Stay Warm, Look Cool

What’s trending in winter fashion and gear

By Brighid Driscoll | Feb. 3, 2024

It hasn't exactly been a perfect winter for shredding the slopes or hitting the cross-country trails. But even though Michigan doesn't look much like a winter wonderland, local resorts are pumping out the snow and working hard to make the gray days of February feel a little brighter.

While these resorts exist to help us get outside in the colder months, their retail options are hidden gems for winter shopping. Northern Express chatted with folks on the shopping side of things to hear what’s popular and practical for the winter—whether you’re riding the chairlift or just cozying up by the fire.

Boyne Country Sports

Boyne Mountain Resort has been an icon in Michigan skiing and snowboarding since the 1940s. The resort has expanded over the years, including its retail arm, Boyne Country Sports, which has locations throughout the state and within the resort. Vice President of Merchandise and Retail Development Kelly Eccleston closely monitors what sells in the shops.

“Patagonia consistently does well across the board,” she says, “but we’ve noticed lately that Patagonia luggage, in particular, has been doing well, which is great because that means people are traveling, and we want them to travel to our resorts.”

Last-minute buys are given when accommodating folks on vacation, but Eccleston says those purchases often turn into something more meaningful. “People are always going to forget something like aspirin or Tylenol and need to run to the gift shop, but we surprise them with these pieces like a unique piece of jewelry, or a ski charm, or something Michigan-made, or a cozy lounge set you can wear next to the fire. It’s not what they intended to buy, but we hope it’s something that they’ll have forever with good memories attached to it.”

Eccleston enjoys curating the shops with popular brands, local finds, and lesser-known companies that offer sustainable and high quality products. Her current personal fave? “We have some beautiful women’s lifestyle jackets from the brand KJUS. I like something timeless that I can pull out of my closet in 20 years and still wear. That would be my splurge.”

As for gear, Eccleston says there's been a big uptick in women’s snowboard sales. She’s excited to see more women getting on the slopes and encourages them not to shy away from the sport. “Our staff is so knowledgeable. They ensure that if you’re getting new equipment or tweaking your equipment, you’re comfortable. We want you to feel good so you can be out there all day.”

Of course, winter fun is meant for the whole family, and at Boyne, the kids love Warmies stuffed animals. “You can pop them in the microwave to warm them up; some of them have a lavender scent, so it can be calming,” Eccleston says.

Crystal Mountain

With 103 skiable acres, Crystal Mountain is a local favorite for alpine adventuring, but Retail Administrator Vicki Hargis is an admitted non-skier.

“Even though I’m from Michigan, I’m not a snow girl," Hargis admits with a laugh. However, she’s committed to making sure Crystal Mountain visitors are properly decked out and comfortable with multiple on-campus retail outlets: Mountain Sports, Mountain Market, Water’s Edge Shop, Peak Boutique, Kinlochen Shop, and Mountain Sports Express.

Getting geared up for a day on the mountain and not wearing goggles can turn a fun day of skiing into a not-so-fun day of squinting. “What I love right now are the Dragon Goggles, and we have them at Mountain Sports Express,” says Hargis. “They were developed out West, and I’ve seen so many people in Colorado and California wearing these goggles. They do their job well and are beautiful. On a snowy day, we can run out of goggles.”

She also knows that gloves and mittens are essential for staying warm and are frequently forgotten at home. “People forget to bring them, lose them on the slopes, or sometimes the ones they bring just aren’t warm or dry enough.” More unexpectedly for wintertime…bathing suits are another top item. “We also sell a lot of swimsuits,” Hargis says. “Moms and dads remember to pack them for their kids but forget to pack their own.”

Of course, you don’t need to forget something to indulge. Outdoor apparel brand Vuori has been flying off the shelves. “I talked to a lady last week who said she buys it online because it’s not in any of her local boutiques,” Hargis says. “They use soft, buttery materials, and it’s just great-quality athletic clothing. She was thrilled to be in our little boutique finding tons of Vuori.”

Hargis’ top picks for the 2024 winter also include Kari Traa and Lululemon. “Kari Traa is a designer who was a skier, and she makes great base layers for women. I have two of her products set aside to buy this week. I’m not a skier, but I go to the beach with my dog and my husband, and they keep me warm.”

She also loves the Lolë brand fanny packs, aka hip packs. The return of these crossbody bags has become hugely popular, and Lolë has made them fashionable for winter by adding a sherpa texture. “We have black, white, and tan, which are really cute for a winter outfit,” Hargis says.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

While you won’t find skiing or snowboarding at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, their Gallery of Shops rivals a tiny shopping mall and is open to the public.

“There are eight shops, and they’re right at the heart of the main property,” says Communications Manager Caroline Rizzo. The gallery includes Mud Pie, Whirligigs Candy & More, Bear Logo Shop, Adventure North Outfitters, Tumbleweeds, Ashleigh’s, No Truer North Store, and a well-stocked golf Pro Shop in the golf clubhouse.

“The Bear Logo Shop is more like your typical hotel gift shop,” Rizzo explains. “We have our logo-branded T-shirts and hoodies, especially Under Armour. But anything you forgot, bathing suit, sunscreen, chapstick, that’s all there too.”

Rizzo personally likes the winter Lululemon gear located inside Spa Grand Traverse. “They have some fantastic long and short puffer coats, quarter zips, and vests,” she tells us.

Need to stock up on more warm stuff? “Adventure North is our outdoorsy store with a full line of North Face and other outdoor brands like Lolë and Oakley sunglasses. That’s where I would go for high quality, outdoor gear,” Rizzo says. She highlights SmartWool socks and mittens as a go-to—the merino wool clings to the skin, while a nylon blend helps pull moisture away, keeping your hands and feet warm and dry, a must for winter activities.

In fairness, your little ones may not be as excited about socks as we grownups are, but not to worry. Tumbleweeds is a dedicated toy store, and Whirligigs offers an array of colorful candy to aid a sugar high that could only end in a nap-worthy crash. “We have Moomers ice cream in there, an M&M wall, fudge, chocolate, peanut brittle, lollipops, retro and nostalgic candy, specialty chocolates…and I think there are some healthy treats in there too,” Rizzo says with a smile.

Though there are no ski hills at this particular resort, golf simulators and lessons through the Golf Academy are available year-round. “You can also hit golf balls from our indoor/outdoor heated golf bays, which is nice,” adds Rizzo. For guests and members, tennis and pickleball courts are available for playing, and cross-country ski tracks are regularly groomed, with ski and snowshoe rentals available at the health club.