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If you've been on the slopes or even just on Instagram this winter, you've probably been lusting after Halfdays' colorful bibs and monochrome (or mix-and-match) ski suits. And when you get to know the brand and its three female founders, it's no wonder every cool girl from Aspen to Mount Snow has snagged a pair.
"We're unique because we've created a brand where women don't have to sacrifice function, fit, or style when it comes to their ski wear," says Halfdays cofounder Karelle Golda, a lifelong skier who now calls Jackson Hole home. "Our products are truly for every type of skier: from an après aficionado to Olympians, everything is designed to perform technically and transition into a woman’s everyday winter wardrobe."
Below, Golda helps us prep for every phase of a ski trip, and lets us in on all her winter style secrets, from protective gear to beauty
What has been Halfdays' most popular piece this ski season?
Our best sellers are our Lawrence jacket and Alessandra pant, which are the core pieces in our collection. They're both made with luxe recycled fabrics, Primaloft insulation, and a 10,000-mm waterproof rating so they keep you incredibly dry and warm. We already have a waitlist for this season!
What is Halfdays' most versatile piece to pack?
Our base layers are essentially made for any type outdoor exercise — our custom recycled seamless fabric has the perfect level of thickness to keep you warm in cold conditions. I live in mine because they are the easiest things I own to wash and wear for everything from yoga and skiing to outdoor dining.
What is the first thing you always pack for a ski trip, no matter what?
My travel hack has been getting a United Airlines credit card just so I could always check a ski bag for free. I love the consistency of using my own skis when I travel, so it's the first thing I typically pack. I ski on Faction Dictators; they are perfect for almost any type of terrain, mountain, or conditions.
What is your biggest ski packing struggle?
Boy, what a struggle it's been to find chic, packable après boots. Moon boots are incredibly bulky for a weekend trip, and I wish my Uggs had more traction!
Do you like to ski in neutrals or bright colors?
I'm a bit of a color chameleon, and I wear both! This season, my favorite color is our espresso, which is a more colorful neutral. Our bluebird base layers come in a close second; I love how much our brights pop against the snow.
What is your go-to travel bag for a ski trip?
I recently upgraded my boot bag to the Oliver Thomas "Big Boss" boot bag and it's been a game-changer — you can essentially fit everything you'd need for a weekend in one bag - goggles, helmet, boots, your layers, and outerwear!
What are your favorite destinations for a ski trip?
I'm originally from Canada, so I'm biased toward traveling north for my ski trips. I think Banff should be on everyone's bucket list: Sunshine and Lake Louise are among the most scenic places in the world and less expensive and crowded than many other bucket-list destinations. They have everything from bougie hotels like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (their Fairview Bar has one of the most beautiful views in the world) to ski-in ski-out lodging at Sunshine Mountain lodge.
Do you have a favorite brand of goggles?
Smiths, but I also love the brand Vallon — they combine chic vintage styling combined with top-of-the-range optics.
What about gloves for skiing? Hestra sets the bar in terms of warmth and style; I don't think that there is a better glove on the market. I splurged this year and purchased their heated version.
Helmet? I wear the Smith Vantage. Smith makes the most technologically advanced safety features on the market and I personally find their fit to be the most flattering. I also specifically look for a MIPS helmet which is the gold standard when it comes to reducing injury.
Any skincare products you turn to for protection from winter weather on the slopes?
Snow is highly reflective of UV radiation...add that with winter dryness and high altitude, and you really need to take your skincare routine up a notch. My favorite brand at the moment is Kinfield's winter bundle, I wear both their winter rescue mask and sunscreen.
How about simple makeup/beauty products that get you through a ski adventure?
Ski adventures are particularly tough on my hair, which is naturally wavy. I love Briogeos conditioning spray for getting out post-ski tangles. I also purchase almost every lip cream, potion, and balm I can find and my newest purchase is the Grande Cosmetics lip mask.
What do you love to wear for après-ski?
My go-to après look is base layers, bibs, and sunglasses. I almost always throw an extra pair of sunglasses in my interior jacket pocket — my newest purchase are these '70s oversized aviators from Tory Burch.
