5 Best Ski Pants for Petites

Skiers come in all shapes and sizes, and if you are smaller or bigger than average, it can be difficult to find winter clothing that fits. Luckily, there are some good options for petites, and this post will explore the best of them.

I’ve been on the slopes for most of my life and have used a wide range of equipment and clothing over the years. I know what to look for in high-quality ski pants and understand what models are best for smaller skiers. 

The North Face Sally is my pick for the best ski pants for petites. These come in several smaller sizes while also providing everything you want and need in comfort, performance, and warmth on the mountain.

In this post, I’ll provide you with several other great options for smaller skiers. My goal is to get you set up with something that will fit properly and provide you with all the essential traits the make high-quality ski pants. 

Let’s get started.

Who Should Get This

Every female skier should invest in a good pair of pants. Staying warm on the slopes is vital, especially for more hazardous or long runs. And if you’re in the petite category, getting a good fit can be challenging. Luckily, all the options here come in small sizes. 

Ski pants are great for any winter situation, but they are particularly useful for female skiers who spend a lot of time in the elements. 

The more exposure you have to the cold, the more you’ll need protective clothing. In that same vein, skiers who frequently brave harsh weather should look into sturdy options as well.

Best Ski Pants for Petites: Top Picks

Here are my picks for the best ski pants for petites. All of the models you see below are available in a range of smaller sizes that will work well for smaller skiers. 

1. North Face Sally

  • Best for: Overall
  • Key features: Petite sizes available, comfortable, warm, boot gaiters 
  • Waterproofing: DryVent
  • Insulation: Heatseeker Eco
  • Cost: $$$

The North Face Sally comes in at the top of the list for petite ski pants. These are available in extra small and extra small short sizes and should fit just about everyone. 

They also have very strong and durable construction that will last for many seasons of regular use. A DryVent shell provides plenty of waterproofing and windproofing as well. 

Heatseeker Eco insulation keeps you warm in the snow, and it’s made from recycled material for an earth-friendly approach. 

Boot gaiters and reinforced edges guards help add strength where you need it for effective performance in any situation. 

I don’t have many negative remarks for the Sally, and this is a solid pair of ski pants. 

==> You can also get it on The North Face or DICK’S Sporting Goods or Zappos.

2. Arctix Insulated Snow Pants

  • Best for: Warmth
  • Key features: Warm, small sizes available, waterproof, comfortable, many color options
  • Waterproofing: Thermalock coating
  • Insulation: 85 grams Thermatech
  • Cost: $$ 

If you are looking for a warm and petite option, the Arctix Insulated Snow Pants come highly recommended. 

This option is stuffed with 85 grams of Thermatech insulation to keep you warm while you ski and will block out drafts on even sub-zero days. 

They also come with a Thermalock coating that provides added wind and waterproofing capabilities. 

A wide range of smaller sizes makes these an excellent choice for tiny skiers, but they have about every size imaginable. They come in many colorways as well. 

These aren’t the most durable option, so they aren’t necessarily a solid backcountry choice. 

==> You can also get it on Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops or Eastern Mountain Sports.

3. Columbia Bugaboo

  • Best for: Comfort
  • Key features: Very comfortable, breathable, good wind and water resistance, OmniHeat tech
  • Waterproofing: OminHeat shell
  • Insulation: Synthetic 
  • Cost: $$

The Columbia Bugaboo is worth checking out if you want an extremely comfortable option available in sizes down to extra small. 

These pants are built with OmniHeat technology that uses your body heat and reflective materials to keep you warm and dry. 

They also have an ergonomic fit that is ideal for smaller skiers looking to find an option that hugs the body.

I wish the Bugaboo were available in some more color options, but other than that, they are a solid choice.  

==> You can also get it on Columbia Sportswear or Sun & Ski Sports or Moosejaw.

