Wed been waiting for the zones to open after a 2-day storm. Gold Hill, Revelation Bowl, and now, Black Iron Bowl. It didnt take long for skiers to carve mesmerizing tracks into each untouched slope. So, as soon as we spotted hikers on the ridge below Palmyra Peak, we hopped on Lift 12.

　　Unclipping our gear at the top, we booted along the boundary line, looking for the freshest, deepest section. I watched a skier launch, land, catch an edge, and go boots over helmet. I was glad to be wearing a powder-capable kit, the Stio Environ Womens Ski Bibs and jacket, as I dropped in.

　　The popular kit has a traditional style with hints of feminine articulation, so its not boxy. Stio made the bibs with durable, wind-blocking fabric that kept me protected on lift rides without overheating during in-bounds hikes. Even though the bib was low-cut, it still protected my base layers when I got tossed around in the pow — like the guy I’d just watched.

　　In short: The low-rise Stio Environ Womens Ski Bibs ($459) ditches the skintight Euro-fit and offers a tailored but roomier upper half. The breathable upper doesnt hug the body and offers enough room for a midlayer. The fabric is durable, wind-blocking, fairly soft to the hand, and withstands long days in the elements. A range of mindful details includes softly lined hand pockets, three zippered entrances, and tenacious kick patches. Theres a reason the Environ remains a fan favorite.

　　Compare the Stio Environ with the best womens ski bibs here.

　　Stio Womens Environ Bib Check Price at evo

　　7.5 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 681 g Fabric: 3-layer PeakProof with 100% recycled polyester, 150-denier face fabric Insulation: No Pockets: 3 RECCO: No Fit: Roomier than a trim design for athletic performance but still has a feminine tailor Sizes: XS-XXL; short, regular, long inseam Cuffs: Kickpatch is made of 420-denier Cordura Dobby plus a DWR finish Waterproof: Yes, with 20,000mm waterproofness, 10,000g breathability, PFAS-free DWR Climate: Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions Pros Softly lined hand pockets Durable, beefy zippers on exterior leg vents Articulated cut Front and side zipper entry Cons Another thigh pocket could be a bonus Bib straps arent the easiest to pull on via the side entry Lower zip pulls on leg vents are easily blocked by firm interior liner — double-check theyre closed Morgan Tilton

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Stio Environ Womens Ski Bibs: Testing Conditions Based in Southwest Colorado, I tested these womens ski bibs while snowboarding at Telluride Ski Resort. These extended pants easily withstood blizzard conditions with high gusts, low temps, and snowfall. I also found them comfortable for warmer days above freezing with a mix of clouds and sunshine.

　　Beyond the ski resort, I wore them on commutes. I also pulled them on while managing the snow in Crested Butte, Colo., shoveling and riding my cruiser around town.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Unique Low-Rise, Regular Fit Some of the low-rise snow bibs Ive tested take tight-fitting notes from trends in Europe. While that style suits the right rider and application (like racing and workouts), I usually wear — and prefer — a slightly looser feel and more adaptable cut around my waist. So, I appreciate the degree of roominess in the Stio Environ Womens Ski Bibs.

　　The design is durable, comfortable, and low-cut without saran-wrapping my ribcage.

　　Instead of climbing above the chest, this mini-bib cut keeps things low-profile with a regular fit thats not too baggy or boxy, nor tight. The wide elastic suspenders cross against the upper back and are easy to adjust with the sliders. But when I used the side zipper entrance, I often tangled up the straps.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Like the upper, the legs are not tight-fitting, either. They have a regular fit with slight articulation at the knees. The hem flares wide enough to easily slide over snowboard boots with a BOA closure system.

　　The internal gaiters also have a wide, grippy band (and no metal hook) that keeps snow out. They easily fold up to tuck the pant hem while walking to and from the bus.

　　Stio also now offers extended sizes with XS through XXL and a regular, short, or tall inseam option.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Multiple Zipper Entrances A Drop Seat Not many womens ski bibs have options to enter from three angles. Most ski bibs offer one longer side zipper that doubles as a drop seat.

