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10 Best Cross Country Ski Pants 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Rossignol Relax Bib Pants - Insulated Women’s Ski Bib - Waterproof Snow Bibs - Ski Overall Black

The Rossignol Relax Bib Pants are designed for women who want warmth and comfort during cross-country skiing, especially in wet and snowy conditions. Their relaxed fit offers extra room to move freely without feeling tight, which is great if you prefer a bit more space or plan to layer underneath. Made from 100% polyester with a waterproof and breathable membrane rated at 20,000/15,000, these bibs do a solid job keeping out snow and rain while allowing moisture from sweat to escape.

The pants feature Primaloft Black insulation that is lightweight yet warm, with the added benefit of being made from recycled materials, which is a plus if you care about sustainability. Critically-sealed seams add extra protection from wind and moisture, and the PFC-free water repellency means they avoid harmful chemicals often found in waterproof gear.

These pants are a good pick if you want well-insulated, waterproof bibs with a relaxed fit for cold, damp days. They offer reliable protection and comfort suited for cross-country skiing in challenging weather conditions.

#2

Salomon Men's Untracked Pants, Deep Black, Small

Rating
8.8
Fit

Most important from
9 reviews

Fit
Comfortable and suitable for taller individuals, although not ideal for rainy weather.

The Salomon Men's Untracked Pants in Deep Black, size Small, offer a blend of comfort and functionality suitable for various outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and mountaineering.

Made from 75% cotton and 25% nylon, these pants provide a good balance of durability and comfort, although cotton may not be the best choice for wet conditions due to its tendency to retain moisture.

The pants are machine washable, making them easy to care for, and their weight of just under 2 pounds suggests they are fairly lightweight for active use.

Rating
8.8
Fit

Most important from
9 reviews

Fit
Comfortable and suitable for taller individuals, although not ideal for rainy weather.
#3

Swix Women's Standard Lillehammer Insulated Windproof Water-Resistant Breathable Stretchy Active Pants, Black, Large

Rating
8.5
Material
Fit
Insulation

Most important from
13 reviews

Material
The soft, stretchy fabric moves effortlessly with your body, providing a perfect balance between protection and flexibility.
Fit
The soft, stretchy fabric moves effortlessly with your body, providing a perfect balance between protection and flexibility.
Insulation
These pants deliver exceptional warmth and comfort, making them ideal for very cold cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures.
Water Resistance
Windproof and water-resistant qualities keep you dry and shielded from harsh weather without sacrificing breathability.
Breathability
Windproof and water-resistant qualities keep you dry and shielded from harsh weather without sacrificing breathability.
Adjustability
Practical features like ankle zippers enhance usability by allowing easy adjustment and compatibility with ski boots.

The Swix Women's Standard Lillehammer pants are designed for active women who need warmth and protection during cold, windy cross-country skiing or other outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. They use a stretchy, durable soft-shell fabric on the front panels and lower legs, which offers a good balance of windproofing and breathability to keep you warm without overheating. The insulation level is high, making these pants suitable for freezing conditions, while the water-resistant membrane helps keep moisture out in light rain or snow.

In terms of fit, the pants provide comfort with slightly wider ankles and zipped lower legs that allow for easy use with ski boots. They also feature practical elements like two zippered side pockets for storing essentials securely and reflective tapes for better visibility in low light. These pants are an excellent choice for those prioritizing warmth, dryness, stretch, and comfort during cold-weather activities.

While ventilation options and fit adjustability beyond the ankles or waist are limited, these pants remain well suited for maintaining comfort in cold and damp conditions.

Rating
8.5
Material
Fit
Insulation

Most important from
13 reviews

Material
The soft, stretchy fabric moves effortlessly with your body, providing a perfect balance between protection and flexibility.
Fit
The soft, stretchy fabric moves effortlessly with your body, providing a perfect balance between protection and flexibility.
Insulation
These pants deliver exceptional warmth and comfort, making them ideal for very cold cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures.
Water Resistance
Windproof and water-resistant qualities keep you dry and shielded from harsh weather without sacrificing breathability.
Breathability
Windproof and water-resistant qualities keep you dry and shielded from harsh weather without sacrificing breathability.
Adjustability
Practical features like ankle zippers enhance usability by allowing easy adjustment and compatibility with ski boots.

Buying Guide for the Best Cross Country Ski Pants

Choosing the right cross-country ski pants is essential for comfort, performance, and protection against the elements. The right pair will keep you warm, dry, and allow for a full range of motion. When selecting ski pants, consider the conditions you'll be skiing in, your skill level, and personal preferences. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
MaterialThe material of cross-country ski pants is crucial for comfort and performance. Look for fabrics that are breathable, water-resistant, and windproof. Common materials include synthetic blends like polyester and nylon, which offer durability and flexibility. For colder conditions, pants with added insulation can provide extra warmth. If you tend to overheat, opt for lighter, more breathable materials. Your choice should balance protection from the elements with the ability to move freely.
FitThe fit of your ski pants affects both comfort and mobility. Cross-country ski pants typically come in three fits: slim, regular, and relaxed. Slim fit pants are more form-fitting and reduce wind resistance, making them ideal for competitive skiing. Regular fit offers a balance between comfort and performance, suitable for most recreational skiers. Relaxed fit provides more room and is great for layering in very cold conditions. Choose a fit that matches your skiing style and comfort preferences.
InsulationInsulation in ski pants helps keep you warm in cold conditions. Pants can be non-insulated, lightly insulated, or heavily insulated. Non-insulated pants are best for milder conditions or high-intensity skiing where you generate a lot of body heat. Lightly insulated pants offer a bit more warmth without being too bulky, suitable for moderate conditions. Heavily insulated pants are ideal for very cold weather but can be too warm for intense activity. Consider the typical weather conditions you'll be skiing in and your personal tolerance to cold.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important to keep you dry in wet snow or light rain. Ski pants often have a water-resistant coating or membrane. Look for pants with a high water resistance rating if you expect to encounter wet conditions frequently. For drier climates, moderate water resistance may suffice. Remember that higher water resistance can sometimes reduce breathability, so balance your need for dryness with the need for ventilation.
BreathabilityBreathability refers to how well the fabric allows moisture from sweat to escape. This is crucial for comfort, especially during intense physical activity. Breathability is often measured in grams (g) of water vapor that can pass through a square meter of fabric in 24 hours. Higher numbers indicate better breathability. If you ski at a high intensity or in warmer conditions, prioritize high breathability to stay dry and comfortable. For colder, less intense skiing, moderate breathability may be sufficient.
VentilationVentilation features, such as zippered vents, help regulate temperature by allowing excess heat to escape. These are particularly useful during intense skiing or in variable weather conditions. Look for pants with vents on the thighs or sides that can be opened or closed as needed. If you often find yourself overheating, pants with good ventilation options can help you stay comfortable. For colder conditions, ensure the vents can be securely closed to retain warmth.
PocketsPockets provide convenient storage for small items like keys, snacks, or a phone. Consider the number, size, and placement of pockets based on what you need to carry. Zippered pockets are ideal for securing items during active movement. If you prefer to travel light, a couple of well-placed pockets may be sufficient. For longer outings or if you carry more gear, look for pants with multiple or larger pockets.
AdjustabilityAdjustability features, such as waistbands, cuffs, and suspenders, help customize the fit of your ski pants. Adjustable waistbands can provide a snug fit and accommodate layering. Cuff adjustments can help seal out snow and cold air. Suspenders offer additional support and can prevent pants from slipping down. Choose pants with adjustability options that enhance your comfort and ensure a secure fit during your skiing activities.

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