Ski trousers for men and women

NORDBLANC ski trousers for men and women, for skiing and snowboarding: with a TERATEX® or DERMIZAX™ membrane, a water column mostly of 20,000-30,000 mm and rated down to -20 °C on NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale.

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How to choose ski trousers for the conditions

On the slopes, ski trousers have a tougher job than the jacket. You sit in them on the chairlift and in the snow, kneel to put on your boots and now and then fall, so the fabric takes more moisture and pressure. That is why almost all NORDBLANC ski trousers have a water column of 20,000 mm or more, and all are rated down to -20 °C on NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale.

The most common choice: a 20,000 mm water column

Most trousers have a water column of 20,000 mm. They include classic trousers with a TERATEX® membrane (marked ELP on the women’s) and close-fitting women’s softshell trousers. Most have taped seams and waterproof zips. They are enough for ordinary skiing, snowfall and a wet chairlift seat.

Snowfall, full days and snowboarding: 30,000 mm

Some trousers have a water column of 30,000 mm and breathability of 30,000 g/m²/24 h. These are mainly trousers with a DERMIZAX™ membrane and TERATEX® 30000, mostly men’s. All have detachable braces and inner snow gaiters with anti-slip grip, and almost all also have taped seams and waterproof zips. This group includes trousers labelled as both ski and snowboard trousers: on a snowboard you sit and kneel more, so a higher water column pays off.

Close-fitting softshell trousers

Women’s softshell ski trousers have a Slim fit and a stretchy fabric containing elastane, a water column of 20,000 mm, waterproof zips and an adjustable belt instead of braces. They have neither taped seams nor inner snow gaiters with anti-slip grip, so they suit active skiing and spring skiing better than wet snow.

Fine weather only: 8,000-15,000 mm

Only a few models have a water column of 8,000-15,000 mm. According to the features listed on the product pages, they have neither taped seams nor waterproof zips, so choose them only for skiing in fine weather.

Men’s and women’s ski trousers: how they differ

Fit - all men’s trousers have a Regular fit, and so do most women’s; the close-fitting Slim fit is found on women’s softshell models.
Braces - all men’s trousers and most women’s have detachable braces.
Water column - most men’s trousers have 30,000 mm, most women’s 20,000 mm.
Membrane - men’s have DERMIZAX™ and TERATEX® (including 30000), women’s TERATEX® marked ELP; only a small share of the women’s have DERMIZAX™.
Sizes - men’s trousers mostly come in S-XXXL, women’s in 34-44.

How to read ski trousers’ specifications

Water column (mm) - how much water pressure the fabric withstands before it lets water through; on trousers, a wet seat and kneeling in the snow put pressure on it. NORDBLANC ski trousers have 8,000-30,000 mm, most often 20,000 mm, and with TERATEX® you can tell it from the number in the name.
Breathability (g/m²/24 h) - how much water vapour from sweat the fabric lets through. Almost all the trousers have 15,000-30,000 g.
Warmth - you do not need to choose by it: all NORDBLANC ski trousers are rated down to -20 °C on NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale. How warm you feel then depends on wind, damp, your pace and your base layer.
Insulation - most trousers have FURTHERM insulation made of hollow polyester fibre.
Taped seams and waterproof zips - seams sealed with tape and zips with a watertight layer protect the places where water most often gets through; about 8 in 10 trousers in the range have them.
Inner snow gaiters and hem zips - the inner snow gaiters (double trouser legs) with anti-slip grip pull over the ski boot and keep snow out; almost all trousers have them. A zip in the bottom hem makes it easier to pull the leg over the boot, and most models have one.
Braces and waist - most trousers have detachable braces; the rest have an adjustable belt or an elastic waist.

Technologies and materials

FURTHERM®

Breathable thermal insulation fill. Keeps the body warm and comfortable. In extreme weather conditions it accumulates body heat and releases it back later, helping to maintain the required body temperature. It guarantees comfort and convenience in all activities.

TERATEX® 20000ELP Membrane Core

ELP-marked membranes are specifically optimized for female needs of temperature regulation. Perfect membrane fabric excels in extreme level of waterproofing and breathability. The uncompromising features of the material and durable water repellency protect easily against extreme weather conditions. The intelligent breathability feature offers comfortable heat circulation in any weather. The product made of this fabric is designed for very demanding outdoor activities and all extreme sports activities.

DERMIZAX ®

Dermizax™ is the original Japanese waterproof and breathable fabric technology from Toray and uses decades of experience to manage every part of the construction process. Dermizax™ is a fabric with a highly sophisticated and technical membrane that achieves the highest level of waterproofness, breathability and resistance to condensation. The fabric is stretchable, adaptable and flexible. This makes it ideal for sporting activities that take place in extreme environmental conditions, such as mountain climbing, trail running and winter sports. Whatever sport you choose, Dermizax™ can adapt and protect you from the worst that nature can throw at it while you remain comfortable and in control.

TERATEX® 20000 Membrane Core

Perfect membrane fabric excels in an extreme level of waterproofing and breathability. The uncompromising features of the material and durable water repellency protect easily against extreme weather conditions. The intelligent breathability feature offers comfortable heat circulation in any weather. The product made of this fabric is designed for very demanding outdoor activities and all extreme sports activities.

SOFTSHIELD®

SOFTSHIELD® is a soft, flexible material perfectly suited to outdoor activities thanks to its properties and elasticity. You’ll love its reliable water resistance, breathability, and exceptional wind resistance.

Frequently asked questions

Are ski trousers insulated, and what temperatures are they good for?

Yes, most NORDBLANC ski trousers are insulated with FURTHERM made of hollow polyester fibre, which keeps its warmth even when damp; softshell models list no insulation. All of them are rated down to -20 °C on NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale. The scale is for comparing models; how warm you actually feel depends on wind, damp and waiting for the lift, so wear a technical base layer under the trousers.

How do I choose the size and length of ski trousers?

Measure your waist, hips and inside leg and compare them with the size chart on the product page, which almost every model has. Men’s trousers mostly come in S-XXXL, women’s in 34-44. Allow for a base layer under the trousers; when you stand, the leg should reach the ski boot, and when you lean forward it must not ride up. The fit is mostly Regular; the close-fitting Slim fit is found on women’s softshell trousers.

What is the difference between men’s and women’s NORDBLANC ski trousers?

Mainly in fit, braces and water column. All men’s trousers have a Regular fit and detachable braces, and most have a water column of 30,000 mm. Women’s trousers mostly have 20,000 mm, most of them have braces, and there are also close-fitting softshell trousers in a Slim fit. Sizes are mostly S-XXXL for men and 34-44 for women; all are rated down to -20 °C (NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale).

How do I wash and reproof ski trousers?

The washing temperature is on the care label. Use a liquid detergent for technical fabrics, without fabric softener, which reduces the breathability of the fabric, close the zips and detach the braces. Dry the trousers laid out on a drying rack, not on a radiator. When the fabric stops repelling water and soaks it up instead of letting it bead, restore the water-repellent finish with a spray-on or wash-in reproofer.