Gear review: After the first snow
Courtesy photos
The first snow always thrills me, but, thanks to my aforementioned strange karma, it also chills me to the bone for weeks until either my body adjusts, or I just get used to shivering. I admit: I tend to (loudly) bemoan the initial cloudy, cold-temp days before I start making turns. But once my skis hit the snow, I remember I’m tough — with the proper gear. These are go-to items to ease myself into winter.
Krimson Klover Janica Sweater
Envelop me in fun ski clothing, and I know why I continue to brave the cold instead of packing up for the beach. This sweater is ultra-playful, with three embroidered skiers artistically sending it along the back and front. Add some thumbholes for extra warmth (and to make me feel like a bundled-up kid playing in the snow again) and provide that snuggly-soft feeling with alpaca fiber and extra warmth with merino wool, and I’m back in the game, lovin’ my decision to revolve my life around skiing. The turtleneck and extra bottom and wrist length surrounds me in warmth. The boxy, relaxed fit looks great with leggings, particularly with the extra 2 inches (measuring 25 inches) on the backside. I often fall between a small and medium, and for this, I’d go small, as the medium is a bit too relaxed with the extra side fabric.
$229, krimsonklover.com
Gordini Men’s Cirque Glove
From gloves to jackets, my husband is super picky about his skiwear, so when he raved about the men’s cirque glove, I knew it was a winner. But, I tested it out, too (since we were 20, I’ve tended to “borrow” his ski gear anyway). First off, I heard no complaints from him — as I have with other gloves — about bulky cuffs or gripping. The neoprene cuff, with its soft lining, adjusts for the perfect fit under jacket. The pliable-yet-durable genuine goatskin shell — responsibly sourced from a certified Leather Working Group Partner — allows for ease of dexterity, and the goggle wipes on the outer thumbs come in handy. But, the most important factor: The Primaloft insulation kept my fingers warm and dry on an 18-degree, windy ski day, with its moisture-wicking lining. The leash and hook keep gloves attached when grabbing lunch inside. It’s Bluesign approved, meaning it meets strict environmental standards. Comes in four colorways.
$149.99, gordini.com
Hot Chillys Women’s Clima-Wool Merino Crew Top and Bottoms
Made from a blend of 84% merino wool, 12% nylon, and 4% spandex, this material provides excellent breathability, moisture-wicking, odor control, and UPF-30 protection. If you tend toward itching with wool — even merino — this non-itch base layer is for you. The four-way stretch fabric delivers freedom of movement; it doesn’t grab, feel tight, or ride up. Its warmth factor of seven out of 10 makes it a great, breathable base, with a more relaxed, yet still flattering, fit than Smartwool’s crew. The merino bottoms double as some of the most comfortable and warm leggings I own; the mediums form-fit my lower body perfectly. I hiked in them all fall, so I can vouch for Clima-Wool’s odor control.
$120 each, hotchillys.com
Smartwool Women’s Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew
This form-fitting thermal hugs me in warmth. Rated for a warmth factor below 25 degrees, targeted mesh ventilation (think: upper back, pits) allows for breathability in warmer fall temps, which I appreciate. Made of 53% merino wood, polyester, and 2% elastane, Smartwool’s Intraknit technology provides an athletic, free-moving feel. The fabric blend results in durability and dries fast. I also appreciate the no-ride-up, extra length for warmth at the stretchy bottom and past the wrists. Comes in four truly refreshing and beautiful colors, along with emerald and black, the latter of which weave a subtle white into the pattern, making them even more interesting.
$130, smartwool.com
Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen
Warm, water-repellent, comfy, and functional: The Powderqueen is aptly named. Rating a five out of six for being windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable, and a four out of six for insulation, these double-layer pants kept my butt and legs warm on a windy 18-degree opening day at Loveland. At 1 ½ pounds, they feel sturdy but not too heavy, with fully taped and welded seams and six long zippers for pockets and venting. The front closure features two snaps and a fastener. The two-way stretch fabric with articulated knees and gusset between the legs provide plenty of freedom of movement, which, next to warmth and dryness, is key. These have all the bells and whistles: Reinforcement along the inner leg, long snow gaiters with a bit of mesh venting, long side-ventilation zippers, RECCO reflectors, a large thigh pocket, and two smaller hip pockets. They include PFC-free water repellency and meet Bluesign’s strict environmental requirements. Plus, they come with a free lift ticket at participating resorts. Note: I’m literally between a small and medium in these pants. Mediums feel more roomy, but bag just a bit in the rear, while smalls look great on me but feel a little tight, particularly with layers, so I chose a medium. Comes in four lighter colors and black.
$300 ($150 for two of the sale colorways), hellyhansen.com
Aspen Art Museum debuts two new exhibitions on Wednesday
Nature and transformation are just two of the themes Aspen Art Museum explores through its four new artist exhibitions this winter. Two of the exhibitions, Shuang Li’s “I’m Not” and Heji Shin’s “America Part I,” debut Nov. 20 and run through March 2.
