If you’re anything like me, you show up at the slopes every couple of years looking more like the Michelin Man than the gorgeous creature you are. Who can blame us either? Most of us have been conditioned to believe that to avoid those awful wind-burn lines and frozen appendages we have to wear five layers of bulk. Ski fashion is tough to nail down, especially when that’s what we’ve been trained to believe!
Well, no longer! Sandy Ip, the founder and managing director of The Ski Project, a Niseko-based retailer that offers the most stylish winter and mountain wear, with pieces that seamlessly transition from slope to apres ski, has revealed to us her snow wear essentials.
Read also: The Ski Project: Where Ski and Fashion Meet in Niseko, Japan
Ski fashion for on and off the slopes
Sandy’s #1 rule for purchasing a ski outfit is to select pieces based on their style, comfort and function. To avoid the bulk, Sandy says she “would go for a ski suit or ski pants with higher waists – so you can wear a shorter jacket to balance the proportion.” One of her favourite pieces is the Goldbergh Phoenix Suit.
With the snowsuit, Sandy notes that it is essential to have a fashionable second layer. This way you can make the transition to apres ski without having to visit your chalet or hotel room. For this, she recommends the slender silhouettes of Fusalp. The French sportswear designer’s line of sweaters, light jackets and inner wear would all look very at home on the slopes, at a great dinner, or next to a roaring fire (wine in hand, of course).
Some things you certainly can not take with you off the slopes, however, include your ski boots. Those clunky things need to be left behind for your night out. For this, Sandy recommends a pair of Moon Boots or Diavolezza Fur Boots to keep the snow out and the style in.
As you can get beautiful pieces that work for both slope and apres ski, Sandy puts down her foot when it comes to packing the usual casual wear. “Do not,” she informs, “bring any jeans or trainers to a ski resort. You will not end up wearing them at all.” We completely agree. Who has any room in their cases for things they won’t use when you have so much safety gear to put in?
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Safety gear so stylish you’ll be happy to go around like the Stig
When it comes to safety gear, there are a few things Sandy tells us you absolutely must have. And, funnily enough, two of these items are pieces, according to Sandy, that most people don’t realise they need.
Modern ski goggles are one of her big essential pieces. Goggles, however, often are forgotten in the packing process. Not only do they protect your eyes from wind and sun, but as she mentions, “a pair of modern googles can complete a ski look'”. One of her favourites is the 219 Two Pink Orchid Ski Goggles from Yniq.
Stylish helmets are also a necessary yet forgotten piece of equipment. In fact, helmets should be considered an investment piece worth splurging on. As Sandy puts it, “Apart from preventing a head injury, there are advantages to wearing a helmet when skiing. It can also keep your goggles in place, and your head warm, which is important as the body loses more heat from the head than anywhere else.” Sandy recommends the surprisingly sharp Indigo Motorcycle Ski Helmet.
As for gloves, it’s time to move on from the mittens your parents convinced you to wear because ‘having your fingers all together will keep your hands warmer’. Gloves have come a long way in the past few years, and one of the best ski accessories Sandy thinks we should know about are LACROIX Ski’s rechargeable heated ski gloves. These full-grain leather smart gloves feature a heating system so you can adjust their temperature by simply pushing a button.
We are loving Sandy’s style and can not wait to be feeling sleek and shiny at the slopes. It will certainly be a lot better than feeling like we’re wearing four spare tires.
Read also: Winter Wanderlust: What to Pack for a Ski Trip in Japan
Will you make the jump from Michelin Man to Ski Fashionista?
