Updated 2020: After living in Denver for eight ski seasons, packing for a ski weekend is a breeze! In this guide, I cover what to wear on the slopes, for Après Ski, a night out, lounging, and the best makeup and beauty products to look ski bunny chic! Just updated for 2020!
The Best Ski Gear
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.
I wear a moisture-wicking workout tank, onesie, an R1 Patagonia Fleece for base layers. This year I am rocking Patagonia Snowbelle 3-1 jacket and I can’t wait to try it out. I told you I love all things Patagonia! 2020 – I did just get a North Face Eco Thermal for this season that has been great so far!
Last year, I upgraded my baggy pants to a “sexier” pair from Burton Vida ski pants that I love! Even with snow, negative temps, and high winds, my body is warm. A friend of mine is rocking this North Face pair which is super flattering as well. My fingers & toes, on the other hand, are never warm enough, but that’s true in most weather!
Updated 2019/2020 Season
The Coziest Loungewear
Plus Scandinavian Texting Mittens // Patagonia Down Hooded Jacket // Cocoon Pullover (similar here) // Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamios Leggings // Sienna Beanie // Oakley Sunglasses
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
Leggings
- 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).
- For something a little nicer, Spanx Leather Leggings are amazing I also love their seamless pair too
- For good, all-around thick cozy leggings, I love these from Old Navy and these form Danksin. So freakin’ soft.
Sweater & Jacket
Ever since I saw the above gray funnel/cowl neck sweater I have been obsessed. I just got this ALO sweater from Athleta and I wear it constantly. I also live in my Patagonia Quilted Snap Pull Over.
I am a huge fan of everything Patagonia. I especially love my hooded down sweater jacket. It keeps me super warm but isn’t bulky because of its slim fit style. For a bigger jacket, my Patagonia Down With It Parka is my best friend. More on it a little further down.
I got the best pair of snow boots this ski season, UGG Adirondack Boot III
Après Ski
75% of the crowd headed to Après ski will be coming from the slopes so dress the part! And bring a jacket, too. As soon as the sun goes down your little bum will be freezing!
A Night Out (time for da clubs)
Citizen’s Rocket Mid Size Skinny // J.Crew Cardigan // J.Crew Carri Cami // Madewell Ribbed Circle Scarff // North Face Mittens // Blondo Eden Over The Knee Boots // Michael Kors Small Skorpios’ Crossbody BagWhat about a night out on the town? Every ski town has a boom-boom room and/or a honky-tonk where you can dance the night away. What to wear is tricky because it’s hot-hot-hot inside the bar and literally freezing outside. The key? Bulk-free (packable) layers.
My go-to outfit: black pants, black flat boots, tank top, sweater, puffer coat, gloves, scarf, and, of course, a beanie! That is a mouthful and quite a bit to carry around, too. Cross-body bags are a must! Everywhere you go will have a coat check or at least hooks to hang up your coat. Stuff your scarf into a sleeve and zip up your beanie and gloves in the pocket. Don’t want the sweater? Stuff that into the other sleeve. When you go to leave, all of your stuff is in one place!
You might think I’m crazy for wearing a tank top out, but I get super hot when I am out dancing in jeans and boots so sleeveless is a must. I might be sweating it out in da club but I am certainly cold at dinner. A cashmere sweater keeps me cozy and stylish while out but doesn’t get all bunchy with my coat on.
For shoes, the most important thing is traction. You do not want to be slip-sliding around –especially while inebriated. Water-resistant or waterproof is always preferable but that doesn’t mean you have to wear snowshoes. I did a full blog post on the best winter boots here but these are some of my favorites.
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. 4 years later this is still hands-down the best investment and best jacket.
Ski Bunny Chic
Alpha Beta Glow Pads // Tarte 12-Hour Waterproof Cover Up // Sunscreen Stick //Waterproof Mascara // Sunforgetable Powder Sunscreen // Sugar SPF 15 Lip Treatment // On the glow blush // Supergoop Lip Balm //CeraVe AM CreamSexy ski pants, killer turns, and an all-natural look. Well, we all know that “I’m not wearing any makeup” look involves makeup, so here are my tips and tricks for looking great from the chairlift to après ski.
The number one thing you must wear on the mountains: SUNSCREEN. Sunscreen is a must. When you’re in the mountains, not only are you closer to the sun, but the and the sun reflects off the snow onto your face. My daily moisture, CeraVe AM Cream, contains SPF 15 but I typically apply more when I get out of the car and I also carry a stick with me in my jacket. You will want to reapply at lunch and as you sip champagne at the end of the day.
Face
It’s winter so you’re 99% most likely ghostly pale right now. I get super pale so I use these Alpha Beta Glow Pads weekly to give my face a nice glow. I have tried numerous facial self-tanners and these are my favorite. I typically apply Thursday or Friday for a bronzed look that takes me into the weekend, for the weekend.
I am prone to breaking out along my goggle line and my face guard is usually up most of the day so I try to stay away from a heavy foundation. A great day to pull out your BB Cream! My routine calls for under eye concealer and a tinted moisturizer with SPF.
No need for blush – you are going to get that perfectly windblown look from the slopes.
Eyes
The key to all-day eyes is WATERPROOF. The only thing worse than a ski raccoon tan is raccoon eyes to match. Go for a subtle liner and reapply in the bathroom later.
I started using Maybelline Eyebrow Crayons almost a year ago and am obsessed. Waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and a little eye shadow – a little shimmer to wake up tired eyes
Lips
My lips have a natural “just chugged a blue Gatorade” color so I live for lip stains and tints. I apply in the morning and before drinks. I always keep a Chapstick with SPF in my jacket pocket to protect them from the wind and sun as well.
Hair
I would love to figure out how to French braid my hair. I opt for a low pony and a poorly done braid or pigtail braids. I have been working on a headband braid while stuck in ski traffic but no success yet. I do see some girls who wear their hair down but mine turns into a giant knot.
Apres Ski
Since you will be heading straight from the slopes to après ski, you will need to pack your touch up essentials with you. But, since you’re skiing, you really only have what you can fit in your pockets.
In my ski jacket, you will find the following:
– Tissues
Yep. Samples. Time to put those 100s of sample packets to good use! I throw a few in and touch up in the bathroom before Après Ski.
Ski Gear
If you’re looking for the best gear, check out my favorites: REI, Patagonia, Steep & Cheap, Eastern Mountain Sports and Backcountry.com for the best quality products and deals!
Patagonia Nano Puff: The lightest, warmest jacket available. You will want to pair this with a shell for the slopes.
Smith Maze Helmet or Anon Omega Helmet – ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!
Ski Strap: “Free up one hand for your latte in the gondola line”
Burton Beeracuda: “Never explode a beer in your pack again”
Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle: Good for keeping that tea hot on all day epics
Buff Neck Gator: or Skida to keep your head and neck warm
GoPro: So you can film your wipeouts like a pro
Patagonia Capilene 4 Expedition-Weight One-Piece Suit: The only thing I trust to keep me warm