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Ski Pant Buying Guide

Ski trousers come in a variety of styles. As with all equipment, it's a good idea to consider what they will be used for. This also applies when choosing clothing. Will you only use them for skiing or also for other outdoor activities?

The perfect ski trousers should, of course, fulfill the functions you are looking for: comfort, water resistance, breathability, and warmth properties. In this guide, we will highlight the most important aspects when buying a new pair of ski/snowboard trousers.

But what is important to consider?

Ski pants

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Comfort

Remember that ski pants should fit well. These are pants you'll be moving in, so they shouldn't feel tight or restrictive anywhere. It's perfectly fine to have slightly tighter pants, but in that case, make sure they have stretch. This is so that the fit doesn't hinder comfort or mobility. The key is that they are comfortable and fit well.

Men's Ski Pants

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Water column and breathability

All our trousers are designed for an active lifestyle in the snow, and have good waterproofing and water column ratings. All to ensure they are more than sufficient for skiing or playing in the snow.

When talking about water column, or water column pressure, it refers to the amount of water (measured in millimeters) that 1 square centimeter of a material can withstand before water penetrates. The higher the water column, the more water the material can tolerate. The water column rating gives an indication of how high the waterproofing is. Keep in mind that this applies to a new and unused garment. Over time, clothes wear out, which means the water column deteriorates over time. To extend the lifespan, it is important that you follow the washing instructions, wash the garment when needed, and re-impregnate it if necessary.

Here is a small guide to water column ratings

  • Up to 2,000 mm: The garment is water-repellent, but not distinctly waterproof.
  • 4,000 mm: Waterproof for shorter excursions in light precipitation.
  • 6,000 mm: Maintains waterproofing for a short period with heavy precipitation and longer with light precipitation.
  • 8,000 – 12,000 mm: Can withstand a few hours in heavy precipitation, or a very long time in lighter precipitation.
  • Over 12,000 mm: Can withstand long periods in heavy precipitation.

Ski Pants Women

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Further considerations

Wind also has an impact. If it's really windy, it pushes water through the clothes. Another aspect to consider is that if you sit down in, for example, a wet chairlift, this corresponds to a water column of 5,000 mm. If you're kneeling, you can expect pressure equivalent to almost 18,000 mm. These are indicative measurements, as your weight obviously plays a role.

Breathability indicates how well-ventilated the material is. This is measured by how many grams of water a square meter of fabric lets through in 24 hours. From the inside out. Generally, 10,000 (grams/m2/day) is considered good, and over 20,000 is really good.

As always, it's important to dress correctly underneath; otherwise, it doesn't matter if you have ski pants with good breathability on top. Good base layers are a must to get full functionality from the pants you're wearing.

Are you having trouble choosing ski pants? Come in and try them on; we have knowledgeable staff who will help you choose! Can't make it to us? Of course, you can contact us by email or phone; we'd be more than happy to help you!

Junior Ski Pants

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Lined trousers and unlined shell trousers

We have both lined trousers and unlined shell trousers. With a pair of shell trousers, you regulate the warmth yourself through multiple layers, such as base layers and mid-layers. What suits best is, of course, individual and depends on personal preference. Some people absolutely want to dress in layers, while others feel most comfortable in shell trousers.

If you know you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, for example, a shorter ski tour, a pair of shell trousers with good ventilation is naturally a good choice. If, however, you often feel very cold, then a pair of lined trousers might be more suitable.

Many ski trousers have ventilation in the form of openable zippers, for example, on the inside of the thighs. This allows you to easily regulate your own temperature. If you exert yourself for a while, or it gets a bit warmer later in the day, you can open them. Then close them again when you are standing still or it gets colder.

Are you having trouble choosing ski trousers? Feel free to come to the store and try them on. Get help from our knowledgeable staff; they'll be happy to assist you! We are also available by email and phone, whatever suits you best!