Your crew is assembled, your chalet is booked. But what about your ski wear? If you’d categorise yourself as something of a once-in-a-blue-moon skier as opposed to a black-run snow bunny, you might not have all the gear (or, frankly, much of an idea). The good news is that affordable ski wear is no longer difficult to come by. In fact, shop around, do your due diligence and you can save hundreds, while still looking like someone who can pull off a parallel turn.
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Having said that, how you feel is more important than how you look – as nothing will zap your enthusiasm faster ahead of that first chair lift ride than not being prepared for the elements. According to Sam Bevan, head of design at Sweaty Betty, one high-street activewear brand that offers ski wear, you need to watch out for two key factors. “Most high-street brands should be able to provide affordable ski wear that is fully waterproof. If waterproofing isn’t guaranteed, then warmth is essential. While designs may feature all the bells and whistles you’d expect from skiwear, the priorities should always be staying dry and warm,” she says.
Lisa Illis, M&S’s head of womenswear design, has similarly practical advice. “Look for pieces that balance warmth, waterproofing and breathability with good insulation, well-placed sealed seams and features such as adjustable cuffs, snow skirts [on ski jackets] and reinforced panels.”
It might be helpful to divide your “kit list” into categories: a jacket, trousers, base layers and accessories (a helmet, a hat, gloves, goggles, ski socks and snow boots so that you don’t slip and slide around the resort). It’s worth mentioning here that while you might want to buy a jacket or salopettes that will last for seasons to come, you should definitely take advantage of any acquaintances who might be able to lend you their entire merino drawer – or consider renting. Blanqo is a ski wear rental company that has become the destination for snow-bound fashion editors with a mantra that will be music to your ears: “Rent. Ski. Return.” It stocks designer ski wear brands such as Perfect Moment, Shoreditch Ski Club and Poivre Blanc, allowing you to, for example, rent the latter’s houndstooth all-in-one for a fraction of the price (£109 to be exact).
Keep scrolling to shop each category and, slowly, you’ll start to see your ski-drobe emerging. And if you forget something, or need an extra pair of socks by the end of the week, that’s what friends are for.