　　The Environ has three zippers placed around the torso — from the front or either side. Both of the side zips also double as a drop seat, depending on which side you prefer to open. The zipper pulls and teeth are burly and easy to operate. I appreciated the additional reinforcement at the closure points. At the top of each size zip is a deep, easy-to-press snap adjacent to a 2-inch by 1-inch patch of Velcro.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) The top of the central zipper also has a snap. That way, the zippers cant slide open unexpectedly when youre ripping through the pow fields or glades.

　　Theres one snag I noticed: Each side zipper has two sliders or pulls. When I tried to close the smaller, lowermost pull, it would get stuck at the bottom of the track. Inside the pant leg, the edge of a rigid internal liner was perpendicular to the zipper, causing a hang-up. The zipper would feel like it was shutting, but was actually getting caught. When I wanted to close the vents, I needed to visually inspect the zipper pull to make sure it was actually snug at the end of the teeth.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Stormproof Fabric, Breathable Back Panel Fairly soft to the touch yet enduring, these womens ski bibs are made with the same textile thats used throughout the Environ lineup — in the ski pants and ski jacket — which is a key ingredient. Its Stio’s three-layer PeakProof fabric, made from 100% recycled polyester. The textile has a 20K waterproof rating, 10K breathability, and PFAS-free DWR coating.

　　Thats why these bibs performed really well while I sat on the ski lift during a snowstorm, from the early morning through close. I stayed dry, and the fabric blocked the wind well. The temps were around and below freezing when I ventured up hike-to terrain in these bibs. I tend to run hot, but I could easily drop the leg vents and didnt feel like I was sweating too much in the bib. Also, the fabric had no problem continuing to perform multiple days in a row.

　　I also liked that the fabric easily moves with the body. The material around the upper torso — on the front and against the lower back — is made of a stretch-woven material that breathes very well and doesnt cling or sag.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Several Nice Pockets, Kickpatches In womens ski bibs, I really appreciate softly lined hand pockets like these ones, with buttery fabric on the top and bottom. Theyre also spacious, well-angled, and nicely placed. A third pocket rests on the right thigh, which is large enough to fit a big phone. That pocket is not lined with soft fabric, but it has an internal hang loop for clipping keys.

　　The bottom of each leg has robust kick patches — 7.5 in by 5.5 in — that are made of a 420-denier Cordura Dobby blend and topped with a DWR finish. But the fabric is foldable and can fit inside the rolled-up boot gaiters.

　　With a unique approach, these gaiters have a wide elastic band with ample inlaid grip. Theres a border on the top and bottom, and in the center, a large-lettered motto: Let The Outside In. Theres no metal hook, either, so you dont need to worry about scratches on your hand or boot.

　　At the end of the day, I also liked being able to easily hang up the bibs using the wide hang loop inside the waistband.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Critiques: Womens Ski Bibs The bibs three included pockets were adequate for resort days and commutes. Stio could consider adding another thigh pocket, but when you opt for a low-rise bib, youre usually giving up real estate for pockets.

　　The only issue I really noticed is what I noted above, about the lower zipper pulls on each side having a tendency to get halted by a dense internal liner. They required extra attention to fully shut.

　　Other higher-reaching bibs with more pocket space, if thats your preference, include options like the backcountry-ready Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib and resort-shreddy Trew Chariot Bib Primo.

　　(Photo/Eric Phillips) Stio Environ Womens Ski Bibs: Who Theyre For Not every rider needs loads of pockets or really huge ones. Not every skier wants tight-fitting or trash bag-style bibs, either. The Environ hits a sweet spot when it comes to pockets — there are a few well-designed pouches on these bibs — plus an excellent fit that has a bit of articulation for ease and style.

　　This bib serves a broad range of conditions. The lower-cut torso is malleable and breathable yet offers some warmth on cold days. The lower fabric helps protect you in rough weather conditions and is durable, too.

　　If youre looking for a mid-profile suspender thats windproof, waterproof, and breathable with a regular yet slightly tailored fit, look no further than the Environ.

　　Testing the Stio Womens Environ Bib; (photo/Eric Phillips)

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