Layer Like a Pro: Bernie Rosow’s Winter Kit
Mammoth Lakes-based skier and snowmobiler Bernie Rosow squeezes more skiing into each winter than many of us can imagine. He works as a snowcat operator at night for Mammoth Mountain so he can spend his days skiing. After decades of skiing in the mountains, Bernie knows the right gear makes all the difference in staying safe and comfortable on long ski days.
Snowmobiling to Backcountry Lines
Bernie and his snowmobile in the Eastern Sierra backcountry.
Bernie spends many of his winter days snowmobiling to ski terrain in the Eastern Sierra. He got his first snowmobile in 2005 and put 2,000 miles on it that first winter. Snowmobiling sounds easy enough, but it can have a learning curve.
“Everyone thinks that a sled equals easy access, but it can just as easily equal a sore back, an empty wallet and a lot of hassle,” Bernie says. “I realized quickly that to have the skills necessary to access the places I want to go, I needed to spend years getting dialed on my sled.”
Now that Bernie has spent nearly two decades backcountry skiing via snowmobile, he really appreciates what it allows him to do: “check off big lines in the morning and be home in time for work at 4 in the afternoon.”
The Layers Bernie Relies On
Bernie’s typical day includes an early morning start, speeding around on a snowmobile, and hiking once he’s gone as far as he can on the sled to the wilderness boundary. Temperature fluctuations are a given, and Ridge base layers are his foundation.
“Cold mornings are always three layers — base layer, mid layer and shell,” Bernie says. “I almost always hike in just a base layer unless it’s dumping snow. When it’s snowing or wet out, I wear a shell over a base layer to hike. Sometimes it’s a quick turnaround at the top and I can stay warm and keep that setup. Other times I’ll add a mid layer before skiing.”
Bernie layering up for a backcountry ski day.
Here’s what Bernie wears for a full day of skiing:
Aspect Base Layer Shirt – Bernie’s go-to for long days in variable conditions.
Men's Aspect Base Layer Balaclava Hood – When he's not wearing the regular Aspect shirt, Bernie likes this version since it fits well under a snowmobile helmet.
Inversion Base Layer Bottoms – These heavier bottoms provide warmth without restricting movement.
Baldwin Merino Fleece Jacket – "The strength, warmth and odor resistance are great for resort days, and not having a bulky hood is great for backcountry touring."
An extra pair of Ritter Ski Socks – If his socks get wet, he likes to have a dry pair to change into.
“From hiking and sweating to riding 20 miles on a sled in freezing temps, [Merino wool] never lets you down.”
Why Merino Wool?
For Bernie, Merino wool is a game changer for managing moisture, temperature and odor. “It’s a treat to be able to wear head-to-toe Merino wool,” Bernie says. “It’s by far the best material.”
The odor resistance is one of his favorite benefits. “I sweat a lot, and my gear stinks bad, but not my wool gear,” Bernie says. He also appreciates that it dries quickly, making it easier to manage his layers.
“When I’m on a mission to check off a big line, I don’t want anything to get in my way. Having the right gear for success is just one step to having your head in the game so you can make it happen. When you’re miles into the mountains, getting wet and cold can ruin an otherwise great day.”
Balancing Big Lines and Safety
Bernie has been skiing since he was two years old, and the long-term process of waiting for the right conditions is one thing he loves about backcountry skiing.
"Some lines have taken me years of trying to get in perfect condition. Some success has come after years of failure. It’s a game and you have to be skilled in all aspects of it to have a chance of success."
Patience and good decision-making are incredibly important in backcountry skiing.
“I don’t have a mindset of success no matter what. If success happens, it’s because I couldn’t find a reason to turn around. If I have the slightest doubt about safety, I turn around and try a different day.”
Bernie lives in the snow and is constantly assessing it – whether he’s shoveling out his car, skiing or driving the snowcat at night. He waits for the day when conditions line up perfectly, then he goes for it. One of Bernie’s lines he waited for, the Wall of the Future:
“It’s funny because when everything goes perfectly, it kind of looks mellow. My POV didn’t do that line justice. It was 0-60mph acceleration straight at a 150’ cliff. That was a dream line. I’d go up there again if the chance presented itself, but I’m not hungry for it anymore.”
Bernie, Tim Humphreys and Molly Armanino skinning in the backcountry near Virginia Lakes in California's Eastern Sierra.
You can follow Bernie’s ski adventures on his Instagram.
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