[Flashback]

You mentioned he will be located in SW Vermont. There is an EMS store in Manchester & as well as a great local outfitter called The Mountain Goat !!!!

And remember, no sales tax on clothing in Vermont.

[MRVphotog]

I work in retail at a ski resort and we sell most of the stuff mentioned. One very popular base layer system is Under Armor. We actually had all our UA stuff from last year on sale for 40% off all summer. As mentioned a cotton base layer is not good. I kinda disagree that the modern wool socks are scratchy. They now wrap each wool strand with nylon so they are much better than the wool socks of my childhood.

Sierra Trading, REI are great places to get good deals, also TJ Maxx is one that might be in your area. They have brand name socks, gloves and hats. Cabot's Darn Tough made just over the hill from me are great. If you want socks with no wool but are very warm is a brand with a Vermont connection, EuroSock. We sell lots of SmartWool.

As a beginning ski instructor he will not make alot of money. Most have a second job. Assume his employer will supply a jacket, hat and maybe pants.

[arctichomesteader]

Just remember with any fleece that you need to avoid sparks and flames, it can ignite easily.

[Hopes]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!

We hit the mother load at TJ Max, MRVphotog. Great idea for quality hats, gloves and socks at discount prices. They even had ski socks.

There's still soooooooo much stuff to buy! Snow boots, base layers, etc. etc. etc. We're definitely checking out the stores in Vermont when we go up next.