Slopestyle

“SlopeStyle: A Totally Rad Ride Through Decades of Ski Apparel”

What’s up, powder hounds? Let’s take a quick detour down memory lane and look at one of the most important parts of shred culture: ski and snowboard fashion. The colors, the patterns, the questionable choices—it’s all part of the history that makes us look at old photos and say, “What were they thinking?”

From neon nightmares to camo cool, slope style has gone through some wild phases. So wax up your board, grab a cup of après hot chocolate (or something stronger), and let’s carve through the decades of ski and snowboard fashion.

1970s: Earth Tones and Turtlenecks

The 70s were all about browns, oranges, and yellows—basically, everyone wanted to look like a walking sunset. The gear was tight (and not in a cool way) with just enough room for a single thermal layer.

Shred Level: Minimal. The outfits weren’t exactly designed for sending big air—more for sipping fondue at the lodge.
Key Look: A turtleneck under a plaid ski jacket, topped with the world’s largest wool beanie.
What We’re Thinking Now: Retro cool or thrift-store reject? Either way, it’s back in style with the hipsters.

1980s: Neon Everything

If you could spot someone from space, they were probably skiing in the 80s. Neon pinks, electric blues, and highlighter greens dominated the slopes, making it impossible to lose your buddy in a snowstorm.

Shred Level: Rising. This was the birth of extreme skiing, and people wanted to look rad doing it.
Key Look: Day-Glo onesies and goggles so big they doubled as face shields. Bonus points for a mullet sticking out the back of your helmet.
What We’re Thinking Now: “Is that guy still rocking his dad’s old jacket? Respect.”

1990s: Grunge Meets the Mountains

The 90s brought oversized everything. Think baggy pants, giant jackets, and the classic “too-cool-to-care” attitude. Snowboard culture was just exploding, and it had a big influence on ski style too.

Shred Level: Through the roof. Snowboarding was taking over, and people wanted to look loose while they sent it.
Key Look: A flannel shirt tied around the waist over a brightly colored shell. Bonus: Oakley shades with reflective lenses.
What We’re Thinking Now: Honestly? This was the start of true slope swagger.

2000s: Camo and Steeze

The early 2000s saw snowboarders and skiers embracing camo prints, military vibes, and just a little more edge. Jackets got longer, pants got baggier, and brands like Burton and DC dominated the scene.

Shred Level: Massive. Terrain parks were blowing up, and everyone wanted to stomp that backflip looking like a boss.
Key Look: Camo jacket, sagged pants, and a beanie that barely stayed on.
What We’re Thinking Now: “Camo was cool… but why were my pants so big they caught wind like a parachute?”

2010s: Tech Meets Style

Enter the era of technical gear with actual waterproofing and breathability (imagine that!). Outerwear got sleeker but didn’t skimp on style, with bold color blocking and trendy patterns.

Shred Level: High. People started actually caring about their gear’s performance, not just the aesthetics.
Key Look: Slimmer jackets, performance hoodies, and helmets with built-in GoPros (because if you didn’t film it, did it even happen?).
What We’re Thinking Now: “Finally, gear that looks sick and keeps you warm.”

Today: Anything Goes

Now? Slope fashion is a free-for-all. You’ve got retro throwbacks, high-tech minimalists, and straight-up wildcards all sharing the same lift line. The only rule: stand out while looking good.

Shred Level: Maxed out. Today’s gear makes sending big mountain lines easier—and comfier—than ever.
Key Look: Your vibe. Whether it’s a pastel onesie, a sleek black jacket, or head-to-toe neon, it’s all about repping your personal style.
What We’re Thinking Now: “If you’re having fun, you’re doing it right.”

Final Thoughts

From the questionable tightness of the 70s to the anything-goes attitude of today, ski and snowboard fashion has been a wild ride. But one thing’s for sure: what you wear on the mountain is just as much a part of the culture as the tricks you stomp and the lines you ride.

So whether you’re rocking a retro onesie or next-gen techwear, just remember: the most important accessory is your stoke.