We all understand how difficult any mountain sport is. We also understand the importance of protective gear while going on any mountain trail. When it comes to skiing, the going gets even tougher.
While talking about any skiing adventure, the focus tends to mostly centralize on the sky jacket and helmets, while little to none corresponds to a pair of quality pants.
7 Best Ski Pants For Petites in 2024
Are Ski Pants For Petites Worth It?
These Ski pants are extremely important whenever we go for any kind of skiing action. The problem, however, appears when we go shopping. There are a dozen companies manufacturing a dozen more different types of pants. There are also different pants available for different conditions and budgets. There are associated issues with different sizing, as most pants might not come in small sizes.
These pants come with different types of functionalities and for different conditions. There are options for buying simple ski pants or bib pants. Some pants include features like waterproofing, windproofing, and different types of protective features. Some come in soft shells, while some come in insulated forms.
With my experience and thorough research, I have put below the list of the Top 7 Best Ski Pants For Petites.
1. Helly-Hansen Women’s Ski Pants – Best Overall
The Helly-Hansen is a Norwegian brand that has been a pioneer in providing the best equipment for different sporting activities. This Women’s ski pant from them is a testament to their design and the user satisfaction that it delivers.
There are a lot of functionalities that it comes with. It supports a regular-fit pant design that looks brilliant. The pant is manufactured using pure polyester. It allows better maneuverability and also a good amount of breathability. The pant is lightly insulated, which will surely keep us warm while enjoying our trail.
It is backed up by Hellen-Hanesn’s Helly tech technology, which makes sure we don’t get wet during cold winter conditions. The technology works and makes the pants fully waterproof. It operates in coordination with the PrimaLoft insulation and 2-way mechanical stretch to allow the pants to retain warmth. At the same time, the thigh ventilation zippers ensure that the excess heat is released whenever needed.
The Helly-Hansen is a complete package when it comes to ski pants. It covers all the necessary features like dual hand front and back pockets, waistband adjustments, belt loops, and aqua guard water-resistant pocket zippers, among many more.
The most important thing when it comes to a petite skier is the availability of a smaller size option. The Helly-Hansen comes in an extra small size, which can be handy for petite skiers.
Why Are Helly-Hansen the Best Ski Pants For Petites in 2024?
The Helly-Hansen is the best among the petite ski pants because of its versatility. The material quality is unparalleled. The touch and feel of the product are premium. The waterproofing, as well as the breathability, is great, thanks to the Helly tech technology.
The inclusion of all the necessary features like dual hand front and back pockets, waistband adjustments, belt loops, and aqua guard water-resistant pocket zippers, among many more.
The inclusion of Primaloft insulation, along with all the smaller modifications, makes it the better choice.
2. FREE SOLDIER Women’s Outdoor Snow Ski Pants – Runner Up
While providing all the important and necessary features, the Free Soldier women’s ski pants strikes a perfect balance between productivity, performance, and price. The ski pants come in different sizes that perfectly fit any petite woman.
Moreover, the pants are made using a pure polyester shell with 100% polyester 210T taffeta lining. It is astutely backed up by the diamond quilt technology, which holds the cotton in the perfect position.
The multi-layer manufacturing has superior quality features like waterproofing and snow proofing and provides the correct amount of insulation to keep the skier warm and happy.
Waterproofing on this skip pants is effective, and the coating can effectively repel the snow as well as liquid particles from perforating into it. It can completely prevent the invasion of rain and snow thanks to the ideal combination of polyester lining and PU Coating treatment.
There is also added protection by using waterproof tape on all the seams to enhance the durability of the pants. Scratch-resistant polyester fabric is great at absorbing moisture and is breathable, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
The Free soldier comes in two waterproof zipper pockets with drawstrings that make sure that we can easily draw out important things from our pockets whenever we need them. Two hook and loop flaps make it easier for us to carry the ski pass, phone number, or any other items.
