Take your pick of the kit

Embrace the very latest in slope-style and stock up with great new gadgets, says Simon Munk

Kora ShoLa base layers

Mammut Meron

Featuring new Gore-Tex Pro, this rugged three-layer outer shell is up to 28 per cent more breathable than its predecessors. Avoiding sweat build-up is vital in any snowsport where you have frequent, cooling rests – where clammy clothing can be not just horrible, but bad for your wellbeing. Gore-Tex Pro's also tougher and more durable than before. The minimalist and light (500g for a large) Meron also features one-hand hood adjustment, spray-proof pit zips and backpack/climbing harness compatible outer pockets.

£390

mammut.ch

Black Diamond Carbon Compactor Ski Poles

These collapsible poles are designed to Z-fold and unfold in seconds. Stow them in your pack for backcountry climbs, then unfold them for the descent. At 520g per pair, the carbon poles won't weigh down a pack, and won't fold under you if you're leaning into a turn hard.

£119

blackdiamondequipment.com

Garmin Tactix

This ultra-rugged GPS watch crams in satellite navigation, a three-axis compass, altimeter, barometer, 50m waterproofing, as well as ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life is up to 50 hours with GPS, and up to five weeks as a watch.

£390

garmin.com/uk

Helly Hansen W Eclipse Pant

Combining the feminine and gnarly in one neat package, the Eclipse are a great softshell pant. They feature 3L water and windproof fabric, as well as articulated knees and a reinforced bottom hem. They also feature the Recco Advanced Rescue System built-in tag – used at over 700 resorts to aid rescuers to find anyone buried in an avalanche, on foot or by helicopter. And they're styled to be as at home après-ski as on the slopes.

£200

hellyhansen.com

Kora ShoLa base layers

Using "Hima-Layer" fabric, these are the first base layers made from yak's wool. Apart from the opportunity for a yak-worthy pun, the wool is – according to Kora – 40 per cent warmer than popular Merino wool, 17 per cent better at wicking moisture, and 66 per cent more air permeable. And in case you're thinking yaks are all scratchy and coarse, this yak's wool is actually taken from the finer wool the animals grow underneath all that the coarse hair.

From £95

kora.net