Best in the Brrrrrrr ❄️
Alpine Picks & Tips from Our Trailblazers
This season we gathered the Zorali Trailblazer Team for a two-night snow camp expedition at Main Range, Mount Kosciuszko. It was the perfect chance to step into proper alpine conditions, put our gear (and our grit) to the test, and swap stories while crunching across icy terrain.
And, of course, it was the perfect place to pick our Trailblazers’ brains on all things alpine adventuring. Here’s what they had to say about the magic of winter outdoors, their must-pack essentials, layering secrets, and the Zorali gear they swear by.
Jarred
Favourite thing about winter outdoors
The contrast. Seeing familiar trails transformed by snow — and sneaking in as much skiing as I can before the short Aussie season ends.
Never forgets to pack
A mini Nalgene with a stubby holder. Perfect for hot choc at camp… or as a hot water bottle.
Favourite Zorali gear
The Hotham Jacket.
Layering tip
Beanies and buffs to lock in the heat at the top.
Caz Whitehead
Favourite thing about winter outdoors
The low, beautiful light that the sun casts across everything (when it’s sunny). It bathes the mountains in an otherworldly glow — and it feels just as good to soak yourself in it during the darker months.
Never forgets to pack
A camera. But the tough question is always: film or digital? Will the battery survive the cold? Will it fog up at altitude?
Favourite Zorali gear
Either the merino beanie (so cosy and the right amount of warm) or the rain jacket (because you don’t want to get caught without one of these in changeable alpine conditions!).
Layering tip
Merino against the skin. Always. It stays warm even when wet, wicks sweat, and makes the perfect base to build everything else on.
Stephanie Skinner
Favourite thing about winter outdoors
Still, sunny days feel like such a treat. The air is crisp, the light is beautiful, and it makes you extra grateful for choosing to be outside.
Never forgets to pack
Cozy socks with sandals or down booties for camp. “Dry, warm feet at the end of a long day? Bliss.
Favourite Zorali gear
I absolutely LOVE my zorali neck buff! It’s an incredibly versatile bit of kit and acts as a scarf, headband, beanie, and balaclava all in one compact package. On my recent bikepacking adventure across America, I used it to keep my face and ears warm in the frosty mornings, but also used it to keep my head cool in the searing desert heat by dipping it in water and wearing it as a headband.
Layering tip
Four layers can carry you through anything: merino base, fleece mid, puffer, and rain jacket. Mix and match depending on the conditions.
Daygin Prescott
Favourite thing about winter outdoors
The alpenglow. That soft pastel light at sunset across the alps is something you never forget.
Never forgets to pack
Multiple pairs of gloves — “cold, frozen hands are a no-go” — and a headlamp, for when days run longer than planned.
Favourite Zorali gear
Hotham Jacket - a great insulation layer. A good technical fit, super warm and wind resistant and I’m a huge fan of the two chest pockets for storing phone, lib balm, batteries, snacks.
Layering tip
Think active layer system. A sun hoody, merino, or breathable fleece lets you regulate without constantly stripping off. Buff down if you’re hot, hood up if you’re cold. Small adjustments keep you moving without losing energy.
Elise Marcianti
Favourite thing about winter outdoors
Watching the mountains I love to hike transform into snowy wonderlands.
Favourite Zorali gear
My favourite Zorali product would be the Hotham Jacket- unbelievably warm and the perfect layer to bring on alpine adventures
Layering tip
Focus on the extremities! Good gloves, socks, and a beanie make all the difference in holding onto warmth.
Gabriella
Favourite thing about winter outdoors
Those crisp, clear days where the views take your breath away.
Never forgets to pack
A camera — because looking back at snapshots of special adventures makes me so happy.
Favourite Zorali gear
Air-grid fleece!! Such a good midlayer and keeps you toasty round your neck and head in windy conditions or sleeping on cold nights.
Layering tip
Merino first, then fleece, puffer, and shell. It’s simple, and it works.
Winter adventures are a little tougher, a little colder, and a lot more rewarding. From alpine glow sunsets to frosty mornings, our Trailblazers reminded us that the right layers (and the right stories shared by a camp stove) make all the difference.
So, if you’re heading into alpine terrain this winter — take their word for it: don’t skip the merino, always pack extra gloves, and never underestimate the magic of a gaitor.
When we invited our Trailblazer Team on a Mystery Mission in August, they had no idea what we had in store for them.
What followed was the embodiment of why we’re in business: bringing great people together to share inspiration and experiences, build community and enjoy a physically and emotionally enriching experience.
