Whether you're a dedicated skier or a casual one, it's essential to kit yourself out properly to hit the slopes. Jeans or everyday trousers are simply not suited to effective sport performance.
You may feel overwhelmed by the choice when selecting your next pair of ski trousers. View our selection guide to find out which criteria and parameters to look out for in your next purchase.
Choosing your ski trousers based on materials
Your ski trousers are primarily designed to protect you from the cold and moisture of the snow. But they must also allow you to move freely and comfortably without any restriction.
That's why it is essential to choose a material that is warm, waterproof, breathable, durable and flexible all at once. To achieve this, ski clothing specialists have developed highly effective technologies that vary between manufacturers and brands. Most often, Softshell fabrics with a fleece lining (for cosy warmth) are used. Their particular advantage is being highly breathable — a definite plus for wicking away perspiration during hours on the slopes.
What level of waterproofing do you need to stay dry?
The waterproofing of ski trousers is determined by their Schmerber rating, which measures the fabric's resistance to a column of water expressed in millimetres.
- Below 5,000 mm: Limited protection, suited to dry or mildly damp conditions.
- Between 5,000 and 10,000 mm: Good protection against snow and moderate moisture — ideal for occasional skiers.
- From 10,000 mm upwards: Excellent waterproofing to handle tough conditions (snow, rain, wind).
For intensive use and optimal protection, trousers with a waterproofing rating of 10,000 mm are recommended. Some technical models can reach 20,000 mm, offering exceptional resistance to the harshest conditions.
Bear in mind that Softshell fabrics cannot be seam-sealed. Water may therefore seep in slightly through the seams, but snow cannot. They are therefore an excellent option for skiing, combining warmth and waterproofing.
Key features to look for based on your discipline
Each skiing discipline has specific equipment requirements. Your choice of trousers must match your activity to guarantee comfort and performance.
Alpine skiing: prioritise thermal insulation and protection
Alpine skiing is often practised on groomed pistes, with temperatures that can be very low, especially at altitude. For optimal cold protection, choose ski trousers that are well insulated with a windproof and waterproof membrane. Ideally, opt for a model with a fleece lining that provides good thermal insulation while remaining breathable. Also consider reinforcements at the lower leg to protect the fabric from friction with ski boots.
Ski touring: lightness and breathability first
Ski touring is a demanding discipline that requires intense physical effort on the ascent. It is therefore essential to choose trousers that are lightweight, stretchy and breathable to effectively wick away perspiration. A model with side ventilation zips is recommended for better regulation of body temperature. Opt for softshell fabrics with good water repellency and a windproof membrane, rather than heavily insulated trousers that risk overheating you during exertion.
Cross-country skiing: maximum freedom of movement
Cross-country skiing is an endurance sport that places enormous demands on the lower body. Your trousers must therefore be highly stretchy and breathable to guarantee optimal comfort. Models in softshell fabric with a windproof face at the front and a more breathable face at the back are ideal for this discipline. It is also preferable to opt for close-fitting trousers or thermal tights to avoid restricting your movement.
To find out more, check out our tips for getting started with cross-country skiing.
Freeride skiing: waterproofing and durability first
Freeride is practised off-piste, often in tough conditions with deep snow and variable weather. For optimal protection, go for trousers with a waterproof and breathable membrane and an abrasion-resistant fabric. A 3-layer trouser with sealed seams and integrated gaiters will be perfect for tackling powder snow and extreme conditions.
Choosing the right size of ski trousers
When it comes to sport, getting the right size is crucial. Too tight and you won't be comfortable — breathing is restricted and movement is limited. Too loose and you'll constantly be adjusting your trousers and suffer significant heat loss, or even moisture ingress. Your ski trousers should feel like they're not even there when you're on the mountain.
As a general rule, go for a size slightly larger than your usual trouser size and, above all, choose trousers with an adjustable waistband. Ideally, go for an open waistband with velcro: it allows for easy, quick and secure adjustment.
Style and colour
Treat yourself! The days of sport trousers being inevitably ugly and badly cut are long gone. Today, manufacturers worth their salt pay close attention to the style and cut of their garments. Without going full fashionista, it's important to feel good and project a positive image of yourself.
And don't be afraid to stand out: we spend far too much time in grey skies not to treat ourselves to a colour that pops against a snowy backdrop. It's also a great way to be seen and stay safe!
Other parameters and accessories not to overlook
There are of course many construction details today that can make a real difference in day-to-day use. Below, we'll highlight those we consider essential — the ones that should guide your choices. Then it's up to you to decide based on your own preferences and priorities!
- Reinforcements: it will come as no surprise that when you ski, you fall sooner or later! So don't hesitate to choose trousers with reinforcements in strategic areas. Many models today incorporate padding at the seat, the shins and pre-shaped knees. It's a definite plus and will also ensure the longevity of your trousers by making them more durable.
- Pockets: obviously, go for zipped pockets… this will stop you losing valuables in the powder! And it's always useful to have a few extra pockets. Make sure you choose a garment that is generously equipped with them.
- Waterproof gaiters: gaiters provide an optimal seal at the bottom of your trousers and prevent moisture from creeping up. This is not a detail to overlook — there is nothing worse than ending up with damp calves or wet feet after an hour or two of skiing.
- Ventilation: some trousers, designed more for intense skiing in fine weather, feature vents that optimise the breathability of your garment. Depending on your style of skiing, this can be an interesting option worth considering.
- Safety beacons: some manufacturers now equip their garments with safety beacons to make locating someone easier in an emergency. These small additions are always extremely useful in a distress situation — and their cost is modest relative to the service they provide!
Caring for your ski trousers to extend their lifespan
Proper care is essential to preserve the performance of your ski trousers season after season. Here are a few practical tips:
Before washing
- Empty all pockets and fasten zips, velcro and buttons.
- Shake the trousers to remove any accumulated snow, mud or debris.
Washing
- Use a specialist waterproof membrane detergent and absolutely avoid fabric softener, which deteriorates the breathability of the fabric.
- Use a synthetic cycle at 30°C with a gentle spin.
- If your trousers are heavily stained, carry out a pre-soak with a mild soap.
Drying
- Avoid the tumble dryer, which can damage the technical membrane.
- Hang your trousers on a hanger and leave them to dry in the open air, away from direct heat sources such as radiators or direct sunlight.
Re-waterproofing
- After several washes, the fabric's water repellency may diminish. To restore it, use a specific waterproofing spray.
- Spray the product over the entire surface of the trousers and leave to air dry, or tumble dry on a low heat setting if the care label permits.
Repair
For small tears or abrasion damage, a waterproof and durable repair patch can be used — ideal for extending the life of your equipment.
Finally, calibrate your budget according to your level of use. You wouldn't buy the same ski trousers for a relaxed week on the slopes once a year as you would for skiing every weekend for four months at full intensity. There are now very wide ranges available, suited to all uses and meeting a variety of needs. You'll find a clear illustration of this with CimAlp, which offers an extensive selection of ski trousers — all meeting the essential criteria we've outlined here.
