Featured Gear Guide

From Ski Day to Apres: The ultimate ski bum transformation guide

Do you ever find yourself craving an ice cold beer after a day of crushing pow?  Do you ever find yourself full of adrenaline, ready to share the day’s most epic moment with anyone you lay eyes on?  Do you ever think to yourself, “Damn, if only I wasn’t adorned with a duct-tape patched coat, socks with an odor hazardous enough to cause the patrol dog to think twice about that scratch down, and a helmet that, well to say the least, makes me look more like an astronaut than a ‘single and ready to mingle’ fella.”?  Well bad news first: your intuition was right…you really aren’t in any kind of state to crack a cold one apres style.  Sure you might fit in just fine come beach days at A-Basin, but that trek to Aspen Highlands for what has turned out to be arguably the best way to spend that last paycheck…well it’s letting you down right about now.  Good news: while you might have to bear the unwelcome glares and ridicule this time, I’ve got the setup that will take you straight from ski day to apres (no trek to the hotel room or the campsite in the rear of the free parking lot required).

The Essentials:

Astis Mitts: How are you supposed to hold that cold one if your hands are already numb from the day?  With Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft Insulation, leather outing, and a silicon injection to ensure your fingers stay dry, these mitts will turn any ski bum into apres material with their lavish good looks.  (Pro Tip: Go with this Cartier design and feel free to drop stories about that time you hucked a 40ft. cliff heli-skiing in B.C.).

Smith Vantage Helmet and Men’s Cirque Aspen Grand Beanie: This category is bittersweet.  Bad news: mom still knows best.  Wear the helmet, save your noggin (trust me, it takes some clever brains to come up with a successful pick-up line).  Good news: although a helmet doesn’t exactly have a place in a bar, the Aspen beanie will have you looking like a local in no time and can easily be stashed in your coat pocket.  (Pro Tip: Go with the Vantage helmet.  With 21 vents you’ll reduce your risk of creating an odor too pungent to be tamed by the hat).

Men’s Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover: This one really is a win-win option.  Keep the expensive coat, add a cheaper, stylish mid-layer.  You’ll save money for an extra beer and won’t have to part with those duct-tape badges of honor on your current coat.  Lose the coat in the bar and sport this timeless sweater.  If you really want to make a statement, go for one of the crazy prints.  This classic essential melds the ever popular retro and hipster looks while being practical on the slopes.  Who can say no to a sweater that practically feels like a fleece blanket and looks as classy, as well, a ski bum gets?

The Extras:

If you’re searching for a little more than a few beers unfortunately I can’t guarantee these wardrobe essentials will do the trick.  However, I can leave you with a few more recommendations.

Lip Balm: In case your lips meander from the beer can.  No one likes wind-burned, chapped lips.

Deodorant: No explanation needed.

Granola Bar: Snacks are expensive; beer is good.

Never find yourself choosing between nursing a cold one alone, or apres accompanied with unwelcome glares again.  Take these tips, start with the essentials, add in the extras if you’re really feeling it, boost your confidence with a few beers if for some reason you’re not feeling classy enough in your lavish, conversational ensemble, and go finish an epic ski day how it was meant to be finished.

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