Ski pants and bibs

How to Choose Ski and Snowboard Pants?

In winter, Canada turns into a snowy wonderland, but conditions can be challenging, running the gamut from freezing rain to extreme cold. A good pair of ski and snowboard pants is a key piece of gear. They keep the snow out, the warmth in, and give you the freedom to move, whether you’re carving fresh corduroy or heading off on a backcountry splitboarding mission. Here’s how to choose pants that help you make the most of every day outside.

Types of Ski and Snowboard Pants

Hardshell Pants
These lightweight pants have no built-in insulation, giving you the flexibility to layer up or down depending on the weather. A good shell blocks wind and moisture while letting sweat escape. They’re perfect for active days outdoors, spring skiing, or backcountry touring.

Insulated Pants
Ideal for cold days at the resort, insulated pants have an extra layer of puffy warmth built right in. They’re a great choice if you tend to run cold or spend most of your time in frigid conditions. They can also be part of a two-pant rotation and worn on the coldest days.

Bib Pants
Bibs provide extra coverage and help keep snow out, making them popular for deep powder days. They fit more like overalls and can be warmer than regular pants because they close off the interface between your jacket and pants. Many enjoy the feel of not having a waistband. That said, some may find them too warm, and the suspenders can sometimes be uncomfortable with a backpack.

Softshell Pants
Softshell pants are more breathable and stretchier, giving you maximum freedom of movement for alpine touring or other cardiovascular winter sports, such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Freestylers and freeriders also appreciate these qualities when pulling off tricks and giving their all in the park or on a big line. They’re less weatherproof than hard shells but perfect when you want maximum comfort and airflow.

Waterproofing and Breathability

Ski and snowboard pants vary in their ability to keep you dry and comfortable. Understanding waterproofing and breathability ratings helps you choose pants that match your local conditions and the way you ride or ski.

Waterproofing
Waterproof ratings are usually measured in millimetres (mm), for example, 10,000 mm (10K) or 20,000 mm (20K). The higher the number, the more water a fabric can handle before it soaks through. For most resort skiers, a 10K rating is fine for cold, dry days. If you ski in wet snow or coastal climates, or just want extra protection on stormy days, look for 20K and above, and trusted membranes, such as GORE-TEX.

Breathability
Breathability keeps sweat from building up inside your pants. It’s measured in grams (g/m²/24 hrs) or by a RET score (a lower RET equals better breathability). If you’re mostly riding lifts and staying on groomers, 10K should work well. But for touring and the backcountry, you’ll want pants with higher breathability (at least 20K) to stay dry.

Key Features

Good ski and snowboard pants have features that make a real difference in comfort, durability, and performance, depending on how, when, and where you ski or snowboard. Here are a few to look for:

Pockets
Zippered hand or thigh pockets keep essentials secure and within easy reach. This is handy for snacks, your ski pass, or your phone. Touring and backcountry pants often have dedicated beacon pockets for easy access that lets you forego wearing a harness.

Vents
Inner or outer thigh vents let heat escape on warm days, spring laps, or the skin track. Some have mesh linings to keep snow out when the vents are open. Outer vents are best for touring.

Gaiters and Cuffs
An inner gaiter fits snugly over your boots to seal out snow. Many pants also have adjustable snaps or zips at the cuffs for a clean fit over different boot styles. Some snowboard pants have a hook that fits over boot laces.

Kick Patches
Reinforced fabric at the ankle cuffs protects against ski edges and boot buckles. This is a major plus for durability.

Adjustable Fit
Waist adjustment, belt loops, or removable suspenders help you dial in a secure fit.

Taped Seams and DWR Finish
Fully taped seams and a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating add an extra layer of protection against wet snow and slushy conditions. This can be especially useful during spring skiing.

RECCO Reflectors
Some ski and snowboard pants come with integrated RECCO reflectors, which can help search and rescue teams locate you in case of an avalanche. That said, this feature doesn’t replace an avalanche beacon.

Fit and Style
Finding the right fit helps you move comfortably all day. Try on pants with the base layers you’ll wear on the ski hill to check that you have enough room to flex and layer up. Fit is often a matter of your personal aesthetic, but if you like a slimmer fit, make sure you can move freely; in this case you’ll want a bit of stretch in the fabric. Freestylers often prefer a looser cut for the free movement and skateboard and surf-inspired style. Alpine touring pants should be lightweight and have a relatively slim fit for efficient movement. Bibs add extra coverage, but keep in mind that brands and models can fit the torso differently. Finally, pick a fit and colour that works with your jacket and reflects your style so you look and feel good on the mountain.

Questions?

Choosing the right ski and snowboard pants isn’t always straightforward—especially with all the styles, materials, fits, features, and weatherproofing options on the market. If you’re not sure what will work best for your winter plans, our experienced staff can help. Visit us in Laval or Brossard to try on different pairs.