It all adds up to a pant thats capable of resisting heavy wind or wet snow while offering the range of motion and breathability you need for the bootpack or skin track. Again, those planning on lapping the resort will most likely prefer the extra isolation and comfort of an insulated design, but there are a number of situations where a shell is the preferred option. Further, the Trew Gear lacks the extra ventilation and snug fit you get from the Flylow Gears stretchy panel at the lower back. Best for: ResortType: Hardshell w/stretchInsulated: Yes (40g Primaloft Black Eco)What we like: Upgraded features and a more tailored cut than TNF Freedom. Read more about us. In terms of warmth, ski pants fall into two general categories: uninsulated shells and models with built-in synthetic fill. Further, you can save by going this route: for instance, the Columbia Bugaboo IV costs $110, while the cheapest 3-layer waterproof pant on this list is $299 (the Outdoor Research Skyward II). You do get what you pay forthe Malta is only critically seam taped, which means middling protection on wet daysbut its still an improvement from the Roxy for $50 less. For ultimate waterproof protection, look for a burly hardshell pant made with Gore-Tex. Best for: BackcountryType: HardshellInsulated: NoWhat we like: Bombproof protection in a lightweight build; full side zips.What we dont: Rigid fabrics, limited feature set, and fit issues. And youll need to find the temperature sweet spot: the snug build doesnt allow for much more than a thin baselayer underneath, and the lack of vents will have you overheating on warm spring days. Matching your ski jacket and pants is by no means a requirement to looking good on the slopes, but manufacturers make it easy to do. In the end, the most important thing is to find a pant thats comfortable for you, and be sure to leave enough room for a light or midweight baselayer underneath (youll want this option even with the insulated styles). And whether youre doing laps at your local resort or skinning deep into the backcountry, youll need a quality jacket and pant combo For resort skiing, we look for pants that are reliably weatherproof, tough, and warm enough to keep us cozy while sitting on cold lifts. The biggest impediment to skiing is cost: the gear can be prohibitively expensive, and thats before you get to lift tickets. In terms of mobility, the Legendary incorporates a mechanical stretch fabric not wholly unlike the Skyward II above. Jacket-to-Pant Attachment Systems Pockets
The Incendia is built with a robust, 100-denier face fabric and 3-layer Gore-Tex with a tricot backer. REI Co-ops First Chair is proof that you dont have to spend upward of $400 for a quality ski bib.
In wet and blustery conditions the 3-layer Gore-Tex construction provides a reliable barrier from the elements, while smooth-operating side vents let you dump heat quickly on warm spring days. This likely only will be an issue on especially wet snow days, but its something to keep in mind should you frequent areas prone to those conditions.
Tack on a drop-seat design for easy bathroom breaks and generous inner thigh vents, and the Chariot is the full package for both resort and backcountry skiers. The best models are made with either synthetic or merino woolcotton doesnt insulate when wet, so its a bad idea even on a resort day. Like the Foxy Bib above, this is a super tough design with a 3-layer build, Cordura cuff patches, and waterproof zippers. Backcountry touring types lean towards a slimmer cut for less bulk (usually with built-in stretch to help with mobility). For a look at the best options of the season, check out our article on the best women's ski jackets.Back to Our Top Women's Ski Pant Picks Back to Our Women's Ski Pant Comparison Table. And designs like the Trailbreaker offer a nice mix of hardshell and softshell fabrics for ample weather protection, but we still don't recommend them for particularly soggy days out or resort use. The flipside is that the Beta SV easily outperforms its competitors in truly nasty conditions without any superfluous weight and bulk, and the full leg zips are a rare addition that many will appreciate (this feature is hard to come by in ski pants). Additionally, its easy to overheat with the cheap waterproofing technology, and while we like the zippered vents, their placement along the inner thigh (and the accompanying waterproof flaps) creates extra bulk. We also like the simple design from the Norwegian company, which comes in a variety of attractive colorways and should pair well with just about any jacket. Whats more, the pants are only taped at critical seams, which means there are more areas for water to soak through (especially bad news on slushy chairlifts). In almost every case, the jacket features similar fabric and construction as the pant (for example, both the Sentinel AR jacket and pant are made with 3L Gore-Tex) and comes in a matching color. That said, although the Freedom Insulated will do the trick for casual resort-goers, performance-minded skiers likely will be left wanting more. Best for: ResortType: Hardshell w/ stretchInsulated: NoWhat we like: Gore-Tex protection at an excellent value.What we dont: Step down in performance and fit from the FlyLow Foxy above.
