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The best bottoms are the ones you don’t have to think about. That’s the Agent. It moved moisture and never felt constricting as we skinned up and charged down. Credit the recycled polyester and spandex, with Tic Tac–size pockets that trap warm air.

It all starts with the base layer. Screw around with that and it doesn’t matter how great or fancy the set up is with the rest of the gear. The first layer in contact with the skin sets the tone for your day and whatever activity you might partake in. Two Aspen adventurers saw the need for a company focused solely on this element of outdoor clothing and launched Corbeaux from their Aspen condo, focusing on making the kind of base layers they would want to wear for their impressive pursuits.

When dressing for outdoor adventures in winter, a base layer is non-negotiable. While merino wool is the standing base layer champion, for some, it’s simply too scratchy for others. Pro-skiers Darcy Conover and Adam Moszynski were those people; wool was too irritating and there were no viable alternatives on the market. Priorities: high-quality, soft and environmentally-friendly. After years of ski adventures and talking about what they wanted to change, the two created a line of base layers called Corbeaux Clothing.

While the Ajax has been on countless inclement ski tours and rainy trail runs with me, I really fell in love with it on a blazing-hot day of spring skiing. Being a henley, it allowed me to dump a good amount of heat when I opened the four snaps below the collar once I started sweating. On cold days, the extrathin polyester wicks moisture from my skin with the best of them, while also feeling cottony smooth. On top of that, the Ajax competes with the Momentum when it comes to style, thanks to the snaps and stripes. And it earns bonus points for being handmade in Minnesota.

I’ve been wearing the hell out of the Corbeaux Chinook Hoody for a few months now. I find the hoody a phenomenal layer for skiing and all-around wear. It breathes and wicks incredibly well. The next-to-skin feel is excellent and the slightly loose cut drapes nicely allowing unrestricted movement.

Corbeaux Clothing is something that you’ll see on and off the slopes. The cozy, yet technical, base-layers are designed by local pro skiers Darcy Conover and Adam Mozynski. The items are made in Colorado and Minnesota, and employ green fabrics made of recycled plastic water bottles. The colors are vibrant, feature UPF 50 protection, and are put to the test in all elements by the pros.