The best women’s ski pants are your warm and waterproof best friend during winter, be it skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering, or just heading outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.
Essential for keeping the elements at bay, ski pants – also known as salopettes – perform two functions: they keep you cosy in the cold, and they keep you dry if the heavens open (or if you end up sitting in a pile of snow during your first ski lesson). The best ski pants and bibs keep snow out and warmth in, and feel comfortable and flexible to wear.
Good salopettes should feature a waterproof outer shell. You can check how waterproof a pair of ski pants is by looking at the hydrostatic head rating, which denotes the waterproofness of the fabric – 1,500mm and above is considered waterproof, but we’d recommend choosing a pair with waterproofing of 10,000mm or above, as a good benchmark for repelling snow and heavy rain. Look out for branded waterproofing technology such as Gore-Tex, too. Meanwhile, taped seams and sealed zips will make your winter-ready trousers even more waterproof.
If you tend to get chilly or are heading for cold conditions, we recommend picking an insulated pair of salopettes. If you plan to work up a sweat, non-lined ‘shell’ pants are your best bet, and can be layered over thermals. Other key features we’d recommend include reinforced kick panels on the inner ankles (to protect from wear), snow gaiters inside the cuffs, which pop closed to keep snow out of your socks, and zipped vents to keep you cool. Meanwhile, a Recco reflector, which makes you searchable (by bouncing back the directional signal used by rescue teams) in the event of an accident, is a useful safety feature.
Read more: 11 best ski goggles for all conditions, tested by an outdoors journalist
There are myriad salopette styles to choose between – from super tight to baggy – but whatever style you favour, make sure you can fit a base layer underneath. High-waisted trousers help avoid any snow seeping in if you do fall over, while dungaree-style bib pants with braces are popular – and get our vote – as they’re very comfortable and keep your torso warm under your jacket. Try on ski pants in person, if possible, and take your base layer leggings with you when you go shopping. Ski pants should be on the long side when you’re wearing socks – that way they’ll sit properly over ski or snowboard boots. Make sure your new pants feel comfortable at the waist – try squatting and bending over, to check there’s no restrictiveness.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best women’s ski pants for a range of budgets, testing each pair on mountainous conditions like the Dolomites or the Austrian Alps. Although you can expect to spend around £200 for a good quality pair of salopettes, we’ve found some great options for less than £100 too.
The best women’s ski pants for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Dope notorious B.I.B: £192, Dopesnow.com
- Best budget buy – Dare 2B women’s effused II recycled ski pants: £50, Dare2b.com
- Best for mountaineering – Rab khroma converge: £450, Rab.equipment
- Best flattering pair – Perfect Moment high rise aurora flare ski pant: £495, Harveynichols.com
How we tested
We tested each pair of snow pants in cold conditions and looked for reliable warmth, good insulation where applicable, and some breathability. We also looked for a good female-specific fit that enabled ease of movement and all-day comfort. Most importantly, we checked that each design was fully waterproofed against rain and snow.
Read more: I just got back from the slopes – this is the best tried and tested skiwear
Dope notorious B.I.B
Best: women's ski pants overall
Colours available: 11
Sizes available: XXS-XL
Water resistance: 15,000mm
Why we love it
- Comfy
- Great fit
- Waterproof
Take note
- Slouchy style may not suit everyone
We love bib pants – they’re comfy, provide more warmth than low-slung salopettes and keep any snow well away from your middle if you take a tumble. This season, our pick of the dungaree styles for skiers and boarders is Dope’s notorious B.I.B. This good-looker is easy to pull on and off, thanks to a side zip and comfortable, adjustable waistband. A great relaxed style, there’s room to layer underneath, plus it features handy pockets and is fully waterproofed to 15,000mm, with taped seams. With 11 colourways to choose from, you can opt for neutral shades or fun pastels. Top marks.
Buy now £192, Dopesnow.com
Dare 2B women’s effused II recycled ski pants
Best: budget women's ski pants
Colours available: Black, Canton green, Capri blue, duck green, earth rose, ebony grey, mesa rose, moonlight denim, orion grey, pure pink, river blue, white
Sizes available: XS-XXL
Water resistance: Waterproof
Why we love it
- Made with 100 per cent recycled polyester
Take note
- Not waterproof enough to tackle deep powder
Dare 2B is here to prove you don’t have to spend upwards of £100 to own a decent ski pant. The simple effused II has a great high waist, comfy suspenders and good leg gaiters, and is made with recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles. This bib style is available in five neutral colours that will go with everything, although, it’s a pity only the black colourway is available in long and short versions. This pant is waterproof enough to wear to ski school and reasonably breathable but is quite thin, so, you’ll need good thermals underneath.
