by Lucy Lea Tucker
The team at D&E / Four Mountain Sports and two top local athletes chime-in on what they are wearing, skiing and snowboarding, head to toe, this season.
WHAT’S IN YOUR SKI BAG, D&E Retail?
WHAT’S IN YOUR SKI BAG?
SKIS & OUTERWEAR
SKIS
Head Kore series is the newest release ski by Head. Head was able to drop the weight of the ski, while retaining the notorious raw power and explosiveness that Head is known for on the slopes. Receiving top reviews in last year’s ski test across the country, this ski is ready to charge in all types of snow.
SKI BOOTS & BINDINGS
The Head Hammer 110 Ski Boots with the clean, three-buckle system and shock-absorbing footbeds have unique versatility and flexibility that can be skied all over the mountain from groomers to the park to powder. AAAttack 14 Bindings are great tools for any type of skier and any type of ski conditions.
OUTERWEAR – COLORS, PATTERNS & STYLES
Ski outerwear fashion encompasses earthy tones with a few pops of pink, red and coral this season. Stripes, geometric shapes and cross hatch designs are the classic patterns on fitted pants and jackets for both men and women.
SKI SOCKS
Stance has ventured into the ski and snowboard scene bringing their expertise in functionality and top of the line designs. With a variety of fit and design, Stance will keep your feet happy no matter what the conditions are, on any given day.
SKI PANTS
2018 Helly Hansen Legendary Pants embody a classic style while keeping you warm and dry, thanks to the incredible waterproof and breathable Prima Loft insulation and Helly Tech Performance fabric.
SKI ACCESSORIES
SKI GLOVES
Astis fashion ski gloves are more fashion than function, but they do keep your hands warm. Adorned with unique beadwork and fringe, these beauties will run you around $200.BASE LAYERS
Helly Hansen tops and bottoms embody comfort, style and performance. The boot cut long underwear leggings meet the sock and don’t interfere with boot fit.MID LAYERS
New this year, Helly Hansen is getting tech-savvy with the new Life pocket – an insulated zip chest pocket with special warming gel, so that your phone doesn’t die.SKI HAT
Pom-poms are still all over the hat racks these days. The classic Helly Hansen hat is classically understated but still stylish.HELMETS
Smith dominates the complete goggle-helmet integration system.GOGGLES
Focusing on low speed, high speed, rotational, and multiple-impact, safety is their number one priority wit increased airflow and temperature regulation.SKI BAGS
It’s not just about what’s in your bag…. but what is your bag? Heated Ski Boot Bags are trending in how to best tote your gear around and keep things warm. The Thermal Trekker is top of the line as a highly compartmentalized, efficient, heated, insulated and technically designed ski boot backpack for boots, helmet, gear and other apparel.AND HOW ABOUT FOR SNOWBOARDING?
AND HOW ABOUT FOR SNOWBOARDING?
Retail experts at D&E / Four Mountain Sports fill us in on what’s trending and what they recommend for riding in 2018, and everything in between:
SNOWBOARD OUTERWEAR – Colors, Patterns & Styles
Rich earth tones complemented by softer tones like slate and light blues for men and pink for the women, dominate this year’s color palette. Both sexes will see deep burgundies mixed with black, a few pop colors like red, royal and navy blue. For men, tie dye and different colored camouflage designs will show well against the white, snowy backdrop of the slopes. For women, rose prints and basic camo patterns will be the style. Longer fits in jackets will help to complete a slimmer and cleaner look when paired with a tailored pant. Bib pants are making a comeback with a looser but flattering fit.
SNOWBOARDS
According to Sammy Shea, Senior Buyer, D&E: “Carving is the new jam (again) and both the Deep Thinker board and the Storm Chaser board do it better than most.”
Burton’s Deep Thinker is a directional twin with a tapered swallow tail, featuring Burton's balanced freeride geometry with a camber set back directly under where the rider stands, which maximizes power and edge control. What looks like a powder board is really a board that can take you from the pipe to steeps to the pow, all in one.
