My Favourite Snow Pants for Women
Best Budget-Friendly Snow Pants: Columbia Bugaboo II Pants ($160)
Best Snow Pants for Resort Skiing: Arcteryx Sentinel Snow Pant ($750)
Best Snow Bibs for Ski Touring and Split Boarding: Patagonia Untracked Bibs ($526 on sale)
Best Insulated Bibs: North Face Women’s Freedom Insulated Bibs ($290)
Best Budget-Friendly Ski/Snowboard Bibs: Patagonia Snowdrifter Bibs ($499)
Living in Revelstoke, BC means I wear snow pants almost every day of the winter. Our small town in British Columbia has an average of 92 snow fall days and holds the Canadian record for snowfall at 24 metres (80 feet) in one season.
Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, playing with my friends’ kids, sledding (snowmobiling), or taking my dog for a walk… I feel like I’m ALWAYS in snow pants.
And I get sick of wearing the same ones every day. So I have multiple pairs… partly because they are good for different things… partly because I get bored of the same colour.
Here are my top picks:
1. Best Affordable Option: Columbia Bugaboo II Pants ($160)
Pros:
The price! $160 for a pair of good-quality snow pants.
Columbia has seriously improved its outdoor apparel game over the last few years. They have improved quality and design and built consumer trust through a rock-solid warranty.
Insulation - these pants are incredibly warm and are perfect for anyone who wants to spend time in the snow. Columbia uses this super cool Omni-Heat Reflective technology that insulates without adding bulk.
I like how the ankle gaiters/cuffs are adjustable - this isn’t particularly functional - all levels keep the snow out. It’s more of a “Do I want straight-cut or flared pants today?”.
So many colours to choose from.
Cons:
These pants are not nearly as waterproof as anything made out of Gore-Tex, but are better than anything else on the market with the same price tag.
2. Best for Resort Skiing: Arcteryx Sentinel Snow Pant ($750)
Me and my brother Keir skiing in Revelstoke. These are my pink Arcteryx Sentinel Snow Pants.
Pros:
Gore-tex means they are waterproof. I can wear these tobogganing and skiing for hours without getting a wet butt.
They’re insulated just enough to stay warm skiing in the alpine but not so insulated you’ll regret wearing them on a powder day. Think good to -10 Celcius, then add some puffy pants underneath for added insulation.
Arcteryx actually offers a lifetime warranty, so you’ll have these snow pants for years to come—or, at the very least, a free replacement.
I like the reinforcement fabric around the ankles. This is especially helpful with my ski boots and skis to avoid cutting the fabric while my legs swing on the chair lift.
I have a very narrow waist-to-hip-and-thigh ratio. These pants fit perfectly. The inside of the waist is adjustable, so if I have my period or feel bloated, I can loosen them. This is also particularly helpful as I vary my base layer thickness quite often.
Cons
Combine the fanciest outdoor brand name with Gore-Tex, and you get a serious price tag.
Me skiing in Revelstoke wearing my purple Arcteryx Sentinel Snow Pants.
3. Best Snow Bibs for Ski Touring and Split Boarding: Patagonia Untracked Bibs ($526)
Touring in Roger’s Pass wearing my Patagonia bibs.
Pros:
Why do I love bibs? No snow down my pants! Whether I’m ski touring, snowmobiling or playing with the kids, I love staying dry.
These really don’t have any insulation, so they are PERFECT for touring or high-energy activities.
I love how the suspenders quickly detach from the front for quick removal.
On the same quick removal note, there’s also this super nifty zipper that extends deep down each leg, creating a drop seat. I think this is particularly helpful when adjusting my base layers and when I want to pee without having to take all my top layers off.
Cons:
No insulation. These pants are not for you if you’re chilling outside in cold temperatures and not moving. They are more of a waterproof shell and protection from the wind than anything else.
Limited colours. Come on Patagonia, restock some bright colours!
The fabric is a little loud. I think “swishy,” but I’d trade an extra layer of Gore-Tex for sound any day.
Best Insulated Bibs: North Face Women’s Freedom Insulated Bibs ($290)
Pros:
I’d choose bibs over snow pants at any temperature below -10 Celcius. These ones are affordable and incredibly warm. My top pick for anything in Eastern Canada, as well as for any activity where my energy output isn’t what’s keeping me warm.
The suspenders are incredibly comfortable and have wiggle room in all the right places.
The two vertical chest pockets are perfect for my cell phone and fit the endless number of snacks I pack to go anywhere.
Cons:
There’s only one zipper down the left side so no drop seat. This means I need to fully de-layer up top to go pee. Honestly, not a big deal if you’re going inside or out of the wind to use the washroom. It's a big deal if you’re at the top of a mountain and need to make sure you don’t lose layers to the wind.