Buy now £50, Dare2b.com
Columbia women's highland summit II insulated waterproof ski bibs
Best: women's ski pants for insulation
Colours available: Two
Sizes available: XS-XL
Water resistance: Yes
Why we love it
- Warm
- Adjustable
- Mid-range price
This is one of the warmest ski bibs I’ve tested. Due to its thermal reflective lining, body heat is directed back towards you, making a noticeable difference on colder days in the mountains. It’s the pair I reach for when temperatures drop and I don’t want to second-guess whether I’ve layered properly.
Despite the warmth, the fit feels comfortable rather than bulky, with enough room to move freely without letting cold air creep in. Practical details make a real difference too: hand-warmer pockets are a welcome touch on chairlifts, while the adjustable waist helps you fine-tune the fit depending on how many layers you’re wearing underneath. Whenever I wore this bib, I felt fully prepared for whatever the conditions threw at me, making it a reliable option for skiers who prioritise warmth, comfort and peace of mind on the slopes.
Buy now £225, Columbiasportswear.co.uk
Rab khroma converge
Best: women's ski pants for mountaineering
Colours available: Green, blue and red
Sizes available: 8-16
Water resistance: Gore-Tex
Why we love it
- Tough and waterproof
Take note
- Overkill for casual resort skiing
British climbing and mountaineering brand Rab knows a thing or two about tough conditions, so, it’s no surprise the khroma converge pant is ready for anything the elements throw at you. This pair is fully, reliably waterproof (thanks to Gore-Tex), even if you’re climbing through fresh snowfall or skiing through a blizzard. These pants are also comfortable enough for trekking, ski touring and more adventurous backcountry skiing, with great vents to keep you cool when you’re skinning up the mountainside.
Buy now £450, Rab.equipment
Montane women’s nordes softshell pants
Best: softshell women's ski pants
Colours available: Black or yellow
Sizes available: 8-16
Water resistance: Water-resistant
Why we love it
- Great to move in
- Windproof
Take note
- Not suitable for snow days
If it’s a beautiful day in the mountains, with clear blue skies forecast, you may not need to reach for a heavy, waterproof salopette – instead, consider swapping to a light and liberating softshell. While they aren’t waterproof, softshell pants designed with skiers in mind are highly breathable and super comfortable – our pick of the best is Montane’s nordes. This pant may be slim but it has an articulated cut, so you can head to the snow park or try a bit of ski touring in comfort. This pair is also fully windproof, so it’ll keep you warm. Although, you may need to size up to fit thicker base layers beneath.
Buy now £275, Montane.com
Schoffel Weissach ski pants
Best: mid-range salopette women's ski pants
Colours available: Black, light blue, navy and white
Sizes available: EU 17-84
Water resistance: Waterproof
Why we love it
- Classic cut
- Stretch
- Great waterproofing
Take note
- Limited pockets
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – Schoffel hasn’t reinvented the wheel with these Weissach pants, instead, the brand has created classic-cut and well-priced salopettes that will suit skiers of most levels. Reliably snow-proof at 10,000mm (plus it features taped seams), the Weissach has great stretch, so you get a closer, heat-trapping fit, without losing any comfort points. Lovely colourways are available, but we’d have liked a few more pockets. Short, regular and long versions are also available, so women of most heights will find a great fit here. A good all-rounder if you aren’t sure where to start your shopping.
Buy now £167, Snowandrock.com
Mountain Warehouse bib front women's recco thermal lined ski pants
Best: bib-style women's ski pants
Colours available: White or black
Sizes available: 4-22
Water resistance: 10,000mm
Why we love it
- Great fit and features for the price
Take note
- Not fully waterproof
Bibs were our bag on test – they add warmth, stop snow from chilling your middle if you fall, and they’re really comfy to wear, with no need to worry about a restrictive waistband. Some of the best bibs are expensive investments but Mountain Warehouse has an affordable version up its sleeve (or should that be trouser leg?) here. This flattering slimmer bib covers the torso and is cut below the chest. It features stretchy shoulder straps, snow gaiters and even a Recco reflector. These dungarees have a fleece lining to add warmth but are not fully waterproof, so they’re better for cold, dry days.
