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Christmas gifts for skiers: Pure Powder’s ultimate Christmas wish list for the skier that has everything

Everybody wants to look like they have the right gear when on the slopes. It’s no good prepping a la Madonna with her oh-so-gawdy Chanel skis and then struggling up the nursery slopes. Your fellow skiers will see straight through the designer outfit (they’re looking out for high-tech, high performance skiwear). Our Christmas gift guide for skiers is for those in your life who have it all. It may include the occasional luxury item but we think a week of cold weather and occasional bruising should have a slice of the high life.

Getting to the slopes in style

jacket and bag

The ultimate apres ski jacket   Jason Wu is better known for flowing ball gowns (he’s dressed the First Lady no less), so we’re delighted he’s moved into his version of ‘streetwear’ with his raccoon trimmed, olive green coat. With leather panels and a furry hood, you may need to scrimp on transport having spent your salary on the jacket but at least it’ll keep you warm on the ski bus            £3,030

The perfect weekend ski bag   Ski trains, bus journeys and shared shuttles. Sometimes getting to resort can be an adventure in itself. If you want to look a little more stylish swinging into Val d’Isere this year, Eddie Harrop’s leather Weekender bag is perfect for fitting your weekend snow kit essentials. Hand-crafted using the finest leather, it’ll also be resilient to an EasyJet check-in but we’d rather keep it close to hand   £385

On the slopes

Pants and boot

The ultimate ski pant   Arc’teryx are the go-to brand for the heli ski guides of CMH (the largest employer of ski guides in the world) so we should take note. Waterproof and breathable, these Sentinel trousers are made from three layers of lightly insulated GORE-TEX designed to deliver technical performance whilst still flattering on the leg. Who wouldn’t want Dragon Fruit colour trousers?   £370

Boot warmers for the best ski boots   Keeping your feet warm can be a constant battle. You can avoid the agony with custom made ski boots from Surefoot but if you’re feeling the pinch you can meet halfway with Therm-ic ski boot warmers. The RC 1600 Smartpack provides warmth for up to 29 hours operated with a handheld control and 3 different heat levels. Available from Surefoot London   £250

The skis to beat all skis

Atomic Theory Skis

Editor’s Pick Skis   Freeskier Magazine gave Atomic’s Theory skis #1 status for the third year running. With a near perfect score in the carving stakes, the innovative carbon inserts running the length of the ski make them solid and stable whatever the condition. With All Mountain rockers in the tip and tail, these are the perfect mix of versatility and reliable ski technology. Available from Ellis Brigham   £380

Skiwear for the Slopes and the Apres

Sweaty Betty Baselayer and Barts Hat

Base layer Fashion   Sweaty Betty have outdone themselves this year presenting the best ski base layers for those looking for a slightly more fashionable look. Merino baselayers are important but fashion can be a deciding factor. Albers Seamless ski leggings come in sweat-wicking fabric and are double knitted for one’s modesty   £49

Headwear   You can’t beat a wooly hat but this fur-trimmed Barts Kamizu hat will keep those ears toasty warm whilst enjoying that glühwein. Light enough to pop in your rucksack, stylish enough to rock at Hotel Farinet   £29.99

Gadget Corner

Mophie and Storm drone

The best gadget to stay social and safe   We finally have a gadget that keeps you entertained as well as safe on the slopes. Mophie is a helium battery case that can recharge your depleted iPhone back up to 80% having exhausted your battery with endless ski videos. Meaning you can Tweet or Instagram your snowy pursuits safe in the knowledge that you can keep in radio contact should your battery die. Available from Apple stores for £69.95

The only way to capture endless ski jumps   He’s got the GoPro and bored you with the footage. Expect a whole new level of excitement when you give him the Storm Drone 4 which carries his GoPro for a 6-7 minute aerial flight to capture tricks in the terrain park or just to survey La Folie Douce of an afternoon. It’s a helicopter ride for your camera – vital for any self-respecting gadget geek   £220

Stocking fillers

Smartwool socks and Helmaclava

Keeping toasty warm   It may not look the most attractive but skiing in -20 means you appreciate the powers of a Helmaclava. Designed to wear under your helmet, this thick fleece will keep your nose and neck warm   £19.99

 Warm feet are happy feet   Smartwool  are the big daddy of ski socks.  Made from the finest merino wool designed to keep you warm and dry, the underfoot and shin pads also means you’re protected for all day cushioning   £21.99

Or you can think big and surprise the skier in your life with a heli skiing or off piste skiing trip (trips start at less than the Jason Wu jacket). Contact the UK’s leading heli ski specialists to find a trip to suit you or the skier in your life.

