The days of ski-wear being two wooden planks and some aluminium poles are disappearing into the past quicker than you can say “Hermann Maier”. Wearable technology is increasing skiers’ and snowboarders’ speed, connectivity, fun and safety, and with Christmas coming we’ve got the perfect gifts for anyone taking to the slopes – whether they’re a black run hound or green run cowboy.
This offers the ultimate video experience for the skier or snowboarder who wants to record their best moves – and is less expensive than the GoPro HERO4 Black. It also takes high-quality 12-megapixel still photos, and is encased in a waterproof casing that’ll keep it safe in a blizzard. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in there as standard, so your anxious Instagram followers won’t have to wait more than a couple of hours for an pictorial update of your latest epic 180. You’ll probably want a Giro Edit Helmet to mount it on as well.
This supercharged watch will serve as your own personal GPS device, so is perfect for anyone that likes exploring off piste. It will also serve you up weather information so you know how many gluhweins you’ll to need to stay warm. It’ll give you comprehensive data on distances travelled, speed and heart rate, and if your kids enjoy the slopes as much as you, you can get them one and link everyone together via the Suunto Connected Family.
If you’re as into your music as your skiing, you’ll be doing backside rodeo flips (an actual move – look it up) for these Swedish-made helmets. Beats headphones are built into the neck roll, which you then plug into your smartphone. A remote control device by the neck enables you to alter the volume, while it has a detachable goggle clip to make sure they won’t come off while your head’s bobbing to “Hotline Bling”.
All skiers and snowboarders know there’s nothing like cold, stinging hands to take the pleasure out of nailing a tricky red. Ember’s British creators are looking to eradicate this problem with battery-powered gloves. They have four stages of heat – the lowest lasts 12.5 hours on a full charge – as well as Thinsulate Insulation, so you’ll be set however chilly it gets. For the advanced racing skier they might prove a little chunky, but for those whose fingers freeze at the sight of a snowflake, they’ll be perfect.
Let’s get the first thing out the way: these look real good. But it’s not just about the aesthetics, because these are the best slope buddy for the modern gentleman skier. The GPS integration will track how fast you’re moving, and allow you to review your progress on a one off basis or run-by-run throughout the day. They’ll measure how high you jump and for how long, and tell you how far you’ve travelled that day. They’ll connect to your smartphone so you can read incoming texts and calls. They’ll allow you to pinpoint yourself on a resort map. And you know where you can see this cornucopia of self-glorifying info? Twinkling away in the bottom right of your goggle lens. The future has arrived.