Jones’ Storm Chaser is specially designed by surfboard shaper Chris Christensen and Professional Snowboarder, Jeremy Jones. This powder board will carve groomers like a surfboard, but the unique convex spoon nose will have you plowing through snow like a boat through water.
Burton’s Deep Thinker is a directional twin with a tapered swallow tail, featuring Burton's balanced freeride geometry with a camber set back directly under where the rider stands, which maximizes power and edge control. What looks like a powder board is really a board that can take you from the pipe to steeps to the pow, all in one.
Jones’ Storm Chaser is specially designed by surfboard shaper Chris Christensen and Professional Snowboarder, Jeremy Jones. This powder board will carve groomers like a surfboard, but the unique convex spoon nose will have you plowing through snow like a boat through water.
SNOWBOARD BOOTS & BINDINGS
Burton Step On (SO) boot and binding system is what’s hot right now. Voted “Best Outdoor Invention for 2018” by Outdoor Magazine, Burton has redeveloped the old Step In boot from 20 years ago with a cleat on the heel and a cleat at either side of the ball of your foot. You step onto the binding and into the heel, a ratchet grabs the heel cleat and then you step onto the ball of your foot where the two cleats engage a window on either side. The cleats at the ball of your foot can move, but the heel is locked down. This responsive mechanism emulates the feel of a conventional strap system, but without the clunky boots of yesterday and without the hassle of sitting down and strapping in.
SNOWBOARD GLOVES
Burton Gore-Tex Glove and Mitts are the most popular performance gloves and mittens for 2018.SNOWBOARD BASE LAYERS
Merino wools from Burton and Mons Royal keep you warm and dry.SNOWBOARD MID LAYERS
Fleece is coming in hot with button and zip up options, as well as pullover anoraks from Burton, The North Face and Six Eight Six.WHAT’S IN YOUR SKI BAG, TED MAHON?
WHAT’S IN YOUR SKI BAG, TED MAHON?
Ted Mahon, Aspen’s very own ultra-runner, Centennial peak bagger, Ski Mountaineer and Aspen Snowmass Ski Instructor recommends the following for a successful ski season:
Skis & Ski Gear
Ted is a sponsored athlete and big fan of the Kästle name: “They are a proven brand with a storied race background – true to their roots, Kästle continues to make their skis in Austria, when other brands have outsourced to cheaper production facilities.”
SKIS
Kästle FX95s cut through the crud and powder and can hold and edge like a ski racer on the groomers. The ‘Hollowtech’ tip keeps the ski afloat in the soft snow. Two sheets of Titanal adds stability.SKI POLES
Bamboo Poles: Made with environmentally friendly material versus the typical aluminum or carbon, Bamboo poles are stronger than people expect, and they have a good swing weight. They are somewhat customizable regarding grip, basket design and color.SKI BOOTS
Salomon or Technica Hybrid Alpine Touring Boots ski like an alpine boot but can easily be switched into walking mode. When transitioning from skiing the resort in-bounds to the backcountry, Ted recommends these two brands. Having made ski boots for decades, these brands make a better “skiing” touring boot than a lot of brands.Accessories
Wigwam Socks are an ultralight, thin, wicking ski sock that lasts for years.
Smith Goggles and Helmets – Smith utilizes the new Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) in helmets, which reduces outside forces to the head and brain upon impact. The integrated audio feature also stands out as one of Smith’s top helmet features. Purchasing helmets and goggles of the same manufacturer is recommended, and especially with Smith, as they tend to have a better fit and seal.
“Always have a Buff, maybe two, on a cold day to keep both your neck and head warm. I love Buffs!” – Ted.
Hestra Gloves for high performance in all conditions. Ted and his outdoor adventure partner-wife, Christy encounter intense terrain and cold climates – they both give these gloves two thumbs up! Ted wears the ‘three finger heli glove’ and Christy likes the mitt. They are durable while allowing you to use your fingers for buckling boots and pulling zippers, despite being a mitt.
