There are a few items which you just can’t do without on the slopes. I’ve found some great accessories that I’ve been using recently, and these are some of my favourites:

Hestra Army Leather Wool Gloves

Hestra army leather wool ski gloves

The range of Hestra gloves are un-beatable in terms of quality and the Army Leather Wool is no exception. The removable wool liner is extremely warm and yet still provides excellent pole grip. A mixture of ‘Army’ goat leather and cowhide provides the exterior, giving a classic and smart appearance in all 5 colours that are available. Little extras like the handcuffs, so you don’t lose your gloves when taking them off, are really cool.

Hestra gloves website

Scott Unlimited OTG Goggles

Scott Unlimited OTG ski goggles

Like many people, I require spectacles in everyday life and therefore also when skiing. I’m not a fan of contact lenses, so I require a ski goggle to fit well over my prescription glasses. The Scott OTG has a colour changing lens depending on the light available so you only need one pair. When you have them on you would not even know you’re wearing glasses, and neither does anyone else. An award winning product that is certainly essential for the hard of sight.

Scott Sports website

Icebreaker Ski Socks

Icebreaker ski socks

The range of Icebreaker products from the South Island of New Zealand uses the finest Merino wool in all its garments. Their ski socks are comfortable and warm and can be worn for several days without smelling (well it works on me so it should on everyone else). Certainly one of my favourite ski socks in the drawer.

Icebreaker ski socks website

Toots McSkibum Beanie and Ski Bandana

Toots Mcskibum ski hat

This British company manufactures its products in the UK and the USA. Apart from being very warm, the hats are all designed with a bit of fun and love of the mountains. Big bobbles on the top add an extra layer of hedonistic lifestyle attitude, perfect for showing your friends how cool you really are (unfortunately, it still didn’t work for me). The bandanas are very special indeed, just breath on them and they change colour instantly, even my friends thought I was cool after that.

Toots McSkibum website

eGlove (e-ski)

eGlove ski gloves

If you’re like me, you’ll always be checking your emails or answering the phone when on the ski lift. These gloves are a perfect combination of good quality materials and an innovative idea that allows you to use a smart phone without removing your gloves at all. The inner liner of the glove is designed to slot through the outer thumb and forefinger layer, giving you the ability to use the phone as you would normally. I’ve skied with these in heavy snow conditions for several days without getting wet or cold fingers, great idea.

eGlove website