About this deal
Often, the terms salopettes and ski pants are used interchangeably, leading us all to believe that they are either one type of trouser or do exactly the same thing. They both certainly offer similar protection for skiing; however, they are designed slightly differently.
A common feature of salopettes is snow gaiters, which are a fabric guard fitted at the bottom of the pants near the leg opening, designed to prevent snow from entering any gaps in your gear, thus keeping you snowproof and dry. Snow gaiters usually come with zips, poppers or adjustable strapattachments to adjust the fit and provide enough wiggle room for them to fit around your boots and salopettes. How Should Ski Pants Fit? In short, the answer is: yes, ski trousers are waterproof, often boasting taped seams to ensure full weatherproof protection. Snow pants are generally designed without padding, but with a three-layered fabric with a tough outer, waterproof middle and insulated lining. They are designed to be worn in conjunction with an extra thermal base layer or two and won’t provide the same warmth on their own. What snow pants do offer is a baggier fit for an extra level of flexibility to keep you moving comfortably on your board. For the waist size, we would say that you should be moving one size up for your ski pants compared to your usual trousers. This is to ensure that they are not too tightly-fitted so as to not hinder your mobility or comfort. Bear in mind you’ll have extra layers on too, so it’s best to try with the thermal layersyou plan to be wearing for your trip.
Ski Wear
Look for both waterproof protection and high breathability in your salopettes. You need windproofing features too, which will stop sudden gusts from piercing through the trousers and taped seams that prevent moisture from leaking into the stitches between panels. As we’ve pointed out previously, snow pants for snowboarders can be – and often are – baggier than their ski counterparts. How Long Should Ski Pants Be?
A pair of salopettes should fit slightly loose as you will need room for items to wear under them. These items are namely base layers – otherwise known as long johns or thermal trousers. As with the rest of your ski gear, the style of salopettesyou need heavily depends on the conditions you find yourself in. You’ll be looking for extreme cold protection plus defence against wind and moisture. Depending on where you are and the weather, you may want to opt for one ski trousers style over another. Ski pants, as mentioned previously, will generally be insulated against the cold and have a comfortable, roomy fit. You’ll find it easy to be out in the cold in these with their effective padding and insulation systems, and they are also designed to accommodate the necessary range of movement for skiing. Ski pants largely come in hardshell variations, with an impermeable membrane as an outer layer that removes snow and moisture. Ski pants can be used for snowboarding too and are the most common style of trousers you’ll see on the slopes, with limitless cut, shape and colour options available. When skiing in mid-winter, it’s wise to put on something more substantial under your salopettes. This could be a heavier thermal base layer, or a highly insulating one comprising Merino wool. Fleece, despite offering ample warmth, should be avoided as its coarser texture rubbing against the interior of ski pants causes friction, which is detrimental to your freedom of movement. Opt for a base layer with a smooth, sleek finish. Think About the Climate Breathabilityis just as important for a long day out on the slopes, as there’s no point in having a complete waterproof kit if sweat will simply condense and leave you wet and feeling damp anyway. The breathability feature will allow water vapour to escape; this keeps you cool while working up a sweat and prevents discomfort. Composition and Common Features
Kids Salopettes
Ski trousers are designed differently for women and men to comfortably fit a range of body shapes, with some salopettes boasting many adjustable features, such as braces, to help you find the perfect fit. These help to maximise your flexibility on the slopes, and in turn, enhance your performance. Much of the physicality and impact of skiing or snowboarding is down to the movement of the knees and as a result, you need full mobility that is unhindered by tight clothing or inflexible materials. Articulated knee darts are a simple design addition to allow flexible, free movement that is not normally possible with a regular pair of trousers.