Don’t even think about fondue until you’ve checked these items off your list It’s hard to believe, given this record-breaking and rather disconcerting hot weather we enjoyed over the summer, but ski season is once again upon us. But before you book your flights, reserve your chalet and bag your day pass, you’ll need the right gear to keep you safe – and make you look good while doing it. To the slopes!
The Skis
If you’re the sort of skier that cares about performance and looks in equal and exacting measure, there are few brands more suited to you than zai. The Swiss brand describes itself as ‘the tougher ski/a titan/going his own way/not willing to compromise/ not willing to die.’ Strong words, and an even stronger price – that’s an average of £5,000 – but the performance delivers: each pair of skis has a granite core wrapped in carbon fibre, making them lighter than aluminium, but incomparably stronger. For purists, the testa skis are a must, handmade from walnut veneer and with a stainless steel protective edge. The quality of the walnut also means that as the wood ages, the skis become even more beautiful. Yes please.
zai.ch; from £4,200
The Helmet
Now you can ride with pride with this on your head. Cébé is known for providing helmets for adrenaline junkies, and this one caters for both the slopes and the streets. It’s certified suitable for ski and bike thanks to its free-ride design, a more personalised fine tuning fit and the Lock Hole System, a multi-purpose ventilation/security system, keeping you cool and protected. Never attempt a double backflip twist without it. Or ever, come to think of it.
cebe.com; from £150
The Jacket
Guess who? Moncler was always going to make an appearance. Inspired by the brand’s archives, this jacket from the Moncler Grenoble collection is super-lightweight but still retains warmth, thanks to the two-layer technical nylon and interior down padding. Moncler has thought about the little things, too: it has a waterproof zip, wind-resistant gaiters and one of the internal pockets has a designated mobile phone holder installed, for all those garish selfies you’ll undoubtedly be taking at the top of the slope.
moncler.com; £1,065
The Glasses
Vuarnet Spectre Sunglasses
Bond wears these in Spectre. That’s right. Vuarnet’s most recognisable bins are chosen by explorers across the world for their technical superiority, comfort and protection, including removable side shields, maximum depth perception – even during whiteouts – and 100 per cent UV shielding. Did we mention that Bond wears these in Spectre?
vuarnet.com; from £401.85
The Chalet
You can’t be expected to head out on to the slopes without a good night’s sleep and a decent meal… and a few minutes in your private sauna… and a few lengths of your jet pool… and a few stiff drinks at your own open bar. Well, maybe go lightly on the last one; the stunning may be on Courchevel’s beginner slopes, but you don’t want to tempt fate. Still, it wouldn’t be the end of the world; the stunning four-floor, five-bedroom chalet is just as welcoming as its name suggests.
courchevelnamaste.com; from around £31,900 per week, including concierge, staff and all food and drinks
The Trousers
Founded in 2000, Kjus is relatively young in the tradition-steeped world of skiing, but the sportswear company was founded by Norwegian alpine skiing giant Lasse Kjus: his combined career total of 16 Olympic and World Championship medals ranks him as the second most successful alpine skier ever. We trust the man’s trousers.
kjus.com; formula pants, £409
Get Fit to Ski
Skiing is hard. Hey, it’s not like I’m Swiss, I’m allowed to say that. It is, and it requires a certain level of fitness to be able to exit snowplough once you have your skis off. If you’re worried about just that eventuality, you might want to get a little personal training in first: enter Peach. The concept’s simple: it’s an app that connects you with trainers, anywhere and any when. You can even find one specialising in thighs and calves to get you ready for your buttclenching top-to-bottom piste run.
The Memento
Who doesn’t love an oldschool poster of a destination you visited last week? Pullman Editions designs, commissions and publishes original posters inspired by the beautiful Art Deco advertising campaigns seen in the past. The company has recently released its ‘Art Deco in the Alps’ collection, 36 posters honouring 19 of Europe’s very best resorts, so whether you’re gunning for Gstaad or going crazy for Kitzbühel, Pullman should have you covered.
pullmaneditions.com; £395
The Après
With Japanese slopes some of the most-improved and ever-growing in popularity, what
better way to pay tribute than with a good Japanese whisky? The sacrificial lamb has to be a Yamakazi, with the 2013 sherry cask version winning the Whisky Bible’s best whisky in the world title in 2014. Bottles of this expression are impossible to source, but the more readily-available 12-year-old is a worthy substitution as a floral, refreshing single malt. You can have too much Glögg, you know…
masterofmalt.com; £89.95
