Skiing without gadgets last year
Whether you’re a first-time skier or a backcountry pro, these gadgets just might make your snowsports holiday a bit more enjoyable. I’m trying all these in two weeks, so will report back then on how well each one worked.
Save your shins: ski-boot comfort
Snowboarders won’t need these, but if your shins are black and blue after a day on the slopes, these could be a life-saver. I’m going to try two different types, and will report which is best. These cost around £6-15.
Ski-boot buckle closer
People (mostly men) with strong forearms won’t need this, but if you’ve ever struggled to get your bloody ski boot buckles closed, or caught your finger in the buckle when you finally managed to get it shut, this could be a godsend – and at just £2 (+£2 postage per order), it’s a bargain.
Video sunglasses
These are a bit more expensive than the rest of my ski gadgets (starting at around £35 if you nab the current end-of-line ones, but the better quality ones are around £89). But if you want to improve your ski technique, seeing a video of your skiing can be a big help. You
can buy pricey helmet cameras, but these built into sunglasses seem like a much safer option for someone who might well have a few stumbles on the slopes – and they’re far cheaper!
Off the slopes: walking on ice
Shoe grips for walking on ice in the village. Last year, a friend of mine hurt her wrist badly falling on the icy pavements in Val d’Isere on the way to dinner. She couldn’t ski for two days. These are £20. You can get cheaper ones, but make sure to read the reviews. Some snap easily.
http://www.skiweb.uk.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=261
Not a gadget, but very useful
Members of the excellent Ski Club of Great Britain (http://www.skiclub.co.uk) get discoutns on most of the items listed above, plus loads of other benefits (including discounts on holidays, free ski guding in some resorts, etc). I don’t work for Ski Club or have any professional link to them, but I do think they’re a brilliant resource for British skiers. Annual membership is around £50, but you usually recoup that easily with the discounts and extras offered.
