Make tracks with the latest snow gear
Fashion and tech combine to ensure style, performance and comfort on the slopes this winter.
Fashion and tech combine to ensure style, performance and comfort on the slopes this winter.
Volkl M6 Mantra ski, $1199
Perfecting skis since 1923, German brand Volkl is renowned for its high-performance hardware. The Volkl M6 Mantra ski is the sixth iteration of the iconic model. Pitched at advanced or professional skiers, it performs well in all conditions. This version is lighter and easier to control than previous incarnations but retains its stability. Features include tailored carbon tips (improving response and precision), a tailored titanal frame (to suit each ski length), and a tip and tail rocker. From 163cm-191cm for men; 149cm-170cm for women.
Osprey Sopris 30 backpack, $239.95
All backpacks are not made equal, especially in the adventure industry, but you can always count on Osprey. For women, we love the Sopris 30 (30L) because it’s lightweight, comfortable and technical. It’s a decent size for backcountry pursuits and has been designed for the female form, offering a firm fit when skiing. Top features include easy access to avalanche safety gear, a dry storage compartment for valuables, the ability to carry skis or a snowboard, and plenty of sleeves and pockets for equipment.
Dalbello Panterra 105 W ID GW ski boot, $949
Known for comfort and precision, Dalbello ski boots allow you to stay on the hill all day. The Panterra 105 has been designed for strong women skiers who want a high-performing boot but don’t want to compromise on comfort. It has great power distribution, shock absorption and support, and can be adjusted in numerous places to suit the individual skier.
Anon MFI Hooded Balaclava, $84.99
Wearing a face mask on the slopes has never been more important. Anon’s magnetic balaclava is a cut above your standard men’s garment because it snap-locks into Anon MFI (magnetic facemask integration) goggles, meaning ultimate coverage from the elements (and germs). It’s made out of fleece so is warm and fog-free, and you can remove the magnets when it’s time to wash. Anon has a range of goggles that are compatible, with the M3 (pictured; $349.99) our pick due to the ease with which you can snap in different lenses when visibility changes.
Jones Solution Splitboard, $1399
More Australians are heading into the side and backcountry, and Jones Snowboards leads the way in off-piste exploration. This splitboard is among the best for all-terrain freeriding. It’s directional, has a rocker profile and mid-stiff flex, which translates to it performing well on steep, technical terrain, while being fun and floaty in powder. The shape helps sink the tail in soft snow while the base allows for a smooth ride. The Solution has been around since the brand’s inception a decade ago, and this season’s model has smaller, lighter clips. From 154cm for men; 146cm for women.
Black Diamond Mercury Mitts, $199
US adventure retailer Black Diamond has combined warmth, durability and practicality with its award-winning and well-priced women’s Mercury Mitts. The most notable feature is the 100 per cent waterproof liner that’s insulated on the back of the hand and has fleece on the palms for extra warmth. The liner is also removable and has a split-finger design that makes this product the perfect hybrid between a glove and mitt. With goat leather on the palms, they’re also hard-wearing.
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Patagonia Fair Trade R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody, $219.95
If you’ve ever been stuck on a chairlift during a wind-hold, you’ll know the importance of quality base layers, and Patagonia is an industry all-star. This full-zip hoody is a top choice for women as it’s lightweight, breathable and quick-drying. It’s a technical fleece, meaning it’s great for downhill skiing and boarding, as well as cross-country and back-country touring. It’s also made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, which gets a big tick in our books.
Suunto 9 Baro Titanium watch, $799.99
What’s a ski outfit without a bit of tech bling? The Suunto 9 Baro Titanium not only has amazing sports features but looks good at the apres bar. But let’s talk the serious stuff. This watch is designed for outdoor sports enthusiasts and features a GPS, comprehensive weather tracking and more than 80 sports modes, including skiing. It’s the new, sleeker, premium version of Suunto’s popular Suunto 9.
Helly Hansen Icon 4.0 Sonic Welded Stretch Jacket, $1800
If you’re keen to update your outerwear, this men’s jacket is the bee’s knees. It’s made from a four-way stretch fabric for improved manoeuvrability and features a new ventilation system to better regulate body temperature, allowing you to stay on the mountain longer, no matter the weather. An “exhaust vent” at the back releases excess heat, plus there’s an integrated beacon for safety.
Mammut Barryvox S avalanche beacon, $799.95
Australia may not get the powder dumps of the Northern Hemisphere, but you still need an avi beacon when heading into the backcountry. Mammut is a reliable brand and the Barryvox S receives high praise from those in the industry thanks to its bandwidth capabilities and search range of 70m. It’s digital and analogue, easy to use, has clear instructions and promises precise searching. Our favourite feature, however, is that the beacon automatically switches to “send” mode if there’s a secondary avalanche and rescuers are buried.
Arc’teryx Sentinel IS Jacket, $1100
Whether you’re snowboarding or skiing, this women’s freeride jacket hits the mark. The Sentinel IS is made out of two-layer GORE-TEX, making it extra waterproof as well as windproof and durable. Synthetic insulation helps to regulate temperature and makes the jacket breathable. There is also a knitted lining for warmth, an insulated hood for extra chilly days and a powder skirt for off-piste fun.
Ski Tracks app, $1.89
This one’s for all the ski obsessives who love to crunch numbers and set personal goals. This handy app can record how fast you take your favourite runs, how many kilometres skied in a day, the number of runs conquered, the altitude reached and even the angle of that slope you might be eyeing off. You can log it all on a map, too. For iOS and Android; available on Google Play.