Ski kit guide: Boots, boards and... bat mitts?

This season's must-have winter equipment should help you stand out on the slopes

Roxy Ollie Pop 10/11 snowboard

Just try misplacing this eye-popping women's snowboard, built for all-round riding. Smart features include a rocker profile for freestyle flexibility, a featherlight wood core and fast base for speed. A wavy edge also provides multiple contact points for confident cornering in hard, icy conditions. It's a fun choice for confident riders but a touch lively for absolute beginners.

£390

roxy.com

MSR Lightning Flash

Tired of flashing past all that gorgeous Alpine scenery? Strap on snowshoes instead of skis at the summit and enjoy a back-country expedition at your own pace. Slip these lightweight snowshoes onto normal walking boots to take advantage of their high-traction frames and aggressive crampons for rock-solid grip. The bindings can be adjusted in gloves and there's an optional 13cm "tail" for tackling deep powder.

£225

completeoutdoors.co.uk

Nordica Ace of Spades boot

Kickstart a passion for park and pipe with these high-tech boots for advanced skiers. A Vibram sole and "shock eraser" footbed are designed to soak up landing impacts smoothly, while the lightweight three-buckle build oozes simplicity. The liner is heat-ready for custom-moulding to your feet and you might be surprised to find a luxurious fur inner to cosset your toes.

£340

nordica.com

Invicta Animal Mitts

Children know that everything is more fun when it's in the shape of an animal. Snow+Rock's mittens include sharks, hedgehogs and genuinely unsettling bats (right). They're packed with insulation to keep little fingers warm. Sadly, available in kids' sizes only.

£15

snowandrock.com

Faiise Ellen jacket

New UK-based skiwear company Faiise has a bright future ahead from the looks of its debut women's jacket. The water-resistant and breathable outer shell hides a warm "Primaloft Eco" lining, composed of at least 50 per cent recycled fibres. Beneath that, a water resistant, breathable and detachable inner après jacket can be zipped up for extra cosiness or worn on its own. There's the usual pockets, zips and vents, plus pouches for your phone and cash. One nice bonus is a matching sunglasses case/cleaner.

£295

snowandrock.com

Patagonia Slopestyle Hoody 2.0

This grown-up men's hoody won't unnerve your fellow boarders. In fact, its 60 per cent recycled polyester. And Patagonia's environmental projects should find approval among ecologically aware riders. It offers great weather protection too, thanks to a water-repellent coating, high collar and microfleece interior. Each of the handwarmer pockets has a hidden, zippered security compartment.

£100

patagonia.com

Oakley Crowbar JP Auclair goggles

At just £10 more than Oakley's standard Crowbar eyewear, these celebrity goggles have a million-dollar aura. Canadian champion freestyler JP Auclair put his name to the anti-fog, wide-angle optics, surrounded by three layers of foam to draw moisture away from your skin. They ship with black iridium lenses for bright sunlight, but expect to pay between £25 and £100 more for other finishes.

£125

ellis-brigham.com

Lorpen Ski Polartec Power Dry Ultralight socks

With a name nearly as long as the sock itself, this over-calf footwear should keep your legs warm and dry however hard you're skiing. The socks have an anatomical fit for left and right feet, and are made from various technical fabrics. Polartec Power Dry has two surfaces to wick and dry quickly, Polartec Power Stretch adds support and Polartec Classic 100 offers lightweight insulation.

£40

mountain boot.co.uk