We’re mid-ski season, so if you’re anything like me, you’re assessing whether you really love your ski gear. If not, it’s time to take advantage of mid-season sales and up your game so you’re happy and comfortable for the remainder of the season. If you love what you have, there’s no need to spend more money, and you can enjoy your gear even into future years.
Here’s why I fall into the second camp:
This season, I got an Eddie Bauer Telemetry Freeride Jacket and Pants, and the combo is all I’ve worn for my ski trips. Sure, if conditions are colder, I layer up more, but the performance and comfort level means I’m not hunting for mid-season sales.
The Telemetry Freeride Jacket has a longer, freeride cut, which provides more mobility than your standard slim ski jacket. That makes it a great go-to piece, whether you’re bookpacking, hitting the sidecountry, zipping along corduroy trails, or badassing the backcountry.
The jacket’s waterproof and breathable Weatheredge Plus Nylon Shell coupled with a Spormrepel DWR finish that sheds moisture keep you dry when conditions are anything but. The core vents allow you to regulate your temperature when you’re working harder, and need a little more air, but want to keep the protection the jacket affords. And the helmet-compatible hood, articulated sleeves and low-profile powder skirt all help combine to make the jacket the one you want to pack during ski season.
The jacket is available in “pansy,” which is a red/pink/purple combo, or “emerald,” which is a blue/green/yellow combo (that’s mine).
Like the jacket, the Telemetry Freeride Pants also have a dynamic cut, so skiers have better movement on those days when you just don’t want to go inside. They’re great for the ski trails, but also optimal for backcountry and sidecountry, as well as other activities where you want to stay dry—like snowshoeing.
The combination of Weatheredge Plus Shell with Stormrepel DWR finish is waterproof and breathable, so you shed moisture instead of creating a hothouse next to your skin. The internal cuff guard and secure pockets (two hand pockets, a thigh pocket and a stretch mesh inner pocket) add to the usefulness of the pants.
I’ve worn this ski kit in Utah, Idaho and California so far this season, and there are still months to go. When the temperature dips, I add layers (from fleece to wool), but haven’t needed to switch out the core pieces yet.
The Eddie Bauer Women’s Telemetry Freeride Jacket lists for $179.40 (sale!) on the Eddie Bauer site. The Eddie Bauer Women’s Telemetry Freeride Pants list for $137.40 (also, on sale) on the Eddie Bauer site. Snap them up, or they’ll be gone before the snow melts.