Buy now £74, Mountainwarehouse.com
Perfect Moment high rise aurora flare ski pant
Best: flattering women's ski pants
Colours available: Six
Sizes available: XS-XL
Water resistance: Yes
Why we love it
- Flattering
- Comfortable
- Warm
Take note
- Expensive
If you’re looking for a sculpting yet comfortable pair of ski trousers, you can’t beat Perfect Moment’s flare pant. Designed with a high-waisted cut, the stylish trousers feature the brand’s recognisable star logo on the waistband, alongside two pockets for your ski pass. Crafted from Toray Dermizax (a waterproof, breathable and stretchy fabric), the trousers are a dream to wear – particularly with the thermal fleece lining.
All the technical features are included, from snow gaiters and zipped hems to taped seams. The flared silhouette and large red star on the ankle give them a retro feel. But, most importantly, they kept me warm and dry on the slopes, while not preventing any movement.
Buy now £495, Harveynichols.com
Animal alpine women's snow pants
Best: women's ski pants for a slim fit
Colours available: Black
Sizes available: 6-24
Water resistance: 3,000mm
Why we love it
- Slim-yet-comfy fit
Take note
- Limited waterproofing
If you prefer close-fit salopettes to a baggy, slouchy ski pant (and secretly wish you could just wear your comfiest skinny jeans on the slopes), Animal’s alpine pair is a lovely pick. This slim silhouette is form-fitting without being restrictive and has a little bit of stretch, plus the waist is adjustable and there’s still room underneath for thinner thermals. The alpine’s recycled polyester outer shell is waterproof to 3,000mm, so it’ll work for light snowfall, but we wouldn’t wear it during the worst winter conditions.
Buy now £89.99, Animal.co.uk
Free People lift love bib ski trousers
Best: women's ski pants for beginners
Colours available: Ivory, purple
Sizes available: XS-XL
Water resistant: Yes
Why we love it
- Flattering
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
Take note
- Aren't overly insulating
Free People lift love bib trousers are part of a matching set that includes this stylish belted jacket (£368, Freepeople.com). The pants are designed from the same synthetic lightweight and waterproof material. They’re only lightly insulated, and the cut is relaxed, so it’s best to layer with thermal leggings in particularly cold conditions.
The technical fabric kept me dry after a couple of falls, while the adjustable shoulder straps and mid-body waistline ensured a snug and warm fit. The design is just as flattering as the jacket, featuring ruched detailing at the legs and a slightly flared cut. As a beginner skier, the bib trousers were the perfect compromise between comfort and style as I took lessons up the mountain.
Buy now £348, Freepeople.com
My Sunday Ski zenith hard shell cargo pants
Best: women's ski pants for comfort
Colours available: Navy, green and cream
Sizes available: S-L
Water resistance: Waterproof
Why we love it
- Super comfortable
Take note
- Limited breathability
If your favourite jogging bottoms could be made mountain-ready, they might look and feel a bit like My Sunday Ski’s new zenith design. This cargo pant-inspired design is delightfully comfy to wear, with a soft fleece lining that feels lovely against the skin, and an elasticated waistband that’s great if you find tight ski trousers restrictive. While comfort is king, the zenith is still able to tackle snowfall, thanks to a fully waterproof and windproof lining. These pants are so comfy, you’ll want to wear them to ski, to après and even to hang out in when you’re exploring mountain towns.
Buy now £245, Mysundayski.co.uk
Peak Performance vertical Gore-Tex pro 3l shell bib pants women
Best: premium bib-style women's ski pants
Colours available: Pink, black, white, turquoise and blue/grey
Sizes available: XS-XL
Water resistance: 28,000mm
Why we love it
- Best-in-class waterproofing
Take note
- Very expensive
If money is no object and you’re after the cream of the crop, Peak Performance has created best-in-class protection for your pins. Developed with (and for) pro skiers, this high-cut bib uses Gore-Tex pro technology for solid waterproofing, as well as Gore-Tex stretch for great breathability and freedom of movement. As a result, this bib is waterproof to a massive 28,000mm. Other goodies include taped seams, a Recco reflector, wide side zips and an adjustable waistband for easy dressing and a custom fit. If you want to splurge on a best-in-class bib, we can’t fault this one.
