First time - help me find some trousers

[needabreak5]

I'm a bit overwhelmed on what ski trousers to buy. Can anyone help link to some ones they would recommend? I'm a 12-14 and average height. Comfort is important!

I was looking at these

Water-resistant ski trousers
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1010134001.html

Decathlon ones are quite good for the price

Was just about to recommend Decathlon as well - dd has just bought herself a pair from there. Ideally you need to go and try on a few pairs to find something you’re happy with.

I've always bought mine from TK Maxx. After a couple of poor choices, I would only ever buy something labelled with waterproof and breathability ratings. I would also go for a looser fit so that you can layer up underneath.

Where are you going skiing OP?

The Alps are generally a lot less cold than Tahoe or Whistler. If you are going to the US, I found it better to buy clothes out there. I had taken some borrowed European ski clothes and they weren't nearly warm enough.

Decathlon all the way. Any basic ish bib trousers will be fine. Take some time and then spend more money as and where you see fit.

Skiing gear can be hugely pricey, and I’m sure there’s small performance improvements by spending a thousand dollars on a jacket, but mainly these days you can find great, functional clothing in a lot of places. But yes, Decathlon.

Those don’t look like proper ski trousers. Water resistant won’t be sufficient and they don’t even look insulated. Personally I swear by Roxy Backyard snow pants but they might be more money than you’re willing to spend. Don’t cheap out too much though, if you buy those H&M ones you’ll be miserable. Decathlon is a good bet for value- look for a good level of waterproofing and insulation.

Thanks for the replies, will check decathlon. Not sure how much I'm willing to spend TBH, I don't want to buy cheap just to have to replace them next time as I hate waste, but then again I'm a complete beginner so don't need great functionality! Europe -alps at end of this month!

Actually I’d say a beginner if anything probably needs more functionality as you’ll be moving more slowly so could get cold and most importantly your your arse will be in the snow more 🤣 You want to love it - get good gear! That doesn’t have to mean spending a bomb though, definitely check out Decathlon and TK Maxx often have good deals on ski stuff too.

Can you actually go skiing with restrictions at the moment? I’d double check if I were you. I like Helly Hanson as they are very comfortable - also Salomon is a favourite. But yes decathlon are good too, just go for their upper range rather than the basic one.

If it is a one off ski trip or you only intend to to ski once a year then no need to go crazy buying performance gear. As mentioned already Decathlon do some great stuff, especially base and mid layers. No need to spend a fortune untill you decide to take up the sport regularly.

My one tip would be the trousers having braces. Last thing you want is them being pulled down as you fall...

For your first time got o decathlon / TK max and get something comfortable, you need to be able to squat, lift your legs, have full range of movement really
Also, look for a bit of padding, you will have falls and that padding will make all the difference
And as someone else mentioned good insulation

I've never had trousers fall down without braces, and I have fallen a lot . It also makes having a wee more difficult :s

But I would make sure they're waterproof, insulated, and that they fit properly - make sure you can squat in them and they fit around the waist, and you can fit thermals under them if you need them.

I'd personally go for "proper" ski trousers rather than a fashion brand, although I've never seen the H&M ones. As others have said, Decathlon have a good rep (I've never tried them) plus the usuals like Roxy, Salomon, Helly Hanson etc. Have a look at Sports Pursuit who tend to sell off old season stuff at good prices.

In terms of style, if you are conscious about that, get slim fitting with the flare around the boot. This is a good example of the style (but very expensive!!) - however you would be able to find cheaper versions of this style! The first time I skied in the alps I spent the whole time jealous of people in slimmer ski pants than me and ended up buying new ones so skip that phase and go straight to this look.

fusalp.com/uk/en/fuseau-ski-pants/18048-91514-tipi-iii-ski-fuseau.html#/403-size-34/1090-color-65600_marin

I’m not sure waterproof is really necessary, water resistant is fine. I’ve always worn a thermal under layer and then pants like this on top and never had any issues.

Dare2be, trespass, decathlon, ebay. TK.maxx often have discounted skiwear. Go for waterproof/windproof with zip pockets, detachable straps and ideally inner elasticated cuffs to go over ski boots. Some have short zips on the thigh to allow ventilation in warmer weather.

I’m going to go against the grain here…
I much prefer a shell outer layer (water resistant is fine), fleece leggings (Powerstretch type fabric) and thermal long Johns. Then a similar set of layers on top. Gives a lot of options depending on the weather. In spring in ski in heavy duty walking trousers with a DWR finish (durable water repellant).

I’ve never looked at the H&M adult ski kit, but I really rate their kids’ stuff.

Go go to Go Outdoors. They should have plenty of options to look at.

My kids have had a few H&M ski jackets (to use in the UK) and they have been excellent quality.

I'd go warm. There is a lot of standing around in your first week skiing - waiting for others to have their go. I wore thermal leggings under padded ski trousers.

Trespass are good price and reasonable quality. Most trousers come up quote small on sizes.

The person saying about buying the fashionable great is right in a way....but....if you only ski once a year by year 3 you will be out of fashion anyway. So best buy something you love.

If you don't mind sports direct these would be suitable. The reviews are all based on sizing - they're sized like sports kit so compared to high street clothing come up small. They usually have lots in store at this time of year so might be worth a look.
My teenage daughters are happy with them and they're 'serious' skiers/racers and they also suit me - the incompetent beginner. As a plus they're very cheap!
www.sportsdirect.com/nevica-meribel-ski-pants-womens-404067#colcode=40406703

With fast growing kids we always buy ski stuff second hand from eBay, usually only been worn a week and you can get some great brands for TKmax prices ☺️ then when they've outgrown it I just stick it back on eBay and trade up