Slope Style
SLOPE STYLE
Mackage Jeni Hooded Parka / Smith Optics Allure Helmet / Chimi Ski Goggles 02 / Erin Snow Picabo Fleece Jacket / Holden AirWarm Pants and Top / Holden Sherpa Mittens / Powder Puff Collection Wrap / Matek Motmot Balaclava / Halfdays Aston Jacket / Bombas Knee-High Wool Socks
Ski season is honestly my favorite time of year. The cold mountain air on your face, cozying up by the fire with some wine, views for days. There’s just something about the energy you can feel as the week draws to a close, and I get so excited thinking about going to the mountains. The plan for this weekend is to head out tomorrow afternoon for Crested Butte with my sister and her family to kick off the 21/22 ski season and I just can’t wait!
I started snowboarding in middle school and have been riding in a lot of my original gear since then. About 5 years ago I finally had to start rotating in replacements for pieces that were wearing out. Usually every couple of years or so something is due for an upgrade. In the past it seemed like options for performance gear that were both effective and somewhat stylish, while also priced around/under $600 were fairly limited. Recently I’ve come across a few new-to-me brands that are definitely more in that realm that I’m excited about. Until now I pretty much stuck to brands like Burton and Oakley, which feel a lot more youthful — definitely not a bad thing, but now that I’ve hit my mid-30’s I’m looking for styles that are a bit more mature while still fitting within my budget: somewhere between Columbia and Perfect Moment / Cordova.
One of the main upgrades this year for me is base layers. I’ve still been wearing my original Reebok cold-tech long underwear set, circa 2006? Ha! Needless to say they’re getting a bit threadbare and the elastic in them has all but given out, so I just ordered this cozy performance set by Cordova. Another one I’m loving is this one by Holden (another favorite ski brand). A splurge to be sure, but considering I’ve worn my others for over 15 years I feel great about the investment. I have some other pieces of theirs, like my ski pants, and both the quality and cut are wonderful.
Another foundation update — ski socks. Heard so many great things about these socks, so I ordered a couple pairs and even just trying them on they’re so incredibly soft and comfortable! The fit of my snowboard boots are extremely tight so my socks can’t be too thick, and these feel like the perfect weight. Excited to try them out!
I’m not due to add much into the rotation this year for outer layers but it’s still fun to consider options for future upgrades. Normally I wouldn’t spring for a lot of color, but every so often love to really go for it — like this bright jacket and pants set from Halfdays. I’ve heard so many great things about this brand and have been eyeing their Aston Jacket in black for a couple seasons now. The belted style is so chic. On my list for sure! And while definitely not in budget this year, I’m drooling over the perfect color and cut of this coat …. a girl can dream!
An additional layering piece has been key for those super cold riding days. I love the cinch waist and collar detail on this fleece — a bit more stylish than your standard zip-up, which makes it great to dual purpose for fireside hangs in the lodge or mid-day lunch breaks on the mountain. Love it in white, too!
I still love my original Oakley goggles with changeable lenses, but window shopping some other fun styles. I really like these by Chimi and also eyeing these by Smith Optics. I was also due for a new helmet, but I’ve put it off the last couple years … again, my original one is over a decade old and all the insulation is peeling out of it. I just got this one as a replacement!
A few other cute things I’ve found: these incredibly warm, soft quilted neck warmers. Absolutely love them! I got this wrap style in cream and liked it so much I recently ordered the pullover in black. Also testing the balaclava waters for the first time this season! I was on the fence for a while but decided to give this one by Matek a try. Lastly, my love for sherpa knows no bounds and I’m obsessed with these cozy sherpa mittens.
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I also put together a Ski / Ride Shop of current favorites and some wishlist items that I will keep adding to as I discover more!