Collection: Ski Bibs

Insulated and Shell Ski Bibs

Ski bibs are ski pants with a high chest panel and shoulder straps, also called bib ski pants or ski overalls. The extra height closes the gap between jacket and pants, so snow stays out during falls, sit-downs, and deep powder turns, and there is no waistband to press under a pack belt. Outdoor Research bibs come in two builds, insulated and shell, for skiing and snowboarding in men’s and women’s fits, with women’s Plus sizing in select styles.

Insulated ski bibs

Insulated ski bibs carry a layer of insulation mapped to the core, where warmth matters most on cold chairlifts and windy ridgelines. Worn over a base layer, they are built for full resort days, and a smooth lining slides easily over the layers underneath. Reinforced scuff guards at the cuffs stand up to ski edges and boot wear. Insulated bibs suit skiers and riders who run cold, ski mostly lift-served terrain, or spend time sitting in the snow.

Shell and GORE-TEX bibs

Shell bibs carry no insulation, so warmth comes from the layers underneath and the bibs stay light and breathable. 3-layer shells bond the membrane, face fabric, and lining into one durable fabric for storm days and big terrain, and GORE-TEX 3L bibs add windproof, breathable protection for freeride days in deep snow. Shell bibs suit people who run warm, ski in changing conditions, or want one pair for both the resort and the backcountry. Each product page states whether a style is waterproof or weather-resistant.

Bib features for resort and backcountry days

A few features separate a bib built for the resort from one built for touring:

• Side zips or thigh vents release heat on the skin track and on warm spring afternoons.
• An avalanche beacon pocket keeps the transceiver secure and close to the body in backcountry terrain.
• A drop seat or rear hatch makes bathroom breaks quicker without taking off a jacket.
• Stretch suspenders move with the body through climbs, kick turns, and deep snow.

Backcountry skiers get the most from venting and a beacon pocket. The drop seat and stretch suspenders make any long day easier, at the resort or on a tour.

Shop by fit in Men’s Ski and Snow Bibs and Women’s Ski and Snow Bibs. To compare bibs with standard pants, see the full Snow Pants collection.

FAQs

Who should wear ski bibs?

Anyone who spends time in deep snow. Powder skiers and snowboarders get the most from bibs, since the high chest panel keeps snow out during falls and when sitting down to strap in. Bibs also suit skiers who dislike a waistband under a pack hip belt, and anyone who wants extra warmth through the core on cold days. Skiers who stay on groomed runs in mild weather often find standard pants simpler.

How do you layer with ski bibs?

Wear the bibs over a base layer top and bottom, then put the midlayer and jacket on over the straps. In that order, the midlayer can come off at lunch or on a climb without unclipping the bibs. On very cold days, a light fleece bottom fits under shell bibs, while insulated bibs usually go over a base layer alone.

Are bibs good for backcountry skiing?

Yes, and many backcountry skiers prefer them. Bibs have no waistband to sit under a pack hip belt or harness, they keep snow out when breaking trail, and many touring bibs include an avalanche beacon pocket. For touring, choose an uninsulated shell bib with side zips or thigh vents to release heat on the climb.

Can you wear ski bibs without a jacket?

Yes, on warm spring days. With a base layer or light midlayer on top, the bib covers the chest, so many skiers leave the jacket in the car or the pack once temperatures rise. Keep a jacket within reach for wind on the chairlift or a change in the weather.