Underwear, not exactly the kind of thing you put on your Christmas list yet you always inevitability get some. It seems to be the default gift from grandparents, an estranged Aunt or a thoughtful and practical Mother. Well, this year we can help them help you with our Icebreaker Pure Merino GT 260base layer recommendations.

Icebreaker continues to step up their game and innovation every season. Last year we skied in the Bodyfit 260 base layers and loved it. This season Icebreaker has added a little more Lycra (they must have founds some Lycra sheep...) and more contoured stitching. Having a few ski days in already this La Nina season we can say from experience that these garments wear exceptionally well and do not move around on you, instead they move with you. Halfway through the first ski day I had to remind myself I was actually wearing a base layer!

The 2011/2012 GT 260 Icebreaker Pursuit Legless and Pursuit Zip Crew are to perfect choice for undies this Christmas. Not only to they wear better, they are finished with some more detail for those Apres Ski engagements. Featuring finished sleeves and collars along with some detailed styling to add just enough colour, these woolies live up to the test.

For more info, check out the Icebreaker site and your local Icebreaker dealer.

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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

As the Christmas season approaches, we know that you are extremely busy. You have skis to wax, leg squats to do, and smelly long underwear to dig out of the closet.  Since you may have less time for that critical Christmas shopping, the crew here at Catskiing.ca want to help you out with some gift ideas for the powder enthusiast on your list.

Over the next couple weeks (or until we run out of ideas), we will be posting great gift ideas that are sure to satisfy the ski bum you are shopping for, even if it's yourself. No sweaters from grandma here, just high quality ski gear to enhance your season this winter. We have some great pictures and video of new gear from Icebreaker, Outdoor Research, and Backcountry Access. So grab some eggnog, put up the mistletoe, and stay tuned to the Catskiing.ca 2011 Christmas gear guide.

So it is August and we are in the midst of a heatwave here in BC. What better time to have a box full of new merino wool goodies show up from Icebreaker Clothing! We decided that we would head to the mountains to see what we could find and test out the new product.

As expected, our enthusiasm far out-measured the abundance of snow as you can see by the greenery in the accompanying photos. None-the-less, Todd decided to practice trudging through creeks in the new Icebreaker GT200 zip. He seems seems to be the one to end up in them when we are on skis so the practise is good for him...

Next up was the new for this season Icebreaker RealFleece 260 Full Zip Top. Now this comes in hooded and non-hooded versions and is quite the sharp looking piece. It has refined, articulated stitching and fits amazingly. It is a little too warm out there in the BC backcountry to give you a full review of the latest offerings but when the snow starts to fall, be sure to check back for our point of view.

In the meantime, get down to your local Icebreaker Dealer and check out the new threads. Especially the RealFleece 260, the original release of RealFleece 320 sold out real fast last season.

Enjoy the rest of summer because winter is coming!

PS – sweet poles eh?!

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