Buy now £630, Peakperformance.com
Tog24 vista women’s salopettes, short
Best: short salopette women's ski pants
Colours available: Black, pink and white
Sizes available: 8-18, short/regular
Water resistance: Water-resistant
Why we love it
- Affordable protection
- Short size available
Take note
- Not warm or waterproof enough for freezing days
With these comfy, warm and functional pants, Tog24 delivers on its promise of “practical ski wear without the sky-high price point”. The vista salopettes are an ideal first snow pant – the softshell is water-resistant enough to take on snowfall and insulated enough with fleece to keep you warm on the pistes (although this style is not warm or waterproof enough for really freezing days or heavy snowfall). This pair features an adjustable high waist for a comfy and flattering fit, and we like the reinforced snow gaiters and the thigh zips, for added breathability. A good short version is available, too.
Buy now £66, Amazon.co.uk
Helly Hansen switch cargo insulated ski pants
Best: women's ski pants for cold conditions
Colours available: 10
Sizes available: XS-XL
Water resistance: Waterproof
Why we love it
- Relaxed fit means it’s easy to layer thermals underneath
- Made with 100 per cent recycled PrimaLoft
Take note
- Will be too warm for spring skiing
Helly Hansen’s switch cargo is ready for sub-zero temperatures. The relaxed, baggier cut is super-comfortable and easy to layer over thermals, but still traps in plenty of warmth, which, coupled with a generous helping of 100 per cent recycled PrimaLoft black eco insulation, makes these pants ideal for the coldest conditions.
The switch cargos are a shade too warm for spring ski sessions. Although wide vents do help with cooling off, they come into their own in deep snowfall, keeping you totally dry. If you like your ski kit to be matchy-matchy, you’ll appreciate the 10 colourways on offer.
Buy now £140, Hellyhansen
OOSC yeh girl bib pant
Best: women's ski pants for style
Colours available: Black, grey, ice blue, khaki, lavender, teal
Sizes available: S-XXL
Water resistance: 20,000mm
Why we love it
- Slim fit that still allows movement
- 20,000mm of waterproofing
- Made from fully recycled material
- Can get matching jackets and base layers
Take note
- Snug fit means curvy women may need to size up
Fancy standing out in the snow? OOSC’s whole collection is as eye-catching as it is functional. We also love the fit of this ‘yeh girl’ bib, which is on the slim side, without looking too figure-hugging. The pants offer good flexibility of movement at the hips and knees, though curvy women may need to go for a size up from their usual.
Not only can the 20,000mm of waterproofing withstand a scurry of snow, but these pants are also fully recycled, using a material made from discarded fishing nets. Plus, OOSC sells colour-coordinating jackets and base layers.
Buy now £190, Oosc-clothing.com
Arc’teryx sentinel bib pant
Best: women's ski pants for regular skiers
Colours available: Black, yukon yellow
Sizes available: 00-16
Water resistance: Gore-Tex
Why we love it
- Recco reflector included
- Unrestrictive fit
Dreaming of big mountains and deep snow? Arc’teryx reckons its sentinel is “made for epic days”. Storm protection comes from hardcore Gore-Tex fabric, which is the holy grail of waterproof and breathable. This is a shell pant, but a soft, thin liner feels nicer than most plastic-y pants against the skin, and the lack of insulation makes this bib ideal if you’re a more experienced skier planning backcountry adventures where you don’t want to overheat.
We love the cut and comfy, unrestrictive fit of the sentinel bib, and the tan colourway is rather gorgeous. A Recco reflector is included, too.
Buy now £650, Arcteryx.com
What are the best women’s ski pants?
There’s a snow pant to suit every kind of skier and boarder in our round-up – affordable options include TOG 24’s pocket-friendly glaze, while Arc’Teryx’s sentinel offers top-of-the-range waterproofing and toughness. Our best overall all-rounder, Dope’s pair of ski trousers is the perfect relaxed style, whether you’re a beginner or advanced.
How we tested the best women’s ski pants
We tested the best ski pants following the strict testing criteria below:
Why you can trust us
Sian Lewis is an award-winning travel and outdoors journalist and has written for IndyBest since 2020. Adept when it comes to assessing outdoor gear, Sian has previously brought readers her verdict on the best luggage, camping gear, hiking gear, and winter sports equipment on the market, including the best snow boots, thermal socks and ski gloves. The rest of our contributors – social editor Niki Cottrell and senior shopping writer Daisy Lester – tested each pair of ski trousers on the slopes, from the Dolomites to Austria, using the same thorough criteria.
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