With the season now in full swing and good levels of snow across the mountains, there really is no better time to ski. If you’re heading out on a last minute ski holiday, make sure you do it in style by gearing up with the best of 2019’s ski and snowboarding accessories.
To help you prepare for the slopes, we asked our Alpe d'Huez Neilson Mountain Expert and ESF ski instructor, Simon ‘Cookie’ Cook, to test out a selection of the latest gear to hit the market. He’s given us the lowdown on each one and how highly he rates them out of 10.
If there’s ever a time you’d be pleased to have a water proof, shock proof and bounce proof phone case more than ever, it’s bound to be when you’re weaving down the side of a mountain. As well as it’s extra layer of protection, Cookie was also impressed with this capsule’s ability to retain battery power in the cold conditions too.
Score: 8/10
Price: From £25
Website: phoozy.com
This base layer is designed using the latest manufacturing techniques and innovations in fabric technology to ensure optimum moisture management and insulation for its wearer. Cookie tested this product on a particularly cold and windy day on Alpe d'Huez's glacier and was very grateful he did!
Score: 8/10
Price: £60
Website: burntcustard.com
Designed with the confident black run skiers in mind, Cookie says the Salomon S/Max skis are ideal for those looking for powerful carving in more challenging conditions on the slopes. And with a reliable brand like Salomon, we’d have been surprised if this review was anything other than positive.
Score: 9/10
Price: £599
Website: salomon.com
With its quick application to help improve speed and agility on the snow, Cookie highly recommends this product for its portability and ease of use. Butta are on an eco-friendly mission to produce low carbon board waxes and products for snow, surf and skate equipment and they’re doing just that.
Score: 7/10
Price: £10
Website: butta.co.uk
Founded in 1998 by professional skier, Jim Adlington, Planks has gone from strength to strength with styles inspired by the best in British design. As a brand widely recognised by some of the biggest names in the snow sports industry, it’s no surprise that Cookie was impressed with this balaclava.
Score: 10/10
Price: £25
Website: planksclothing.com
Cookie loved the simple but useful function of the Drysure boot dryers. They're easy to slip in and out of your boots after a long day on the slopes. Drysure’s founder was determined to design a product that didn’t require heat, electricity or batteries, and it’s great to see he’s succeeded.
Score: 9/10
Price: £30
Website: drysure.co
Being out on the slopes day after day made Painpod’s drug-free pain relief devices a welcome addition to Cookie’s ski day. Offering a versatile selection of settings, Painpod products deliver small micro-currents to help relieve aches and pains and improve overall long-term recovery and performance.
Score: 8/10
Price: £319
Website: painpod.co.uk
These battery-powered gloves offer various heat settings for keeping your hands toasty when you’re out in the snow. With this feature in mind, you’ll find them at the pricier end of scale for your average pair of ski gloves. Unfortunately, taking the cost into account, Cookie found them to be a tad too clammy and therefore, difficult to put on and take off smoothly when needed.
Score: 3/10
Price: £70
Website: emberwear.co.uk
