Buttocks padding is definitely worth considering if you're a beginner skier or a snowboarder. Beginners tend to fall backward onto their rear more frequently, and snowboarders spend a lot of time sitting in the snow and falling on their backsides. That extra cushioning can make a real difference in preventing bruises and tailbone injuries on hard-packed snow or ice.
The trade-off is bulk. Buttocks padding adds material right where you sit, which can feel cumbersome on chairlift rides or when you're leaning back in a lodge. Some skiers find it uncomfortable enough that they stop wearing the protectors altogether—which defeats the purpose entirely.
If you're an experienced skier who rarely falls backward, you can probably skip this feature and stick with core hip joint coverage. But if you're learning, switching to snowboarding, or just want maximum protection, look for impact shorts with buttocks padding that use low-profile viscoelastic foam—it stays flexible when you move but stiffens on impact, keeping the bulk more manageable.