It can be such a mixed bag of winter weather when one heads to New England’s ski mountains. The range of weather is unpredictable. We travel to Vermont pretty much every weekend in the winter. The boys are skiers. I am at best a fair weather skier. I do love the idea of skiing but the cold scares me as well as tumbling down the trail with my butt and skis in the air. It is also important to mention that I am painfully slow! So I try to spare my family’s embarrassment and opt for snowshoeing or a trail hike. But when I do surprise my family when I put on the skis, it is always so nice to take a few runs with my boys! Later this week we head to Montana so I have put together a winter post as I pack just the essentials.
I require warm gear to embrace the elements. I love warm layers. I have great luck with both Nike (PRO HYPERWARM line) and Under Armour (Cold Gear Armour line) for base layers. My KJUS jacket is one of my best investment pieces. It is from their Freelite collection. It is knitted, warm, and super comfortable to wear. This Swiss company simply makes great products that are designed for function. Mittens, I love my tried and true Hestra and beloved by many outdoor enthusiasts but my Astis are a nice alternative. A new find that I am enjoying are some playful bandanas that are double lined. I also find them handy for the post hat head. I found them in Big Sky and unfortunately they have no label so I can’t share the source. The idea is planted so you could make them yourselves if you are crafty! Perhaps isostilo may surprise you down the road. I have included some snow/hiking boots. La Sportiva boots are the best that I have found. I wear them snowshoeing and they keep my feet dry, warm, and have molded perfectly to my feet. I pair them with some Smartwool socks and off I go!
I am always happily hunting for warm pieces. Here are a few pieces that are similar to what I own and a few extra pieces that I wouldn’t mind adding to my winter wardrobe. It’s all about getting out to play with just the right pieces.
Links:
KJUS jacket, The North Face purist ski pant, Sweaty Betty base layers, Back Country for Smartwool & Hestra gloves, Patagonia neck gaiter, La Sportiva boots from REI.
Pop of color: If you want some fun retro bottoms then check out these little fancy bottoms from Shinesty. Only to be worn in warmer temps. I whipped them out recently when the temps were in the 30’s. They have a similar feel to yoga pants. Hello!
Goal: More skiing! Fingers crossed that there are plenty of sunny days, no ice, no wind, low crowds and plenty of fresh powder that drops each night (my skiing requirements, not much to ask for:)
isostilo 