Which ski trousers suit the way you ski?
On the chairlift at 9 a.m., wind gets under your jacket and your thighs feel the cold first. For piste skiing, the SNOW PANT is a warm softshell: WARM insulation on the men's model, articulated knees that flex with you, snow gaiters that tuck into your boots, and zipped pockets for your lift pass and phone. For piste skiing in cold weather, start with the SNOW PANT. It weighs 600 g for men (size M) and 510 g for women (size S).
For freeriding, the women's CARROZ adds CimaTherm insulation, a 20,000 mm membrane and removable braces. For ski touring, the men's BORNAND (530 g in size M) has side vents to release heat; its zipped lower legs fit over ski boots, and its Kevlar® reinforcements withstand knocks from ski edges.
Ski touring and mountaineering: braces and bib overalls
On a skinning ascent, trouser waistbands can slip, exposing your lower back with every kick turn. The PITON stays in place with Velcro-adjustable braces that work with a harness. Two side ventilation zips release heat on the climb, while reinforcements protect the lower legs from ski edges and crampons.
The ADVANCED is a bib overall: it covers you from chest to ankle, with no waistband to press against you under a climbing harness. For high-altitude routes exposed to wind and snow, choose the ADVANCED : 20,000 mm Ultrashell membrane, taped seams, 565 g for men (size M) and 485 g for women (size S). You'll find other models for the ascent in our ski touring trousers.
Waterproofing, breathability and wind protection: the figures behind ski trousers
Compare these figures:
- Membrane: 10,000 mm for the SNOW PANT and PITON; 20,000 mm for the CARROZ and ADVANCED.
- Breathability: 10,000 g/m²/24 h for the softshells, 20,000 for the CARROZ and 80,000 for the ADVANCED.
- Seams: taped and therefore watertight on the ADVANCED.
- Wind: these four models block winds of 60 to 90 km/h.
A softshell is warm and water-repellent: it sheds snow while letting perspiration escape. For waterproof protection right down to the seams, choose the ADVANCED. The water-repellent BORNAND blocks sustained winds of 40 to 60 km/h and releases heat during activity.
What size ski trousers should you choose?
Sizing advice varies by model. The men's SNOW PANT runs slightly small: if you're between sizes, choose the larger one. The women's SNOW PANT runs small, so size up; the CARROZ runs large, so size down. Take your usual size in the men's ADVANCED and the BORNAND. Check the recommended size for your model before ordering.
The SHORT versions have shorter legs, with no hemming needed: the men’s SNOW PANT SHORT for skiers under 172 cm tall, and the women’s SNOW PANT SHORT for skiers under 162 cm tall. In extreme cold, add thermal leggings as a base layer: our thermal base layers fit under your trousers. You'll also find these models in our men's ski trousers and our women’s ski trousers.
Safety, cross-country skiing and travel: complete your kit
In an avalanche, a RECCO® rescue reflector helps rescuers locate you. The PITON and ADVANCED are equipped with one, while the CARROZ and men's SNOW PANT have an integrated passive rescue reflector. The reflector complements your avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe; it does not replace them : wear your avalanche transceiver on your body, and pack your shovel and probe in one of our ski backpacks.
For cross-country skiing and Nordic walking, the men's BERGEN PANT weighs 345 g (size M). Windproof, water-repellent and stretchy, it lets you move freely. See also our cross-country skiing trousers. The softshell QUEBEC is suited to snowshoeing and travel in cold countries. All Cimalp clothing comes with the lifetime repairs. To complete the outfit, add a ski jacket and ski socks. The guide How to choose ski trousers goes through the criteria one by one.
