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Gear Review: Ski clothing

Obermeyer jacket, pants.
Courtesy photo

As ski season cranks into full gear (though I keep waiting for more snow,) here’s a handful of standout clothing to keep you warm and comfortable.

Obermeyer Oberreute Jacket and Pants

This season, Obermeyer debuts its Oberreute collection in men’s and women’s, introducing Blue Thread materials, a nylon yarn made from recycled ocean waste. With Obermeyer’s highest waterproofing and breathability rating, this jacket stays dry in snow while still being very breathable; plus, its large underarm zippers allow for ventilation. The hood fits nicely over a helmet, and the waterproof, snappable powder skirt hugs the waist comfortably. The insulated jacket and pants look great, and their relaxed fit adds to freedom of movement and various layers. I love how lightweight these feel; they’re soft, rather than more rigid, for that athletic, ease-of-movement feeling. The jacket comes with bells and whistles like inner and outer pockets, a Recco avalanche reflector, aqua-guard zippers, kit connect magnets to keep pants and jacket from riding up or down, an outer accessory ring for resorts that still require visual access to a pass or ticket and even extra padding along the spine for wearing backpacks. The only feature I miss are elastic cuffs, as wind sometimes sneaks up my wrists. The pants fit wonderfully — no bagging or grabbing in the butt, and the adjustable waist allows you to dial it in perfectly. Like the jacket, it includes zip vents and such essential features as powder cuffs with gripper elastic, which keep my boot heaters safe.



Jacket, $499; pants, $349, obermeyer.com

Ortovox Swisswool Piz Boé Jacket




Ortovox swisswool jacket.
Courtesy Photo

Available in both men’s and women’s, this new, lightweight and breathable insulated jacket is both wind- and water-resistant. Made with 60 g/m² of Swisswool, a sustainable wool that stays incredibly warm even if it gets wet, it keeps me toasty and dry. Stretchy underarm and upper back panels add freedom of movement and allow for extra breathability while skinning up the mountain and sweating. Two chest pockets are located higher than typical side pockets for easier accessibility when carrying a backpack. Quilting keeps the Swiss wool in place; the jacket doubles as a warm, but not too hot, mid-layer for extremely windy and cold days on the chairlift. I also appreciate the elastic cuffs. Its trim fit isn’t too tight but doesn’t bunch under a ski jacket, making it a flexible, packable jacket for various activities. Comes in four different colors, which vary among men and women.

$320, ortovox.com

Krimson Klover Graffiti Base Layer Top

Krimson Klover Graffiti Base Layer Top.
Courtesy Photo

Krimson Klover combines ultimate comfort with a beautiful fit and plenty of fun in this warm base layer. I absolutely love my (medium-size) fit; it relaxes a bit around the tummy while still fitting snug enough to look athletic. Its four-way stretch fabric provides plenty of freedom of movement — a must for a base layer, plus moisture-wicking prevents any chills. It’s even UPF+ protective, for those warm, après ski afternoons in late spring. And, I love the quarter-zip feature. The brushed material is nice and soft, with its recycled polyester and spandex blend. Filled with doddles of goggles, gondolas, skates, paw prints and much more, this base layer is meant to be shown off, but it’s also a joyful celebration simply to start off the morning.

$120, krimsonklover.com

Petite Plume Flannel Pajama Set in Après Ski

Petite Plume Flannel Pajama.

Speaking of fun, snuggling up in these cozy flannels at the end of the day envelops you — and your whole family, if you choose to buy matching sets — in charming little skiers and evergreens. The soft, brushed, 100% finest cotton pjs remain ultra-comfortable and hold up well to washing. The relaxed fit makes them seamless to sleep in, as the elastic, drawstring waistband fits loose, without grabbing or pinching. It just makes bedtime all the more sweet. The company is offering a special luxury PJ partnership with Grand Hyatt Vail, to relive the nostalgia of childhood snow days.

$94, petite-plume.com

CEP Ski Ultralight Tall and CEP Ski Merino Tall Compression Socks

CEP compression socks.
Courtesy Photo

As the official supplier of the National Ski Patrol, Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors, you know these socks have to perform — and hold up. And that they do. Medical-grade compression helps energize legs and remove lactic acid through increased blood flow. Merino wool contributes to moisture-wicking properties, while light shin padding benefits my thinner shins, without rubbing. Marked left and right for each foot, the fit does seem seamless. The ultralights provide the most compression, with a 22-24 mmHg compression level, while the merinos, with 10% more merino wool and 4% less spandex, offer 20-30 mmHg. If you’re looking for thicker socks, go with the merinos; if you want more compression, go ultralight. Both offer the same level of light cushioning and keep your feet toasty.

$59.95 for ultralight; $54.95 for merino, cepcompression.com

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