Guide to Buying Good Ski Pants or Salopettes.

A nippy bottom sitting on a chairlift is an experience worth avoiding!  A good quality ski pant is a great investment and you don’t have to spend much more to get the performance that will make all the difference. And usually the more you can spend the longer they will last...so look for the following:

Warmth:  Insulated or not – that is the question!  You may prefer to wear a thermal base layer that can be worn on colder days and is easily washed.  A good quality waterproof fabric will keep the cold out, but also provide protection against abrasion – your pants get more abuse than other clothing - getting on and off lifts, sitting down on the snow, etc.  Better quality fabrics like Spectrm™, Dermitrax or Goretex will be more hardwearing and last longer.  Check out the Scott Enumclaw Pant or O'Neill Grunge Pants

Dryness:   5000mm is a standard minimum rating.  However for those with more time in contact with the snow – beginner or powderhead - look for 10000mm and above.  For maximum performance the Scott Goretex Unltd Pant

Breathability: As well as keeping the wetness out, you don’t want to keep it in either!  Consider 8000grs as a good standard.  Many pants also have leg vents which you can unzip to cool down.  Loving the Scott Academy Pants especially with 40% off RRP! 

Style: Loose, regular or slim fit.  Just down to personal taste!  Scott Omak - for a relaxed fit (and only £55!) and O'Neill Slimfit Concrete Pant

Brand:  Obscure cheap brands just won’t last or perform and you’ll probably need to purchase again for your next trip…so false economy.  Don’t put fashion before function!  

Colour: oh the debate on this! You can go for grey or black with a bright jacket, or bright pants with a muted jacket (especially if you wear your jacket away from the slopes too).  You can wear bright pants with bright jackets - can look very cool - but never wear dark jacket with dark pants...dull dull dull!