Updated 2022: After living in Denver for eight ski seasons, packing for a ski trip is a breeze! In this guide, I cover what to wear on the slopes for Après Ski, a night out, and lounging around the fire so you will be ski bunny chic!
The Best Ski Gear
Base Layers: If you’re nervous about being cold on the slopes, do yourself a favor and buy the Patagonia Capilene one piece. I have never had a base layer that keeps me so warm! If you don’t love the onesie, you can get the same fabric in the thermal-weight boot-length pants and top from Patagonia. The only *problem* with the capilene layer is they are see-through, so you cant slip out of your pants for apres. If you are looking for a warm baselayer that is opaque I love my HalfDays base layer – and they are made from recycled materials! Pictured bellow in green from a few seasons ago!
On top, I wear a moisture-wicking workout tank, Patagonia thermal weight top, and an R1 Patagonia Fleece for base layers.
Ski Jacket: I prefer a puffer with a shell on top. Its great for layers during the spring season and is essentially a 2 in one jacket. I have the Patagonia Snowbelle 3-1 jacket and the North Face Eco Thermal and like both of them. I do always look for a chest pocket for my ski pass and zipper pockets on the inside and out.
Ski Pants: I upgraded my baggy pants to a more fitted pair, Burton Vida that I love them! Even with snow, negative temps, and high winds, my body is warm.
Gloves: I have Raynolds, and my hands and feet run super cold a few years back, I invested in Thermic heated gloves and socks. For the mittens, look for a pair with heat going to the thumb. Mittens are warmer than gloves, but a thumb warmer is essential.
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Halfdays Ski Gear – If you are looking for woman-owned, sustainable and stylish ski gear you have to check out Halfdays. I own two sets of their base layers and I love them! My next purchase will be the bigs! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4924796″]
The Coziest Loungewear
After the slopes, you want to relax in comfy lounge clothes but look cute for Après Ski too! Leggings and cozy pullovers are my go-to look.
Hot Chillys are great if you are going to be outside. These thermal leggings look great and keep you super toasty (and are also great for skiing). Otherwise the Halfdays baselayer leggings are perfect for apres and being outside.
For something a little nicer, Spanx Leather Leggings are amazing I also love their seamless pair too
Toss on a chunky sweater and a puff, and you are good to go. The Patagonia down-with-it sweater is the best jacket you can own I wear it almost year-round. For a super warm jacket/parka keep scrolling.
The Best Snow Shoes
The only snow boot you will ever need is the UGG Adirondack Boot III I have had these for almost 5 seasons and still love them. You can read a full blog post on them here. But you don’t want to wear these to the bar, so opt for some waterproof boots like these to hit the town in. [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4902020″]
The Warmest Jacket
Do yourself a huge favor and invest in a nice down coat. My Patagonia Down With It coat is my winter best friend. The almost knee-length keeps me extra warm no matter how cold it is outside. It honestly feels like I’m wrapped in a sleeping bag but still has a very flattering fitted look. 5 years later, this is still hands-down the best investment and best jacket. [show_shopthepost_widget id=”2967442″]
Now that you have all the gear its time to plan your trip! Check out my guides! And feel free to comment to send me a DM with any questions!
I came across Crater Lake in The Outbound App one day and just knew I had to go there. The photos were absolutely stunning. We did our research and decided this would be a great first backpacking trip.
