Explore the evolution of skiing, top U.S. resorts, and 2025’s must-have skiwear. From cutting-edge fabrics to sustainable options, discover how style and performance unite in this year’s lineup for skiers and snowboarders alike.
Skiing as a sport and mode of transportation has a rich and fascinating history, dating back over 5,000 years. Its origins trace back to Scandinavia, with ancient rock carvings in Norway depicting hunters on skis, marking the earliest evidence of the sport. The practice began as a practical way to traverse snowy landscapes, particularly for hunting and mobility in harsh winter conditions. By the late 19th century, skiing had transitioned from a necessity to a form of leisure and sport, with the establishment of the world’s first ski club in Norway in 1861. Over the years, skiing has transformed remarkably—from a method of transportation to a worldwide phenomenon that attracts enthusiasts to breathtaking snow-covered landscapes each winter season.
5 Key Facts About Skiing
- Ancient Roots: Skiing dates back thousands of years, with early skis made from wood found in Russia and Sweden, demonstrating skiing’s origins as a practical mode of travel.
- Military Training: Throughout history, skiing has played a role in military operations, notably with Scandinavian troops who mastered skis as a means to maneuver in the snowy terrain. During WWII, Finland’s skilled ski troops used their knowledge of the terrain to defend against invading forces.
- Olympic Presence: Skiing was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1924 at the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, solidifying it as a staple in international sports.
- Alpine Skiing Development: The evolution of ski lifts and gondolas in the early 20th century transformed skiing, allowing more people to reach slopes quickly, making it widely accessible.
- Freestyle and Snowboarding Influence: The rise of snowboarding and freestyle skiing in the 1980s brought a new energy to the sport, attracting younger generations and inspiring innovative styles and technologies in skiwear.
Why Skiing and Snowboarding Are So Popular
Skiing and snowboarding continue to captivate audiences worldwide, largely due to the blend of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and community the sports offer. From fast-paced descents on alpine trails to exploring new runs and tackling terrain parks, these winter sports appeal to men and women alike for their combination of thrill and escape. The emphasis on individual expression, especially through gear and style, has made skiwear as essential as the sport itself, with brands constantly innovating to meet demands for both performance and design.
The Top 5 Ski Resorts in the USA
- Vail, Colorado – Known for its vast terrain and back bowls, Vail offers over 5,200 acres of skiable area, catering to all levels of skiers. The upscale amenities and vibrant village atmosphere make it a top choice for luxury-seekers and seasoned skiers alike.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Renowned for its challenging slopes and steep inclines, Jackson Hole is ideal for advanced skiers. The stunning Teton backdrop and advanced lift systems make it a paradise for expert skiers and those seeking an adventurous experience.
- Aspen, Colorado – Combining glitz with excellent skiing, Aspen boasts four distinct ski areas, with runs suitable for everyone. Its historic town and top-notch dining make it an iconic destination for winter sports and luxury.
- Park City, Utah – Home to some of the best powder snow, Park City is a go-to for powder lovers. With more than 300 trails and a vibrant après-ski scene, it offers a mix of challenging and leisurely slopes.
- Mammoth Mountain, California – This resort’s lengthy season and expansive trails make it ideal for families and beginners. The sunny California weather and impressive 3,500 acres of skiable terrain make it a favorite for skiers looking to extend their winter season.
Vetting the Latest Skiwear for 2025: High-Tech Fabrics, Sustainability, and Style
At StyleLujo, we’re passionate about putting every new product through a rigorous test to ensure it meets our readers’ standards for both style and performance. For the 2025 season, skiwear brands are pushing the envelope with materials that are not only highly functional but sustainable—focusing on recycled and organic fibers, advanced waterproofing technologies, and enhanced thermal insulation. Leading brands have introduced technical fabrics that regulate temperature, wick moisture effectively, and provide flexible mobility for improved performance on the slopes.
This season, we’re seeing skiwear shift toward sleek and stylish designs, incorporating urban-inspired cuts and unique color palettes. For men and women alike, these new pieces blend style with mountain functionality, featuring designs that transition effortlessly from the slopes to après-ski gatherings. Technical advancements like laser-cut ventilation, adjustable hoods, reinforced seams, and state-of-the-art Gore-Tex and Primaloft materials offer skiers added resilience and protection against the elements.
From skiing’s origins as a practical mode of travel to the high-energy sport and lifestyle it is today, its evolution has been extraordinary. For those of us who love the sport, 2025 promises to be a year of groundbreaking style and innovation in skiwear. As we look forward to a season filled with adventure, StyleLujo remains dedicated to guiding our readers in choosing the very best gear—gear that not only enhances their performance but adds a layer of style that’s as unforgettable as the slopes themselves.
Moncler Grenoble:
Moncler Grenoble’s newest global brand ambassador, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen: a prodigious Wworld Cup champion slalom skier, also known for his innate sense of style. Lucas joins fellow brand ambassadors, three-time Olympic gold-winning snowboarder Shaun White, and Olympic gold winning and five-time World Champion mogul skier Perrine Laffont, in the Swiss Alps to put the latest collection through its paces.For men, diamond or chevron quilted ski jackets, inspired aesthetically by intricate ice formations, come in luxurious patchworks of individually cut panels of wool melange, corduroy, and nylon, in a perfect manifestation of Moncler Grenoble’s expertise in technicity and craftsmanship. Specialist equipment completes the proposition, including skis, helmets, goggles and gloves.
The line’s twin flames are each turned up to full burn, in a show of brilliant technicality and artistic creativity. The collection is made up of garments designed for warmth, comfort, and dynamic protection for intensive outdoor sports; as well as sophisticated pieces geared towards the chicer aspects of après-ski life. High-performance pieces boast elevated, style-focussed details, fully backed up by technical fabrics, fully-taped seams and integrated powder skirts that effortlessly tackle wind and snow. Unexpected craftsmanship and fabrics, like corduroy or wool flannel, become a protagonist on the slopes thanks to innovative weather-proofing manufacturing techniques.
For women, skiwear is transformed by ornate folk-art embroidery or meticulous quilting techniques inspired by graphic snowflakes. Intricate patchworks of wool, nylon and corduroy – where each unique piece has been cut, refined, down filled, and assembled – present an artful masterpiece of contrasting shades, fabrics and textures. Après-ski knitwear features hand-made details achieved by weaving thread 19 times on every cross stitch, creating an elevated 3D effect on cardigans and sweaters. Long-hair alpaca wool coats, paired with matching shaggy shearling winter boots and fluffy bags, are made for off-the-slope winter moments.
Moncler Grenoble Fall-/Winter 2024 is now available in select Moncler stores worldwide and at moncler.com.
Elisabetta Franchi:
Debuting for the Winter 2025 season, the Chalet offers technical pieces ideal for snowy adventures alongside charming and stylish outfits for outdoor moments or evenings spent by the fireplace. Intended for strong and independent women never compromising on style or performance.
In the performance range, the collection delivers ski apparel that balances technology with timeless designs, crafted from a three-layer technical fabric with heat-welded seams, waterproof zippers, windproof cuffs and a high-tech padding ensuring breathability for peak performance on the slopes.
Colmar:
As ski season approaches, having the right gear is essential- and a well-insulated jacket is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Colmar’s FW24 ski collection offers ski jackets that combine both durability and performance, keeping you comfortable across various weather conditions and activities. Designed to support you whether you’re carving down the slopes or venturing into the backcountry, Colmar’s range is built to meet the demands of a versatile winter ski wardrobe
Lowdown:
Lowdown helmet—a new line of helmets designed for skiers and snowboarders who value both top-tier performance and standout style. Thoughtfully designed in Colorado and handmade in Italy, the Lowdown collection brings together the best of both worlds: robust functionality and a striking look.
These helmets are engineered with advanced impact-absorbing technology for optimal safety and feature a lightweight, full-coverage design that provides unmatched stability on any terrain. Enhanced ventilation ensures comfort in varying conditions, while the adjustable fit system allows for a perfectly snug, personalized fit. Each helmet also boasts a moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic lining to keep you comfortable, fresh, and ready for long days on the mountain.
– Stoked Helmet: featuring a classic black base with subtle cream, gold, and burgundy accents for a timeless, versatile look.
– OuttaSight Helmet: Inspired by vintage rally racing, this helmet has bold black and burgundy racing stripes over a hazy cream base, adding retro style to modern functionality.
– Drifter Helmet: This version combines steel blue with tonal grey and orange angled stripes, perfect for making a statement.
– Stellar Helmet: With a cloudy cream and black base accented by vibrant baby blue, denim blue, gold, and burgundy stripes, this unisex design appeals to those who crave both style and performance.
BOSS:
Further strengthening its ties with the skiing world, BOSS will return as Presenting Partner of the Hahnenkamm Races, taking place from January 24-26, 2025, in Kitzbühel, Austria. BOSS will have a bold presence at various touchpoints throughout the event, tapping into the thrills, energy, and competitive spirit of sports while spotlighting the uplifting mantra of “Be Your Own BOSS.”
Bam-Bam:
This design has a double-sided zip and can be worn as a Charcoal & Black hoodie with a Pink & Black patterned lining OR as a Pink & Black hoodie with Charcoal & Black lining. This hoodie is made from double-thickness bamboo fabric, which is soft and durable. It has a strong double-sided zip and two side pockets on the pink & black patterned side. The design is versatile and can be worn for both smart and casual occasions.
COLMAR:
Featuring base layers crafted from highly breathable and quick drying fabrics to mid-layers, fleece and sweatshirts, adding an extra layer of warmth. For outerwear, Colmar’s waterproof and windproof ski jackets and trousers made from durable yet lightweight materials, ensuring maximum mobility and protection without sacrificing style. Finish off the look with Colmar’s range of ski accessories including socks with heat regulation and extra warm, abrasion resistant gloves.
Whether you’re tackling steep runs or enjoying leisurely descents, Colmar’s high-performing ski wear ensures you stay comfortable, stylish, and ready for any adventure.
The collection is available via Colmar.com as well as Nordstrom and Amazon.
DC Shoes:
The holiday season is here, and there’s no better time to hit the slopes—or gift someone the gear to do it in style. From snowboards to jackets and premium boots built for powder days, these hero picks from DC Shoes, Quiksilver, Spyder and Volcom make the ultimate gifts for snow season enthusiasts.
DC Shoes
- Men’s Control BOA® Snowboard Boots
- Men’s Phase BOA® Pro Step On® Snowboard Boots
- DC Warlord Snowboard | True Twin | Camber
Whether you’re shopping for performance-driven gear or streetwear-infused apparel, these brands have something for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned riders.
Quiksilver:
Quiksilver
- Steeze Snow Jacket & Snow Down Snow Pants
- High Altitude Gore-Tex Snow Jacket & High Altitude Gore-Tex Snow Pants
- Utility Bib Snow Pant
- Austen Sweetin Snow Mittens
Spyder:
Spyder
- Men’s Pinnacle Insulated Jacket
- Men’s Dare Insulated Pants
- Men’s Cruise Tube Face Protection
- NFX2 Goggles + Bonus Lens Goggles
- Ridge Men’s Winter Boot
Volcom:
Volcom
- Men’s Guch Stretch Gore Jacket & Men’s Guch Stretch Gore Pants
- Men’s Engineered Pants & Men’s Engineered Crew
- Men’s Horizon Wool Blend OTC Sock
- ThirtyTwo x Volcom Shoes
- Nitro Ripper x Volcom Kids Snowboard
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary force in the world of fashion, celebrated as one of the finest wardrobe stylists and art directors of his generation. His expertise and creativity have earned him accolades throughout the industry, placing him at the forefront of fashion’s evolution. Joseph’s work seamlessly weaves together style, culture, art, and fashion, with a special focus on the shifting landscape of menswear.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Joseph has had the privilege of styling and even interviewing global icons such as Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, Richard Branson, Katy Perry, Tom Brady, and A$AP Rocky, to name just a few. His influence extends beyond styling, as he has also been a prolific writer, contributing award-winning columns to esteemed publications like Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His deep insights and captivating storytelling have established him as a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Joseph most recently served as Creative Fashion Director at Forbes Media, where his dual role as critic and reporter allowed him to explore the intersection of technology and fashion, always championing the transformative power of style. As the founder and president of POTRO, the premier Latinx menswear brand, Joseph is redefining modern menswear with a commitment to celebrating Latinx heritage and craftsmanship.
With an authoritative yet relatable voice, Joseph DeAcetis continues to inspire and influence the world of fashion, setting new standards for success and innovation.
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