A+ Apparel: Three Innovative Outerwear Brands Pair Well at Resorts Serviced by Ski Butlers
In the apparel industry, Patagonia is a forerunner in sustainability, a sentiment that echoes Ski Butlers’ mission as well (even down to supplying Patagonia apparel to employees as uniforms). Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard, has been an environmental steward in the West and beyond, starting from when he joined the Sierra Club after moving from Maine to California to rock climb. Patagonia outerwear serves the needs of skiers and riders recreating in all mountain areas, including the California resorts that Ski Butlers services such as Squaw, Heavenly and Kirkwood.
Patagonia is dedicated to producing durable, high-performance products that utilize recycled material whenever possible. The new Powslayer Jacket (men’s and women’s, $699) features 100 percent recycled nylon Gore-Tex Pro fabric, plus a 3‑layer hard shell material that’s breathable and windproof. The Powslayer Bib (men’s and women’s, $599) has full suspenders designed to keep snow out, Gore-Tex Pro fabric and an ergonomic design. Patagonia is also committed to extending the life of each garment by offering to repair, repurpose or recycle every item at the end of its life in a new program called Extended Play.
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Arc’teryx’s roots are Canadian, but skiers and riders all over the world benefit from the brand’s high-quality craftsmanship and fabric performance. This season, Arc’teryx offers a mountain skills course in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, called the Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Academy. You don’t have to go out-of-bounds to reap the benefits of Arc’teryx’s stellar outerwear — these jackets and pants are designed to keep skiers and riders dry, comfortable and stylish wherever they go.
Iser Jacket and Pant featured above left, Ravenna Jacket and Pant featured above right
The waterproof and windproof men’s Iser Jacket ($549) has a streamlined look. 3‑layer Gore-tex fabric keeps the elements out, along with the helmet-compatible hood and insulated collar. The trim-fitting Iser Pant ($474) features the same 3‑layer Gore-Tex fabric and flannel back and is designed to layer underneath for snowsports. The women’s Ravenna Jacket ($725) is constructed with 3L Gore-Tex fabric with a comfy, brushed flannel back. The shell features a removable hood and side vents. The ergonomic Ravenna Pant ($575) is designed for mobility and for layering according to temps and snowsports activities.
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Designers from Aspen-based Strafe, and the twin brothers who founded the company, draw their inspiration from Aspen Highlands, Colorado, where their office and showroom is located. Since Colorado winter temps fluctuate and Highlands offers steeps and hike-to terrain, Strafe focuses on insulation, mobility and breathability for their outerwear.
Ozone Jacket and Capital Pant featured above left, Eden Jacket and Scarlett Bib featured above right
The men’s Ozone Jacket ($599) and women’s Eden Jacket ($579) feature Polartec’s Alpha insulation with 4‑way stretch NeoShell fabric for a blend of warmth, ease-of-movement and breathability. Both jackets have removable powder skirts and Dry Cuffs with thumbholes. The men’s Capitol Pant ($449) pairs well with the Ozone, thanks to stretch and breathability of Polartec NeoShell. Women can pair the Scarlett Bib ($469) with the Eden, for a snowphobic halter-top design and 3‑layer breathable eVent fabric.
Shop gear: http://www.skibutlers.com/store/backcountry.
