Staying warm and looking hot is usually a tough balancing act with winter jackets stuffed full of insulation.
Thats changing.
Skiers and boarders on the slopes will see some new technological advances in some of the equipment out this year, including better membranes and solar-powered jackets, which should translate into sleeker fashions for the slopes. But not all the new toys come in the technology department, as new brands try to make their mark on the North Shore and many shoppers focus more on price than perfection.
At the Swiss Sports Haus nestled on 15th Street in West Vancouvers Ambleside Village, buyer Fayme Hodal points to two new, somewhat thinner-looking, jackets.
(People) feel the sleeve and they go, No. It doesnt feel very thick, she said. I assure you it will be fine.
The actual mass between the outer and inner jacket is quite low, but it has a really high-quality insulation.
Two jackets in particular she points to are Spyders new Osmo membrane, which has a higher rating for breathability and waterproofing than traditional leader Gore-Tex, and Descentes solar membrane.
The Descente jacket features a membrane that retains heat from the sun and transfers that into the insulation.
Both of these types of things allow the garments to be lighter. You dont use as much insulation, but you use better insulation, said Hodal.
But technology, of course, is only one aspect of ski fashions, and this year theres plenty new to try if youre looking to spruce up your ski suit.
The most eye-catching accessory might be the Airhole cashmere face mask, the latest in Airholes lineup of head-turning ski masks. Max Jenke, himself a former professional rider and director with the Vancouver-based company, said they developed the mask so goggles wouldnt fog up from breathing under a bandana.
Not only is it the most technical face mask on the market, but it also brings a fashion element to a face mask versus just the black ones you see everywhere, he said.
The Airhole designs have been hot sellers at Second Wave on Lonsdale Avenue, where owner Neil Callaghan says they make an eye-catching accessory, and could be quite handy in colder weather.
In colder markets theyre definitely more useful, or maybe early morning up on Whistler, but theyre kind of an accessory item, like a fashion accessory. People love them, he said.
At his store, however, the focus is on more affordable wear than the high-tech gear you see elsewhere, and in the accessory department oversized goggles are selling like nothing else.
You would see the odd person the last couple of years with really huge bug-eyed goggles but now theyre just flying off the shelves, he said.
Over at North Shore Ski and Board, there are a number of new brands for this season, including the new line of ski and board gear by Australias Rhythm, which had previously been better known for
its surf wear.
Thats a new thing for us; its still picking up. I dont think people know what it is, said sales associate Laila Fox.
The company uses a slightly toned-down look from the neon flair, with lots of colour blocking but quieter, more natural colours compared to the traditional bright and neon offerings.
Rip Curl is also new and selling well, said Fox. It offers four-way stretch fabric, borrowed from the companys wetsuit department, which stretches with the rider as they move, reducing the pulling of the fabric.
Whichever people choose, Jenke said living in Vancouver affords a great chance to see the gear top riders are using with international destinations like Whistler so close by.
A lot of guys who are riding there are riding (in) next seasons clothes, he said.
