What Kind of Pants Should a Person Get to Snow Ski?

Choosing the right pants for snow skiing can be the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. It's important to know what qualities to look for, and what to avoid, in a good pair of ski pants.

  1. Function

    • Ski pants should keep you warm and dry on the slopes (especially if you take a tumble in the snow.) Comfort is extremely important to good skiing, so use caution and good judgment when choosing your ski pants.

    Misconceptions

    • Many first-time skiers are afraid of the cold and assume that the warmer and thicker the ski pants are, the better. This assumption is wrong. While ski pants should keep you warm, they should also breathe, or allow air to flow freely in and out. You sweat when you ski, and the drier you can stay, the warmer and more comfortable you will be.

      While ski pants should be warm, they should also be thin to allow better mobility. There is no need to bundle up; there are thin ski pants made of warm fabrics that will keep you warm in even the coldest conditions.

    Types

    • Ski pants are usually either thick and padded (the older and cheaper kind) or are made of thinner, more form-fitting and more stylish fabric. For one-time skiers, the old style of pants will suffice. But for those who plan to ski frequently, the more expensive pants are the better buy. You'll stay drier, you'll be more comfortable, and you'll look better.

    Identification

    • There are many brands of ski pants, and prices can range from $30 to $250. Some of the most popular brands are Rawik, Burton, Spyder and Obermeyer.

    Benefits

    • Even if you spend a little more on nice ski pants, consider this: They can help you get more for your money in the long run. Let's say you opt for the cheaper pants. After 10 runs, your legs will feel sweaty. You'll be uncomfortable, you'll smell bad, and you'll be more likely to call it a day. But if your ski pants are doing their job, you'll stay dry and comfortable, and after 10 runs you'll feel like taking 10 more. You'll get more out of your lift ticket, and that alone should help you make your decision: Get some nice ski pants and they'll pay for themselves.