The 7 Best Ski Pants for Men in 2024, Tested by Outdoor Experts

Helly Hansen’s best-selling Sogn Insulated Cargo Ski Pants promise serious protection on the slopes, whether skiing or snowboarding. With a two-ply fabric construction and two-way mechanical stretch, they deliver solid protection while leaving you room to move. The fabric features a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment and is fully seam-sealed so that water and snow don’t find their way in. Extra insulation in the knees and seat helps pad your most important parts on the mountain. And we love the addition of a quick-access beacon pocket for extra safety.

Like Patagonia’s Powder Town ski pants, these are a well-priced midrange option ticking all the essential boxes for a solid pair of men’s ski pants. Good protection, breathable (and waterproof) construction, and extra insulation in the most pertinent areas. One key design note that makes the Sogn Cargo more unique than other ski pants is its baggy cut, which provides more room for moving around. If you aren’t about that loose fit, then the cut could be a dealbreaker. But if you like the added room, then these will be the most comfortable pair of ski pants you will own. All of which makes these our pick for the best overall ski pants of 2024.

Read more: Best Ski Jackets

It’s easy to drop more than $300, even $400, on a premium brand-name pair of snow pants from the likes of Arc’teryx or Norrøna. But, honestly, you don’t have to. If you’re just getting started building out your winter sports apparel closet, you’re particularly budget-conscious, or both, Amazon has you covered. Its in-house Amazon Essentials branded men’s snow pants offer everything you need and nothing you don’t.

This is a relaxed-fit, waist-high pant with generous room throughout the leg, allowing for tons of movement. Adjustable waist tabs and boot gaiters with built-in boot hooks to ensure a snug fit from top to bottom. It’s also insulated just enough for most resort-friendly mountain outings, and the water-resistant nylon canvas construction is soft and flexible for comfy all-day wear.

Our biggest gripe is that these ski pants are water-resistant but not waterproof. They also lack a built-in RECCO Reflector. Still, the insanely accessible price (less than a quarter of the most premium pants we tested this year) makes these an easy pick for the year’s “best budget” ski pants.

Arc’teryx has been synonymous with all things mountain-related (skiing, climbing, mountaineering, hiking—the list goes on) for decades, and its latest Sabre Pants are a perfect example of why. These ultra-premium ski pants are built to be damn-near-bulletproof. With a three-layer, PFAS-free GORE-TEX construction, they’re waterproof and windproof yet surprisingly breathable—the holy trinity of ski pant design. The GORE C-KNIT backer fabric ensures they’re soft and comfortable without that weird “crinkly” feeling found in many lesser ski pants.

For better protection, waterproofing, and insulating on the slopes, nothing beats a good ski bib. The biggest downside is often weight and bulkiness, which can feel downright restrictive. Norrona offers the best of both worlds with a warm, protective bib-style ski pant that keeps moisture out and is lightweight to boot (at just 21 ounces). In fact, the More GORE-TEX Salopette is among the company’s lightest bibs. A three-layer GORE-TEX construction coupled with fully sealed seams helps keep you dry, even on all-day runs in the backcountry.

If there’s one (and maybe only one) downside to these ski pants, it’s the price. There’s no sidestepping the fact that they ain’t cheap. But, Norrona has become synonymous with well-made ski apparel, and these pants are no exception. If you’re an avid backcountry tourer looking for near-perfect bib-style ski pants and don’t mind splurging, we highly recommend these.

No roundup of the best men’s ski pants would be complete without a Burton mention. The brand’s latest 2L Cargo Pants are warm, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wear. Thanks to a combination of Thermolite insulation, Living Lining on the interior, and venting zippers on the inner thigh, they help keep you plenty toasty without overheating. It’s all wrapped in two-layer Dryride Nylon Dobby Fabric with sealed seams for maximum waterproofing. Plus, a few storage and cargo pockets help seal the deal.

We’re huge fans of Burton for all things ski and snowboard-related, and these ski pants are no exception. The best part, though? The price. The accessible price tag—especially for brand-name snow pants versatile enough to work with just about any style of skiing from cross-country to downhill to backcountry—makes these a steal.

Patagonia is a go-to favorite of ours for almost any piece of outdoor apparel. This regular-fit pair of Powder Town pants has a warm, two-layer shell for even more protection than your everyday wear that’s made from 100% recycled and PWC-free polyester. An articulated fit and mesh liner provide extra comfort by dumping excess heat and keeping out snow, and a built-in RECCO reflector ensures you can be detected via radar should you ever get stuck in an avalanche.

Most everything in Patagonia’s catalog of premium gear carries a premium price tag to match. But, among a sea of pricey brand-name ski apparel, the Powder Town Pants are surprisingly well-priced. When you consider how long these bad boys will last, you’ve got an overall value that’s pretty tough to beat.

Read more: Best Skis

Whatever your brand of resort skiing—whether regular or weekend warrior—there’s no need to overbuy your ski pants. A solid, breathable, waterproof shell pant will do just fine—a shell like Mountain Hardwear’s latest First Tracks Pants. They’re lightweight and 100% waterproof, thanks to a mostly nylon construction and the addition of a proprietary Dry.Q fabric to maximize breathability (though they’re still not quite as breathable as some of the more premium pants we tested). We also like that it’s all made with mostly recycled and repurposed materials.

All of our favorite features are here, too. That includes an integrated webbing belt and snap-front closure for a secure yet comfy fit. There are plenty of pockets, too, including two zippered hand pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, and a secure zippered back pocket. Inner thigh vents with a mesh backing allow you to quickly dump body heat during your hardest runs to regulate your body temperature better. Lastly, a built-in RECCO reflector helps rescuers find you in an emergency.