Added up, its the full package for serious skiers who get out a lot. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: Hardshell w/stretchInsulated: NoWhat we like: Fully waterproof, stretchy, and highly comfortable.What we dont: Pricey and not the sleekest bib design. For more information, RECCO's website provides a good breakdown of the tech. REI also incorporated some mechanical stretch into the face fabric, which is a nice touch for everything from sidecountry hikes to getting on and off the lift, and we think they nailed the styling with a clean and modern look. But for the best of both worlds alongside a truly exceptional fit and finish, the Sentinel AR pants get our top pick for the 2022 season. On the other end of the spectrum, touring-focused pants like the Outdoor Research Skyward II (50D) make the most compromises in durability to maximize comfort, mobility, and performance on the go. To help guide your decision, weve included a best for specification in our product descriptions and table above. 
A shorter bib like the Arcteryx Beta SV is another great optionyou get above-the-waist protection without too much extra bulk. The type of fabric you opt for will depend on where you're skiing (we favor hardshells for resort use) and how much mobility you need (stretchy designs are great for mogul skiers and uphill enthusiasts). Hard-charging resort skiers, sidecountry fanatics, and backcountry skiers will want a waterproof pant, but some amount of stretch is a nice touch. Outdoor Research's Hemispheres Bib and Jacket kit received a lot of attention at its release in late 2018, and for good reason. On the other hand, if youre on a budget or only get out a few times a year, its worth looking at Patagonias popular Insulated Snowbelle pant. This is a marvel of a design created by women and for women, with a fit and styling that are second to none and the premium build quality that Arcteryx and very few other companies offer. However, if you venture into the sidecountry, plan to mix in some touring, or are a backcountry enthusiast, breathability becomes an important consideration. We love the one-piece style for its fashion-forward looks and bombproof coverage (and many women back up our praise), but the Incendia also comes in a bib version for those who prefer more versatility. These are less breathable than 3-layer designs, although they often use thick fabrics that are quite durable.
Resort ridersespecially those that plan to stay on groomed runsusually dont require a light and airy design. On the far end of the spectrum are pants that feature full-on softshell constructions, such as the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker IIand Roxy Rising High. Arcteryxs ski and outerwear consistently knocks it out of the park in terms of premium quality and performance, and the Sentinel AR pants are no exception. Additionally, breathability is essentialthe materials are thinner, and large zippered side vents (sometimes on both the inside and outside of the legs) are crucial for staying cool. Best for: ResortType: SoftshellInsulated: No (polar fleece lining)What we like: Stylish, generous coverage, and great stretch.What we dont: Not very weatherproof and no vents. Weve found that outer-thigh vents do a better job dumping heat, while those on the inner thigh add unwanted bulk and can occasionally impact comfort (on the bright side, they are less conspicuous). The 60-gram Heatseeker insulation is a nice touch for those wanting a little extra warmth, and the venting system is surprisingly good for a budget pant (many forgo ventilation altogether). Most skiers will opt for a pant that uses hardshell or hardshell with integrated stretch, but we've also included a few softshell models on our list above.Hardshell And if youre looking for an even more classic option from Obermeyer, check out their softshell Bond pantand get your faux fur hat ready too.See the Obermeyer Malta. And while the Beta SV keeps weight low at just 1 pound 5.9 ounces, you still get full leg zips (great for getting your pants on over ski boots or crampons), reinforced patches at the instep, and a drop seat for when nature calls. But the Foxys 3-layer construction makes it the more breathable pant, and its easier to dump heat with vents on both the outside and inside of the thighs (the REIs are only at the rear). These pants arent cheapthe Arc'teryx Sentinel AR ($549) and Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bib($599) are two of our favoritesbut for those who get out a lot both in and out of bounds, the versatility is well worth the investment. While you dont have to worry about any discomfort from a waistband, the straps that run over your shoulders can take some getting used to, and youll need to dial in the fit to keep them from moving around excessively or pulling the pant legs up too high. That said, for $59 less and with a similar feature set, its hard to knock the Bugaboos overall value.See the Columbia Bugaboo IV. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: HardshellInsulated: NoWhat we like: Fantastic quality, weather protection, and breathability.What we dont: Pricey for having an in-house membrane; runs warm in the torso. Patagonias backcountry pant and jacket collection has gone through a number of major revamps over the past few years, but theyve landed on a real winner with the SnowDrifter Bib. In many ways, the First Chair GTX is a budget alternative to the Flylow Foxy above. The most common locations for the zippered panels are along the inside or outside of your thighs. It all adds up to a no-frills yet incredibly practical design and one of the only pants here that we recommend for serious ski expeditions. Ski pants are the traditional choice and what most folks are familiar and comfortable with. Resort skiers, and especially those that stick to groomed runs, will be best off with an insulated model. But resort skiers generally dont need a particularly breathable or supple pant, and the good news is that most hardshells here have side vents to dump heat on warmer days. The pants breathe well considering the impressive level of protection, and you can release hot air in four places: two zippered vents along the inner thigh and two large vents along the outside of your legs. That being said, an uninsulated pant makes a lot of sense for hard chargers or those that plan to ski the side- and backcountry. Regardless of the why, bibs have gained popularity in recent years both at the resort and in the backcountry, and the Flylow Foxy is a runaway favorite among female shredders. Flylow Gear flies a little under the radar compared to some of the bigger outdoor gear companies, but the Nina pants are another very solid offering from the Colorado-based brand. Best for: ResortType: Hardshell w/stretchInsulated: Yes (60g Primaloft Black)What we like: Insulation, a bit of stretch, and a clean design at a reasonable price.What we dont: Pants are prone to showing wear over time. That said, before opting for the One Piece, its worth considering the downsides to the design, including limited versatility for backcountry use and tedious bathroom breaks (the Incendia does include a quick-release at the thighs, which is a nice touch). The layers you wear under your ski pants dont get as much attention as those warming your core, but they nevertheless remain an important consideration. Hardshell with Stretch The Bib features bombproof 3-layer Gore-Tex patterned with 2-layer Gore-Tex with Stretch Technology, which is truly a best-of-both-worlds combination. Most standard 2-layer constructions will offer sufficient breathability, and you can always select one with zippered vents to dump a little excess heat as needed. bibs gore tex klim snowmobile womens snow alpine medium But for the most premium and hardwearing design, look no further than the Powder Bowl here Read in-depth reviewSee the Patagonia Insulated Powder Bowl. Flylow nailed the design, which is remarkably sleek and clean yet fully featured with four thigh vents, a number of well-placed pockets, and a long, barn-door zipper for easy entry and when nature calls. In other words, you can expect the Powder Bowl to hold up exceedingly well to all-day weather and countless chairlift rides. Through a full season of backcountry and resort skiing, we can confidently say that the Hemispheres is the real deal. Like the Columbia Bugaboo above, the Powderbound is critically seam sealed, which keeps costs low but isnt great for staying dry in sustained snowfall. The most common way of determining ski pant durability is the fabric denier (D), which measures the thickness of the threads used for the shell material.
Keep in mind that Flylow pants do run a little tightour tester found that a size small Foxy fit perfectly while the same size in the Sentinel above was on the baggy side. Designs like the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bib and Outdoor Research Skyward II feature a hardshell construction with built-in stretch, which is a lot more supple than a standard hardshellyou dont get that rigid and crinkly feeland places a premium on freedom of movement and breathability. Our top-rated pant, the Arcteryx Sentinel AR, does an excellent job of balancing needs for both activities with its high-quality 70D shell. xcr hardwear Softshell First off, the lack of waterproofing across the rear limits your ability to take trailside breaks or lounge in a backcountry snow kitchen (it also might impact comfort on a frozen chairlift). Butfor a casual resort pant that also gets the job done for general snow use, the Powderbound is an affordable pick from a trusted brand (note: the Co-op also offers a bib version for $189).See the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated. Our main complaint has to do with durability: the build quality isnt quite up to par with Patagonia or Arcteryx, and the pants will show more wear over time. It all adds up to a solid ski pant for both front and backcountry use, and the relaxed fit and Velcro waist adjustment should make most women happy (note: you might need to size up). To complete your kit, check out our article on the best womens ski jackets. But we keep coming back to value: the Freedom pants are a proven choice with a surprisingly long lifespan and undercut most of the competition by $30 or more.See The North Face Freedom Insulated. The amount of warmth offered doesnt vary too widely, and most use somewhere between 40- and 80-gram fill. Purchasing the complete set is fine, but penny pinchers in particular will find that they can save a lot by opting for a premium jacket and more budget-oriented pants. Paired with a classy ski jacket (like the Obermeyer Tuscany II), youre sure to make a statement in the lift lines, cruising the corduroy, and even aprs. Overall, we think theyve put together a solid product with the insulated pant: the 2-layer Peak waterproofing holds up to most winter weather (just dont try your luck in super wet conditions), and a moderate level of insulation (40g) will keep you happy on the lift. At $599, its more expensive than the Arcteryx Beta SV below, which features an even more bombproof Gore-Tex Pro build.
