I'd like to vent my fashion-frustrations for just one moment. Being 5'10" has it's advantages, yes; I can reach the top shelf in the kitchen cabinets; I can wear flats and not look "stumpy"; I can almost dunk a basketball (extra emphasis on almost :)). But why oh why do I struggle to find pants that are long enough for me?!?! It's been an uphill battle my entire life!
Over the past couple years, designer denim has finally caught on and introduced long lengths in 
smaller sizes, but let me tell you, the ski-world has yet to realize that some women out there in fact need a size small pant with a 34" inseam. After extensive online research and strenuous shopping, I finally found the Mountain Hardwear Women's Illusion ski pants, available in a size small-long! So, my Mom generously ordered them for me as a Christmas gift (a custom-order of course, with a longer shipping time), and they arrived in a large-long (sigh); they were mammoth, and also a tad light-weight for me. So, I decided to shop around a bit on Tuesday; it turned out to be an all-day excursion. I visited Bob Smith's Wilderness House, EMS, REI, The Ski Market, City Sports, The North Face, and Patagonia, and I found nothing! The North face has size long for women, but only in a medium and only in black (also my ski coat is espresso and light blue, a fashion no-no w/ black anyway). I must have tried on a gazillion pairs of ski pants, including men's, and none fit! So, I re-ordered the Mountain Heardwear pants in a small-long, and plan to purchase a pair of super heavy-duty, capilene thermal underwear to go underneath. If the winter-sports God of design is hearing me, please recognize that there are tall & slender women out there who want to be stylish & warm on the slopes!
Hi ladies, just wanted to second Sara's recommendation to look at Athleta ski pants. I am going skiing this weekend and placed a huge order last week with about 6 different styles, just to make sure I found at least one that fit. I just got my box of all different styles this afternoon and they are all long enough!!! This is a first in my life!! The inseams listed as tall on the site say 35", but they were perfect for me. I'm 6' and normally order a 37" inseam in jeans. PLUS, they are having a sale right now, so it's a great time to order. The styles I got are all $75-$150 on sale. Also if you are looking for a long ski jacket, try this one. http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=49994&vid=1&pid=709913. Long torso and ultra long arms. This fits me perfectly.
Hope this helps someone! :)
Posted by: Kristin | February 22, 2010 at 07:27 PM
Hi, I am in he same boat. I can't find any thermal long underwear that is long enough. I am looking for cotton or wool, with a 34" inseam, small size. Can anyone help?
Thanks!
Posted by: Gretchen Eck | February 12, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Definitely the NIls Melissa!! Awesome slim bootcut fit and very long!! I am 5'10" and wear the 2L and they are plenty long and even have extra hem to let out!! Love Them!!!! I got mine at Sun and Ski!
Posted by: Michaela | February 11, 2010 at 09:46 AM
Also check out http://athleta.gap.com. They have a few styles of tall ski pants. I can't recommend them personally, as I have never ordered them (though I'm thinking about it), but I've had very good luck with Gap in the past in terms of sizing (a.k.a. LENGTH!) and quality. Good luck ladies!
Posted by: Sara | February 10, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Heidi I feel your pain, though some would argue it's not a bad problem to have :)... also, if you are looking for tall sweats/yoga/athletic pants, Lululemon is the best! They have talls that are plenty long enough for me. A pair runs about $100, what some may argue is too expensive, but I am willing to pay the price to avoid high waters! Good luck!
Posted by: Kate | January 17, 2010 at 06:19 PM
Nice to see I'm not the only tall chick out there who is having a REALLY hard time finding some new ski pants. At 6' and a size 4, it's not easy! I will check out the suggestions in the other ladies comments and will hopefully have some luck :)
Posted by: Heidi Shewbart | January 17, 2010 at 05:45 PM
Sandy, There is a Nils Melissa stretch fabric ski pant out this year. I have seen it in white, black and saphire blue out here in the PNW. I took a size 4 in the stretch versus the a size 6 in the non-stretch Melissa. Escape Outdoors and Sturtevants carry Nils in Bellevue, WA. Peter Glenn online also have a huge selection of Nils including the long ski pant length. I really like the Nils Pamela ski pant as well. It comes in a black and brown tight check print in addition to green, red, white and black.
Good-luck in your shopping and skiing. Allison
Posted by: Allison | December 01, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Love my NILS Melissa Ski Pant, size 8 Long in Black. Problem is, I wear them all the time, and would like another pair, but in another color--no white, please! Is there anything left out there at a good price?
Sandy Birdsall
Petoskey, Michigan
sbirdsall@racc2000.com
Posted by: Sandy Birdsall | March 03, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Nils ski pants are great for talls. Nilssport.com Not only do they come in tall they also give you an extra 1 1/2" to let out if needed. love them.
Posted by: Roberta | January 18, 2009 at 10:25 AM
I hear you!! I have been spending weeks ...determined to find them. Have you had any luck since your entry?
Posted by: Cathy | November 28, 2007 at 10:09 PM
I am thrilled to find your blog and your comments about the small + tall ski pants. I plan on ordering a pair as soon as I can figure out what size I need. At 5'10 1/2", I'm so tired of wearing ski pants that are either too short or are just made for a man. Thanks again!
Posted by: Carole | September 19, 2007 at 05:08 PM