LATEST SKI WEAR
The crossover between street and slope
continues this winter with the most casual skiwear ever seen on the
slopes. New materials and waterproofing technologies mean that
designers have been able to use street favourites on the snow for
the first time. For men, the look is Alpine military chic, while
glamour is definitely in for women this winter. There is more
women-specific equipment out there this season too.
Kids aren’t left out either. Cool designs mean that they won’t be
ashamed of the photos from their ski holiday in ten years’ time.
Him
White is back in fashion for men but it’s not a complete return to the 1980s look. All the big name ski fashion firms have a white number on their rails this winter, many of breaking up big slabs of white with background prints such as the subtle camouflage used on Canada’s Westbeach Phenom jacket. This is really two jackets in one. At night, this photoluminescent – claimed to be a world first – glows green for a different look in the après-ski bar. Match it up with a pair of Westbeach Still Cool pants with its voluminous cargo pockets – ideal for stashing a Sony PSP.
Salomon also has plenty of white on its collection this year, including the Fusion, Serum and Zero jackets. The Zero also comes in khaki, another of this year’s in-colours for men. The Zero’s background print finds its inspiration in science fiction – think Klingon alphabet – and is the season’s top look for freestyle skiers.
Freestyle skis, which let you master the terrain park, stay between the piste poles or head into the wilderness with equanimity are set to be big sellers this winter. Typical of many of the new top-end skis, these Salomon 1080 Foil skis have individual designs for each plank, inspired by 1970s disco at its blingiest.
The growing popularity of using skis in the terrain park rather than a snowboard is the reason behind Salomon’s launch of its SPK boots. With only two buckles rather than the usual four, the boots give ankle support but with more flexibility to handle the thud of landing. The heels also contain shock absorbers to cushion the impact.
Talking of impacts, helmets are popping up on clever bonces everywhere. Behind their growing popularity is the slicker styles and lighter weight helmets that are appearing. Typical is this freeride helmet from Dainese, better known for its motorbike gear but a growing force in snowsports.
Westbeach Phenom jacket £260 and Still Cool pants £110 Dainese
Freeride helmet £74.95 (www.snowandrock.com, 0845 100 1000)
Salomon Zero jacket £165, 1080 Foil skis £310, Salomon SPK boots
£199.95 (www.salomonsports.com 0800 389 4350)
Her
This season’s big trend is the repurposing of fabrics usually reserved for casual streetwear – such as cord and denim – to the mountains. The trick is in how the materials are treated to make them waterproof. This Byng jacket is typical of the trend – the material is flat cord treated with DWR water repellent. It’s designed by Canadian firm Orage – it means storm in French – and is certainly living up to its name, creating a storm in ski stores around the country. Iona pants from the firm, complete the look
Ski makers are increasingly realising that because women tend to be a different shape from men, they need different skis. These turquoise Salomon Mynx skis . The twin-tip design – rounded at both ends to the uninitiated – means they’re as comfortable going at full tilt forwards through knee-deep powder as they are skiing backwards in the terrain park. The design is by Australian artist Jade Palmer.
Ski firm Rossignol, better known for its skis than its clothes, has joined forces with French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac – famous for his JC/DC collections - to produce limited edition womenswear that can’t help but get you noticed out on the snow. The slim-fitting Pop Hip Hop soft shell jacket and low-waist Big BD Stretch pants are a real statement of intent.
Even if you wear stilettos on the high street, you want comfort for your feet on the snow. These Salomon Siam 8 boots can be heat oulded for the perfect fit. The furry boot entry is a nice touch.
Orage Byng jacket £275 and Iona pants £150 Rossignol JC de
Castelgnac Pop Hip Hop Jacket £300 Bid BD Stretch Pant £320
(www.snowandrock.com, 0845 100 1000)
Salomon Mynx skis £310 plus bindings Siam 8 boots £199.95
(www.salomonsports.com, 0800 389 4350)
Little him
Canadian firm Couloir has a reputation for well constructed clothing and great design. This Maverick Ride Jacket in orange really stands out and will help you spot your little darling in the ski school snake. A microfleece lining helps retain warmth against the body even after a few tumbles. Match up with a pair of blue Couloir Slider Bib pants, which has reinforced bum and knees and a long zip to make them easier to get on and off in a hurry.
Helly Hansen is another good choice, thanks to classic designs and reasonable prices. The firm’s Padded HT jacket uses the same Helly Tech weatherproofing as daddy’s jacket and has elasticated cuffs to stop snow sneaking down them when chucking snowballs. Get the whole kit with a pair of matching padded pants for less than £100.
A beanie with printed headphones makes little Sam look like his big brother without the expense of having to buy an iPod. In the cold of winter, something a little warmer might be better. Try a fleece Pullflaps beanie from Barts, which can be yanked over cold ears in an instant.
Couloir Maverick Ride jacket £69.95, Couloir Slider Bib Pant £49.95
(www.snowandrock.com, 0845 100 1000)
Helly Hansen Little Kids padded HT jacket £55, Helly Hansen Little
Kids Vega Padded Pants £32.99, Little pilot hat £14.99, Headphone
beanie £11.99, Pullflap beanie £12.99 Ellis Brigham
(www.ellis-brigham.com, 0870 444 5555)
Little her
When kids grow up so fast, it’s not surprising that many parents baulk at paying a fortune for expensive skiwear. As a result, the designs are often uninspiring and quality falling short. Roxy has thrown out the rulebook and created this ultra-modern jacket, with a polkadot design that could have come from the mind of Damien Hirst. A pair of matching skis will ensure you are spotted on the slopes. Make the dots really stand out with a pair of black pants from Protest, one of the trendiest names in women’s boardwear.
For soft headgear it has to be Barts. The Yvonne Inka takes a Preuvian idea and gives it an Alpine twist. For something a little more substantial, try this Mynx freestyle helmet, with pink detail. Fur-lined earmuffs are a special treat for little madams who only want the best.
For wannabe racers, Salomon does boots and skis that are a little more technical than the average. Xwing skis and Falcon boots should let them fly.
Roxy Tainted Love jacket £69.99, Protest black pants £49.99, Barts
Yvonne Inka beanie £12.99
Ellis Brigham (www.ellis-brigham.com, 0870 444 5555)
Roxy Mini Polkadot skis with bindings £119.95 (www.snowandrock.com,
0845 100 1000)
Salomon Mynx Junior helmet £35, Falcon 60 junior ski boots £70,
Xwing junior skis £80 (www.salomonsports.com, 0800 389 4350)