Pure Powder’s ultimate ski Christmas list 2012

It’s upon us again….the joys of Christmas (London grounding to a halt at the mere mention of snow and those who think Hunter wellies are acceptable on the streets of London). But the silver lining is that we can get back on those skis and head to the mountains. If you’re wondering what to buy the skier in your life this Christmas, the off piste and heli skiing experts at Pure Powder have the answers. Happy Christmas and happy skiing!

For Men:

 

 

 

• Everyone is talking about Arc’teryx for a reason. The CMH guides are kitted out in it and having skied with the designers this year, I can assure you it only gets better (top secret of course). The Sabre SV jacket is reduced from £400 to £299.99 and combines all weather protection with one of the best ski jacket fits in the busines. Go on, treat him.
• The perfect hat is hard to find. A teenagers’ taste in the ‘right kind’ of slouchy hats leaves us more confused than ever. To avoid all hat-related disasters, you should head to Burton for the ‘beanie mecca’. Finally some street-cred from the Kevin and Perry’s in your life. Prices from £17

For Women:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The trend this year is to stick out like a sore thumb. We finally have a reason to wear garish shades and have fallen in love with these Arc’teryx Stingray trousers in an oh-so-cheerful Grenadine. With GORE-TEX Soft Shell fabric these are the best in waterproof & breathable protection. Just call us Rudolph £299.99
• To keep those ears warm and super-stylish (we’d like to imagine it’s whilst sitting back and enjoying a cheeky vin chaud) we’re recommending Olivia Roat’s fur headband. Seen on guests at the Royal Wedding  (her hats that is, not the fur headbands), this is the perfect addition to your Verbier wardrobe. They also work well on the Kings Road. £110

Ski Kit

 

 

 

 

• Ski helmets are likely to soon be compulsory in Europe with many US ski resorts already signed up (California being one of them). With some UK insurers now insisting on them, it’s worth checking your policy as well before your pack your ski bag. But you can breathe a sigh of relief and save that head of yours with the most stylish of head gear: Moncler. Cue some serious helmet envy. £220
• Forget Go Pro this year – it usually results in wobbly footage of a one-armed bandit trying to keep upright and the viewer decidedly queasy. Instead opt for Summit’s goggles with an in-built HD video camera designed to capture those snowy moments with infinitely more ease. With a wide angle lens and wind-proof microphone it also captures up to 2 hours of footage as well as 5MP stills. £249.99

Stocking Fillers from £12

For all the technology wizardry of touchscreen phones you’d think we’d have figured out how to text whilst keeping our mitts warm. Step forward Muji with their patterned touchscreen gloves so you can arrange that vin chaud without turning into Jack Frost. £12.95

 

 

 

Icebreaker is the only base layer worth having in your ski wardrobe – take it from us, we have it on high authority from ski guides to professional skiers and it’s Icebreaker that everyone wears with its merino fibre being a fraction of the diameter of traditional wool. This means no-itch, sweat-free ski days (always a plus). Don’t be put off by the prices of £59.99+ as they’re worth every penny

 

 

For the ultimate in comfy yet durable ski socks, Smartwool are the best in the business. With cushioned shins and soles of the sock, you can expect a comfortable day on the slopes plus the ‘mesh ventilation zones’ avoids the pong back at the chalet. From £15

 

 

Screams to ‘cover that bare chest of yours’ as you venture into the wilds of Klosters of a night? Avoid all mother-daughter arguments and cover that neck with this luxurious scarf By Malene Birger. Keeping you toasty warm in chunky-knit wool and on-trend with 70’s tassles. Now ½ price for just £50.

 

 

 

 

If you just can’t wait to hit that bangin’ après-ski bar (or are en-route and need a little Dutch courage) you won’t be able to do without these Leki ski poles that can be filled with your favourite tipple (we’d favour Jura whisky if you’re asking). Don’t worry – these poles are high-tech and fully accredited. They just get you wasted (which we’re not encouraging). £125

 

 

Pink? Check. Retro? Check. Modelled on the Tecnica moon boot that is the daddy of all moon boots, these mid-rise boots will keep your feet the right side of fashion whilst in freezing conditions. £79.99   

 

 

 

Back at the chalet you want to probably impress with the latest Jeb Corliss soundtrack. Plug in your mobile phone to this mini portable Audiobot speaker which comes with an in-built rechargeable battery. As he comes fitted with a handmade beanie, he’ll fit in as well. £20

 

 

For the man that has everything…

Inspired by the 100th anniversary of Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole, Nigel Cabourn has produced a limited edition of Arctic-inspired wardrobe for Coggles. Working closely with the Scott Polar Research, you can kit yourself out in heavy weight parkas that reproduce features that the original wearers had on their clothing. What a way to celebrate the legacy that was Scott and his crew. Jumpers start from £225

 

 

For the woman that has everything… Every woman is always looking for the perfect jacket – smart yet sleek, warm yet sexy. We think we’ve found it in Belstaff’s ‘Nylon Twill’. Possibly not the best name for a jacket costing over £2,350 (‘nylon’ hardly screams luxury) but don’t be fooled. This jacket is water-repellent and keeps that neck warm with Asiatic Finn raccoon hood (removable to avoid controversy). Lined with shearling, you would outshine your ski buddies in all Arctic conditions.

 

 

 

Inspired to kickstart that Christmas shopping? Our friends at Ellis Brigham are offering 10% discount to Pure Powder guests so contact us for your discount code. You can also find up to 60% discount on Icebreaker Merino tops at Sport Pursuit as well as 50% discounts on Smartwool socks! Happy shopping!