Chill Out Lounge

Gear Basics When you’re dressing for the mountains, rule number one is to wear layers, as you need to be able to adapt to changes in temperature. Start with a base layer worn next to the skin. Thermal underwear is the best choice to keep you warm and dry. Choose synthetic materials like polypropylene that draw moisture away. A middle layer of wool or fleece traps warm air next to your body. Finally, add a water-repellent, windproof jacket as an outer barrier against the elements. Next, accessorise with good quality protection for the head, hands and eyes. Head You can lose up to 90% of body heat through your head, so protect your head and ears with a beanie or hat (with earflaps). Helmets are particularly important for newbies. Hands Protect hands with durable and waterproof padded gloves. Fleece is a good choice of lining as it dries more quickly than wool. Mitts (mittens) are warmer than gloves but can be awkward. Choose depending on how much you feel the cold. Or compromise with the three-finger mitt! Eyes Avoid snow blindness (and future cataracts) with a ski mask or sunglasses that filter 100% of UV rays. Glasses should wrap around your face to block light at the sides. Remember: darker glasses don’t necessarily offer more protection. Always carry a spare because if you lose your good ones, anything would be better than nothing!

One plank or two Ski and board designs evolve every season. Start your search by considering your preferred style. Generally, shorter boards and skis are best for beginners as they’re easier to manoeuvre and don’t go too fast. Shorter snowboards are also preferred by riders who do a lot of tricks. Longer skis and boards are a little more difficult to master and suit more aggressive skiers and riders. They can handle a variety of conditions and are great for high-speed carving.

Rent or buy? Figure out the cost per use ratio. Divide the cost by your number of snow days per year – you’ll see how long you’ll need to keep your gear before it’s more cost-effective than renting.

Ski styles Alpine Skis precise and fast skis for hard-groomed pistes. Bindings securely fasten the foot at toe and heel. Freeride Skis Excellent in tough conditions, these skis float through powder and slice through slush. Telemark Skis The binding on this increasingly popular style fastens only at the toe. Powderhound Planks These fat skis are designed for deep powder and soft, cut-up snow.

Board styles Freestyle Boards Popular with beginners, they’re short, wide and flexible, with identical nose and tail. Turning with little effort, they’re ideal for doing tricks. Also essential for getting air in the half-pipe and terrain park. Freeride Boards Versatile semi-rigid boards, longer and taller than the Freestyle. Great on all types of terrain. Alpine or Race Boards Thin and stable with a tail almost flat, these boards enable high velocity and fast turns.