Looking to start the New Year with new ski gear? Here are three fantastic new products for winter 2017.
FERA Niseko Pants
Finding good ski pants can be a challenge. I’m always looking for one pair that can do it all.
Today, I’ve got a review of FERA Niseko pants. These ski pants are my current favorites: they’re flattering, they are comfortable, and except for not having vents, they’ve got plenty of technical features.
Technical Features
I’ve now tried two FERA ski pants, the Lucy and the Niseko. I like the Lucy well enough, but I really like the technical features incorporated into the Niseko pants, especially the four-way stretch fabric. This fabric moves with you and accommodates multiple layers underneath. It’s also wind and water-resistant.
Other features include taped seams, adjustable waist tabs, articulated knees, interior powder cuffs and reinforced outer cuffs. My only complaint is that the pants don’t have zippered vents (to expel heat).
Style and Fit
FERA made it’s name designing flattering women’s ski pants (the so-called FERA fit). And as promised, the Niseko fit is excellent: roomy, but not boxy, comfortable, but not sloppy.
The pants have three low-profile pockets. The pocket zippers are taped and have large pulls, making them easy to use with mittens or gloves. The Niseko pants are available in 7 solid colors and two beautiful textured colors (Ink Melange and Pinot Melange). While the melange colors are only available in one length (regular), the solid color pants come in long, regular and short lengths.
As for sizing, I find that FERA pants run a bit small. However, pant descriptions include information on the model’s size (height and weight, the size of jeans she wears and how this relates to FERA sizing). I find this information to be really helpful and easier to understand than waist, hip and inseam measurements.
The Upshot
Well-made and flattering, the Niseko pants are for skiing women who care about fit and performance. I plan to wear the Niseko pants for several seasons and I anticipate they’ll hold up beautifully.
Meister Annabelle Sweater
While the label says Meister, this line of Women’s and Men’s sweaters and baselayers is part of the FERA family.
I’ve now had three Meister sweaters and I love the unique designs. The first two, the Kiss Me Crewneck and the Postcard Crewneck are made of a medium weight merino-blend and after three seasons and much wear, the Postcard Crewneck is holding up well. (The Kiss Me Crewneck was cut off of me by ski patrol when I broke my arm. Tossing that sweater in the bin didn’t hurt as much as my arm, but it still hurt.)
This season, I’m sporting the Annabelle Intarsia ski sweater. Made of a lighter blend of merino wool, this sweater has a zip neck and a really fab mountain graphic. The fit is slim yet accommodates baselayers (which is good because it’s not ultra-warm). I’ve got the sweater in Winter White and Pearl Gray and it looks great with black ski pants or a black après skirt and boots. I’m wearing it everywhere.
The Upshot
I love the styling and look of the Annabelle sweater. It does double-duty on snow and in town, beautifully. It can’t be beat, both for quality and style.
I totally recommend Meister sweaters for quality and design.
Women’s Lift Jacket from Orsden
One of two items in Orsden’s début collection (the other being the Men’s Slope Jacket), there a lot to love about the Women’s Lift Jacket.
First, it looks great with an asymmetrical diagonal zipper and chest zipper pocket that contrast with the jacket’s solid color. A funnel neck keeps you warm, with a hood to insulate you on the coldest days. Available in four colors, I think the high contrast Glacier with black is stunning, although I went for the dark blue and black Nightfall jacket in hopes of doing less laundry.
Technical Features
Moving beyond the coat’s good looks, the Lift Jacket has necessary technical features, including pit zips, a powder skirt, stretchy internal thumb hole cuffs, adjustable external cuffs, soft internal fleece around the face, three external pockets, an internal zipper pocket and a lift pass pocket on the upper arm.
My favorite feature is the stretchy fabric, which is both breathable and water-resistant. The four-way stretch is key to the jacket’s fit.
The Fit
Trim, yes. Tight, no. When I opened this jacket, my first thought was “too small.” Then I zipped it up and it fit perfectly. I added a down vest and it still fit perfectly. Last week on a frigid day, I wore a puffy coat and, sure enough, the fit was fine. The four-way stretch fabric easily accommodates whatever I put under it. The arms are generous and roomy through the shoulders. I have not yet felt constricted. The jacket is on the short side. If you want a longer look, or more room, order up a size.
The Upshot
I like the Lift Jacket and I think it’s a great choice for backcountry skiing and resort skiing. While it is not as warm (when worn by itself) as I anticipated, it’s a good choice for the entire season, winter into spring if you don’t mind layering.
If I could change just one thing, I’d make the hood a bit more roomy. When I’ve got it up over my helmet, it feels a bit short — like it’s pushing my head down. Still, it keeps me warm and that’s a good thing.
To facilitate this post, I received product samples as noted above from Orsden and FERA/Meister. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
More Ski Fashion 2017
- Ski Fashion 2016-2017: Season Highlights from WinterWomen.com, September 26, 2016.
- Oh the Cuteness! Ski Fashion for Little Kids and Juniors, October 3, 2016.
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