The ski season is almost upon us, and with the first frosts of winter comes the insatiable desire to head to the heights of the Alps or Rockies - a feeling that is never deterred by recession, no matter how dire the economic climate. Last year the outlook was as bleak as the Eiger in November, but this didn't stop the real enthusiasts from enjoying the early dump of snow enjoyed by the Alps in early December - or enduring the crippling exchange rate. There is no better place to pay five euros for a cup of coffee than staring from a mountain hideaway down the Grand Couloir or in the wilds of the Vallee Blanche. But you didn't get all the way up there without some sort of de-moment equipment. There is no breed of human quite like the ski nut for casual throwaway consumerism from one season to the next - that is why it's necessary to bring you the latest equipment for this winter. So push the K2 Devils or Saloman Street Racers slightly further to the back of your bulging, metal-filled wardrobe, make room for this winter's must-haves - and bolt the door with your ski pole before you are ready to fly out - because the itch is here, and it can't be scratched till you arrive at the summit.
DYNASTAR CONTACT 4X4
£629 approx.
The Contact 4X4 combines the versatility of an all mountain ski with the performance of race skis. It has a 16 metre turn radius which is ample for comfortable carving turns. The 75mm waist of the ski can also deal with softer snow conditions if you want to venture into the backcountry a little - but it is a great all-rounder should you prefer to stay on the straight and narrow.
www.dynastar.com
K2 SPEED COMPOSITE SKI POLE £40 approx. This is the definitive pole for the 09/10 season. Forget aerodynamic bends and contours, with the K2 Speed the only deviation from straight will be in the crisp turns you negotiate with the help of the durable synthetic fibreglass. The Thermolast rubber grip has chrome detailing and won't be falling from your hand easily if you forget to use the wriststrap. Hard-snow baskets are included. www.k2skis.com
OAKLEY SHAUN WHITE SERIES A £50 approx. Shaun White's bigger-than-life riding style inspired Oakley to design this signature A Frame Goggle. No prizes for guessing that Shaun White is a snowboarder, but skiers can traverse the divide just this once for this premium goggle. The HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS® (HDO®) makes for unbeatable clarity, with 100 percent UV filtering and unsurpassed impact protection adding to the quality. www.oakley.com
K2 SPEED COMPOSITE SKI POLE £40 approx. This is the definitive pole for the 09/10 season. Forget aerodynamic bends and contours, with the K2 Speed the only deviation from straight will be in the crisp turns you negotiate with the help of the durable synthetic fibreglass. The Thermolast rubber grip has chrome detailing and won't be falling from your hand easily if you forget to use the wriststrap. Hard-snow baskets are included. www.k2skis.com
OAKLEY SHAUN WHITE SERIES A £50 approx. Shaun White's bigger-than-life riding style inspired Oakley to design this signature A Frame Goggle. No prizes for guessing that Shaun White is a snowboarder, but skiers can traverse the divide just this once for this premium goggle. The HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS® (HDO®) makes for unbeatable clarity, with 100 percent UV filtering and unsurpassed impact protection adding to the quality. www.oakley.com