The boot gaiters and elastic grippers make sure that we keep the snow out of the bay. The provision of an anti-slip strip and adjustable ankle with double buckle closure gives us a pant that does not compromise on the smallest of worries.
The presence of an exterior adjustable waist with hook and loop functionality means that now we can adjust the pant to our liking and body shape. It allows us to adjust the length depending on our waist. It leads to utmost comfort while skiing and, at the same time, provides us with maximum flexibility. The ski pant is equipped with the YKK zipper closure with a self-locking function and double metal buckle.
The D-ring, along with three pleats, is used in the construction of reinforced articulating knees to provide the best amount of durability and weather protection we are on the move.
The Free soldier is a pant that will not only do the work diligently but will also do it in a way that only a few can do. That is why this is the second-best ski pant for petite.
3. Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants – Budget Pick
We all want ski pants that are made to deliver superior flexibility and at the same time, keep us warm from all externalities. These Arctix women’s-insulated snow pants deliver just that. These are so well designed just to keep us going hard no matter the conditions ahead.
The Artix ski pant provides a material that does not feel bulky yet provides exceptional insulation. It is made using 100% polyester and features its top-of-the-line ThermaLock shell technology. The moisture-wicking fabric with 85 grams of heat-trapping ThermaTech insulation makes sure that we are not immune to the freezing cold.
It is also highly breathable and maintains an optimum amount of heat throughout the body. The seams are reinforced for extra protection from wind and rain. There are zippered pockets, which help in stashing those daily essentials.
It has boot gaiters with zippers which grapes the boots for complete insulation and moisture protection. The pant is totally water and wind-resistant. The denier ballistic nylon reinforced at the ankle, scuff guards, and hem provide extra protection.
All these features, along with its reasonable pricing, make the Arctix one of the best options out there.
4. Columbia Women’s Bugaboo Pants
The next ski pant is one of the most sought after and made by Columbia, which in itself needs no introduction. The bugaboo pants provide an ergonomic finish to these ski pants that are well-sealed with thermal-reflective lining and synthetic insulation.
The shell is made out of pure Omni-shield twill nylon, while the linings are made stitched using 100% nylon 210T taffeta. The insulating material is 100% 60G microtemp polyester.
The Omni-tech technology makes sure that we are all the time dry and well-ventilated. The Omni-heat thermal reflective insulation keeps us insulated from any kind of freezing condition. The powder is kept in its proper place by a snap gusset, reinforced hem, and integrated leg gaiters. Small items are kept safe in pockets with zips. The adjustable waist allows us to adjust the pant according to our perfect fit.
5. Burton Women’s Avalon Bib Pant
If there is a ski pant that is similar to the ones by Columbia yet differs a lot, it has to be the Burton women’s Avalon bib pant. These are one of my favorites when it comes to ski pants. Bibs are better, no matter the weather; they stay at the desired location, have great pockets, and provide additional coverage as required.
The women’s Burton Avalon pants have a great fit with a stretch back panel for unrestricted movement. Important features, including mesh-lined vents, fleece-lined hand pockets, and a drop seat, are included.
They are water and wind-resistant, which makes them an ‘all-weather friend.’ It has a slim-fit design that fits snugly against the body. The living Lining technology used by Burton assists in providing superior-quality woven taffeta. The quality of the pants can be assessed by the grade of the pockets themselves.
The microfleece-lined hand warmer pocket provides adequate support to our belongings. While the zippered chest pocket and back pocket with a hook and loop closure ensures that our essentials are safe and sound.
The excellent waterproofing material makes sure that we remain free of any kind of liquid. The Dryride technology with two-layer fabric in the pants ensures that any liquid that passes through gets dried off quickly. It improves the pant’s breathability and speed of drying.
Another excellent thing that makes it great for petite is its size availability. It is available in multiple sizes, but the availability of the XXS size really makes sure that it fits someone who is really small.
The only downside to these pants is their slim-fitting design; it might lead to very less room for wearing any kind of inner. This is, however, a small issue that can be overcome by selecting the larger size, perhaps.
