Winter Dispatch: 019
Formula One enters ski world, J.Crew makes a big winter bet, Sundance Film Festival's new location, and the yassification of ski boots.
Good morning and happy Friday!!
Temps are rising, birds are chirping, and – depending on your latitude – snow is either melting or still making a grand entrance. Spring is here!! Full spring skiing letter coming next week to ensure you’re maximizing this precious time of year but in the meantime, this is my current spring skiing mood.
Chairlift Chatter
The Sundance Film Festival is packing up and heading to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. The end of an era. Park City has been synonymous with Sundance since 1985, but the festival has outgrown the town, studios have long grumbled about the steep costs of sending people there during peak ski season, and the location contract was up for review. Boulder brings a different (less enchanting) energy, but at least it’s not Cincinnati which, somehow, was also in the running.
The mountain community is mourning the loss of three industry icons who tragically passed in an avalanche in British Columbia this week. My thoughts are with the families and friends of Alex Pashley, Jeff Keenan, and Jason Remple.
Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin continue to be absolutely iconic. Lindsey finished 2nd in the World Cup last weekend, making her the oldest woman to take the podium at age 40. Mikaela just clocked her 101st win. GOAT behavior from both.
This five year old just hit his 100th ski day of the season at Deer Valley. DV threw him a party and also gifted him a bolo tie that apparently they give every pass holder who hits 100 days. Very into that tradition.
The yassification of ski boots is IN. You heard it here first. Buckle charms. Disco ball mirrors. DIY color dye. Anything to bring more fun into 2025!!!
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Speed, Style, + Sport
J.Crew Brings Nostalgia to the US Ski Team
J.Crew is the official lifestyle partner of the US Ski & Snowboard teams. I’m veryyyy excited about this. Instead of trying to be something they’re not (a technical gear brand), J.Crew is leaning into what they do best: effortless, nostalgic style. Along with outfitting the teams, they’ll be dropping collections later this year and into early 2026, blending their signature preppy aesthetic with an aspirational ski vibe. Think sweaters, loungewear, and cold-weather accessories for women, men, and kids, all inspired by vintage ski logos, old-school J.Crew winter catalogs, and archival Olympic patches. What I love about this is that it’s not about performance – it’s about the moments between the slopes. Après, travel days, fireside hangs. They debuted their first on-the-ground campaign moment at the Stifel Finals in Sun Valley last weekend. J.Crew has been on a heater lately and I can’t wait to see how this partnership unfolds.
The Formula One Effect Hits Ski World
If you haven’t yet dived into the world of Formula One, you’re the exception to the rule in the big bet F1 is making on American fans. Thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, US viewership is exploding, and fandom is growing FAST. I’ve been following the sport closely for several years now – my boyfriend never misses a Sunday Grand Prix, so I quickly had to learn the ropes. And let me tell you… it’s a sexy sport. It’s the pinnacle of luxury. The cars are fast. The drivers are hot. The drama between the teams and rivalries is gripping. The list goes on. It was only a matter of time before F1 made its way into the ski world…
Perfect Moment is teaming up with F1’s Alpine racing team on a collection of outerwear and lifestyle pieces. According to Alpine, Perfect Moment’s “technical outerwear” aligns with the team’s innovative objectives. Feels like a stretch in all aspects, especially because the collection is supposed to be for both the slopes and the track. Sounds like there will be ski jackets, suits, and “performance-driven pants” in Alpine’s signature pink/blue, as well as base layers, knitwear, hoodies, tees, and accessories. The timing also feels strange – while the F1 season just kicked off, this won’t hit shelves until fall. F1 exudes luxury, sport, and technicality, which aligns with Perfect Moment in maybeee two out of three – I wouldn’t call them the face of technical skiwear. Curious to see how this rolls out and if they put Pierre Gasly in a pink/blue Perfect Moment onesie.
Also, Oakley is back as the official eyewear sponsor of the Aston Martin F1 team. Fast glasses are meant to be worn in fast cars. I like this partnership.
In Other Fashion News…
Moncler’s Fall/Winter fashion show was held at Courchevel’s airport, the highest airport in Europe. An orchestra clad in parkas while it was dumping snow… pretty iconic.
End of Season Sales
The BEST time to buy new gear ski is at the end of the season (obviously!).
Slopeside’s favorite pole brand, Yardsale, is running a 15% off sale. If you missed my interview with Yardsale a few months ago, it’s worth a read!
JORDE is taking 30% off its entire winter collection.
SENIQ is offering 20% off select winter styles.
TREW is offering a variety of ‘sale bundles’ including mix + match sets which is a fun idea.
The North Face has several winter classics marked down starting at 25% off.
Helly Hansen is slashing prices by up to 50% on this season’s gear.
STIO’s warehouse sale is in full swing, with discounts up to 60%.
Perfect Moment is offering 50% off select styles, including most from this season.
If you enjoy this letter, please share with friends! Feel free to respond here with ski-related intel, new products you’re loving, or just to say hi. Thanks for reading 💌
Those boot buckle charms terrify me. What if you get stuck on a tiny branch Molly’s game style? Def a piste exclusive accessory.