Outfitted: Winter favorites
With our four mountains in the middle of their successive closings, it’s time to tie up a bow on another Rocky Mountain winter. Looking back on the this past season, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic for the layers and textures that kept me comfortable, warm, and just the right kind of cozy through our powder days, fireplace evenings, and dog walks in sub-zero temps. By no means an exhaustive list, these six pieces are just a few that became fast favorites — and most of these brands are currently having end-of-season sales.
Stio Glide Tech Jogger
I basically lived all season in the Stio Glide Tech Joggers. They walk the line perfectly between performance and loungewear. On warmer bluebird days, I’d pull them on for early morning coffee runs into town, and the smooth, stretchy fabric never felt stiff or bulky. They’re breathable enough for Nordic laps but soft enough that I once fell asleep in them on the couch while catching up on the new season of “Severance” after a long day outside. They’re also low-profile enough to throw on under my ski shell layer for medium-temp days. Available in multiple colors.
$119, Stio.com.
Orvis Oxford Weave Recycled Water Trapper Mat
Not exactly wearable, but still a crucial part of winter life — especially with my German Shorthair Pointer, who seems to barrel into the house with a partial snow drift on his heels. The Orvis Trapper Mat sits right inside the door and catches everything: slush, grit, and chunks of snowball fur. I appreciate the recycled materials, but mostly I love that it kept my tile floors from turning into an ice rink or mud pit. After months of hard use, it still looks like I just took it out of the box. For moments when it gets a little muddy, or if the pup has an accident, a quick and easy hose off and dry-out in the sun makes it good as new. Available in multiple colors and sizes.
$45-$170, Orvis.com.
Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant
When the snow really started dumping in February, the Cloud Bank Pants proved their worth time and time again. Built with GORE-TEX, they kept me dry during full-on powder plunges and my inevitable wipeouts. The fit is spot on — roomy enough for layering but still streamlined — and the mobility made steep climbs and general movement feel surprisingly manageable. The reinforced kickpatch held up strong against my ski edges, which saved the cuffs from shredding. These pants have earned a permanent spot in my winter rotation. Available in women’s and men’s colors and sizes.
$375, MountainHardwear.com.
Dale of Norway Leknes Sweater
There’s a classic charm to every Dale of Norway piece, and after over 20 years living in a ski town, I finally joined the sweater club. The Leknes sweater was the perfect foray into their iconic brand and quickly became a go-to for après-ski and everything in between. The merino wool blend offers just the right amount of warmth without ever feeling too heavy, making it perfect for layering or wearing solo indoors. Whether I was sipping cocktails with friends, working from home in front of a chilly window, or jaunting off for a weekend at a winter cabin, this sweater was always in the mix. Although it’s a little on the pricey side, the timeless design is sure to be a lifelong staple. Available in two colorways.
$329, DaleOfNorway.com
Wild Rye Danner High-Pile Fleece Pullover and Jogger Set
This set from the all-women’s brand Wild Rye was basically my emotional support outfit all season. Plush, warm, and cozy, its 100% high-pile fleece feels like luxury material. I wore it for everything from Christmas Day lounging to stretching out after a long snowshoe. These are also great for layering under your wind- and water-proof shells for after-dark activities like firework gazing or post-skinning hangs.
$139 for the pullover, $119 for the joggers, Wild-Rye.com.
Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool Plaid/Stripe Blanket
The Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool Blanket was a quiet hero in my house all winter long. Whether it was slung over the arm of my couch or draped around my shoulders during my early morning coffee, it brought instant warmth and calm. Made from renewable wool that’s surprisingly soft to the touch, it offers comfort without the itch, and is machine washable — an underrated feature for items in daily rotation. Despite constant use, it never lost its shape or softness, and the classic plaid stripes give my house a bit of a mountain cabin feel. I also loved throwing it on my bed for an extra layer during those sub-zero nights during mid-winter. Available in sizes twin, queen, and king.
$199–$319, Pendleton-USA.com.
Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.
Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.
