Style Off The Slopes

It’s about that time of year when many of us consider hitting the (hopefully) freshly-powdered slopes of the world’s alpine regions to engage in some snow-based sportsmanship.

Yet a switch to mountainous surrounds and the unforgiving winds/sub-zero temperatures it brings with it can see usually well dressed men abandon their wardrobe ideals – instead reaching for those alluringly comfortable zip-fleeces and sweats.

Après-ski culture provides a host of fresh opportunities to break out the winter woollens and cold-weather tailoring, just when the rest of the populace are clearing space in their closet for spring apparel.

In this piece, we look at what this season has to offer for gents on snow-bound jaunts, from the Alps to Aspen.

Knitwear

Whether lounging by the chalet log fire or sipping on a vin chaud at the local bistro, woollens will be your staple uniform.

To cope with the inevitable chill in the air, cable and chunky gauge knits with generous wool content are the most astute choice. These complex woven designs trap air particles within their intricately woven yarns, which provide an increased level of insulation compared to finer gauge knits.

Traditional Aran and fisherman versions are particularly warming, while Nordic style knits are both practical and style-appropriate for après-ski.

For evening wear, merino knits and roll necks can be layered over a printed shirt and teamed with a casual wool sports blazer for a sharper look at the dinner table.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Nudie Jumper Arthur Chunky Nordic
• Gant Rugger Aran Knit Jumper
• Allsaints Ettrick Crew Jumper
• River Island Ecru Fair Isle Stripe Crew Neck Jumper
• Reiss Pilot Textured Cotton Kn It Bright Navy
• Faconnable Cable And Ribbed-knit Cotton And Cashmere-blend Cardigan
• Burberry Brit Striped Wool And Cashmere-blend Sweater
• Reiss Molton Button Shawl Collar Cardigan Grey
• Moncler Snowflake Knit Sweater 168027

Outerwear

Tackling blizzards and icy winds is an unfortunate inevitability of many winter sport expeditions, so a dependable cover-up to ward off the worst of the mountain elements is essential.