to high activity, so you will feel cold and chilly the moment you stop moving.

Now that you know more about men’s ski pants, you can begin shopping for the perfect pair to match your own personal style and the type of conditions you’ll be skiing in.