If you’re anything like us, you’ve undoubtedly been inspired by some of the truly outrageous skills on display at the Winter Olympics. And while you might not be ready for cliff-edge slaloming, back flips and avalanche chasing just yet, you may be considering upping the difficulty just a notch – and for that, you’ll need the right gear.
Whether you need some goggles you can actually see out of, are finally ready to invest in the snowboard you’ve always wanted, or are sick of forcing your feet into rental boots every morning, we’ve rounded up some of the best gear out there. Read on for the Escapism Guide to the best winter gear, which will have you looking as good as you’ll feel all the way from Courchevel to Bankso, but perhaps not quite yet, Cortino.
The best winter kit for your trip to the slopes this year
Oakley Flow Scape Goggles
Oakley Flow Scape
If you’ve been watching the Winter Olympics and feeling inspired to become more daring on the slopes, the key to pushing yourself is confidence. Nothing kills confidence quite like poor visibility, so investing in goggles that don’t fog up in a blizzard and actually shield your eyes from the sun should be high on the priority list. These snow goggles from Oakley are as high-tech as goggles can get – complete with an extra lens to adapt quickly to any light conditions, and advanced Switchlock technology that makes fast switches in challenging conditions effortless.
£325; oakley.com
Peak Performance Helium Down Utility Vest
Peak Performance Helium Down Utility Vest
Winter calls for layering, but there’s a limit – going around looking like Adrian Brody in Succession isn’t exactly practical. The trick is to wear something as lightweight as it is insulating, so you can keep the heat in when you're outside and easily remove it when you're indoors. The helium down vest from Peak Performance does exactly that: it is weather- and wind-resistant while also being ultra-lightweight. Wear it under a shell or as an outer layer when the sun comes out; it’s also incredibly easy to pack.
£170; peakperformance.com
Amplid Souly Grail Snowboard
They say, "Buy well, buy once," and this Amplid snowboard certainly fits that bill. An all-mountain board that excels on just about every slope you could face, it’s built for those who know variety is the spice of both life and the mountain. A tapered tail on the board means you sink into deep snow, making powder riding easier, and a convex nose profile improves fluidity in three-dimensional snow. Stainless steel in the tail means that you’re protected from any hint of rust, while keeping the perfect balance of tunability, flexibility and performance.
£749.99: snowboard-asylum.com
Salomon Arcane Helmet
Salomon Arcane Helmet
Nothing kills a morning on the slopes like a helmet that makes you consider risking a concussion rather than face wearing it, or, god forbid, one that provides all the water resistance as a suede loafer. The Salomon Arcane helmet is designed for those who spend long days on the mountain, whatever the conditions. The Boa® fit system ensures precise size customisation, while a Polartec inner lining keeps your head perfectly dry. Bumpers guide your goggles, while a Fidlock magnetic buckle means no more desperate fiddling to fasten your helmet before frostbite sets in.
£260; salomon.com
Nidecker Supermatic Carbon Snowboard Bindings
In activities that build excitement for an upcoming trip to the slopes, thinking about health and safety sits somewhere just above planning the journey home. But getting the right snowboard bindings can turn what can be a torture ritual into something seamless. No more squeezing your foot into seemingly impossible fastenings, the carbon bindings from Nidecker come with a reclining highback, ensuring dropping your boots in is as relaxing as your morning coffee. Slide in and watch your friends struggle with their rentals.
£519.95; snowboard-asylum.com
Vans Aura Pro Snowboard Boots
Vans Aura Pro Snowboard Boots
Fancy feeling stylish on the slopes? Start turning heads with these snowboard boots from Vans, complete with its signature checkerboard design. Built for all conditions, a dual-zone Boa® fit system provides unlimited on-the-fly adjustability. Add a thermoregulating liner and high-traction outsole, a breathable, odour-resistant merino wool, and an UltraCush™ cushioning layer, and you get a boot that delivers comfort and performance.
£325; vans.com
Salomon s/pro Supra Dual Boa 120 Ski Boots
Salomon s/pro Supra Dual Boa 120 Ski Boots
Salomon’s S/Pro Supra Dual BOA 120 boots take the faff out of fastening. Twist the twin BOA dials, and you’re locked in with a snug, even fit that feels more spaceship than ski boot. The flex is firm, the response is instant, and the comfort is high enough to keep you lapping all day. Light, sharp, and custom-mouldable, it’s proof that performance and pleasure can finally share the same boot.
£570; ellis-brigham.co.uk
