The Best Watches for Skiing the Slopes of Aspen

Whether you are skiing Aspen Highlands or snowboarding at Buttermilk, slope style matters in this ritzy Colorado ski town. Of course, your outfit will need this season’s hottest accessories. At Avi & Co., we will help you find the ideal watches to join you for your winter sports of choice. These watches are some of the most high-tech, durable, and versatile options on the market today. Which one will strike your fancy?

Can My Watch Withstand Cold Weather? 

Many luxury watch aficionados wonder if it is okay to wear an expensive wrist watch in the cold, whether you are walking the wintery streets of New York or skiing through the perfect powder in Aspen, Colorado. In short, the answer is yes: Your watch can withstand cold temperatures. However, if you are worried about extreme cold taking its toll on a dress watch, it is always a safe bet to choose a watch designed for the adventurous wearer.

In fact, watches with an LCD or digital display are actually more likely to be impacted by the cold than an “old school” analog watch. (That is just one of many reasons you will never see us wearing a smartwatch. Our other reasons? Aesthetics, tradition, style, symbolism. The list goes on and on.)

So if you are wondering if your Rolex or OMEGA can join you as you head over to Buttermilk to watch the X Games or hike up to the Highland Bowl to get a taste of backcountry skiing, you can rest assured that your favorite timepiece will be safe in the snow. After all, you are never fully dressed without a watch. We understand why you want to take your chicest accessory onto the mountain.

The only question left is, which watch(es) should you bring on your next ski trip?

The Best Watches for Skiing 

Do not be fooled by alarmists on the internet: You do not need to abandon all semblance of class and taste and resort to a tacky, plastic G-Shock when you are skiing. After all, ski towns like Aspen are paragons of style. In other words, you do not want to be caught on the slopes without your favorite accessory. From Rolex to Richard Mille, here are our favorite watches that can withstand the snowy scenery when you are skiing or snowboarding this winter.

Even when you are wearing an upscale watch on the slopes, you do not have to abandon practicality entirely. The Rolex Explorer is a classic, slim watch with a slender profile that can easily fit under a jacket sleeve or glove gauntlet, meaning it will be safely tucked out of the way as you speed down challenging black diamonds.

The Rolex Explorer II, as seen above, has an added bonus: The gradated etching on the 24-hour bezel adds a sporty and functional touch, so you will always know what time of day it is even if you are in a low-light environment. The 40-mm case and stainless steel finish is both versatile and durable. In other words, this is a watch you can easily take from the slopes to the steakhouse. Plus, this watch is rated to 330 feet (100 meters) of water resistance, meaning that you can ski all day without a care in the world. A mere spray of snow will not endanger the pristine inner workings of this masterful Rolex watch.

BONUS: Switch it up with the Rolex “Polar Explorer,” so nicknamed for its white face and history of Alpine exploration. The Explorer gained its name in 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore Rolex watches as they became the first people to summit Mount Everest. Their watches were the inspiration for this icy, white Explorer, which offers high legibility with bold black markers and the signature orange 24-hour hand.

The world-famous “Moonwatch” is good for much more than outer space adventures. This extraordinary timepiece is ready to take on any adventure, including a jaunt through Aspen’s breathtaking winter wonderland. The OMEGA Speedmaster is a sporty watch that is equipped with incredible functionality. You will find a tachymeter bezel as well as three chronograph subdials on the watch’s face. We particularly love this ceramic edition, dubbed “Dark Side of the Moon.” The 44 mm watch is athletic yet refined, offering a much-loved chronograph function and a skeletonized dial that combines advanced materials with exceptional craftsmanship.

While you are exploring the slopes at Snowmass, you will be able to easily tell the time with just a glance at this striking, bold dial. The black ceramic construction of the watch adds to its durability, and it is rated to 165 feet (50 meters) of water resistance. Even after you finish up your active day on the slopes, keep your OMEGA watch strapped on your wrist as you head downtown for some apres ski fun. With its perfect combination of whimsical pattern and classic stature, this watch is sure to start a conversation or two.

Renowned Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille is constantly at the forefront of innovation and high-performance wristwear. The RM 67-02 watch is no exception, and many of Richard Mille’s elite athletic partners have produced namesake editions of this special timepiece. For instance, French skier Alexis Pinturault collaborated with the brand on a special edition 67-02 watch that showcased the colors of the French flag as a tribute to his heritage (and his favorite place to ski). French rally car driver Sebastian Ogier worked with Richard Mille to create a watch in similar hues, as seen below:

When ski season rolls around, you cannot go wrong with a Richard Mille watch. These timepieces are crafted from the world’s most innovative, durable materials that are specifically engineered to be light and allow for a slim profile without sacrificing strength. Materials like Carbon TPT and NTPT render these watches virtually unbreakable. Plus, the signature sporty aesthetics make Richard Mille watches match perfectly with a chic skiing or snowboarding ensemble. Even when you are wearing snow pants, you can be fashion-forward with a statement Richard Mille watch.

A diving watch? For skiing? Yes, you read that correctly: the Rolex Submariner, the ultimate classic diving watch, is an excellent choice if you are looking to hit the slopes this winter. Diving watches are highly water resistant and equipped with a wide variety of functional features that make them excellent for situations from everyday wear to skiing to surfing and everything in between. Plus, they are tested in cold conditions to mimic exposure to seawater. As such, winter weather is nothing unexpected to these durable icons.

The Rolex Submariner is available in a vast selection of different dial and bezel colors, but there is something deeply appealing about this green-on-green model that has been affectionately nicknamed the “Hulk.” The index dial is high contrast and easy to read, making it ideal for catching a glimpse of the time as you fly over a mogul on the slopes. With a water resistance of 100 meters (330 feet), this watch is built to withstand the toughest underwater conditions. For a timepiece that is truly ready for anything, skiing and snowboarding will be simply a breeze.

When it comes to winter sports, you cannot go wrong with a Richard Mille watch, and the RM 011 is no exception. The brand is well-known for its partnerships with the world’s most incredible athletes, including greats like tennis pro Rafael Nadal and Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc. Skiers are well-represented among the Richard Mille elite, with names like Alexis Pinturault and Johannes Thingnes Bø standing out in the RM catalog.

As you look for the perfect watch to take on your next ski trip, consider this limited edition Richard Mille RM 011, which shows off a sleek orange strap and a beautiful 18K rose gold case. The watch’s tonneau-shaped case and attractive skeletonized dial combine to create a unique and captivating look that is sure to turn heads on the slopes. While we are partial to Aspen, there is no doubt that you will also find some excellent skiing throughout the globe, so showcase your winter sport worldliness with this globally appealing Richard Mille find.

Shop Avi & Co. for Your Perfect Slope Style

Visiting Aspen this winter? Do not forget to stop by the Avi & Co. Aspen boutique, located right on the corner of Cooper Ave and Hunter Street. You will get the chance to explore watches from top horological phenomena, including Rolex, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Plus, you can even shop for one-of-a-kind Avi & Co. branded watches as well our very own line of fine diamond jewelry. We cannot wait to welcome you into our cozy, inviting slice of paradise in America’s favorite winter hideaway.

Whether you are looking for a memorable gift for that special someone or a timepiece to treat yourself to the finer things in life, our friendly and knowledgeable associates at Avi & Co. are here to help. We will guide you through the robust selection of watches and jewelry in our showroom, where you will get to enjoy the life-changing experience of fastening a six-figure accessory around your very own wrist. So what are you waiting for?

Make an appointment today to shop in-person. We look forward to welcoming you into the Avi & Co. family.