You have to pack a lot of ski gear and, of course, après ski outfits for any ski trip–no matter if it’s a week-long vacation or weekend escape. From bulky ski boots to large pieces of outerwear, hard-to-pack helmets, and your actual equipment (skis, poles, and snowboards!), there are too many items on the checklist to count. And after mindfully maneuvering (stuffing) your suitcases and duffles with these sporty necessities, there may not be much room left for the most essential items of all—the gear and garb for those very important après-ski outfits. Even if you don’t plan on skiing at all, you can still achieve the look when following these three easy steps.
Step 1: Double-Duty Ski Sweaters
To start, a stylish ski sweater will do just the trick when it comes to layering up for a few runs in the morning and stripping down for a few fireside hot toddies in the afternoon. Save room by packing sweaters that do double duty both on and off the slopes. Sunny powder days in America’s West would pair perfectly with a retro-inspired jumper. Meanwhile, a Fair Isle turtleneck can help combat Vermont wind chill in style. And a graphic argyle pattern knit will look right at home in the Dolomites and Alps. No après-ski outfit is complete without one, and they’ll look super layered under a pair of salopettes or bib ski pants. No matter what resort you find yourself at, all of these are perfect for lounging around at the lodge or chalets or layered under coats shopping in the village.
Photo Courtesy of Perfect Moment
Step 2: Slopeside Salopettes and Ski Pants
The second step is choosing the right bottoms. While leggings are a nice nod to a sporty look to pair under sweaters, properly insulated pants made for snow will keep your legs and body extra warm for any wintertime activity, be it snowshoeing, walking, shopping in the resort village, hanging out in the lodge, or passing the time at the après-ski hot spot. Many of the silhouettes feel like leggings, such as Moncler’s pair of stirrup ski pants. We recommend bibbed salopettes, which have a similar fit to flared trouser and has all of the essential technical details of a proper snow pant. Whether you wear the overall straps up or down, they’ll certainly look chic with one of those aforementioned ski-ready sweaters.
Photo Courtesy of Khaite
Step 3: Alpine Accessories
Last but not least, top off your ski look with mountain-ready accessories. Keep your head and ears warm with a retro-inspired pom pom topped beanie or ear-warming headband. And what better way to hold a hot drink than in a pair of faux-fur-trimmed mittens?
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
No Ski Boots, Yes Snow Boots
Ski boots are notoriously clunky, uncomfortable, and usually not allowed in restaurants. For skiers and non-skiers alike, you’ll want a durable and waterproof shoe to wear to and from the mountain. Trust us, you’ll look forward to putting one of these stylish yet practical pairs on after a long day on the hill.