Smith Goggles and Helmets – Smith utilizes the new Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) in helmets, which reduces outside forces to the head and brain upon impact. The integrated audio feature also stands out as one of Smith’s top helmet features. Purchasing helmets and goggles of the same manufacturer is recommended, and especially with Smith, as they tend to have a better fit and seal.
“Always have a Buff, maybe two, on a cold day to keep both your neck and head warm. I love Buffs!” – Ted.
Hestra Gloves for high performance in all conditions. Ted and his outdoor adventure partner-wife, Christy encounter intense terrain and cold climates – they both give these gloves two thumbs up! Ted wears the ‘three finger heli glove’ and Christy likes the mitt. They are durable while allowing you to use your fingers for buckling boots and pulling zippers, despite being a mitt.
WHAT’S IN YOUR SNOWBOARD BAG, JORDIE KARLINSKI?
WHAT’S IN YOUR SNOWBOARD BAG, JORDIE KARLINSKI?
Two-time US Snowboard Team member, Jordie Karlinski, has been riding and training on the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass since she was 6 years old. These mountains shaped her to be one of the best female snowboarder's in the world.
Here’s what you will find in Jordie’s gear lineup:
Here’s what you will find in Jordie’s gear lineup:
Snowboard & Snowboard Gear
SNOWBOARD
Jordie rides the Jones Hovercraft. The perfect all-condition, all-mountain snowboard for ladies who want to shred powder and carve on the groomers. The board has a unique directional shape. Jordie enthuses, “I love taking it down Highlands Bowl in fresh powder because Smith dominates the complete goggle-helmet integration system the larger spoon nose allows me to float almost effortlessly on the soft snow.”SNOWBOARD BOOTS
Burton Supreme Boots: Jordie has been riding these boots for more years than she can count on her hands. With a stiffer flex, they deliver great performance. These boots are made for women who charge on steeps, groomers, in parks or on powder.SNOWBOARD BINDINGS
Burton Lexa Bindings: Jordie’s “go-to” bindings for the last few years, they combine all terrain performance with comfortable ankle straps — the best of both worlds.SNOWBOARD HELMET
Giro Combyn helmet utilizes Soft Shell technology, so there is flexibility if you fall and hit your head; the helmet absorbs the pressure and impact from the fall.SNOWBOARD GOGGLES
Giro Ella Goggles are an incredible women's-specific goggle with a larger frame and Vivid lenses by Zeiss. Frameless, with an easy quick-lens change system that is part magnetic, these goggles allow me to see everything in all types of weather and light conditions. The Giro Ellas fit well with the Giro Combyn helmet.SNOWBOARD OUTERWEAR
Strafe Outerwear Meadow Jacket: Made from lightweight, breathable yet technical fabric, the Meadow jacket is the perfect combination shell jacket to wear both skinning uphill and riding in-resort. The style is a flattering, feminine fit with a high collar for extra warmth. This jacket pairs well over the Strafe Outerwear Scarlett Bib. Jordie claims, “This award-winning pant is my go-to when I am skinning uphill or taking cruiser laps. The fabric is super lightweight and breathable, so you won't overheat while working up a sweat. The halter bib top makes going to the bathroom so much easier...all while keeping the snow out!”
SNOWBOARD GLOVES
Burton AK Oven Mitts. Jordie confesses: “My hands run really cold, so I use these mittens every day! They are like have down comforters on your hands with really great mobility and performance.”SNOWBOARD BASE LAYERS
Lululemon Align Pant and Lululemon Swiftly Long Sleeve. Both top and bottom are lightweight and made from four-way stretch synthetic fabrics. Having lightweight base layers that are breathable and that dry quickly are important for a day filled with sweaty up-hilling and chilly downhill boarding.SNOWBOARD SOCKS
Smartwool merino wool snowboard socks, medium weight. For colder feet, the medium weight keeps them both dry and warm. Theses socks dry quickly and come up well above my snowboard boot. Per Jordie, “When I was on the US team I was introduced to Smartwool socks and I haven't looked back.”
You’ll certainly be looking stylish and on the most innovative, high performing gear if you follow these tips! Visit a Four Mountain Sports to check out the gear and get the low down in person.
