They're similar but not identical. Both are padded shorts for winter sports, but the emphasis differs. Snowboard-specific crash pants typically prioritize tailbone and buttock padding because snowboarders fall backward more often. Ski-specific impact shorts emphasize hip joint protection because skiers fall sideways onto the hip more frequently. Many modern impact shorts cover both zones well and work for either sport. If you ski and snowboard, look for a model with comprehensive coverage including both hip joints and tailbone.
Ski Hip Protectors · Impact Shorts / Crash Pants
Are impact shorts the same as snowboard butt pads?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.
D3O / Smart Material Hip Protectors
$60 – $220
Hip protectors using reactive smart materials that remain flexible and harden instantly on impact.
Non-Newtonian reactive materialFlexible during wearInstant stiffening on impact
Soft Foam Hip Protectors
$25 – $90
Traditional flexible foam-padded hip protectors prioritizing comfort and everyday wearability.
EVA or PU foam paddingFlexible and comfortableLow profile
Compression Shorts with Hip Pads
$45 – $150
Tight-fitting base layer shorts with integrated hip padding that layer seamlessly under ski pants.
Compression fitIntegrated pad pocketsMoisture-wicking fabric
More questions
- Can I wear impact shorts under my regular ski pants, or do I need special pants?
- Do I really need CE Level 2 protection, or is Level 1 enough?
- Will impact shorts make me too hot while skiing?
- How do I know if the pads are positioned correctly over my hip joints?