Striking a balance between performance on the slopes and aesthetics off of them is a challenge ski apparel companies have battled for years.
It’s a challenge Alexa Stein has decided to take on. As the founder and CEO of Slope Set, she believes a versatile base layer that can handle the coldest days on snow, while still working off the slopes, has been missing from the market. The idea of being able to ski, then head straight to the office, a workout class, or après is what sparked the concept for Slope Set.
Stein grew up skiing on the bulletproof ice of the East Coast. After being introduced to competitive freestyle skiing at 7 years old and getting a taste of the podium early, she was hooked. Transitioning to a competitive mogul skiing program at Waterville Valley Academy, jumping from the chairlift to the weight room was part of the daily rhythm, and finding layers that could comfortably handle both environments became a constant frustration.
Continuing to ski competitively, Stein attended the University of Colorado Boulder. While there, she says she began to develop an interest in the business world.
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After suffering a concussion during her senior year of college in 2012, Stein made the difficult decision to step away from competitive skiing. In many ways, it was a decision she says was made for her. At the time, progression in mogul skiing was the name of the game, and Stein spent her spring semesters training on water ramps, dialing in her back full and cork 7.
The severe concussion came during a water ramp training session. Having had concussions before, she said this one genuinely scared her. At the same time, studies surrounding CTE and the long-term effects of head trauma in football players were beginning to gain attention across the sports world. The severity of her injury and the growing conversation around brain health forced Stein to take a hard look at her future in the sport.
She chose to compete in one final event in Australia before retiring from competitive mogul skiing. Looking back, Stein says it took years for her to rediscover her love for skiing after the injury.
“I loved it because it was competitive, and you are striving to win. It took me a while to find the sport again and really love it for the love of skiing.”
Deciding to walk away from skiing, Stein transitioned her competitive energy to a new outlet in business. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2013 as an intern before moving to New York to pursue finance full-time.
Spending eight years in operations at Goldman Sachs and a stint in private equity, Stein has returned to the ski industry with the launch of Slope Set, a women’s ski and lifestyle apparel brand centered around technical performance and everyday versatility.
Stein first dipped her toe into manufacturing while working at Nasdaq Private Market, a process she said was highlighted by finding a manufacturer with a background in skiing. With her first samples developed, Stein transitioned and had a full-circle moment, deciding to pursue her passions full-time.
“Your ski gear should be activewear because skiing is an extremely active sport,” Stein says.
Drawing on both her competitive skiing background and years in finance, Stein blends business background with years of exposure to ski culture.
Her time in corporate America, she says, played a major role in shaping the mindset she brings to Slope Set.
“Goldman certainly expects the best out of those they hire, and it makes you want to put your best foot forward every single day,” Stein says. “It is challenging and a lot, but it really sets you up for success when you show up every single day.”
While Stein learned a great deal during her time in finance, she admits the excitement was never fully there.
“I was never passionate about it the way I am about Slope Set.”
Growing up with a deep passion for skiing, Stein felt lost at times working in corporate finance. However, she always had a knack and an appreciation for building relationships.
“Even when things were hard, I always loved working with my clients,” she says.
Reevaluating her position, she realized she could combine her love of working with clients and her passion for skiing.
Now, she is focused on creating products she doesn’t see elsewhere in the market, pouring her love for skiing and business into Slope Set.
Her first product, “The Alpine Legging,” came out of years of experimenting with different base layers. The leggings were designed to tuck between a skier’s sock and boot, creating a fit with no lines.
The company has already partnered with members of the U.S. Ski Team and continues to build relationships as the brand grows. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 ski season, Stein says Slope Set plans to get its products into the hands of people who are excited about skiing and activewear.
You can find both the Alpine and Après collections on Slope Set’s website for next season. Most recently, Stein released the Ascent collection, which is focused on summertime activities.