4. Helly Hansen Women’s Legendary 

  • Best for: Durability 
  • Key features: Strong and durable, insulated, comfortable, many color options
  • Waterproofing: Helly Tech 
  • Insulation: 60 grams PrimaLoft
  • Cost: $$$

The Helly Hansen Women’s Legendary ski pants (review) are a super strong and durable option that can take a beating and keep on rolling. 

This model is also available in smaller sizes, making it a good option for petite skiers who like to go hard on the mountain. 

Sixty grams of PrimaLoft insulation will keep you warm and comfortable, while Helly Tech performance waterproofing will keep you dry. 

The downside to getting such a reliable pair of pants is their cost. This is the most expensive option on the list. 

==> You can also get it on Helly Hansen or Backcountry or Buckman.

5. Free Soldier Women’s Ski Pants 

  • Best for: Budget Option
  • Key features: Affordable, warm, comfortable, runs small, waterproof
  • Waterproofing: PU coating
  • Insulation: 100 grams polyester
  • Cost: $

A great budget option for petites is the Free Soldier Women’s Ski Pants. These come in at a very low price while still giving you decent performance in cold weather. 

They run small and are available in smaller sizes, making them ideal for petite skiers who want to save money. 

A PU coating gives the pants pretty good waterproofing capabilities, and 100 grams of polyester insulation is meant to keep you warm as you ski. 

This isn’t a very durable option, and that’s a tradeoff you make with a budget pick. 

Best Ski Pants for Petites: What to Consider

Here are some essential things to consider when shopping around for the best ski pants for petites. 

Size

Smaller skiers can struggle to find ski pants that fit. All of the models listed here come in sizes going all the way down to extra-small, and some have extra-small short options. This is what you want to look for if you are a petite skier. 

If you get an option that is too big, there’s a good chance that the ends of the legs will sit over your boots. This can cause problems when you ski and also make the pants wear out a lot faster. 

Strength

Solid construction is a must-have for all ski pants. Skiing is an extreme activity that exposes you to snow, ice, cold, and sleet. Flimsy pants cannot stand up to such conditions. 

You need to get a pair that protects your legs on two different levels. You want quality materials that will actively repel water and snow, but you also need something that can last a long time.

Comfort

At the end of the day, your pants must be comfortable. That not only means they need to keep you warm in all conditions, but they also need to fit well. 

Plush lining is essential, as is good insulation. Hand warming pockets also help you fight the frost. However, make sure the pants sit nicely on your body too. There is nothing worse than getting a pair that is too loose or too tight.

Appearance

Once you cover the essential features, analyze the way your pants look. Though many skiers ignore the appearance of their snow apparel, others want to ski in style.

Pants are clothing items, and many companies offer a range of different colors and patterns to choose from. Some skiers prefer bright or flashy clothing, while others may search for something a bit more subdued. Don’t be afraid to match your style.

Useful Tips & Resources

Ski pants are an essential item for every skier, no matter what your size is. And since they can be expensive, it’s always a good idea to take care of your investments to the best of your ability. 

You don’t want to wash snow pants too often because this can ruin their water and windproofing capabilities. You also might want to use a special waterproofing additive to the detergent. Check out these tips on how to properly wash ski pants.

Your ski pants might also rip or tear when you are skiing. While a small hole might not seem like that big of a deal, it’s good to get it repaired, so you don’t ruin your pants. Check out the video below to learn how to patch Gore-Tex and other waterproof materials. 

Final Verdict

The North Face Sally gets my pick for the best ski pants for petites of the year. This is a great model from a very well-known brand that is available in many small sizes. They are also super comfortable and durable, making them a great value overall. 

Every option you see here is available in small sizes that will fit petite skiers well. If you have ever struggled to find ski pants that fit correctly, all of the models in this post will provide you with a solid solution to that problem.

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  • Daniela Rojas

    Thank you so much for this review. It has been so hard for me to find the appropriate length in snow pants!

    Reply
    • Christine

      Hey Daniela!

      Happy to hear this post helped you out. Finding the proper gear is always important and sometimes it can be a struggle. Cheers to a good winter!

      Reply