Every weekend we’ve been heading up to Poconos to ski – both boys are in Blue Mountain’s ski racing program.  It’s awesome.  Raines skis for 5 hours each day (Sat and Sun), and Pax’s group (the tiniest ones) ski for 2 hours each day.

Which means….doing the math here….Mike and I get to ski alone for two hours each day.  [cue hallelujah chorus]

Since we go so often, I’ve got the weekend packing down to a science.  I could drone on and on about how to pack ski bags for each kid (hint: THESE), but instead I’ll focus on what I’m packing pour moi.  I figure I can’t be the only one googling various iterations of “look cute and be warm ski weekend what to wear”.

Right?

Here’s what is currently working for me (as well as a – hopefully – helpful packing list):

A Baselayer Cute Enough To Stand on Its Own

I had thrown one of these pictures on Instagram (@themomedit) and someone pointed out that I looked awfully exposed.  Correct.  As much as I’d love to be one of those girls gliding around in tight ski tights and short jackets….no.  No, no, nope, never gonna happen. But tights and chic layers and cute socks?  Are a perfect baselayer for under my ski gear.  That way I’m comfortable in the car on the way over, am comfortable as I get the boys bundled up and ready to go, and I’m comfortable (and still look cute) when we’re drinking our hard-earned apres ski cocktails in the lodge.

My leggings are those amazingly warm running tights from Lululemon (first featured here).  Under my packable down jacket,  I wear a combination of thin, woolly sweaters.  Smartwool makes some just for outdoor activity, but I’ve also found that a fitted cashmere sweater is softer and works just as well.

Outfit Details

jacket: long gone, but I asked readers for some help finding similar pieces, and a few recommended this Michael Kors one – great fit, and gold zippers (Macy’s has it on sale in bright colors), or this sleek Vortex Jacket from Athleta (also comes in oxblood)….or this insanely cool moto-jacket hybrid from Kit and Ace.  It makes my heart beat fast.  Amazing find.

sweaters: I’m wearing my Joe Fresh cashmere sweater.  Only orange or oatmeal left, but they’re on sale for $40 WITH an additional 30% off.  Whoa.  If you are looking for black, this cashmere LLBean sweater looks similar.  If it’s really cold, I layer another thin Smartwool sweater (I have this old one.)

leggings: Lululemon Toasty Tech Tight II (see this article for similar options)

socks: old Dakine, but I just skiied in these Fox Run socks – they’re thinner, yet warmer.

boots: Tecnica Moonboots Waterfall (on sale at Shoes.com – but more sizes available at Zappos)

Ski Gear (Duh)

This is too broad of a topic to even attempt, but I will say I’m loving my Lole jacket and Volcom pants.  These pants are shockingly flattering – I often get stopped by moms at the sledding hill – and I can vouch for their waterproof quality:  Pax spilled an entire mug of hot chocolate in my lap, and these pants?  Didn’t get wet or stain.

Also, these mittens are the warmest I’ve ever tried.  Like my snowpants, the mitts were recommended to me by the guys at Casualties in Marquette, and man they know their stuff.

Outfit Details

baselayers (see previous section)

Jacket:  Lole, from a few years ago, but this Columbia one is similar and on sale at 6pm.  It has a contrast zip, a hood that will fit over a helmet, thumbholes, and all kinds of warm and cozy technical stuff

Pants:  Volcom Battle Stretch Pants

Mittens: Dakine Firebird Mitten

Sunglasses: Prada c/o Ditto (I upgraded to polarized lenses – amazing.)

Something Cute and Comfy For Later

There’s so much gear involved in skiing, so I try to pack light everywhere else.  In addition to my ski gear, I’ll typically throw in a couple long-sleeve tees, a cozy sweater, and a pair of jeans that work with my winter boots.  I only bring another pair of shoes IF we have fancy plans.  (HA.  We never have fancy plans.)  I’ll also add one accessory for interest – typically, some sort of statement scarf.  (In this case, a long scarf knit years ago by my friend, Sarah!)

I also pack sweatpants because I never leave home without my sweatpants.

Outfit Details

sweater: a really old Vince sweater.  If I were to replace this sweater, I’d probably stalk Vince’s sale section and end up with this cashmere turtleneck (only size L left), this cozy wool v-neck sweater (S, M, or L), or – good grief how did I miss this – a cashmere color-blocked turtleneck sweater (all sizes left – this one might actually work for skiing, too.)   Or heck!  Banana has a ton of cozy sweaters on super sale – see my favs here.  I’ve also been wearing the heck out of this Everlane turtleneck sweater as well.

tee: Rag and Bone V-neck tee

jeans: Rag and Bone Surf Skinnies (long gone – these are similar)

boots: Tecnica Moonboots Waterfall (on sale at Shoes.com – but more sizes available at Zappos)

scarf:  Made by a friend, but you can pick up similar ones on Etsy for around $15.  I like this one.

bra: Free People Racerback

necklace: Phyrra

And because I loooove packing lists, here’s one for future reference:

Baselayers:

Lululemon Toasty Tech Tight II | North Face Moto Jacket | Ski Socks | Red Smartwool Sweater | SPF lipbalm

Ski Gear:

Jacket | Pants | Mittens | Boots | Bag | Handwarmers

Apres Ski:

Sweater | Jeans | Sunglasses | Scarf | Striped Tee | V-Neck Tee

Tank | Underwear | Hat and Mittens | Bikini Top and Bottom | Sweatpants | Boots | Bag

Yay, snow.

xo,

S