downhill skiing

The best high-waisted ski pants for women

By Janet Fraser 6 June, 2023 2 mins read

High waisted ski pants are the best choice if you want to keep dry and warm no matter what the weather. We did some research to find the best ski pants for women on the market. They were tested at various locations, including skiing at Mammoth Mountain, powdering at Sierra-at-Tahoe, and hiking in Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Our testers spent two months wearing each pair of pants, from sunny spring-like days in Mammoth to deep, fluffy snow on a backcountry ski trip. They also conducted specific testing, such as showering them to check for waterproofing and taking notes on their various attributes.

Comfort

Ski pants should be comfortable and flattering. You'll want to look for features like adjustable belts and boot gaiters that allow you to layer over the pants if needed (and keep snow out of them), as well as multiple zippered pockets, so you can stash snacks and gear while out on the slopes.

Breathability

Most ski pants have some kind of ventilation system. These can be in the form of zippered vents either on your thighs or along you upper legs. These vents can be either inside or out, the former letting heat drain from the body and the latter allowing for more airflow.

Durability

Ski pants get a lot more wear than they are worth, due to the use of chairlifts and buckles on boots. It is recommended to look for designs that have a fabric denier, which indicates the thickness of the threads used to make the shell material.

Patagonia's Storm Shift ski pant is heavyweight and resort-oriented. It's ideal for keeping warm at the lifts. Outdoor Research Skyward II is a lighter ski pant that's great for touring.

Insulation and breathability

The best ski pants have multiple layers to insulate. This keeps you warm and allows moisture to escape. You can choose between synthetic and wool options, or a mixture of both.

We like a variety of insulation options when choosing the best ski pants, so we recommend trying on as many as possible to get an idea of which works best for you. For extra warmth, you can add a wool base layer to the pants.

The most important features for ski pants are windproofing, and waterproofing. These will include waterproofing fabrics combined with built-in boot gaiters and membranes.

When choosing high waisted ski pant, style and fit are important factors. So take your time at the shop to find the right pair for you. It's worth it to spend a little more on a pair that will fit better over your base layers, so you don't have to worry about them riding up.

FAQ

Here are some things you should never forget about when traveling.

You will find yourself in situations that leave you with very little time for making decisions when you travel. Prepare to be flexible.

You could be stuck there for hours, days and even weeks. If you plan ahead, you will have food, water and shelter. However, if you don’t plan ahead, you might need to improvise.

These cases will likely require you to rely on the things you are most skilled at. That means making quick decisions based on instinct and experience.

But there are times when you can't choose. You might find yourself in an area without cell service, out of gas or robbed. You will need to be flexible to any situation that presents itself.

Keep calm, be focused, and take action. Don't panic. Instead, focus on what you can control.

If you find yourself lost in the woods you can choose which way to go. Or if you're hungry, you can eat berries or mushrooms. You can also drink rainwater and melt snow if you feel thirsty.

Or if you're tired, you can rest. It's okay to bundle up if it is cold. If it is wet, you have the option to change clothes. No matter what you do, it will make you feel better to stay positive.

What documents should I keep handy when traveling?

Keep copies of important documents handy for when you're on the move. Also, keep copies of your passport, driver’s licence, and other identification cards, along with any credit card information, in case you need them, to make it easy to access when you travel.

A photocopy of your passport is always a good idea so that it can be used to prove identity in case of emergency.

Don't forget to attach copies of your itinerary or reservations. These will help keep you organized and allow you to plan your trip.

Keep a copy of the flight ticket and details for your hotel reservations. You can contact your family back home easily if you are in trouble.

It's a good idea to never leave valuables unattended. Your valuables will be safe if you keep them in a money belt, or inside your luggage.

Check your bag before you go to prevent losing expensive items.

Remember, it's safer to keep things simple rather than trying to plan everything.

Enjoy the ride and just relax.

What can I put in my suitcase for travel?

Two pairs of shoes is a good rule of thumb. Two pairs are needed for daily walking in the city and two for vacation.

Also, make sure to have enough clothing for both. When you fly, it is essential to bring enough clothing.

If you're planning on staying somewhere longer, you might want to think about bringing along a few changes of clothing. This way, you won't feel uncomfortable when you go shopping for new outfits.

Comfortable shoes are essential for those who take the bus or train. If you drive, make sure you have a spare set.

It is important to have plenty of toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste and moisturizer.

And last but not least, you'll need to take a flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a first aid kit.

It's better to keep all your items in one bag than to try to fit them in different bags. That way, you'll save time and space.

Also, be sure to take a small washcloth and towel. You'll be able to use them when you take a shower after a long day.

How can I travel light?

There are many options when it comes to packing for a trip. These are some suggestions to help you pick the right items to take on your trip.

Only bring what you need.
Pack only what you'll actually wear.
Do not overpackage yourself with items.
Check your suitcase for space.
You should always double-check that everything is packed.
Take advantage of free storage facilities.
Instead of purchasing bottled water, use reusable water bottles.
Use a backpack to carry your stuff instead of a bag.
If possible, take public transport and walk or cycle instead.
Choose the right size bag.
Do not carry heavy items.
Be ready for anything.
Leave nothing behind.

How do I prepare for vacation?

It is essential to exercise and eat healthy while on vacation.

Before you leave for work, it is important to be well-hydrated and rested.

Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents and medications ready to go.

Make sure you have enough medication to last you until your return.

Make sure you bring a change of clothes in the event that you are injured or get sick.

Where should I store my luggage?

There are several different options available. You can use lockers at airports as the most common option. They are generally located near security. They are usually $5-10 per person, depending on the size of your locker.

Renting a storage unit is another option. These are often found outside large hotels or shopping centers. While prices can vary, there are some places that offer discounts for multiple units being rented together.

Third, you can hire a porter. You can hire a porter to help you carry your bags from the carousel to the room. You pay a small fee each time he helps you.

Statistics

No Checked Bags: No Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. (tsa.gov)
Pack sweaters, jackets, and underwear in reusable compression bags creating up to 75% more space in your luggage. (wikihow.com)
Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, is located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. (travelandleisure.com)
You can use compression sacs or cubes to reduce the volume of your clothes by up to 80%—this is especially convenient for bulky items such as sweaters and jackets. (eaglecreek.com)
They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. (travelandleisure.com)