Does your ski wardrobe need a refresh? Is some of your well-loved gear truly past it and needs replacing? 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 skis and boots, to jackets, mid-layers, goggles, gloves and helmet. This kit is suited to anyone from beginner skiers through to intermediate skiers (and beyond).
If you’re a true beginner we 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…
Völkl Blaze 82 W £540 (without bindings)
Lengths: 159, 166, 173, 180cm
Radius:13.0m @166cm
Dimensions: 125-82-107mm
Weight per ski: 1,440g @ 166cm without binding
So much fun on the piste, they also help you out when taking on tighter runs through the trees and challenging yourself with the odd bump run. They work well with a regular downhill binding, but for extra versatility we’d suggest mounting them with a hybrid binding you can use for touring too. The Völkl Blaze 82 are ideal for intermediate skiers wanting to get into off-piste skiing. volkl.com
Tecnica Cochise HV 95 W DYN GW – £535
Sizes (MP): 23.0-27.5
Walk mode: Y, 50°
Volume: High
Last (mm): 102
Flex: 95
Weight (per boot): 1,660g (24.5MP)
Ideal for skiers looking for a performance-focussed downhill-orientated boot that makes heading uphill easier. The rear of the cuff is bolstered with carbon so you get plenty of skiing performance with the reassurance that the ski/walk switch is locked securely into downhill mode. When testing the Cochise HV boots, we found the reaction of the cuff helps in a variety of terrain, making this an awesome all-mountain ally. blizzard-tecnica.com
Rab Khroma Diffuse Gore-Tex Jacket – £460
New for the 2023/24 season, it uses recycled material for the face fabric with waterproofing courtesy of a Gore-Tex membrane. Superbly versatile, and the cut allows a free range of movement. It pairs wonderfully with the Khroma Diffuse pants (£390). Also available for men. rab.equipment
Are you looking for a little more clarification when shopping for the big buy that’s a ski jacket? Check out our guide:
BlackDiamond First Light Stretch – £260
The PFC-free DWR treatment fends off light showers, with PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation providing cosy warmth. The stretch means movements don’t feel hindered. You get two hand warmer pockets on the waist, and the chest pocket can be used to stow the jacket. Available in various colours, and for men. blackdiamondequipment.com
Ortovox Merino Freeride 3-Finger Glove – £129
A mitt style with the benefit of a separated index finger, a waterproof breathable Sympatex membrane and a goat leather palm with Pittards Oiltac around the thumb and index finger for enhanced grip, with warm merino wool insulation. A fantastic mitt-glove hybrid for all-mountain adventuring. ortovox.com
Oakley Mod5 Mips – £221
It looks so much better than the old Factory Pilot. Mips takes cares of rotational impact worries, with a top mounted venting control and a BOA dial for a cinched in fit. It’s super comfy and we didn’t really notice it when skiing. There are loads of colour options too. oakley.com
Bollé Nevada ski goggles (small) – £85
The sleek rimless design delivers a clean, stylish aesthetic. There’s a lot going on, such as an anti-scratch coating to the mirrored lens, Flow-Tech venting, anti-fog coating, triple-layer face foam and a silicon lined strap. Available in a vast array of colours with varying lens tech, including a fantastic Phantom+, which costs more. bolle.com
Don’t know what to look for in a ski goggle? We get it…
There’s not just the multitude of goggle brands to consider, each with many models to peruse, but getting your head around ski goggle jargon… Who knew there was so much to it?! Well, Fall Line Skiing (magazine and website) is the UK aficionado of all things ski gear, big and small. Here’s Fall Line’s (concise) goggle guide, explaining the ‘goggledegook’ and letting you know the things to consider when goggle shopping: Fall Line’s Goggle Guide
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