Lead Photo Credit: Anne Cleary Mountain Hardwear
Winter’s icy grip is tightening its hold. Snow is flying across the country and many of our favorite mountains have already opened for the season. For many, this signals the start of what promises to be an exhilarating ski and snowboard season. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious beginner, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of carving fresh tracks into the snow. However, to truly maximize your winter adventures, you simply must have the right ski kit.Â
Don’t fret, gear gurus! We’re here to guide you through the labyrinth of winter sports equipment. In this installment, it’s time to hit the slopes in style with these three incredible ski kits. Discover the ideal gear combination to match your preferences and designed to elevate your winter experience to new heights.
For the Backcountry Freeride Skier and Rider
* Photo Credit: Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 3.0 Jacket & Elevation Infinity Shell Bib Pant – $750/$650
Freeride and backcountry skiers and riders need a versatile and dependable kit. The Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 3.0 Jacket and Elevation Infinity Shell Bib Pant stand out as a top choice. The backcountry can be a bit unpredictable and requires a kit to suit those needs. This high-performance duo delivers exceptional protection against all of the elements and ensures that you can tackle challenging terrain with confidence.
No one spends more time on the mountain than ski professionals. This year, Helly Hansen used them as inspiration when fine tuning their ULLR collection which includes the two aforementioned items.
Their Elevation Infinity 3.0 Jacket which. Made with with LIFA® Infinity Pro™ technology it provides exceptional waterproofness and breathability without the use of chemicals. This is sure to keep you dry and comfortable even in the harshest conditions while not destroying the environment. The articulated jacket design also includes ventilation zippers to allow for unrestricted movement and prevent overheating. Plus the fully sealed seams and adjustable cuffs keep out snow and moisture.
Bibs are a must for the backcountry and the Elevation Infinity Shell Bib Pant complements this jacket perfectly. The pants offer the same LIFA® Infinity Pro™ technology to protect your body from the elements. The bib also has a high-rise waist, adjustable suspenders and snow gaiters giving you a secure and comfortable fit and ensuring that you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gear malfunctions.
Whether you’re carving fresh powder while navigating backcountry terrain, or simply enjoying a day on the frontside this kit is for you. The Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 3.0 Jacket and Elevation Infinity Shell Bib Pant will keep you protected, comfortable and is ready to take on any challenge.
For the Dedicated Resort Skier
*Photo Credit: Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Men’s First Tracks Down Jacket & Bib – $350 & $300
As a dedicated resort skier, I’m always on the lookout for gear that provides warmth, comfort and performance. The combination of Mountain Hardwear Men’s First Tracks Down Jacket and First Tracks Bib is an excellent choice for skiers who spend their days ripping up the resort.
Not all down jackets are created equal and some can be a bit puffy and bulky. This is not the case for the First Tracks Down Jacket which is lightweight and still provides exceptional warmth without sacrificing comfort. The 650-fill-power down insulation keeps you toasty from first chair to last tracks while the 2-layer windproof shell material keeps you protected from the elements. Beyond that, the jacket’s relaxed fit is a game changer. It provides ample room for layering, and allows for unrestricted movement on the slopes.
The First Tracks Bib is the perfect complement to the jacket. For this piece Mountain Hardwear focused on the seat and knees as target areas. They filled them with extra down for more warmth which is ideal when sitting on those icy cold chairlifts. The bib’s Dry.Q® fabric helps keep you dry in wet conditions. The bib also has adjustable suspenders and a relaxed fit providing a comfortable yet secure that is only accentuated with side zips that allow for easy venting when you’re working up a sweat.
Together, the First Tracks Down Jacket and First Tracks Bib form a formidable ski kit that is perfect for your day on the resort. Whether you’re carving groomers, ripping through the bumps or getting creative in the terrain park, this gear will keep you warm, dry and comfortable.
The Ski Kit For the Ladies who Rip
* Photo Credit: Trew
Trew Stella jacket and Chariot bib – $499 each
For the female skiers who crave the thrill of carving fresh powder and tackling challenging terrain, the TREW Stella Jacket and Chariot Bib are the perfect ski kit for your winter adventures. This dynamic duo is meticulously crafted to provide exceptional performance, comfort, and style, ensuring that you can rip through the slopes with confidence and grace.
The Stella Jacket is a testament to TREW’s commitment to empowering female skiers. Its tailored fit and articulated design offers unrestricted movement and without being too baggy. The jacket has a 2-layer construction and fully sealed seams provide unwavering protection against the elements. Made with 100% recycled PrimaLoft® Black Eco insulation the Stella jacket also delivers exceptional warmth yet remains highly breathable.
Providing the same level of performance and style, the Chariot Bib is the perfect pairing for the Stella Jacket. Like the jacket, the Chariot Bib also features 100% recycled PrimaLoft® Black Eco insulation for exceptional warmth. It also has a high-rise waist and adjustable suspenders to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, and snow gaiters to keep unwanted snow and debris out of your boots.
If you’re a lady who likes to rip than this is the high-performance kit that can keep up with your adventurous spirit. This combination of the TREW Stella Jacket and Chariot Bib offers exceptional performance, comfort and style. This makes it the ultimate choice for hard charging ladies of the mountain.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres