Skiing is fun and all, but let's be honest, skiwear and ski clothes are a faff to pack. Besides all the apres ski looks you need in addition to the bulky ski jacket, you have to take into account the vibe of the place you're headed.
Having skied on three different continents, I can share that slope style varies from destination to destination as do the most popular luxury brands to shop for said looks. Hitting the trails in Colorado? You're looking at Loro Piana, shearing and a sprinkle of tartan. Riding the red runs in Hokkaido? You have our full blessing to have fun with prints and colours.
In the words of Rachel Green: “Shoop, shoop, shoop.”
Of course, there are no strict rules to dressing for ski, as long as you're wrapped up warm and safely covered (just wear the helmet!). The one safety tip I do swear by, though, is to avoid all-white looks where possible, as it can camouflage you on blizzard days, making you the victim of an unwanted crash. Other than that, just have fun!
But if you're curious how the style set do snow-chic at every posh ski destination, check out our guide for the style of skiwear to pack below for where you're headed.
1. Courchevel
The ski villages around the 3 Valleys are undoubtedly where one goes for the bougiest ski experience. From products exclusive to the Chanel and Prada stores in Courchevel to the Moncler located halfway down a piste so you can pop in for some casual ski-in-ski-out shopping after a Michelin-starred lunch alfresco, skiing in this French ski town comes with its own set of unspoken rules. No outfit is too OTT for this crowd. Think: Louis Vuitton goggles, Yves Salomon boots on the slopes and plush, Perfect Moment skirt while you indulge in raclette and champagne.
The Swiss Alps are the home of pretty much all the ski pros, thanks to its deep history of hosting the sport. That means in most places, you'll be mingling with experts who were pretty much born with skis on, so the last thing you want is to look like a tourist. Blend into the gorgeous retro-chic environs with some vintage-inspired skiwear. Fendi's red, white and blue ski suit, for example, could have come straight out of Princess Diana's '80s ski wardrobe, while Patagonia's Powder Town beanie is giving serious Home Alone vibes. Remember, old-school, not old-fashioned.
Quiet luxury is what the Dolomites are known for. Apparently, these hills are home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants but don't expect people to be dressed to the nines for dinner the way they might in Courchevel. Low-key luxe is how you want to go, so eschew the Fendi for Fulsalp and lean into a fuss-free approach to the sport. With the plethora of high-end spas in the area, you're going to need some cosy apres looks to snuggle up in, like this Mojo Scarlett knit from The Upside.
4. Aspen
If you're looking for some ski inspo for carving the mountain in Aspen, just ask yourself: What would Gigi Hadid wear? The supermodel embodies that luxury ranch chic you want to emulate for the American wilderness. Cosy shearling boots, sweeping faux fur coats and a touch of tartan, Gigi's brand Guest in Residence has all the knitwear you need to cosy up in your chalet. And for playing in the powder? Kim Kardashian's skin-toned North Face collab has got you covered.
From fuelling up on ramen on the slopes to soaking in an onsen or hot spring after dark, skiing in Japan is unlike anywhere else, so make sure your slope style matches its energy. The most luxurious ski destination in Asia, everyone from around the region flocks in to enjoy the powder every year, and they come with their unique sense of style. Here's where anything goes, from clashing, fluorescent ski suits to funky prints. Part of the fun is simply being on the lookout for the outré outfits as people line up to board the gondola.
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