Insulated ski pants aren’t often trying to reinvent the wheel. To that end, the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Snow Pants aim to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable while lapping chairlift rides — and they do a dang good job.
After several days skiing in them at Aspen Mountain (Ajax), including one crisp day in the low 20s Fahrenheit, these pants proved to be as cozy as they are easy to move in. They’re also made with recycled materials and without intentionally added PFAS. This is increasingly important for skiers paying attention to the environmental side of outdoor gear.
In short: The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants ($269) are sturdy, insulated resort pants that prioritize warmth and comfort for days when the weather throws its worst. They run slightly roomy, offer solid weather protection, and are built with Patagonia’s typical focus on recycled materials and responsible manufacturing.
To see how the Powder Town Pants stack up against the competition, check out our buyer’s guide to the Best Ski Pants for Women.
I’d say the Powder Town Pants run slightly large for the stated size; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
I tested the Powder Town pants with long chairlift laps and plenty of downhill skiing; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
Eco-friendly materials that are easier on the planet
Relaxed fit works for athletic body types
Quite warm and toasty for frigid ski days
Cons
Too hot during warm, spring skiing days
Sizing runs a touch large, which can be tricky when online ordering
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants Review
I tested the Powder Town pants with long chairlift laps and plenty of downhill skiing; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
Patagonia has been making ski outerwear for decades, and the brand tends to approach it with a similar philosophy across the board: solid performance, thoughtful sustainability, and designs that favor durability over gimmicks so as to align with the brand ethos.
I tested the pants over multiple days skiing at Ajax and Snowmass Ski Resort, including long chairlift laps, plenty of downhill skiing, and the usual mix of standing around at the base, riding lifts, and occasionally hiking short sections.
Built for Cold Resort Days
The pants feature 60 g of Thermogreen insulation; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
Warmth is the moneymaker for the Powder Town pants. They use 60 g of Thermogreen insulation, Patagonia’s synthetic insulation made entirely from recycled polyester. It’s not overly bulky, but it provides a noticeable layer of warmth that becomes especially apparent when you’re actually skiing.
On a day at Ajax with temperatures hovering in the low 20s Fahrenheit, my legs stayed consistently warm throughout the day. I really noticed how warm my quads felt during descents, and even on the chairlifts. I am forever chilled on chairlifts, but these did a great job of keeping the top of my legs toasty.
Of course, my butt still was cold while seated, but that can’t be helped — it’s just the way insulation works when compressed. But once I started skiing again, the warmth came right back.
Patagonia also includes two mesh-lined thigh vents, one on the outside of each leg. Each vent runs roughly a foot long and does a good job of dumping excess heat when opened. I didn’t use these often, since I only wear insulated snow pants on really cold days. But it’s a nice option to have when things start cooking.
Room to Move, Even With ‘Hockey Quads’
I’d say the Powder Town Pants run slightly large for the stated size; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
I’m 5’5″ and around 145 pounds, and I almost always wear a medium in ski pants. After birthing a child, my hips are wider than they used to be. And after 25 years of strength training, my quads are — according to my knee surgeon — what he calls “hockey quads.” I’m still not entirely sure what that means, but apparently it’s a thing that means “large quads.”
All that said, the medium fit well overall, though I’d describe it as slightly roomy.
Through the hips and thighs, there was actually a bit of extra room, which is unusual for me in ski pants and, honestly, pretty nice. The articulated design also allows the pants to move naturally while skiing, so they never feel restrictive.
At the waist, though, the pants were definitely a little big. I had to really snug down the adjustable waist tabs to dial in the fit, and even then, there was still some wiggle room.
Because of that, I’d say the Powder Town Pants run slightly large for their stated size. If you’re between sizes or on the smaller end of a size range, it may be worth considering sizing down.
Once adjusted, though, the pants were extremely comfortable. The taffeta liner makes them easy to slide on over base layers, and the fabric has enough structure to feel durable without being stiff.
And while this doesn’t affect performance, I loved the bright tangerine color of the pair I tested. I’m never one to wear plain black snow pants, so the pop of color was pretty fun.
The Little Details That Count
Two zippered hand pockets and one zippered thigh pocket provide ample space; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
There are two zippered hand pockets and one zippered thigh pocket on the right leg. All three pockets are quite deep, which is generally great — though it does create one quirk.
The right-hand pocket actually runs behind the thigh pocket. If you put keys in the hand pocket and a phone in the thigh pocket, the two items end up pressing against each other with only a thin liner separating them. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it feels a little strange when you notice it, and especially when you’re bending your knees through a series of bumps or sitting on the chairlift.
The Powder Towns also feature mesh-lined thigh vents, built-in snow gaiters, and reinforced scuff guards along the inside of the legs to protect against ski edges.
Patagonia also built the pants with sustainability in mind. The two-layer H2No shell uses 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, the Thermogreen insulation is recycled, and the fabric, membrane, and DWR finish are made without intentionally added PFAS. The pants are also produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory, meaning workers earned a premium for their labor.
Final Thoughts
These Patagonia pants are warm, comfortable, and breathable; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Snow Pants are warm, comfortable, and easy to ski in. The fit is slightly roomy, the insulation is well-suited to cold resort days, and the feature set covers everything most skiers actually need without overcomplicating things.
If you’re looking for ultra-breathable pants for backcountry touring or high-output skiing, these aren’t the right match. But for long lift days, cold temperatures, and everyday resort skiing, they offer a reliable and comfortable option.
