Finally, it’s the time of the year that every ski enthusiast has eagerly awaited. You’ve found the ideal ski resort, booked your flights and reserved the best luxury chalet rental, but have you sorted out your ski gear? Just because you’re going to be whizzing down the side of a mountain in a blur doesn’t mean you should neglect the subject of ski apparel. After all, ski wear deserves some serious consideration! This year, designers have been working overtime to provide you with the most stylish ski wear available.
High-tech Fabrics
It seems natural that one of the best new sports fashion brands would come from Italy. However, Newland From Italy’s emphasis on high-tech fabrics and performance makes it stand out from the style-but-no-substance crowd. Newland have reinvented baselayers with their research into a polypropylene microfiber that allows for thermoregulation, thermal insulation, lightness and breathability in any weather condition.
The Italian-made apparel has been researched and developed to be hypoallergenic and bacterial-static. Newland has both a men’s and women’s collection of eye-catching alpine gear that includes zip tops, hoodies and leggings and backpacks – perfect for showing a little Italian flair on the slopes of the UNESCO world heritage Dolomites.
Ski Jackets
Down-filled jackets are still in huge demand this year, and for good reason, since they are light, snug and comfortable. Moncler’s Grenoble range has some outstanding products including a dalmatian-print jacket and (for the brave and sartorially-confident) a bright yellow 1970s-style jacket complete with flared sleeves and Mongolian fur. Men also get a more muted but extremely high-quality choice from Arc’teryx with their triple-layered Gore-tex weather-proofed jacket that has targeted warmth in the sleeves and core.
Ski Trousers and Salopettes
During the 2016/2017 ski season, women can ski in style with Adidas by Stella McCartney’s flared-leg ski trousers. Their modern, cropped kick-flare silhouette makes them look at home both on and off-piste. Meanwhile, men can cut an athletic figure wearing black Fendi Bag Bugs salopettes with a flash of yellow and a matching jacket.
Goggles
In 2016, Goggles don’t just protect you from snow blindness and glare, they can also track speed, distance, jump height and much more. Anon’s M3 MFI Goggles are jam-packed with innovation and style. Their cylindrical lens allows for maximum peripheral vision and is perfect for weaving your way down a Zermatt mountain under the blinding presence of the Matterhorn. Not only do they perform well, but they look great too. Oakley Splice is another excellent choice for clear optics, perfect for low light conditions and anti-fog technology.
Skis
Zai only produce about 80 of their custom-made skis each year, so it’s no surprise that they are high-quality and in demand. Founded by Simon Jacomet, a Swiss racing coach turned ski designer, the level of craftsmanship involved in building these skis is of the highest quality. The latest Zai Spada ski features a core created from a thin length of granite which has the remarkable qualities of damping and compressive strength. It’s all part of Jacomet’s intention to bring race technology to the leisure market. They look so sleek that it will impossible not to turn heads on the ski lifts of world-class resorts like Val d’Isere and Klosters. They come with custom Salomon bindings, a pair of Komperdell carbon poles, a two-year warranty and a year’s insurance against theft.
Apres-Ski
While big names with technical know-how like Canada Goose, Arc’teryx and the North Face rule the slopes, off-piste it’s a different story. Moncler, Louis Vuitton and Lacroix join a host of relatively up-and-coming brands such as Bogner and Perfect Moment that blend leisurewear with luxurious design details and finishes. Looking your best is an important consideration when hobnobbing with the VIPs in Courchevel 1850. Cashmere and faux fur are still in fashion in the upscale resorts so women should make a beeline for Helen Moore products to look suitably glamorous.