6. THE NORTH FACE Women’s Sally Insulated Snow Pants – Premium Pick
The next ski pant that I am going to talk about is the North Face sally insulated snow pants. These look pretty casual and are made up of breathable, waterproof DryVent and lightweight heatseeker eco insulation technology. The North Face is a highly reputable brand and it does not disappoint with this product.
The pants are manufactured using nylon, and the insulation is made using recycled polyester. It also comes with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish.
The performance of the pants is also impressive. It at no point feels bulky. It fits perfectly with the body. And the amazing thing about it is the DryVent technology; it ensures no liquid gets inside the pants, and whatever moisture remains gets evaporated quickly.
To provide the necessary warmth and heat-trapping, it uses the Heatseeker eco-insulation technology. It provides heating even during wet conditions. It features a belt loop to make sure that the pants remains in their place during the activity.
The boot gaiters with gripper elastic make sure that no snow gets inside the boots. The overall reinforcement with the edge guards and kick-patches provides the added protection that we demand from good-quality ski pants. All the traditional features, like zipped pockets, are provided diligently.
This ski pant is a complete package with all the safety features as well as well-implemented traditional features, and that is why this is a product that I highly recommend.
7. Arctix Women’s Essential Insulated Bib Pants
The last product in this article is again from the Arctix family, but this is a Bib pant. This is yet another product that made me fall in love with Arctix. The beautiful build of this ski pant and its functionalities make this a fantastic deal.
What’s more, is that it is perfect for short women who are perhaps looking for a pant that would suit them perfectly. This certainly can be a great choice. It provides maximum warmth and superior performance, and the various features make these the ultimate choice among skiers for extreme conditions.
The pant is extremely lightweight and is manufactured using a combination of different types of high-quality fiber. It includes the ThermaLock fabric shell along with the ThermaTech insulation to protect us against extremely low temperatures.
It successfully traps the heat to give us superior protection in the most difficult of conditions. This is what marks the Arctix as extremely reliable and has, over the years, become a favorite among skiers.
The multi-layered fabric offers great water-repelling feature as well as provide an extra level of protection for harsh weather conditions. Protection is also provided by the presence of reinforced, sealed seams, reinforcements at the ankles, scuff guards, and the hem. The available adjustability with the suspenders and the elasticized gussets provides us with the bare minimum of functionality.
The presence of zippered pockets and the easy access O-ring secures keys, phone numbers, gloves, and ski tickets.
Factors to consider While choosing the best ski pants for Petites
When Choosing the best ski pants, it is important first to have an idea about what to look for in the pants. There are different models that come in with different functionalities. Those functionalities should be kept in mind.
The other thing that should also be kept in mind while going shopping for our favorite ski pants is the level of comfort that the pants provide. When it comes to different features, there are plenty of those. They work to enhance our experience. They allow us to enjoy the sport that we love to the fullest without having to keep wondering about the frailties of our equipment mindlessly.
In the course of our list, we have detailed different brands having different attributes. There are those with better waterproofing, breathability, and freedom of movement, and most importantly, those that provide superior comfort.
In this section, we will look at those factors and how they should be considered for having the best skiing experience.
1. Breathability and Waterproofing
The breathability of the ski pants is the most important thing that we must consider. It is the breathability that gives us the required cushion of comfort. Now, while considering breathability, it would also be pertinent to talk about waterproofing, as much of both depends on the material and layering of the pants.
It takes a lot of effort whenever we go skiing or snowboarding. This is a consuming sport. That kind of work eventually leads to a lot of sweat.
If not allowed to let go, this sweat could freeze inside the pants, restricting our movements. This is where good quality ski pants with better absorption quality matter. It will be able to evaporate sweat easily, thereby improving our breathability and providing much-needed respite.