A final benefit of foregoing insulation is that you can tune your baselayer depending on conditions: for spring-time or active use, you can opt for a lightweight model, and mid or heavyweight baselayers are great in the cold. Backcountry-specific pants like the Outdoor Research Skyward II put a greater emphasis on storage with dedicated pockets for items like an avalanche beacon and extras like a map or GPS device. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: Hardshell w/stretch & softshellInsulated: NoWhat we like: Creative mix of weather protection and comfort.What we dont: The Skyward II above is a little better for touring.
The Incendia is built with a robust, 100-denier face fabric and 3-layer Gore-Tex with a tricot backer. REI Co-ops First Chair is proof that you dont have to spend upward of $400 for a quality ski bib.
In wet and blustery conditions the 3-layer Gore-Tex construction provides a reliable barrier from the elements, while smooth-operating side vents let you dump heat quickly on warm spring days. This likely only will be an issue on especially wet snow days, but its something to keep in mind should you frequent areas prone to those conditions.
Tack on a drop-seat design for easy bathroom breaks and generous inner thigh vents, and the Chariot is the full package for both resort and backcountry skiers. The best models are made with either synthetic or merino woolcotton doesnt insulate when wet, so its a bad idea even on a resort day. Like the Foxy Bib above, this is a super tough design with a 3-layer build, Cordura cuff patches, and waterproof zippers. Backcountry touring types lean towards a slimmer cut for less bulk (usually with built-in stretch to help with mobility). For a look at the best options of the season, check out our article on the best women's ski jackets.Back to Our Top Women's Ski Pant Picks Back to Our Women's Ski Pant Comparison Table. And designs like the Trailbreaker offer a nice mix of hardshell and softshell fabrics for ample weather protection, but we still don't recommend them for particularly soggy days out or resort use. The flipside is that the Beta SV easily outperforms its competitors in truly nasty conditions without any superfluous weight and bulk, and the full leg zips are a rare addition that many will appreciate (this feature is hard to come by in ski pants). Additionally, its easy to overheat with the cheap waterproofing technology, and while we like the zippered vents, their placement along the inner thigh (and the accompanying waterproof flaps) creates extra bulk. We also like the simple design from the Norwegian company, which comes in a variety of attractive colorways and should pair well with just about any jacket. Whats more, the pants are only taped at critical seams, which means there are more areas for water to soak through (especially bad news on slushy chairlifts). In almost every case, the jacket features similar fabric and construction as the pant (for example, both the Sentinel AR jacket and pant are made with 3L Gore-Tex) and comes in a matching color. That said, although the Freedom Insulated will do the trick for casual resort-goers, performance-minded skiers likely will be left wanting more. Best for: ResortType: Hardshell w/ stretchInsulated: NoWhat we like: Gore-Tex protection at an excellent value.What we dont: Step down in performance and fit from the FlyLow Foxy above.
