What to wear on the slopes of Breck

Every ski town has a signature look. When in Aspen, for example, break out your best furs in town and slip into some stretch pants on the hill. Dress the part in Telluride with a Stetson hat and cowboy boots. When skiing the pistes of the European Alps, don sunglasses and your finest Bogner one piece at some resorts, but don’t forget your harness in Chamonix. In Breckenridge, world-class skiing and freestyle terrain parks bring a dichotomy of dress and style. From XXXL-shirt-wearing park skiers to the tech-focused local, here’s a look at ski town fashion in Breck and how to dress for success while here.

Sitting at a base elevation of 10,000 feet, Breck’s weather can be extreme and change at the drop of a hat. With three hundred days of sunshine per year combined with wind, snowstorms, powder and more sunshine, the locals appreciate a tech piece of gear that does it all. For example, 3L shell jackets are highly waterproof and breathable, perfect for when conditions change.

Underneath your jacket, layers are the key to success in Breckenridge. When the day begins in the negatives and ends in the upper thirties, you’ll be glad you packed an extra wicking or wool top. Down or synthetic jackets add warmth without bulk and pack easily into your backpack when the day warms up. Pair your jacket with waterproof and breathable pants over a warm and wicking bottom and your backside and legs will thank you. Make sure to protect those toes by wearing a pair of SmartWool socks or something similar to keep your feet warm on those cold days. Don’t forget a neck gator to break the wind, goggles to save your eyes from the sunshine, a helmet and warm gloves. You’ll be ready for whatever the day throws at you.

In contrast, the “park rats” (a younger generation who spend their time riding Breck’s Freeway and Park Lane terrain parks) employ their own personal style with a carefree attitude. Here, t-shirts and hoodies hit the knee while XXXL pants are held on merely by suspenders. Often sporting sunglasses instead of goggles and mittens instead of gloves, this casual look takes you from the halfpipe and rail yard to the decks of après in a heartbeat.

Whatever your style, when visiting Breck plan for all conditions, from storm riding to bluebird slush bumps, and you’ll be set up for success whether cruising the streets or the slopes.

– Jesse Ambrogi-Yanson