I am gearing up for a trip skiing the French Alps for over a week in a season that has blessed Tres Vallies with some tremendous snow.
In typical Outpost style I like to toe the line of form and function, settling somewhere in between treating your gear as exactly that — gear — but looking good while doing it. This is perhaps most prevalent in skiing, where the barometer is all the way from Jerrys rocking Montec to snow bunnies snapping pics in Montclair.
In polling a few friends that ski far harder and more often than I do, We have but a few rules.
If you buy Montec or Dope Snow on TikTok you suck at skiing
Hot girls wear Lange snow boots
Every real skier needs to own a pair of bibs
Now that we’ve cleared that up, here’s what we’re reaching for on and off the slopes.
J Skis
Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, Jason Levinthal embodies East Coast skiing, having invented the twin tip. Most big league skiers I would argue own a pair or two.
1000 Skis
Newcomer to the ski game, 1000 Skis is a collection of some of the most talented skiers in the world setting out to create an all-terrain ski that’s both badass and sustainable. No more graphic chasing and next-best mentalities that crush the very environment snow sports rely on. Coming in one color (red), these skis are designed to handle everything from the backcountry to the park.
Poles
Honestly, I traded a jacket I never wore for a set of beater poles my buddy skied since he was in like fourth grade — who cares what poles you have. I guess if I were to buy poles I’d get these because they are simple & clean.
Atomic Ski Boots
I was brought up under the mantra of buy the ski boot that fits the best, not looks the best — “every foot’s different”. As such I was coerced into walking out of the shop with some red Nordicas… that I guess fit. Next go I’m walking out with the best Atomics money can buy, don’t care.
Smith Helmet
Smith with a lip — it’s the only way. Wear a helmet, don’t be an idiot.
Goggles
I’d argue again Smith may be the only game in town here, but notable runner-up is DANG Goggles, a small outfit out of Massachusetts — ski local, shop local.
Arc’teryx
Despite every streetwear head in SoHo wearing the signature beanie, Arc’teryx still makes incredible technical gear. Not sure I could ever justify spending close to 2k for a top-bottom kit, but pro tip: if you’re in New York, Arc has a tremendous refurb section at steep discounts at the SoHo location.
Not ponying up for Arc — reach for Helly Hansen or Patagonia. Not reinventing the wheel here, two very strong companies.
Dress appropriately. Nothing sucks more than being cold and that starts with base layer. Love the set Amundsen just came out with.
Battle Tested.
Ski Backpack
Making the switch to skiing with a pack is the greatest change I’ve ever made. Water, sandwiches, beers, smokes, hats, a pair of sunnies — toss it in. You forget it’s on you after one run, makes you look like a pro regardless of level, and has saved my ass many times over.
I think the general rule of thumb is the harder you ski, the more liberties you’re able to take off piste. If you are getting first chair and doing the damn thing day in and day out, sure — toss on the turtleneck, get that fur hat, rock those yellow moon boots. If you’re rolling off the mountain at 11am for après, perhaps best you keep it simple. Here are a few of our favorites.
Amundsen Sweater
Honestly it’s worth acknowledging Amundsen throughout.
Niseko Boots
In my cart.
Hats
I love throwing a crazy knit on after a long day. Do a little digging find a fun knit, or flap hat.
Strong.
TheraGun
Tossing a Theragun in the sack on a trip will make you a fan favorite.
Down Pants
Fun pant, comfy on the legs after a long day. The pair from Back country is sold out everywhere but this version from (and never thought Id say this) Zara is solid.
Alps and Meters Sweater
Love the euro ski patrol look.
LL Bean Socks
Great for after a long day.
Salomons
Great shoe for big ski trips — works both in town, on the plane, and in the gym.
Patagonia Bag
I’ve had mine for years and put it through hell and back.
Have fun. Ski hard. Create your own style on and off the slopes there’s no one-size-fits-all.
