FIRST LIFT, LAST LIFT 

For those who have been skiing, snowboarding and ski-touring before they could walk, this is the edit for you. Forget the Olympic Gold, we can give you the gold standard in technical skiwear. Aztech, founded in 2013 by David Roth and Heifara Rutgers (with a team behind them including World Cup ski racers and internationally known ski guides), is known for its high standard of performance wear. From technical fleeces to sturdy (but chic) hardwear, its clothing and accessories are bought by top athletes - and now us at KOIBIRD. We were particularly impressed by the zip fleece, made with PET-microfleece technology, it retains moisture and heat to always keep you race ready. For high fashion that also keeps you dry, Perfect Moment offers sleek one-piece ski suits with compression technology and their Cortina is a winner. It’s fun and functional, with an adjustable belt, arm pockets, hood and side vents along the calf - and of course - looks divine. Pair with your favourite sturdy socks and a good base layer.

THE APRÈS AFICIONADO

There is always one person on the ski trip who loves the après more than the skiing itself, and there is an identifiable and highly unmissable look. It requires a unique blend of fashion, quality skiwear and accessories, after all, how else will one stand out in a table-dancing crowd singing along to a live DJ set at La Folie Douce?

We recommend you wear a Balaclava by joostricoot. Their cosy design, with added BRRR, will keep your ears toasty so you can stay outdoors until the drinks run out (may the champagne never end). Colour is always warranted and embraced, Aztech’s matching tie-dye base layers and fitted jacket made with sustainable Dyntex GRS certified 4-way stretch nylon is the ideal megawatt companion. The jacket is insulated with traceable down making it both breathable and waterproof - result. But of course, none of these outdoor shenanigans is feasible without a good pair of boots to keep you grooving. Sorel’s new Torino boot is created with waterproof suede, a faux fur lining and has an extra thick tread for grip. So no excuses to be falling over after one too many. 

THE FIRST TIMER 

It’s easy to be intimidated before your first ski trip, there seems to be an endless list of items to bring and gadgets to discover. But do not fear, we have all the stylish basics to keep you covered at KOIBIRD. You will feel and look and powder fresh. Cordova has become a cult staple amongst the ski community, releasing their first collection in 2016, partners in life and business Jane and Cody Seim, design skiwear which incorporates pattern and print, all made with highly technical and tailored fabrics. Their base layers are particularly high on our list of must-haves, the fabric is made from repurposed coffee beans, which provides insulation with added moisture control. 

When it comes to your outerwear, choose a jacket and salopettes (nothing is worse than taking off an all-in-one when you’re new to the game - icy bums are not essential for this trip). Another top runner is IENKI IENKI’s puffa and trousers in matching orange, not only are they both created with a three-membrane technology for insulation, the jacket features a pre-installed RECCO avalanche rescue system (nifty sensors which spot your exact location in case of a snowstorm). Now, that's smart.

LONG ALPINE LUNCHES 

Despite this being a ski holiday, isn’t it always the case that there’s at least one in every party that doesn’t ski at all? They sleep in, enjoy a long continental breakfast and get themselves on the 1pm lift straight to the restaurant, texting the group to come join them in a booth at Franz und Heidi (if you haven’t been shame on you). To this person we say cashmere is the companion you really need, go full frontal comfort with our super soft knits from Clements Ribeiro and Joostricot, which bring a new level to casual-cool. Doubling up on the toastiness and rusted orange-red palette, opt for IENKI IENKI’s shearling Michelin puffer – which in case the name doesn’t give it away – gives all the extra padding for those that aren’t staying warm on red runs.