Baselayer Face-Off

Getting new baselayers midseason is a great way to treat yourself when it seems like it might never snow again, or it snows too much to justify doing laundry. Ibex and Falke have new tops that will match any skiing conditions found in February—and beyond—whether you’re on the chairlift or the trailhead.

Ibex’s Woolies 1 Zip T is technically classified as a “lightweight” merino wool top, but I found the form-fitting shirt with a high neck to be so warm waiting in line for a lift ticket at the notoriously freezing Silverton Mountain base area, that I prefer to wear one less midlayer when using this top. The unique construction uses a ribbed fabric that allows the top to move with the body seamlessly while skiing, and the merino wool is naturally “stink-free” meaning this top will do well on those extended road trips when doing laundry is not an option. The top is almost too warm for sunny ski tours, and, for better or worse, the permeability of the ribbed fabric means wind gusts will provide an unexpected chill if worn with nothing else. $59.50—$80 

New the the American market in 2017 is the German Brand Falke. I was especially impressed by the moisture-wicking and supple synthetic material used in the Comfort series while ski touring on a warm February day near Ouray, Colorado. Using a tighter weave than the Ibex but still form-fitting, the Falke top stood up well to wind when worn on its own, and the no-collar cut and well-designed perforated fabric seems to make sweat evaporate instantly rather than absorb it like some of its mainstream counterparts. After a few days in the Longsleeve Comfort Shirt, I am a little unsure about how long the shape and fresh smell would last after extended use, but I prefer the Falke top for touring and the Ibex Woollies 1 for sitting on chairlifts. Price TBD; coming to North America soon