As a descendant of proud Swedes, I shamefully admit that Dale of Norway knits some of the world’s finest sweaters. With classic designs like the “Voss,” “Utstein,” and “Uppigard,” you can’t miss the Nordic connection, but the technology that this 130-year-old company employs is what will blow your mind. Working in conjunction with , Dale of Norway developed a three-layer, laminated water-repellent yarn and incorporated a soft Windstopper membrane that makes the sweater wind- and water-repellent. Pretty high tech for a company that became the official sponsor of the Norwegian Olympic team in 1956.
My favorite sweater from their newest collection: The Blafjel ($349; ), made of 20.5 micron Merino wool on the inside and Dale’s water-repellent yarn on the outside. Wear this slopeside during any ski event at Vancouver and it will shed rain and snow.
Woolrich’s Windhall Half Zip sweater ($85; ) is both retro and refreshing. The black-and-red check on the yoke is reminiscent of Woolrich’s signature “buffalo check” design that’s been in their lineup since–no lie–1850. Made from 100-percent lambswool and with an updated fleece collar, this zippered ski sweater looks right at home at Two Elk in Vail.