Snow has not been dumping on our playgrounds in Colorado. Another drought year could be ahead. But that’s not enough to discourage a WildSnow Girl. We’ll keep our chins up and our planks tuned (and the base welder handy). And when the forecast predicts yet another dry week ahead, we’ll stay optimistic by making sure our closets are pow pow ready. A new contender for hanger space gets high points from the style police. La Sportiva enters the line-up with a selection of Italian tailored technical ski apparel. Oohh la la! Even a cute cowboy at our local hook and bullet shop noticed something was exceptional and complimented me on the handsomely quilted bodice of my Estela Primaloft jacket.
The stylish Azura pants with articulated knees and removable suspenders made with soft shell 'SuperFabric,' a durable, flexible and lightweight fabric. Indeed, the fabric has a luxurious feel, comfortable stretch and is windproof and water resistant -- a nice package. Velcro tabs inside the waistband allow you to snug it up for a streamlined fit, or loosen it for comfort after that second piece of strudel.
Even though we don’t have much snow, it’s been cold enough to provide more challenging test environments than just aisles of rawhide and blue steel. We’ve been skinning up our local ski mountains. Dressing so you’re comfortable sweating while temps are dipping to the single digits is always tricky. Layering is the answer but finding the right combo takes some work. By partnering with Gore Windstopper and Primaloft, La Sportiva offers a solution by developing a layering system that provides insulation, ventilation and overall protection. I picked three of their pieces to try out: the Estella Primaloft jacket, the Avail hoody and the Azura soft shell pants.
The soft shell fabric breathes well and the fishnet side zip gives extra ventilation. Boys, get your attention where it should be; she's only a manikin. Indeed, Lou says that derriere is a bit over the top, and perhaps we need another WildSnow modification?
Generous pant cuff easily goes over boots.
Integrated gaiters have two snaps and velcro to accommodate various widths of boots. Outside cuff protection is provided by abrasion resistant material.
The Estela Primaloft jacket. Low profile, low bulk hood fits under a helmet. Bungee pull in the back gathers up slack. The feature I like best is the high collar which zips up in front like a built in balaclava. Collar and two exterior pockets are lined with a soft, brushed fleece for warmth. Three interior pockets: mp3 pocket, zipped stuff sack pocket and large mesh pocket.
Hopefully soon this ski rack will be full and I'll be smiling while big snow flakes fall down on my face.
And lastly, a girl has to finish off her ski outfit with the latest cute hat. The Dorado Beanie is the hip finale to my ensemble. The large pom pom puts me right in there with all the stylish Italian beauties, dodging endless “Ciao bella!” cat calls. The pom pom is a bit cumbersome under the hood, but hey, how can it be fashion if you don’t suffer a bit?
Buy La Sportiva here.
8 comments
Those pants look nice, but sorry Mrs. Wildsnow the background to your pitures arre way more interseting (ok the mani did get my attention). Are you in the fabled touring binding museum. More pics please!!
Perhaps it’s just the angle of the photos, but does anyone else think that, for the pants, the location of the handpocket zippers & having suspenders attach on the side seems about as much fun as refrozen chunder once you throw a pack on?
Similarly, I’m thinking that having a poplock / bungee tightener on the back of a hood automatically disqualifies it as being able to be worn under a helmet.
The detail about the fishnet vents is amusing. Last year I was skinning up on a glacier in Switzerland when a gal went by, with her pant vents unzipped, and I thought to myself, “Good God, she’s wearing fishnet stockings on a ski tour…now THAT’s high fashion!” 🙂
Mdibah, that’s a good point aboutt he poplock. I just asked Lisa her take (she’s not at her computer). She says she didn’t feel it at all. It must have fit in once of the voids inside the helmet or something.
Nice duds. By the way, that Silvretta 300 in the ever-growing binding wing of the museum looks familiar.
Beautiful clothes and beautiful model! (Ed: Can I suggest you delete the caption about the “rack”)
Looks like nice booty from La Sportiva.
Mdibah – when we design the pants we tested the location of the zippers and suspenders to make sure they worked with packs and harnesses. Worth mentioning also that the Estela hood (and men’s version Pegasus) was designed to fit over a low profile climbing type helmet (but not a full blown ski helmet). We’re all climbers and skiers on the apparel development team so everything we do gets put through the climber/skimo acid test as far as technical design elements as this go. Hope this helps.
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