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Ski gear: Ready to wear this winter

There are ski accessories out there to cater for every need. Mark Harris makes his selection

Saturday 21 November 2009 01:00 GMT
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Burton Supreme boots

Don't let cold feet drive you from the slopes. This pair of women's boots is pre-wired with Burton's Therm-ic system: just add a rechargeable battery pack (£60) to enjoy toasty toes for up to nine hours on a single charge. There are three heat levels to suit the chilliest chairlifts. The Supreme also boasts "speed zone" lacing to let you fine-tune the fit depending on the terrain, comfortable padding and an anti-microbial lining to prevent the boots from becoming (too) smelly.

How much: £280 Where from: burton.com

Norrona Lyngen Warm 2 fleece

When the wind is howling and you're still miles from the après-ski, you'll be glad you invested in this hybrid fleece jacket. It's built from state-of-the-art wind-block fabric to keep you warm without building up condensation. The tall hood connects snugly with a helmet and there are handy zip-up pockets.

How much: £175 Where from: ellis-brigham.com

Volkl Kiku Skis

If you're tempted away from groomed slopes to something a bit more exciting, this "big mountain" women's ski has been redesigned to give improved manoeuvrability in deep powder. A multi-layer, multi-wood core balances stability and snap to give a smooth ride, and the lower tip won't dive into soft snow.

How much: £450 Where from: edgeriders.com

Icebreaker Skier+ Mid socks

Don't put on these performance socks in the dark – they come in anatomically correct left-and-right flavours. From the tips of the asymmetrical toe boxes to the over-the-calf elastic, the Skier+ Mids should make sure you keep warm and comfortable all day long. There's extra support for your ankles

and Achilles tendon, plus cushioning for your in-step, all made from lightweight, breathable and eco-friendly merino wool.

How much: £22 Where from: icebreaker.com

Red Protection Total Impact shorts

In your first few days on the slopes, you'll probably spend more time on your bottom than on your feet. These protective shorts are lined with d3o – the same shock-absorbing material used in military body armour. The shorts remain flexible during downhill runs but instantly become rigid when you fall, redirecting painful shocks away from your tender rear end. The Red shorts wick moisture to keep you dry, and are inconspicuous enough to protect your pride too – no one should even suspect you're wearing them.

How much: £70 Where from: redprotection.com

VholdR Contour HD helmet camera

Attach this action camera to your helmet and capture every jump, turn and wipe-out in wideangle high-definition (720p) video. The aluminium and fibreglass body is water-, snow- and crash-proof, weighs just 116g and can store an hour's pin-sharp footage (plus scratchy audio) on the memory card. Editing and sharing your adventures is easy thanks to step-by-step software and a free online gallery – but older computers might struggle to play back its highest quality clips.

How much: £300 Where from: seriouslywired.com

K2 Believer snowboard

This lightweight freestyle men's board has been in K2's range for a few years – and keeps getting better. This latest version has a longer tip and tail to improve stability and should run smoother through turns. Carbon fibre strips keep it responsive and flexible, while a flat base gives a balanced, predictable ride.

How much: £365 Where from: snowandrock.com

Rip Curl Lumber jacket

This modern take on the lumberjack's shirt may help you blend in with local mountain men, as long as they're the kind of mountain men who appreciate a planet-friendly mix of 55 per cent recycled polyester, polar fleece and ripstop nylon. The insulated shell excludes the elements while maintaining breathability and resisting scuffs.

How much: £200 Where from: ripcurl.com

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