As the new winter starts to kick in, Ski Editor Rob Stewart features some of the new items of kit we’ve got hold of for this new 2019-20 winter season.
Ski Jackets
Protest, Boxford Colour Block Snow Jacket
An excellent value for money jacket option that provides a decent level of technical features with a cool freestyle – freeride look. This insulated jacket comes with a 10K/10K water resistant outer and breathability factor, meaning moisture is wicked away from the inside of the jacket quickly. It’s not the most technical jacket on the market, so not suitable for days out in the heavy rain, but for all other winter mountains conditions it’s idea. Would definitely suit park and powder riders looking for something that stands out from the crowds.
RRP: £159.99, www.protest.eu
Helly Hansen, Freefall Jacket
This is one of the top of the range ski jackets from Helly Hansen for the 19-20 winter season and is packed full of technical features that should keep you dry and warm in all conditions and cooler in warmer ones. This is due to the ventilation system (known as H²Flow™) developed by Helly Hansen that they say, ‘acts like air conditioning in a vehicle’. The 4 way stretch fabric outer is waterproof and breathable and the Pimaloft insulation for warmth in colder conditions.
RRP: £550, www.hellyhansen.com
Maier Sports, Caldonazza Women’s Ski Jacket
This is a technical ski jacket for women from the established brand of Maier that provides all you need on the slopes in all weather conditions for a price that no doubt counts as good value for money. The own fabric mTex 10,000 outer membrane and mTherm insulation does the job of keeping you warm and dry and is highly breathable too. Maier Sports is well-known for its environmentally friendly fabrics and this jacket has a completely PCP free finish. The other benefit of Maier clothing is in the range of sizes – there’s 57 different size options in the ski pants alone!
RRP: £229.95, maier-sports.com/en
Gloves
Reusch, Ndurance Pro Lobster GTX Mitten
Possibly the ultimate glove for cold weather off-piste powder skiing or snowboarding on the market. We love the look of these gloves – the goatskin palm, Gore-Tex liner, long cuff and Reusch’s own ‘heat capture’ system all combine to make a highly technical glove that balances a solid grip with maximum warmth. The heli mitten style – where a separate thumb and index finger to provide grip combines with a mitt for the rest of the hand – makes the Polartec insulation work even more effectively.
RRP: €180, www.reusch.com
Ski Poles
Leki, Helicon Lite
Ski touring and snow shoeing fully adjustable ski poles from specialist manufacturer, Leki. Perfect for off-piste and backcountry freeriding and touring – light but strong and adjustable from 110am to 145cm but can be packed down to 95cm so they can fit into a backpack. The ‘Speed Lock’ system means super-fast adjustment when changing from up to downhill or when on a steep slope. The Binding Basket includes a long edge to help scrape ice from your skins.
RRP: £64.95, www.leki.com
Accessories
Drysure – Extreme Boot dryer
This is a really nice way – simple but clever – of keeping your ski boots dry after a day on the slopes. Even on dry days on the mountain, moisture builds up inside the liner of a ski boot and if untreated, it can build up bacteria and of course remain damp, meaning discomfort the next day and in the worst cases, even frostbite (yes it can happen because of a wet boot and it happened to me once). We really like the ‘analogue’ way this works, no electricity needed, very eco-friendly, can be taken wherever you’re travelling to easily, and no need for an electric boot drier. Simple to use, just insert into ski boots and leave overnight in your locker. British ski brand.
RRP: £29.95, www.drysure.co
Superfeet – ski boot foot beds
A set of insoles inside your ski boots is a must and Superfeet produce some fantastic off the shelf products that work really well for most foot shapes. If you’re thinking about hiring boots too, taking your own foot beds can make a huge difference, for a relatively low cost point. Superfeet ski models include the REDHOT and Orange versions – they are also designed to keep your feet warm too.
RRP: £45, www.superfeet.com
Photo credit: congerdesign from Pixabay