Our crew (family of 4 and 3 cattle dogs) is lucky enough to be based in southern Colorado, and to say we’re pleasantly surprised by this year’s season-to-date snowfall would be an understatement. We are down right stoked with our low key home mountain measuring nearly 250 inches of snow (as of late January ‘23). So, we figured now would be as good a time as any to refresh our kits – in hopes of a continued snowy season. Here are our latest favorites for the whole family.
Artilect A/SYS Flatiron 185 Thermal Legging and Longsleeve Crew
If there’s one thing a lot of our picks have in common, it’s comfortable wool. When I was a kid, I hated wool. It was itchy, it stretched out in weird ways, and it was all-around, my least favorite thing to put on my skin. Nowadays, it’s my #1 and the Artilect Flatiron 185s are where its at.
Why we love it:
Not only do I love the tie dye color of both the men’s and women’s fit, but the Nuyarn merino wool is super soft, moisture wicking and the warmth to weight ratio is incredible.
Ibex Wool Aire Vest
Ibex has figured out the secret to ever-lasting wool apparel. But it’s not just the long-lasting aspect that we love, the Ibex Wool Aire Vest also fits really nicely and delivers on the performance side of things (like durability and warmth).
Why we love it:
We’re used to wool on the skin, but this vest actually uses renewable raw merino wool material as insulation! It’s also insanely light (less than 10oz for women’s medium), and features PFC-free wind/water-resistant outer fabric, Bluesign Certified materials, Oeko-tex Certified dyes.
Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze Insulated Hoody
Whether I’m cross-country skiing, fat biking or hiking, the Alpspitze Insulated Hoody from Jack Wolfskin has been my go-to mid-layer on snowy days and outer layer on sunny days. The hoody stretches in the right places and features some amazing technology to perform in nearly any condition.
Why we love it:
One word: Tech. This hoody has amazing technology integrated into it to be a full-performance option on any day. The front, back and sleeves feature Texashield Core fabric to fight water and wind. It also features Primaloft Gold Active Vent fill, which delivers amazing warmth to weight (not to mention flexibility and breathability). And, sustainability is a key feature in this hoody with the fill consisting of 80% recycled material. Feeling good about feeling good, y’all. What more could you ask for?
Arc’teryx Men’s Sabre Bib Pant
My husband has tried a lot of pants in his decades of skiing and snowboarding. In fact, after ordering 3 different options this fall and winter, he nearly gave up. Until earlier this month…that’s when he skied the Arc’teryx Sabre Bib Pant. He’s an athletic build with a small waist, shorter inseam and muscular legs, so sizing can be tricky. But these bibs delivered on the fit! He can also be really, really tough on gear – like, patching holes on first day out with a new pair of ski pants kind of tough. Thankfully, these bibs are seemingly indestructible.
Why we love it:
GORE-TEX keeps them waterproof, big pockets means all the easy access to snacks and they are perfectly at home in the backcountry as they are at the resort.
Arc’teryx Women’s Sentinel Anorak Jacket
The Arc’teryx Sentinel Anorak Jacket is the pullover shell I didn’t know I needed! At the top of the list, the GORE-TEX material is waterproof, windproof, and wonderfully breathable. It’s everything you need on blower powder days and features an integrated powder skirt to keep snow out completely. I also love the helmet-compatible hood and kangaroo-style front pocket to carry all the things when I don’t want to wear a pack or fill my bib pockets. The sleeves are also perfectly sized, so no fussing with trying to pull them over my gloves, and they tighten down nicely over smaller gloves thanks to the wide velcro bands.
Why we love it:
It’s a bombproof powder day jacket that can take whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
Stio Hometown Down
Our entire family rocks Stio’s Hometown Down puffy jacket this time of year. The temperatures can get bitterly cold (like, negative double digitalis, kind of cold), so warmth-inducing puffy layers are a must. Plus, the Hometown is made with 100% recycled nylon and features ultralight, water repellent 800-fill goose down, thanks to ALLIED Feather™ technology.
What we love about it:
Mega-puff, mega warmth, ultra cozy.
Ibex Kid’s Woolies
While I hate to admit it, my kids have some seriously strong opinions (I’m kidding, I love that they have their own voices and opinions!). But with serious opinions, comes pure honestly related to what they like to wear…and what they don’t like to wear. Thankfully, the Ibex Kid’s Woolies delivers all the goods.
Why we love it:
These 100% merino wool thermals are warm, light and soft on the skin. They also wash up really nice (we hang dry ours) and provide comfort for all the winter activities and indoor snuggle time.
Boulder Gear Kid’s Pinnacle Bib
We’ve used a lot of hand-me-down gear in the nearly seven short years of being parents. That came to a screeching halt when our daughter developed the above-mentioned opinions of how she wants her clothing to fit and feel (And I don’t blamer her). Cue resort parking lot meltdowns! Thankfully, our local hill (Wolf Creek Ski Area) has a fantastic shop with smile-inducing ski kid’s ski apparel readily available. That’s when we discovered the Boulder Gear Kid’s Pinnacle Bib.
Why we love it:
One word: Purple! Well, maybe that’s not the only reason. These bibs are almost a grow-with-me style, featuring velcro adjusters, rather than slides to tighten or loosen. Our toddler is petite, so while we purchased the size 4 (she’s 4 years old), it is a little big on her. We easily fix that by criss-crossing the bib straps and fine-tuning with the velcro. They also feature super cozy microfleece, boot gaiters to keep out snow and are fully waterproof and breathable.
Helly Hansen Kids’ Rider 2 Insulated Ski Bib
For our bigger kiddo (he’s 7), we wanted something equally durable and warm. That’s where the Helly Hansen Kids’ Rider 2 Insulated Ski Bibs come in. On the durability front, these bibs are reinforced just about everywhere including seat, knees, and bottom hem. While it’s not uncommon for us to patch his jackets, these bibs have stood up to his all-out skiing style through trees and his need to tumble over rocks, build snow forts at the ski area and ramble around in the woods while we’re ice fishing.
Why we love it:
The fit is amazing and has great adjustability. They also deliver amazing warmth and waterproofing is fantastic. Whether we’re skiing bluebird or blower days, these bibs have delivered.
Skida Alpine Hat
No matter what piece of gear I’m testing on my body, I tend almost always have a Skida Alpine Hat on my head. Skida hats are made right here in the states (Vermont) and have never failed me. The Alpine Hat is fleece-lined and perfect for colder days (see their unlined Nordic hat for warmer days, for under a bike helmet, etc.).
Why we love it:
Made in the US, fun prints and options for the whole family (that’s right, they make kids and baby sizes!).
