Snow Sports Essentials
Lurid rumours of actual snow in the Alps have sent us on a tear — and we’ve pulled together this fantasy kit for the season ahead. If you’ve not booked, there’s still time …
Our next generation travel trouser is a perfect partner on a trip… anywhere. Packed with 2% of stretch, these are great to kick back in … but the tight, compact weave will take a pounding. So if you find yourself swan diving off the speakers at 3 am in a sweaty resort bar … you get the picture. It can happen.
Those Canucks have credibility when in comes to the cold — and this boot is built to withstand the frozen north, down to down to -40. Minus forty. Handcrafted waterproof shells, lined with moisture-wicking linings, they look good to boot (pun not intended — but we’ll take it).
3. Avalanche Airbag Rucksack, by Ortovox
Of course this is going going to make you feel like 007 — but it’s serious business. Quickly becoming an essential piece of kit for every backcountry freeskier, a quick pull of the cord will fire and inflate an airbag at the top of the rucksack, floating you up to the surface of the avalanche. No substitute for local knowledge and proper precautions …. but a nice backup.
Set up 10 years ago in Chamonix by a pair of freeskiers, Black Crow offer something different from the big Euro brands, still living with a style hangover from 90’s ski racing. This big mountain pair of Captis will carve up the piste, as effortlessly as they’ll dash through that powder filled tree run. If nothing else, go enjoy the videos on the site.
5. Ski Finder & App, by NeverLose
If you’ve endured the misery of lost skis or boards — under snow or after lunch — then these will sell themselves. Whether you’ve been overzealous in the deep stuff, or had them pinched outside the hut, these will help you get them back. Attach one unit to each ski — and they are then monitored from your smart phone, giving out a 96dB alarm when they are detected as lost.
6. ‘Training for the New Alpinism’
Of course, you’ll be reading this, sat by the fire, in a chalet, after hard day conquering the mountain by gondola. But ain’t nothing wrong with some vicarious thrills. Read how the new wave of elite climbers train and perpare for their extreme alpine expeditions.
7. Merino Base Layer, by Ice Breaker
Made by the worlds foremost wool experts, the Kiwis, Ice Breaker have more or less cornered the market in premium baselayers over the past 10 years. Woven in soft merino, you’ll be astonished at the difference these make on colder days.
8. Bowmont Wool Jumper, by Finisterre
We couldn’t do a winter check list without a chunky knit — this time a British love affair with Merino wool, from Finisterre. The sheep live in Devon, the wool is spun in Yorkshire, and then knitted in Scotland. This one feature a modern take on fair isle patterns. It’s a keeper.
