From Ski-Mo to Skater, What How You Dress Says About How You Ski

This article originally appeared on Ski Mag

The revolving door of ski style has evolved over the last several decades, discarding some historically functional fads of the past and scooping up any waterproofing technology that hits the marketing sector's front doorstep. The newest trend? Apparel brands have tapped into the everlasting coolness of "mountain chic," tying together vintage staples of the pre-2000s with post-millennial material advances.

Also Read: Now's The Cheapest Time To Replace Your Kid's Outgrown Jackets and Pants

While we miss gaiter-protected denim and are praying that four-millimeter Lycra bibs will make a comeback, let's take a look at what's happening as we slide into the mid 2020s.

Ski Apparel Trends Spotted on the Slopes

Skate Culture Rules

California resorts proudly rep the surf and skate culture, where coastal trends meet park skiing. Needless to say, "loose" is the name of the game, in both state of mind and material freedom. Pants, jackets, attitude... you name it.

Last season I met a couple so similar in dress that I couldn't tell if they were dating or related. Either way, they were both impressively trendy and politely exclusive toward anyone outside of their social circle. Blown-out Vans paired with Dickies held together by a shoelace belt, oversized hoodies beneath thrift-store puffy vests, and fleece single-layer beanies fresh out of Norway. This ensemble has swept the park-skiing nation and keeps the saggy-pants trend of the early 2000s a distant but fond memory.

This scene may also be categorized by a diverse selection of beanie rolls. Long gone are the days of a zero-roll eyebrow grazing beanie. We've got single rolls, double rolls, and even triple rolls. Rolls so high they might roll right off your head. Pair it with the slim Oakley glacier glasses of the mid-90s and you've got yourself a park skier.

Ski-Mo Chic

Evolving from the tight and bright skinsuits of the Blizzard of Ahhhhs generation, the Baby Boomers' most recent expression of style is a look we like to call "Alpine Finesse." Predominantly found racing up backcountry ascents, these casually colorful ensembles defined by abundant shades of bright greens, blues, reds, and oranges are worn by skiing's most legitimized backcountry moguls. Don't look southward or risk peeping a three-layer Gore-Tex bulge, but, hey, these threads are designed for function not fashion. Thank you, Dynafit and Bogner for your commitment to accentuating a tight tush. Potential key identifiers for this segment include an obsession with their carbon footprint, ownership of a Rivian, Untappd user, holds a CPA license, and is semi-retired.

The Weekend Gearhead

The weekend warriors are a more diverse unit of trend followers, but they're a group that takes great pride in their gear. When you live for the weekend, you must come prepared with an impressive wardrobe. Why waste all that time in powder day traffic if you're not going to look good doing it? Look for head-to-toe Flylow with matching colors on skis, boots, and bindings. This Gen Z market has also tapped into Saturday costume skiing, a distinctly West Coast phenomenon that's spreading across the country. Wigs tucked under a helmet may not be the most practical choice for visual purposes, but hot pink curls sure look good bouncing down a bump run.

Fleece, the Common Denominator

While each individual skier reps their own regional or generational fashion segments, there is one material that spans them all: fleece. It's the glue that singlehandedly holds Patagonia's second-hand vintage market together. It's the warm cocoon that keeps us safe from a late night of chills at the sundown apres bar. From fleece-lined Skida hats to Melanzana grid fleece dresses to vintage L.L. Bean vests, fleece is winter's one true love. This textile has something for everybody and it will never waver from our winter wardrobes.

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