THE ULTIMATE SKI EDIT

Ski season may have technically begun in November, but it’s February when it truly hits its stride. The post–New Year slowdown has passed, calendars are filling again, and the pull of the mountains feels stronger than ever. Crisp air, clear skies and that first rush of altitude - consider this your cue to book the escape.

Mary Skinner (@mary.cj.skinner) is already there. Touching down in Nendaz, Switzerland for her first ski trip of the season, she takes us from first lift to indulgent après, capturing a full day on the slopes through a fashion-forward lens. Inside her suitcase? Technically engineered skiwear courtesy of The North Face x SKIMS, statement Prada layers primed for chalet moments, and a tightly edited selection of beauty essentials designed to protect and revive at high altitude. This is modern alpine dressing. Refined, performance-led and ready for every moment the mountain delivers.

For Mary, this is the year of setting new benchmarks on the slopes. Her secret weapon? The North Face x SKIMS. The collaboration between the two cornerstones in modern innovative apparel offers a sleek amalgamation of performance gear and form-fitting, minimalist design. For her first day, Mary opts for the signature cropped Insulated Shell jacket (offering an impenetrable barrier to rain and snow alongside windproof capabilities), and the Tapered Trousers in matching gunmetal-grey. Polished. Precise. Ready for ascent.

All that slaying on the slopes quicky works up an appetite, both for good food and even better fashion. For starters? Let’s talk eyewear. Not only are they essential for keeping composed against snow-reflected sunshine; sunglasses put the work in as you wind down. Mary’s gone for a tortoiseshell pair from Saint Laurent to highlight that timeless elegance that only a ski sojourn can deliver. Meanwhile, the faux fur Monroe bomber from Mars The Label offers a healthy dose of whimsy.

Accessories complete the transition. Moncler earmuffs add a plush, alpine finish while keeping the silhouette clean, and the coordinating knitted gloves deliver warmth without bulk. For a slightly more off-duty mood, the Jacquemus Gros Grain beanie brings subtle street-coded edge - refined, but never try-hard.

Altitude demands intention - and Mary doesn’t leave anything to chance. Tucked into her carry-on are the beauty non-negotiables she relies on from first lift to final aperitif. Protection is priority. Dermalogica’s Sport SPF and Lancôme’s UV Expert Supra-Screen Serum shield against intense mountain glare without feeling heavy beneath layers. Post-slope, Charlotte Tilbury’s Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum steps in to revive and refresh, counteracting the effects of cold air and long hours outdoors. Hydration follows. A slick of Clarins’ Lip Oil Balm keeps wind-chapped lips at bay, while Jo Malone London’s Peony and Blush Suede Hand Cream adds a final, quietly luxurious touch.