With cold fronts and flurries already breezing through much of the US, now is the time to plan your next ski or snowboard trip. Whether it’s for early bird first runs or long holiday weekends in the new year, we have the gear and après-ski getups to have you outfitted for the season. Here’s the packing rundown for one of our dream trips: to the fluffy snow-buried slopes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Women
Snow(board) Bunny
Far from lounging at the lodge, this snowboard gal is hitting up the double blacks (okay, tough blues) in these this fur-trimmed parka jacket by Burton ($299.95). Though it has street style good looks, the design boasts strategic insulation (and antimicrobial technology in the underarm area). To go with, we turn to Burton for these slim-cut pants—a relief after years of bulky styles—in a plummy purple ($209.95). Underneath, it’s all about layering. Under Armour makes warm and sleek styles like this pink mock neck with half zip ($54.99). Match your gear to your outfit by picking out this candy stripe pink stomp pad ($12.50) to go with your all-mountain Salomon “Spark” board ($329.95). The shape is a directional twin, just in case you want to hit up the natural terrain of Jackson Hole’s Stash Parks. Round out your look with dark purple Ride boots with click laces for easier tightening ($199.95) and toasty black and white water-resistant gloves ($28.95). The piece de resistance? These artsy mosaic goggles by Spy, to match your board of course ($149.95).
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Off-Piste
After a day of below-zero temperatures, nothing quite warms the toes like shearling. Rather than go full Ugg, try these more refined Koolaburra shearling wedges instead ($139). The style can work in the city too but the crepe wedge has decent traction for walking around Teton Village. Wear with stretchy dark velvet pants ($69.95) and warm knits, like this colorblock cashmere sweater in a thicker waffle knit ($268). For bundling up, this long down coat ($199.95, was $310) protects thighs against the elements, while these fleece-lined merino wool mittens ($58) embody rustic lodge chic. On windy evenings, add these rabbit fur ear muffs to the mix ($27, was $45), which will keep lobes happy without mussing up your ‘do.
Men
Master of Moguls
We don’t mean CEO-type moguls, we’re talking steep runs (see: Corbet’s Couloir with more than a 20 ft. drop). First, strap on a helmet, like this lightweight ventilated style in matte black ($80, was $100, by Smith). Then help out your knees with these K2 skis and bindings with "Shockwave" and rocker technology ($349.93, down from $649.93). Pair them with these Tecnica “Demon” boots with air-cushioning (think your old school basketball shoes) ($349.93, was $499.95) and these well-priced Smith goggles with UV protection ($39.99). On clothing and accessories, Spyder, a Boulder, Colorado based company, has some great modern styles including this soft shell jacket in lumberjack plaid ($169) for milder days. (Layer with a shell if temperatures drop.) Add these insulated bib pants in black ($250), which will fend off snow in case of wipeout; three-finger gloves with removable liners ($84); and a neck gaiter ($20 in red paisley) for no-fuss wind protection.
By the Fire
The best position in your ski house, after a long day on the mountain, is the seat next to the fireplace. For appropriately handsome lounging wear, consult this Scottish lambswool patterned sweater ($290) and relaxed fit wool tweed pant ($120). Layer a thermal shirt underneath—Carhartt makes a perfectly simple one ($20.99)—for extra warmth. If you’re in charge of manning the flames (this fire-starter will get things going ($7.95)), have these wool-lined snow boots ($160 by Sorel) and winter jacket ($350 by Fjallraven) nearby for venturing outside for logs and such.
What to Do
Jackson Hole may be loved for the challenging terrain, but intermediate ski and snowboard aficionados will enjoy the new Casper high-speed quad. The lift, debuting for this 2012-13 season, will whisk guests up mid-mountain for access to an extensive network of blue trails.
To rest your head at night, there’s the typical slopeside and in-town assortment of accommodations. But for something off the beaten path, go backcountry and overnight at Jackson Hole’s Rock Springs yurt. Priced at $425 a night for up to eight people, the yurt is stocked with sleeping bags, wood burning stove, propane lanterns, and more. If the 1-2 hour snowshoe or ski-in trek sounds tiring, hire a porter for another $100 to carry your gear. From there, there are also backcountry guides, yurt lunches, or other activities, which can all be arranged.
Women: Off-piste: top left, LASTCALL.COM; bottom left, J.CREW; top center, Sierra Trading Post, Inc.; bottom center, UNIONMADE; top right, Gap Inc.; bottom right, Amazon.com, Inc. On the mountain: top left, evo; bottom left, Neil DaCosta/BETTY RIDES; top left center, The Burton Corporation; bottom right center, evo; top right center, The House; bottom right center, The Burton Corporation top right, Eastern Mountain Sports, Inc.; bottom right, Under Armour. Men: Apres-ski, by the fire; top left, New Moosejaw, LLC; bottom left, HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC.; top center, Altrec.com; bottom center, UNIONMADE; top right, UrbanOutfitters.com; bottom right, REI. Ski gear: left, REI top center left, DICK’S Sporting Goods; bottom center left, Backcountry.com; top center right, Peter Glenn Ski and Sport bottom center right, DICK’S Sporting; Goods top right, Eastern Mountain Sports, Inc.; center right, Eastern Mountain Sports, Inc.; bottom right, REI