Hitting the Slopes Minnesota Style

This winter’s record snow fall has excited all those who hit the slopes here in cold Minnesota. You are not a Minnesotan if you haven’t tried skiing or snowboarding at least once. A favorite location of mine is Welch Village.  One way to show off on the mountain is by doing death defying tricks; if you aren’t so advanced you can show your style through your outerwear. If you can’t make it down the hill without falling at least you look cool trying right?

A trend we see season after season is bright vivid colors splattered all over jackets and snow pants. Vivid colors make a person stand out against the white, snow covered background.  Popular snowboard and ski brands include: Burton, DC, Forum, and Spyder. To understand the trends in outwear for snowboarding and skiing you have to understand the athletes that perform these sports. We look to the professionals, and what they are wearing at the X-Games and in the photographs we see of them. Often times the look is very loud with graphics prints from the hat and jacket, all the way down to the boots and the equipment, this could be because they are performing very intense routines and need an adrenaline rush to get themselves going. Here in Minnesota, we follow a more classic look. We are not on the same level as the X-Games professionals. The athletes seen at Welch Village may be wearing a loud jacket but they are pairing it with a solid colored snow pant and boot. It seems as though the more advanced athletes adopt a more outgoing look because they want to be noticed on the slopes. Those who are not confident in their skills may hide themselves by wearing more neutral colors such as; black, navy or green.

An important feature of the jacket is the amount of pockets: the more the better. The snowboarders and skiers at Welch need a large pocket for their goggles in case they decide not to wear them, a pocket for their camera to take pictures of their family and friends, a pocket for their phone so they can call someone if they get separated from their group, and a pocket for their iPod so they can listen to some upbeat music for motivation.

                Accessories are just as important in outwear as the jackets and snow pants. Goggles are a must, along with waterproof mittens and beanies. Snowboarders at Welch Village tend to wear beanies with bills, more for the trend then to actually serve a function. Another accessory seen for the first time this season here in Minnesota is the bandana. Not just any bandana though, these bandanas have a soft wool liner attached to them, this way they can block the wind and keep your face warm at the same time.

                Too cold on the slopes, warm up in the chalet! Inside North Face and Under Armor are the choice of dress. Both brands have advanced technology in there fabrications making the clothing ultra warm for the cold weather, although you won’t see graphic prints or bright colors, these brands typically make clothing in neutral colors, black being the most  predominate.

                Winter isn’t over yet, hit up the slopes, Minnesota style.