Added up, its the full package for serious skiers who get out a lot. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: Hardshell w/stretchInsulated: NoWhat we like: Fully waterproof, stretchy, and highly comfortable.What we dont: Pricey and not the sleekest bib design. For more information, RECCO's website provides a good breakdown of the tech. REI also incorporated some mechanical stretch into the face fabric, which is a nice touch for everything from sidecountry hikes to getting on and off the lift, and we think they nailed the styling with a clean and modern look. But for the best of both worlds alongside a truly exceptional fit and finish, the Sentinel AR pants get our top pick for the 2022 season. On the other end of the spectrum, touring-focused pants like the Outdoor Research Skyward II (50D) make the most compromises in durability to maximize comfort, mobility, and performance on the go. To help guide your decision, weve included a best for specification in our product descriptions and table above. A shorter bib like the Arcteryx Beta SV is another great optionyou get above-the-waist protection without too much extra bulk. The type of fabric you opt for will depend on where you're skiing (we favor hardshells for resort use) and how much mobility you need (stretchy designs are great for mogul skiers and uphill enthusiasts). Hard-charging resort skiers, sidecountry fanatics, and backcountry skiers will want a waterproof pant, but some amount of stretch is a nice touch. Outdoor Research's Hemispheres Bib and Jacket kit received a lot of attention at its release in late 2018, and for good reason. On the other hand, if youre on a budget or only get out a few times a year, its worth looking at Patagonias popular Insulated Snowbelle pant. This is a marvel of a design created by women and for women, with a fit and styling that are second to none and the premium build quality that Arcteryx and very few other companies offer. However, if you venture into the sidecountry, plan to mix in some touring, or are a backcountry enthusiast, breathability becomes an important consideration. We love the one-piece style for its fashion-forward looks and bombproof coverage (and many women back up our praise), but the Incendia also comes in a bib version for those who prefer more versatility. These are less breathable than 3-layer designs, although they often use thick fabrics that are quite durable.
Resort ridersespecially those that plan to stay on groomed runsusually dont require a light and airy design. On the far end of the spectrum are pants that feature full-on softshell constructions, such as the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker IIand Roxy Rising High. Arcteryxs ski and outerwear consistently knocks it out of the park in terms of premium quality and performance, and the Sentinel AR pants are no exception. Additionally, breathability is essentialthe materials are thinner, and large zippered side vents (sometimes on both the inside and outside of the legs) are crucial for staying cool. Best for: ResortType: SoftshellInsulated: No (polar fleece lining)What we like: Stylish, generous coverage, and great stretch.What we dont: Not very weatherproof and no vents. Weve found that outer-thigh vents do a better job dumping heat, while those on the inner thigh add unwanted bulk and can occasionally impact comfort (on the bright side, they are less conspicuous). The 60-gram Heatseeker insulation is a nice touch for those wanting a little extra warmth, and the venting system is surprisingly good for a budget pant (many forgo ventilation altogether). Most skiers will opt for a pant that uses hardshell or hardshell with integrated stretch, but we've also included a few softshell models on our list above.Hardshell And if youre looking for an even more classic option from Obermeyer, check out their softshell Bond pantand get your faux fur hat ready too.See the Obermeyer Malta. And while the Beta SV keeps weight low at just 1 pound 5.9 ounces, you still get full leg zips (great for getting your pants on over ski boots or crampons), reinforced patches at the instep, and a drop seat for when nature calls. But the Foxys 3-layer construction makes it the more breathable pant, and its easier to dump heat with vents on both the outside and inside of the thighs (the REIs are only at the rear). These pants arent cheapthe Arc'teryx Sentinel AR ($549) and Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bib($599) are two of our favoritesbut for those who get out a lot both in and out of bounds, the versatility is well worth the investment. While you dont have to worry about any discomfort from a waistband, the straps that run over your shoulders can take some getting used to, and youll need to dial in the fit to keep them from moving around excessively or pulling the pant legs up too high. That said, for $59 less and with a similar feature set, its hard to knock the Bugaboos overall value.See the Columbia Bugaboo IV. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: HardshellInsulated: NoWhat we like: Fantastic quality, weather protection, and breathability.What we dont: Pricey for having an in-house membrane; runs warm in the torso. Patagonias backcountry pant and jacket collection has gone through a number of major revamps over the past few years, but theyve landed on a real winner with the SnowDrifter Bib. In many ways, the First Chair GTX is a budget alternative to the Flylow Foxy above. The most common locations for the zippered panels are along the inside or outside of your thighs. It all adds up to a no-frills yet incredibly practical design and one of the only pants here that we recommend for serious ski expeditions. Ski pants are the traditional choice and what most folks are familiar and comfortable with. Resort skiers, and especially those that stick to groomed runs, will be best off with an insulated model. But resort