I came back from Les Gets feeling like I’d finally turned a bit of a corner with snowboarding.

For context, I only properly learned in 2024 after years of being a very average skier (ending in a torn ACL and a quiet decision to try something new). Snowboarding didn’t come easily, at all, it was frustrating, slow, and involved a lot of time on the floor — but I stuck with it. What do they say skiing is easier to pick up, but it’s harder to master and snowboarding is harder to pick up, but once you’ve got it… you’ve got it.

This trip felt different. More confident, less chaotic… and definitely more fun. It also happened to be the first proper test for the new Roxy x Chloe Kim 2026 kit.

Conditions that don’t let you hide

We landed right into a proper March snow dump, like HUGE, the kind where everything resets overnight and the mountain feels completely different the next morning. It was so good as we were right there on the piste.

Perfect conditions, but also the kind where you quickly notice if something isn’t working. Cold mornings, deep snow, long days. No shortcuts.

First impressions: very Roxy, but better

I’ve always liked Roxy, but this collection feels like a step up.

It’s clean, slightly oversized, and understated — nothing overdesigned, nothing trying too hard. Very wearable on and off the slopes. For full transparency I was so in love with the collection from 2024 (orange and blue), that I thought nothing could top it. That is still my firm fave, but I did love this so much I bought the matching blue jacket for my snowboard trousers. It’s different for me, but I loved that.

And more importantly, it actually performs.

On the mountain: what mattered

I’m not testing gear as an expert rider… I’m testing it as someone still improving, landing in the snow a lot, which in some ways is a tougher brief.

You notice everything.

  • Warmth: stayed consistently warm without overheating, even when hiking or pushing a bit harder
  • Waterproofing: properly held up — including multiple unplanned stops in the snow
  • Movement: probably the standout — nothing restrictive, just easy, natural movement
  • Fit: relaxed but still functional, which makes a big difference when you’re riding all day

It’s the kind of kit you stop thinking about, which is exactly what you want.

Why this collab works

There’s something about Chloe Kim’s influence that comes through in a subtle way.

It doesn’t feel overly technical or intimidating, but it also doesn’t feel like fashion-first snowwear. It sits comfortably in between — designed for real riding, but still considered.

And that balance is surprisingly hard to get right.

Final thoughts

This trip felt like a shift, less about getting down the mountain, more about actually enjoying it. And the right kit plays into that more than you expect.

The Chloe Kim x Roxy 2026 collection isn’t trying to be everything. It just does what it’s meant to do, and does it well.

For where I am with snowboarding right now, it felt spot on. And it’s definitely coming back out next season.

*Kit kindly gifted from the Roxy team