By Louise Hudson (https://onetwoski.blogspot.ca/)
Although skiing and snowboarding have long been associated with trendy togs, it is only recently that how you’re wearably wired has become chairlift conversation.
Best invention for me is battery-powered heating. Sporting multiple heated accessories, I typically last longer in frigid freezes than others. For example, last season, my friends (hardy Scots, one an instructor) were so frozen after one run that they got a ski-pass raincheck as even the rugged resort deemed it too cold to ski. However, I was able to poach the powder into the pm!
Chris Haffly (www.voltheat.com) has been supplying heated gear to outdoor workers and players for 15 winters. “The ski market has been told for years that you don’t want to get too warm as then you’ll sweat, then you’ll get cold, so automatically people think if they have heated clothing they will sweat,” he says.
However – as I know from experience wearing a Volt-heated vest, Seirus heated mitts, Abom heat-controlled goggles, and Therm-ic boot heaters – it’s merely a question of wearing sweat-wicking Smartwool baselayers, cranking up the settings on chairlifts, and lowering heat during exertion or temperature inversions.
Here are more wearable mountain must-haves, making us all into invincible skiing gods this winter:
- For instant bragging rights, HD camera/video goggles by Zeal Optics: Easy way to capture 8MP ski pics and 1080p video with viewfinder, playback, 8GB memory card, 8 hr battery, and USB download connector – currently discounted 60 %.
- Madshus Nordic Skis: Integrated RFID chips help in selecting the right ski, track run metrics and performance, and associated app customizes embedded wax system to suit conditions.
- Renoun Skis: Hyper Damping Technology (HDT) adapts to snow conditions and skiing style.
- K2 Marksman Skis: Asymmetrical design (requiring skis to be on correct feet) giving longer effective inside edge for enhanced float and stability at higher speeds.
- Rossignol/PIQ Robot ski boot sensor: Records stats and Rossi’s Ski Pursuit app runs through Samsung smartwatch.
- Crash Pads body armour: Protects bones, joints and organs from impact. Designed for downhill and SuperG, Dainese makes a smart skier’s airbag shirt.
- Mammut’s Removable Airbag System RAS 3.0: Helping skiers ride out avalanches. Cut costs by pairing with Dakine’s Poacher RAS 26L Pack.
- POC’s Fornix Helmet: Communication powerhouse with built-in headphones, remote control and microphone. 42
- Smith’s Vantage Helmet: Honeycomb-like inserts offer strong protection plus airflow.
- Outdoor Tech’s Chips® 2.0 Helmet Audio System: Slips into earflaps for instant sounds and walkie-talkie with app-linked friends.
- Volt’s 5v Thermal Half-Zip Pullover: Washable micro-poly stretch fleece mid layer with antimicrobial treatment, battery powered, heats up almost instantly at collar and upper back – available Jan.
- Garmin’s fēnix® 5 GPS Ski Watch: Tracks runs, heart rate, links with fitness community apps.
- Trace’s waterproof Action Sport Tracker: Attaches to all types of boards to record stats with all-day battery life.
- Hitcase Pro 2.0: Paired with chest mount turns iPhones into wide-angled lens video cams.
- Go Pro’s Hero5 Session Action Cameras: Small, waterproof and shoots 4K video with image stabilization, GPS, and voice-activated control.
- ThermaCell’s ProFlex Remote Controlled Flexible Heated Shoe Insoles: Warm up all footwear including snowboard and ski boots. Rechargeable heat packs warm pockets or mitts; there’s also a new Bluetooth version.
- XON SNOW-1 Smart Snowboard Bindings: Visualize, record and analyze performance.
- Helly Hansen Elevation Shell Jacket: H2Flow venting system regulates body temp, features include RECCO rescue system.
- Opedix techie tights: Promote dynamic alignment and optimal joint function plus extra warmth.
- For Vail Resorts’ visitors this season – EpicMix Time Insight: Maximizes ski day pre-planning with mountain metrics and lift-line comparisons.
- RideOn Vision AR Goggles: For games, challenges, camera, video, smartphone connectivity, tracking speed, distance, vertical drop, navigation, plus communication.
- Smith Optics I/OX Goggles: For eyeglass wearers, integrated turbofan and floating foam membrane to eliminate temple pressure.
- And for those who support smart sustainability, Native goggle frames are plant-based made from castor bean, no petroleum.