As the festive season concludes, the British royal family often heads to the mountains, upholding a cherished tradition of winter sports holidays. For generations, royals have been spotted enjoying the slopes, setting a benchmark for alpine elegance and practical cold-weather style.
The Royals' Alpine Playground
This tradition was firmly established by Prince Charles and Princess Diana, who frequently took their young sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to the exclusive Swiss resort of Klosters. William has continued this family custom, now visiting with the Princess of Wales and their children. Although these trips are intensely private, the couple has occasionally released rare photographs from their Klosters getaways.
They are not the only royals with a passion for the pistes. Sarah Ferguson and her daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, are also keen skiers. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were recently seen enjoying a winter break in the luxurious St Moritz.
Signature Royal Ski-Slope Style
When it comes to mountain fashion, the royals are masters of chic functionality. Kate Middleton is renowned for her polished, colour-blocked ensembles, often selecting classic shades of red, white, and black for a bold yet timeless look on the slopes.
During a recent visit to Canada to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex showcased their off-piste style. Meghan stayed true to her signature neutral palette, completing her outfit with durable snow boots from her preferred brand, Sorel. Interestingly, the Princess of Wales is also a fan of the label, owning the popular Caribou style among others.
These robust boots are not just for alpine adventures; they are perfectly suited for braving the snowy conditions frequently forecast across the UK during winter.
Seven Standout Looks Inspired by Royal Wardrobes
Drawing inspiration from the winter wardrobes of Kate, Meghan, and the late Princess Diana's playful eighties aesthetic, here are seven curated looks designed to transition seamlessly from the slopes to après-ski.
Neutral Chic: This look focuses on understated, versatile layers perfect for emulating Meghan's love of neutrals. Key pieces include a reflective ski jacket and flared ski pants from M&S.
Alpine Icon: A coordinated, performance-ready ensemble from Dare 2b, featuring a sleek ski jacket, waterproof gloves, and a warm beanie for full mountain coverage.
Pattern Play: For those inspired by bold statements, this set from Perfect Moment incorporates a striking houndstooth down jacket and matching flare ski pants for high-impact style.
Tonal Dressing: Sweaty Betty offers a cropped jacket and sculpting salopettes in complementary tones, creating a sleek, monochromatic silhouette ideal for the slopes.
Understated Luxe: Superdry's collection combines a luxe puffer jacket with a softshell hoodie and roll-neck jumper, offering a stylish and cosy option for both skiing and relaxing.
High-Impact Hues Channel Kate's colour-pop approach with vibrant pieces from Roxy, including a technical snow shell jacket and a cosy technical mid-layer in eye-catching shades.
Two-Tone Flair: This look from Columbia features an insulated ski jacket and trousers with contrasting details, paired with heavyweight accessories for maximum warmth and style.