When deciding the breathability as well as waterproofing in ski pants, the layers provided can make a great difference. For someone like me, who likes to go on those daring journeys down north, a pant equipped with a 3-layer fabric should do the job. While for those that want simple, lightweight pants that won’t restrict movement can opt for a 2-layer fabric design.
The waterproofing and the breathability of the pant will depend on the technology used in that particular pant. There are ratings that are provided to assess breathability as well as waterproofing.
Those should be looked at while deciding on our next ski pants. The better quality pans that provide better waterproofing will also come expensive. This implies that selecting the ideal ski and snowboard trousers also requires striking the ideal balance between price and performance.
Ski and snowboard trousers are waterproofed in units of thousands. Therefore, a pair of pants certified at 20K is more waterproof than one rated at 10K. For a perfectly tight fit with less breathability, a rating of about 10K would suffice. Whereas for greater sweat evaporation, a much more breathable pant with a rating as high as 20k would be needed.
Types of pants: Softshell or Insulated?
Softshell pants can be a good option if we are looking for freedom of movement. The special weaving on these types of pants allows more breathability while also providing us with thermal insulation and wind resilience.
The insulated pants provide an extra cushion for those resisting those cold winter winds. These pants are stitched using an extra line of synthetic insulation. It provides the necessary safety from those cold gusts of winds.
Ventilation
Apart from breathability, additional ventilation can come really handy. There are various pants that provide ventilation differently. The most common among athletes is the vent opening outside the legs, which provides very good ventilation for a long duration. For beginners alike, vents between the leg would adequately suffice.
Pant Fit
When it comes to skiing, we tend not to focus much on the style and fitting of the pants. We go with naked assertions made by someone else. That should not be done. The fit of our pants is the most personal decision we need to make.
And it can directly result in us being more confident in ourselves. This is more so significant with petite people, who hesitate to find the pants that best fit them. We should be more inquisitive when it comes to the fit of our ski pants.
There are many advantages of selecting a pant that is fitting. For one, it will make our mobility much more pronounced, and two, it will give us much more room to maneuver.
Most pants will have a fit description so that we won’t get surprised by a pair of skinny pants on our doorstep. We can also read user reviews online to find out how a specific pair of ski and snowboard pants might fit our body type.
There are different factors to consider here. If we end up, for example, a pant that is not tight-fitted. It might result in allowing all those cold winds down our bodies. That is not the kind of situation that I want to be in! So, the perfect balance must be attained while selecting the best body fit.
Long Ski Pants
There are different manufacturers that make pants with different dimensions. We should keep an eye on the description while ordering. The dimensions and design of the pants should solely depend on individual discretion.
Some Features of Ski pants
Vents
The vents are provided on most of the ski pants. Their positions may matter. So make them sit on the inside of the thigh; others may have them outside. The primary function of the vent is to let go of the trapped heat. Overheating may occur when we go uphill.
These pants are equipped with zippered vents that allow us to dump out this heat. I would particularly recommend the ones with mesh lining because it provides better breathability and does not soak in sweat easily. They also make it easier to keep out the snow easily.
Cuffs
Snow most likely enters our boots at the point where our pants and boots meet. So we should seek pants with an adjustable inner cuff with durable grippers. To lock the pants down and keep snow out, the cuff can be pulled down to cover the boot.
This cuff should never be worn within the boot; it will be uncomfortable. A hook on the cuff attaches to the laces to hold the cuff in place.
Pockets
These ski pants boast zippered thigh pockets. They come in handy when we are accessing the harness.
Belts and Suspenders
Good ski pants have an elastic or velcro removable belt that helps us get the perfect fit. Suspenders, on the other hand, are very common. They help in holding the pants in a perfect position.
Conclusion
By now, we have understood the importance of good ski pants. We have also understood almost all the important factors and features that we should look at while buying our next ski pants. In this article, I have put forth some of the best ski pants out there for Petites.
I have also highlighted the models that I find extremely valuable for money. I hope that through this article, I have been of help and have been able to narrow down the search for ski pants to a few.
