From Ski Racer to Designer: Jordan Watts on Building Jorde, a Modern Ski Apparel Brand

Send us Fan MailJordan Watts, co-founder and head designer of Jorde, joins the Ski Moms podcast to share her journey from competitive ski racing to creating a modern ski apparel brand. Born in Texas but raised in New Hampshire's ski country, Jordan's path to fashion design began on the slopes. She attended Burke Mountain Academy, where the demanding schedule of academics and training taught her invaluable time management skills and fostered an intensely competitive spirit. Jordan attended UVM before landing a job in luxury ski fashion, where she gained experience across sales, marketing, and operations. Working with her boyfriend (now fiancé) Jackson, Jordan launched Jorde with a clear vision: create classic, beautifully designed ski wear at an accessible luxury price point, using PFA-free fabrics and thoughtful details like monochromatic trims and innovative ankle patches.The brand focuses on timeless silhouettes that will last for years rather than trendy designs. Jordan personally handles customer service inquiries, helping customers find the right size and fit. The design process takes about two months per collection, with Jordan carefully selecting colors that work together and obsessing over details like button colors. Based in Stowe, Vermont, Jordan and Jackson run the two-person operation (with help from Jordan's mom) while maintaining work-life balance through daily walks with their dog and regular ski days. Jorde is sold at major retailers including Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Backcountry, and Revolve, as well as boutique ski shops in Stowe, Aspen, Big Sky, and Sun Valley.Keep Up with the Latest from Jorde: Website:https://shopjorde.com/Instagram: https://www.pinterest.com/SHOPJORDE/_pins/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopjordeKey Quotes:"I felt people wanted a more classic design, maybe more simple, but also still had that kind of attention to detail, those little details that make something so beautiful.""If you like your outfit, you're just, you know, you're gonna have a better time."Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations. Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own! 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. Support the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com