I started this season with an ambitious goal: to find a better resort outfit. I like gear that looks sporty while I rip down a tight mogul line and flattering while I sip on a hot toddy at the end of the day. But beyond appearances, I need pieces that are technical enough to protect me from storms and offer skier-specific features.
After researching my options, I settled on the Obermeyer Bond II Pant and the Tuscany Jacket. At my first opportunity, I put both to the test at Keystone Resort.
Obermeyer Fit
Obermeyer designers carefully shape their garments to move naturally with the skier and reduce bulk. I highly recommend using the Obermeyer size guide to find the best fit for you. Returns are easy with Powder7, so if you’re between sizes, order both and keep the size that feels best.
At 5’5″ and 135 pounds, the size 6 Bond II Pant and size 6 Tuscany Jacket both fit me perfectly.
Bond II Pant – Fit
The Bond II pants have a tight, active fit, so expect them to feel more like yoga pants rather than conventional snow pants. They have a slimmer leg with a boot-fit hem, but the softshell material is extremely stretchy, so I still skied comfortably in the pant’s form-fitting style. The high-rise waist should sit at or just below your natural waistline. The back elastic waist panel moved with me as I skied through the bumps and trees and gave me the custom fit I was looking for.
Tuscany Jacket – Fit
While the Tuscany jacket isn’t as tight as a yoga top, it does have a form-fitting look that is flattering even over your thickest sweaters. The regular fit jacket has eased shoulder and waist measurements, leaving ample room for extra layers without making you size up. Plus, the adjustable hem stretches comfortably over whatever layers the conditions demand.
Bond II Pant – On Snow Performance
My first day at Keystone, it was about 30-degrees Fahrenheit, so I wore the pants without a base layer—my first ever attempt at something so risky. The fleece was soft against my skin, but more importantly, I was warm all day despite my tendency to run cold and shiver even when I’m indoors.
The next day, the mercury levels dropped, and the snow fell faster. Temperatures dropped to 0-degrees Fahrenheit, so I threw my 2XU compression tights on under the Bond II Pant and braced myself. Aside from a blustery chairlift ride that left my thighs feeling icy, the 8k waterproof/breathable technology protected me from the flurries and kept me warm.
Tuscany Jacket – On Snow Performance
Last season, I wore two or three layers under my coat depending on the weather. On day one in the Tuscany jacket, I only wore a wool quarter-zip. As the wind howled during my first chairlift ride, and I was nervous that I would miss my other layers. But as soon as I started skiing, my fears dissipated. Plus, it was relaxing to take off my jacket in the lodge without my usual tangle of baselayers.
My favorite—and most unexpected—feature was the integrated Snap-Away powder skirt. Powder skirts have a fairly simple design: elastic that hugs tightly around your waist to block out snow. Obermeyer took this simple design and added the Snap-Away feature so the skirt can lay flat when you don’t need it. During après, snap away the skirt for a tailored look that eliminates the bulge that powder skirts can create.
A few times when I was skiing hard in the trees and moguls, I did wish I had vents to dump extra heat. Instead, I unzipped the jacket a bit to cool off. If you run hot while you ski, you might want to consider a jacket with Control Zone Ventilation. Some options from Obermeyer are the Cosima Down Jacket or the Vivid Jacket.
The Bottom Line
The Bond II Pant is practical and has a flattering fit that is usually reserved for jeans and yoga pants. I’m looking forward to sporting them on snowshoeing expeditions, at winter tailgates, and in other cold-weather fun.
The Tuscany jacket has skier-specific features for all-day comfort and style. If your body runs cold, the insulation will keep you toasty. If you run hot, you may prefer a jacket with vents.
For the most advanced fit design with technical features that you can enjoy for seasons to come, I recommend the Obermeyer Bond II pant and Tuscany jacket to enjoy days full of snow, smiles and steaming cocoa.
Want more Obermeyer? Get a sneak peak of the Obermeyer Felicity Bibs, coming soon to Powder7.
