Is your ski wardrobe in need a refresh? Has your well-loved gear given up the ghost? Are you thinking of buying your first set of all-mountain skis or ski boots this winter?
We’ve put together the ultimate all-mountain ski fit, from the perfect first pair of all-mountain skis to alpine ski boots for intermediates, to jacket and pants, goggles, gloves and helmet to complete the look.
If you’re a true beginner we highly recommend renting skis and boots the first few times you go skiing. But for intermediates looking to buy their first all-mountain ski and boot set up, look no further…
Dynastar M-Cross 82 all-mountain skis £560 (inc. bindings)
Lengths: 159, 168, 176, 184cm
Radius: 14.0m @ 176cm
Dimensions: 129-82-111mm
Weight per ski: 1,800g @ 176cm without binding
Designed with intermediate to advanced skiers in mind, the new men’s Dynastar M-Cross 82 ski uses an eco- designed Hybrid Core 2.0 construction; wood laminates have fibres orientated in three different directions for enhanced performance while reducing the amount of glass fibre and resin needed. PU in the core adds dampening. Combine this with H-Tech Titanal reinforcement, directional rocker and adaptive sidecut and you get an outstanding ride.
The sweet spot for this ski is someone who is pretty confident on the piste and wants to be able to take advantage of the off piste whenever the opportunity presents. You don’t need perfect technique, the ski helps you out. dynastar.com
K2 Recon 110 BOA alpine ski boots – £485
Sizes (MP): 24.5-30.5
Walk mode: No
Volume: Medium – High
Last (mm): 97-104
Flex: 120
Weight (per boot): 1,810g (27.5MP)
The Recon caters for a massive range of foot shapes, as the BOA system means you can pull the boot in all around the foot, as well as being able to create space by heat moulding the shell. The Ultralon liner provides great hold and can be heat moulded for a customised fit. A superb boot for progressing on-piste and all-mountain skiers. k2snow.com
Patagonia Storm Shift all-mountain ski jacket – £450
Using a Gore-Tex ePE membrane, the Storm Shift’s completely PFC-free, with a fully recycled face fabric. The abundance of pockets, including a massive internal mesh dump pocket, means you can carry a lot of snacks and essentials. The zigzag fleece lining provides moderate warmth and helps to wick moisture. This jacket’s superb for both on and off-piste adventures. patagonia.com
Are you looking for a guide to buying a ski jacket, to navigate the vast market, jacket specs and jargon involved when shopping for jackets? Look no further…
Patagonia Storm Shift all-mountain ski pants – £360
Also with Gore-Tex ePE. The adjustable broad waist band helps keep out the cold and snow. A wicking mesh lining runs to just below the knees. Zippered venting sits on the sides of the thighs, next to the thigh pockets. A fantastic all-mountain choice. patagonia.com
Black Diamond Spark Gloves – £100
The Black Diamond dry insert keeps you dry, PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides the warmth, with EVA padding for impact protection. It has a full goat leather outer with palm reinforcements and Black Diamond’s brilliant slender cuff. The Spark’s equally at home blasting about the pistes or hunting fresh lines away over the back. blackdiamondequipment.com
Giro Owen Spherical Mips helmet – £210
This delivers Mips Spherical protection in a slim package, using a ball and socket design to help absorb rotational forces. The venting adjuster sits inside the helmet for a clean, low-profile outline, which is a little crazy when you consider the safety enhancements. It’s also one of the most comfortable helmets we’ve ever tested. giro.co.uk
Sweet Connor RIG Reflect ski goggles – £200
One of your favourite goggles, with RIG technology delivering superb contrast and clarity. The frameless design is clean, uncluttered and looks killer. The toric sculpted lens means you get as close to a distortion-free view of the world as possible. Sweet indeed. sweet-protection.com
Don’t know what you’re look for in a ski goggle? We understand, with a multitude of goggle brands, each with many models to peruse, and complex ski goggle jargon… We defer to Fall Line Skiing – the UK aficionado of all things ski gear – to explain all things ski goggles: Fall Line’s Goggle Guide
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