Like it, love it, or hate it, winter is well on its way—and you'll want to be warm for it. The moment you get those first few flurries of snow, it's time to break out your winter weather gear. Whether you're booking a last-minute trip to the ski slopes or looking for something to wear on a romp around the park, a good pair of snow pants can be the one piece of outdoor gear (besides your snow boots) standing between you having good, wholesome fun in the snow and trudging home early because you're soaked and chilled to the bone.
Ideally, snow pants should accomplish two key goals: keep your legs warm and keep them dry. So at minimum, you should look for insulation and weather- or waterproofing on your pants of choice. We've highlighted some of the best snow pants for women currently on the market, from best-selling budget picks to highly reviewed technical gear, below.
These snow pants are perfect for a wide variety of winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, or even just shoveling your driveway. Complete with 85 grams of thermal insulation, Arctix’s snow pants are designed to keep you warm and safe throughout inclement weather. Ballistic nylon is used to reinforce the ankle and hem guards to maintain durability, while gripped boot gaiters work to keep warmth in and moisture out. Bonus: These pants are also size-inclusive, and are available in extra small short to 4X regular.
An affordable option from an Amazon-favorite brand, these basic pants have a lower rise and a slight flare cut to them. They're waterproof, adjustable with a velcro waist, and have a zippered leg opening to accomodate snow boots.
We can't help but love this sleek and stylish pair from FREE SOLDIER. Not only are they double-layered for supreme insulation (fleece on the inside for warmth and waterproof polyester and spandex on the outside for protection), they are also incredibly flexible, a tough to find feature in many other pairs of snow pants.
Staying dry is crucial when it comes to snowstorms, and that’s why we’ve added Columbia’s mountain snow pants to our list. The brand prides itself on its Omni-Shield technology, which does an awesome job of wicking moisture away so you stay warm and comfortable. Other features include internal leg gaiters, a snap gusset, zippered pockets, and an adjustable waistband.
If you've never been able to find a pair of snow pants long enough to actually keep you warm, Burton's tall-size pants are worth the splurge. Every detail, from the temperature-regulating, stretchy lining to the microfleece-lined pockets, is carefully thought out.
Whether you're skiing down a mountain or hiking up one, this BenBoy pair of cargo snow pants keeps you warm, dry, and moving. Reinforced, yet flexible, knees accommodate your twists and bends while multiple zippered pockets secure everything from your phone to your wallet to your lift pass.
We love these winter softshell pants because they’re 100 percent windproof, waterproof, and storm-resistant. Lined with micro polar fleece, these pants effectively trap heat thanks to their semi-elastic leg openings. The water-resistant fabric wicks moisture away but isn’t too heavy. In fact, the material is actually super lightweight and breathable, so you’ll never feel weighed down by these snow pants.
At under $40, you'll be hard pressed to find a bigger bang for your buck. Double-layered with an inner lining made of fleece and an outer lining made of waterproof nylon and spandex, these pants still manage to remain flattering with none of the usual bulk.
If you’re looking forward to hitting the slopes this season, then these waterproof snow pants are a must-have. Made out of polyester and spandex, these pants are water-resistant and windproof. Complete with two zippered side pockets and one back pocket, these softshell pants are lined with fleece, too. They’re available in army green, black, and gray, and come in sizes ranging from small to XXXL.
This exceptionally waterproof pair of snow pants is also super breathable, perfect for long days out on the slopes. Reinforced seams also ensure that no matter how long you stay out and about, you won't have to worry about tears.
Keep it cozy this winter with these outdoor snow pants from Toomett. These pants feature a partial elastic waistband, three zippered pockets, and windproof, water-resistant external material. They come in a wide variety of sizes, so they’re a size-inclusive option for everyone’s closet.
Our list simply would not be complete without a good set of snow overalls, and Arctix offers up this particularly well-made pick. ThermaTech insulation keeps you warm from chest to ankle, and reinforced hem guards will keep this piece in excellent shape for many seasons to come.
Mary O'Brien is a commerce editor for Hearst Magazines based in northern Virginia. When she's not scouring the internet for the best deals and shopping trends, she is over-caffeinated with her nose in a book.