Introducing the creators of Halfdays: Ariana Ferwerda and Kiley McKinnon.

      Welcome to Second Life, a podcast that highlights successful women who have made significant career transitions and confidently navigated their pivots. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer of Who What Wear, each episode connects you with women who are innovators in their respective fields. Subscribe to Second Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform of your choice to keep updated.

      When Ariana Ferwerda and Kiley McKinnon launched Halfdays in 2020, their goal was to transform the skiwear industry, which had long been characterized by costly, male-focused designs. Their mission involved creating stylish, high-performance, and sustainable ski apparel that is accessible to all. The outcome is a brand that not only changes the game on the slopes but also reshapes outdoor culture.

      The combination of their diverse backgrounds is what truly contributes to Halfdays' success. McKinnon, a former freestyle aerial skier who competed in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, faced a significant challenge: she had to wear men’s skiwear due to a lack of functional and comfortable women’s options. After retiring, she met Ferwerda, an expert in data analytics and retail consulting who holds degrees in Marketing and Marketing Research. Ferwerda encountered the same issue, finding women's ski gear to be either too expensive, impractical, or uninspired.

      This common frustration led to the creation of Halfdays, a direct-to-consumer skiwear brand that emphasizes fit, function, and fashion. What distinguishes Halfdays is its dedication to sustainability—almost 100% of its materials are recycled—alongside a more accessible price range compared to conventional luxury skiwear brands. Their vibrant, fashion-forward designs have struck a chord with a new generation of skiers, demonstrating that performance gear can be both stylish and approachable.

      Since its inception, Halfdays has experienced remarkable growth, branching out from skiwear to include off-season outerwear and athleisure. The brand has also made significant strides in retail, having opened a physical store and formed partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Ferwerda and McKinnon's vision goes beyond products: they aspire to make skiing and outdoor culture more inclusive.

      Tune in to the latest episode of Second Life to learn how Ferwerda and McKinnon plan to further revolutionize women’s active culture. And continue scrolling to shop some of our favorite selections from Halfdays.

      Halfdays

      Halfdays Sweatshirt

      Halfdays

      Joyner Windbreaker

      Halfdays

      Ruth Lightweight Bamboo Legging

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