Spicy hued and colourful fashion are heating up the local ski hills this winter.
A fiery red Spicy Hoodie ($270) from Mountain Equipment Co-op not only gives off a glow, it also retains impressive loft and warmth when exposed to precipitation and moisture, according to the outdoor retailer. The lightweight-yet-durable spicy hoodie has also been described by at least one MEC ambassador as feeling like air.
Burton’s new winter 2017 collection features colourful fleeces, flannels, outerwear and accessories to keep outdoor enthusiasts cheery and comfortable as they shred down The Cut or snowshoe through the trails on Seymour. Aloha, tropical print base layers ($42 for each piece) and gloves inspired by the Hawaiian Islands!
Over at North Shore Ski and Board on Lonsdale, when it comes to thermals, merino wool is king. The breathable fabric naturally packs anti-microbial protection and moisture management.
“It doesn’t smell like your synthetics do, if you get sweaty in it,” says North Shore Ski & Board buyer Cassie Donnahee.
Overheating while playing outdoors isn’t an option with Icebreaker’s base layers ($140 for men’s long sleeve half zip) built with strategically placed merino mesh for ventilation.
Meanwhile, MyPakage underwear (approximately $30) has proved to be popular with the younger set, says Donnahee.
These ultra-supportive and comfortable boxer briefs contain a unique internal pouch and are made from fabric that is breathable, warm and stretchy to give men lots of room when they’re carving down the mountain. An array of fun patterns add to MyPakage’s popularity factor.
Tunes and snowboarding tricks go hand-in-hand for many teens and young adults – with the retailers taking note of how to pair slopestyle fashion with function.
“Most of the (jacket) brands now do have a media pocket where you can put a wire through for sound,” explains Donnahee, adding North Shore Ski & Board also carries wireless earbuds which integrate with Giro and Smith helmets.
Speaking of protecting melons, park-style helmets are all the rage these days on the mountain. The colourful helmets are a win-win: kids don’t have to worry about looking uncool or being uncomfortable and parents can breathe a little easier not worrying about concussions.
Giro Combyn helmets ($50-$180) employ soft shell technology and can withstand both high and low-energy impacts.
Après-ski fashion found at North Shore Ski and Board includes flirty sweatpants and hoodies by Brunette The Label, emblazoned with clever sayings such as Rose Okay. Chunky sweaters from Roxy and Billabong are a cosy fit to wear while warming up with hot cocoa in the chalet.
Situated in the shadow of Cypress Mountain, Swiss Sports Haus in Ambleside, founded as a ski shop in 1980 by two good friends from Switzerland, sells all the winter essentials.
“Swiss Sports Haus continues to focus on best-in-class technical luxury skiwear from Spyder of USA, Descente of Japan, Colmar of Italy and Kjus of Switzerland,” says co-owner Amanda Arnold-Wardell. “All adult outerwear is four-way stretch fabrics that are highly waterproof and breathable.”
Orange and navy appear to be this season’s hot outerwear colour for men, with Descente, Colmar and Kjus offering jackets and pants in these hues.
Racoon fur-trimmed hoods and toques are still trendy in women’s winter fashion.
The figure flattering silhouette of Spyder’s Geneva jacket, says Arnold-Wardell, bathed in rich jewel-tone blue and topped with a racoon-fur trimmed hood is the epitome of performance tech luxury skiwear.
Homegrown outdoor apparel retailer Arc’teryx, based in the Dollarton area, has come out with an elegant women’s Patera Parka ($800) containing the warmth of down and weather protection of Gore-Tex.
The men’s Therme Parka, meanwhile, is described by Arc’teryx as a masterpiece of urban style combining fully waterproof and windproof/breathable Gore-Tex fabric with premium goose down and synthetic insulations.
