Fluorescents, camouflage, checks…ski trends come and go. Last season, even the one-piece had a look in. But this year we’re on the look out for checks, graduated tints and strong graphic prints — skiwear is taking its cues from the high street. And as a more general rule of thumb, bright colours are working well for either sex. Here’s how to look cool but stay warm this winter.
North Face Kizamm jacket Three horizontal stripes lend this ladies’ jacket a touch of Rothko-esque boldness, and, on a more practical note, the breathable HyVent fabric will see you through all but the coldest days, with tough, sealed seams to keep the damp out.
Ladies North Face Kizamm jacket: £160; snowandrock.com Men’s Westbeach Maverick jacket: £149.99; ellisbrigham.com Helly Hansen Freeze ½ zip This super practical base-layer looks as good in the bar as it does on the slopes (or for biking, running or any other time you’re working up a sweat outdoors in the cooler months). The Merino wool and polypropylene help ‘wick’ moisture away from the body, keeping you dry, and if you pair it with a fleece and waterproof jacket you’ll be warm as toast. Order online, or browse the new standalone store in Manchester’s Arndale Centre — Helly’s first in the UK.
Helly Hansen Freeze ½ zip: £50; hellyhansen.com
Sweet Trooper Fullcut helmet No longer just for kids or pros, helmets are entering the mainstream — and with good reason. It’s easy to ski or board at 35-40kph without noticing it, and you don’t want your head to connect with anything at that speed. Norwegian brand Sweet has a full range of outerwear and helmets, all bearing evidence of its skater origins. The Trooper Fullcut in white owes more than a little debt to Return of the Jedi’s Endor Scout Trooper, which is way cooler than looking like an Ewok.
Sweet Trooper Fullcut helmet: £165; freeride.co.uk Freeride skis As we move beyond the piste, wider planks have proved a godsend. The trend for freeriding began with boarders, and the new style skis have borrowed a lot from snowboard design: narrow at the waist but wider overall to help tackle powder and bumps. The hourglass shape of Salomon’s Aeromax or K2’s Crossfire will take you from piste to snowpark, but for mad powder days, the Vokl Gotama or Salomon Shogun take some beating.
K2 Crossfire with Marker bindings: £479; Salomon Shogun (ski only): £449; snowandrock.com Rab Neutrino Endurance jacket De riguer for polar explorers and mountaineers, Rab has produced several versions of its goose down jacket over the years. The Neutrino Endurance is perfect for cold, dry days on the piste, or just the walk home from the pub. Team it with a pair of Sorel boots — the new Uggs — for top to toe warmth.
Rab Neutrino Endurance jacket: £220; cotswoldoutdoor.com
