by RAY O’REILLY in the Fall 2016 issue
- With all the Euro-influence in the ski world, stumbling at pronouncing a product name can give it street cred, so we were surprised to learn Sevaen (Sa-VAY-in) is made right here in Canada—Nova Scotia, in fact. Even the source fibres are North American. Keeping sailors warm and dry in baselayers, Sevaen has been well tested by skiers, too, from Wentworth to Whistler. And it knows how to keep skiers on the hill longer and happier. Complete kit includes tops, bottoms, helmet skullcaps and so on. The baselayer Crewneck ($46, here in men’s) comes medium-weight in a poly-antimicrobial blend with flatlocked seams, double-layer cuffs and brushed soft inside. climategear.ca
2. Layer up with a ½ Zip ($150, also available in women’s) from Mountain Hardwear’s multi-piece 32 Degree Insulated collection. The full-stretch midlayer provides “body-mapping insulation” warmth and breathability for alpine, backcountry or cross-country skiing—or wear it in the off-season when you’re just out for a run. mountainhardwear.ca
3. New from Bollé, the head-turning Tsar goggle ($149-$199, depending on the lens) offers excellent optical clarity in its near instant change photochromic lens for sun or overcast. Its Carbo-Glas (antiscratch) spherical lens with mirror coating reduces glare and ups the contrast. And say goodbye to gaps with Bollé’s universal fit that uses a shape memory system to conform to your face. bolle.com
4. Like choosing a mattress for the best sleep, finding just the right sock will give you a better ski day. For example, Bridgedale
from Britain offers the Vertige Light MerinoFusion performance ski sock ($32) with Precision Fit System, using a touch of Lycra for a wrinkle-free supportive fit and no-compromise construction with Tactel shin pad and micro-terry underfoot pads. bridgedale.com
5. It’s hard to say what’s “distinctive” at Dale of Norway when its line ranges so widely. The Bykle Sweater ($239, women’s version here) uses 100-per-cent, skin-soft superfine merino wool, smooth enough to wear next to the skin. While “traditional” rules supreme in the classic eight-petal style of the Myking Sweater ($399, men’s version here) in a hand-knit texture of super-soft, airspun merino. daleofnorway.com
