Aspen Snowmass launches ASPENX Outwear

Every day they’re on the job, Aspen Snowmass Ski Patrol members are tested while working on windswept peaks, hiking in backcountry to mitigate an avalanche, and of course salvaging any Skiers or snowboarders who are subjected to a severe fall. And they do this all season, through changing winter conditions that might include driving snow one day, and then spring-like temperatures the next. The job requires top-notch outerwear, and now you can outfit yourself with what the professionals wear. ASPENX, a new outerwear brand from Aspen Snowmass, has launched its Ajax collection, and includes three premium pieces of equipment drawn from the same equipment used by Aspen Ski Patrol, ski and snowboard coaches.

Aspen Snowmass wanted to offer its employees more premium outerwear that operated strictly, but also had a more luxurious appeal (that’s Aspen, after all.) so they decided to make their own, far from the usual path of partnering with an outerwear brand to match. Ski and Ski School instructors.

They landed on a symbiotic three-piece layer system in its functionality. Each piece complements each other, so you don’t have to worry about the middle layer being too cumbersome and bulky under your jacket. It is the result of rigorous rounds of testing on the mountain. Hundreds of Aspen employees tested prototypes and provided input to help develop outerwear—and those ideas contributed to the design, too.

The Ski Patrol set comes in black with orange Aspen brand pops, while the Ski and Snowboard School instructors will wear the jacket in Temerity red. Consumers have (so far) all-back trim, but all elements feature a more modern Aspen leaf across the rear left side and black and white artwork by Paula Crown on the inside that dictates Aspen’s terrain.

If you’re looking for some high-spec gear for your next skiing or snowboarding trip, this is it. Here’s a closer look at the contents of the new collection.

1. Ajax jacket

The Ajax Jacket ($725) is designed for serious weather protection, but it won’t smother you when you’re working hard on the mountain. The outer shell is made of Gore-Tex 2L nylon fabric for excellent water resistance, and is covered in a light layer of PrimaLoft Gold insulation for wind repellency. Waterproof zippers and an adjustable hood have extra protection from snow and frost (or whatever winter combination you encounter).

Additionally, ASPENX has balanced the jacket’s protection with breathability and comfort. Insulation is limited to strategic areas to allow for maximum range of movement and ventilation, plus generous 15-inch armpit zippers let you vent the heat when things get steamy. The Ajax jacket also comes with eight pockets to store any gear and valuables you need for a day on the slopes.

2. Ajax pant

The Ajax Pant ($525) uses some of the same protective materials as the jacket, and includes several features to help you connect with proper form. Like the jacket, it uses a Gore-Tex 2L nylon outer shell paired with PrimaLoft Gold insulation located in key warmth zones, so it’ll seal out moisture and keep you warm too. And when the temperature rises, the large 13″ zippered vents are ready to help you keep cool.

These pants are also easy to adjust to fit your body: the tabs on the waist help you tighten or loosen the fit, and they come with built-in belt loops so you can add a belt to keep them extra secure. Plus, they’re designed with specialized fabric patterns to give flexibility to the knees and seat, so they don’t cramp or restrict you.

3. Ajax insulator

What is an insulator? It’s another word for the middle class, and the Ajax Insulator ($395) is specifically designed to work with the Ajax jacket. It uses PrimaLoft Gold insulation to trap warmth, but is optimized for mobility and ventilation, making it a great transitional piece (you can hike it over the mountains or cross-country ski and never need to unzip it). It’s made from a blend of ripstop nylon and stretchy fabrics with added spandex, so it fits your body as you move. DWR coating repels water to keep you dry, never soggy. Because of its thoughtful design and configuration, you won’t have to constantly remove and add layers as you work through your day.

The Ajax Jacket, Pant, and Insulator will be available for purchase at the new ASPENX retail space that has opened in Gondola Plaza in Aspen, CO, as well as at select Four Mountain Sports stores and online at AspenX.com Starting from 1 December.

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