skiers generally dont need a particularly breathable or supple pant, and the good news is that most hardshells here have side vents to dump heat on warmer days. The pants breathe well considering the impressive level of protection, and you can release hot air in four places: two zippered vents along the inner thigh and two large vents along the outside of your legs. That being said, an uninsulated pant makes a lot of sense for hard chargers or those that plan to ski the side- and backcountry. Regardless of the why, bibs have gained popularity in recent years both at the resort and in the backcountry, and the Flylow Foxy is a runaway favorite among female shredders. Flylow Gear flies a little under the radar compared to some of the bigger outdoor gear companies, but the Nina pants are another very solid offering from the Colorado-based brand. Best for: ResortType: Hardshell w/stretchInsulated: Yes (60g Primaloft Black)What we like: Insulation, a bit of stretch, and a clean design at a reasonable price.What we dont: Pants are prone to showing wear over time. That said, before opting for the One Piece, its worth considering the downsides to the design, including limited versatility for backcountry use and tedious bathroom breaks (the Incendia does include a quick-release at the thighs, which is a nice touch). The layers you wear under your ski pants dont get as much attention as those warming your core, but they nevertheless remain an important consideration. Hardshell with Stretch The Bib features bombproof 3-layer Gore-Tex patterned with 2-layer Gore-Tex with Stretch Technology, which is truly a best-of-both-worlds combination. Most standard 2-layer constructions will offer sufficient breathability, and you can always select one with zippered vents to dump a little excess heat as needed. bibs gore tex klim snowmobile womens snow alpine medium But for the most premium and hardwearing design, look no further than the Powder Bowl here Read in-depth reviewSee the Patagonia Insulated Powder Bowl. Flylow nailed the design, which is remarkably sleek and clean yet fully featured with four thigh vents, a number of well-placed pockets, and a long, barn-door zipper for easy entry and when nature calls. In other words, you can expect the Powder Bowl to hold up exceedingly well to all-day weather and countless chairlift rides. Through a full season of backcountry and resort skiing, we can confidently say that the Hemispheres is the real deal. Like the Columbia Bugaboo above, the Powderbound is critically seam sealed, which keeps costs low but isnt great for staying dry in sustained snowfall. The most common way of determining ski pant durability is the fabric denier (D), which measures the thickness of the threads used for the shell material.
Keep in mind that Flylow pants do run a little tightour tester found that a size small Foxy fit perfectly while the same size in the Sentinel above was on the baggy side. Designs like the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bib and Outdoor Research Skyward II feature a hardshell construction with built-in stretch, which is a lot more supple than a standard hardshellyou dont get that rigid and crinkly feeland places a premium on freedom of movement and breathability. Our top-rated pant, the Arcteryx Sentinel AR, does an excellent job of balancing needs for both activities with its high-quality 70D shell. xcr hardwear Softshell First off, the lack of waterproofing across the rear limits your ability to take trailside breaks or lounge in a backcountry snow kitchen (it also might impact comfort on a frozen chairlift). Butfor a casual resort pant that also gets the job done for general snow use, the Powderbound is an affordable pick from a trusted brand (note: the Co-op also offers a bib version for $189).See the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated. Our main complaint has to do with durability: the build quality isnt quite up to par with Patagonia or Arcteryx, and the pants will show more wear over time. It all adds up to a solid ski pant for both front and backcountry use, and the relaxed fit and Velcro waist adjustment should make most women happy (note: you might need to size up). To complete your kit, check out our article on the best womens ski jackets. But we keep coming back to value: the Freedom pants are a proven choice with a surprisingly long lifespan and undercut most of the competition by $30 or more.See The North Face Freedom Insulated. The amount of warmth offered doesnt vary too widely, and most use somewhere between 40- and 80-gram fill. Purchasing the complete set is fine, but penny pinchers in particular will find that they can save a lot by opting for a premium jacket and more budget-oriented pants. Paired with a classy ski jacket (like the Obermeyer Tuscany II), youre sure to make a statement in the lift lines, cruising the corduroy, and even aprs. Overall, we think theyve put together a solid product with the insulated pant: the 2-layer Peak waterproofing holds up to most winter weather (just dont try your luck in super wet conditions), and a moderate level of insulation (40g) will keep you happy on the lift. At $599, its more expensive than the Arcteryx Beta SV below, which features an even more bombproof Gore-Tex Pro build.
A final benefit of foregoing insulation is that you can tune your baselayer depending on conditions: for spring-time or active use, you can opt for a lightweight model, and mid or heavyweight baselayers are great in the cold. Backcountry-specific pants like the Outdoor Research Skyward II put a greater emphasis on storage with dedicated pockets for items like an avalanche beacon and extras like a map or GPS device. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: Hardshell w/stretch & softshellInsulated: NoWhat we like: Creative mix of weather protection and comfort.What we dont: The Skyward II above is a little better for touring.