Posted by: Suzy Small

Mastering Off-Piste Skiing: An Introductory Guide

  For many thrill seekers, the tame slopes of a ski resort do not offer the excitement they’re looking for – this is where off-piste skiing offers an excellent alternative. The popularity of this adventure-based sport has increased over the past couple of years as skiing has become more accessible to more people. And yet, […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

  If you are interested in undertaking an outdoor adventure like no other, helicopter skiing may be the perfect option for you. Helicopter skiing involves off-piste, downhill skiing with the added thrill of a helicopter trip to reach untouched backcountry terrain.   Perhaps breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience are what you are after? If […]

Posted by: Samantha

About Heli Skiing: Myths And Misconceptions

  For those of you who have already had the chance to head out on your very own heli skiing excursion, you will know what to expect when embarking on your next adventure. For those who have not, this brief guide is for you – we will clear up some common misconceptions regarding heli skiing, […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Skiing: Prepare For An Unforgettable Trip

  In the past, heli skiing used to be a sport that only those adventurous few who could afford the exorbitant cost could enjoy. However, more recently, with the help of companies like Pure Powder, the sport has become more accessible than ever. Today more and more avid skiers are being introduced to and partaking […]

Posted by: Samantha

Plan An Unforgettable Off-Piste Skiing Trip

  If you are eager to set off on an unforgettable off-piste skiing trip, then you have come to the right place. Pure Powder is one of the best ski specialists based in the UK, but we organise off-piste ski adventures all around the world. In this quick read, we will cover some essential information […]

Posted by: Samantha

A Comprehensive Guide To Heli Ski Preparations

  Let’s get into the ins and outs of trip preparation for your next heli ski adventure! At Pure Powder, we take care of all the logistical aspects of your skiing experience, but there are a few things you can do from your side to make sure that you kick off the excursion as prepared […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing vs Resort Skiing: A Comparison Of Skiing Experiences

  Over the past few years, there has been a rapid rise in the popularity of helicopter skiing. Spurred ever onwards by this increased interest in the sport, Pure Powder strives to make heli skiing an accessible activity for skiing novices and veterans alike. With helicopter skiing now more accessible than ever, avid adventurers have […]

Posted by: Samantha

Steep Heli Skiing: Exploring Alaska

  If real thrills are what you’re searching for, heli skiing with Pure Powder is the way to go. We organise heli skiing trips all over the globe, tailoring each experience to your level of expertise. For the experienced skiers looking for an adrenaline rush, Alaska is the holy grail of pure skiing freedom.   […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Ski Gear Guide: Must-Have Skiing Equipment

  If you have ever participated in a heli ski experience, you will know that having the right equipment is essential. Not only does the heli ski gear protect you from the elements out in the backcountry, but it can also improve the entire experience overall. Regarding heli ski gear, experienced skiers stick to functional […]

Posted by: Samantha

Incredible Heli Skiing Destinations

  If you are considering setting off on your very first heli skiing adventure, allow us to walk you through some of the amazing options you have at your disposal! In this brief guide, we will have a look at a few different heli ski destinations and consider what makes each of them unique.   […]

Posted by: Samantha

Off-Piste Skiing: Embrace The Freedom Of Untracked Slopes

  Very few sensations can be compared to the feeling of off-piste skiing in deep powder snow. If you have yet to throw yourself into one of these incredible ski excursions, allow us to fill you in on the basics of off-piste skiing. In this brief guide, we will cover what exactly an off-piste skiing […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing: The Ultimate Alpine Experience

  Helicopter skiing is a great way to take your ski experience to the next level. In this brief guide, we will explain the differences between our tailored heli skiing excursions and your typical ski getaway. Of course, this is not to say that a standard resort skiing trip cannot be a great experience, but […]

Posted by: Samantha

Some Useful Advice For Your Heli Skiing Adventure

  As exciting as a heli skiing trip surely is, it is always best to go prepared. In this quick read, we will walk you through a few different aspects of our heli skiing adventures, arming you with everything you need to know about heli skiing before you embark on your trip.   When you […]

Posted by: Samantha

Best Heli Skiing In Canada: Make Your Next Adventure Unforgettable

  CMH Heli Skiing offers not only the best heli skiing in Canada, but some of the best off-piste skiing adventures in the world. The interior ranges of western British Columbia, Canada have been hailed as the Mecca of heli skiing excursions, and for good reason. There is no shortage of choice with Canadian Mountain […]

Posted by: Samantha

Exploring The Heli Ski World: An Introductory Guide

  When hearing the term “heli ski”, peoples’ minds often wander to the world of action movies. The word may evoke images of James Bond or Jason Bourne leaping off a helicopter several feet in the air onto a steep slope, followed by villains, as they expertly manoeuvre their way down death-defying heights and avoiding […]

Posted by: Samantha

Off-Piste Skiing: Your Questions Answered

  If taking on challenging terrain sounds like a thrilling adventure, then off-piste skiing may just be the ideal outdoor sport for you. Venturing outside the boundaries of standard ski resorts can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to leave behind the groomed slopes and instead make tracks across the fresh snow of the backcountry. […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Skiing: Everything You Need To Know

  Heli skiing is an invigorating outdoor sport involving breathtaking views from remote backcountry slopes. Whether you are an excited first-time/beginner skier or a seasoned skier looking for a new challenge, heli skiing has something to offer. In this quick read, we will be covering everything you need to know about heli skiing.   If […]

Posted by: Samantha

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Whistler/Blackcomb

Location: Most famously known as just Whistler, Whistler and Blackcomb are two mountains that sit side by side and make up Canada’s biggest resort. Together they make up a whopping 8,171 acres of terrain, split between pisted runs, Alpine bowls and glaciers. Whistler Village is at the base of Whistler, the hub of the village […]

Posted by: Georgie Knox

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Silver Star

Location: Located in the stunning Okanagan Valley, Silver Star is British Colombia’s fourth largest ski resort where you can expect the famous champagne powder we all know and love due to being further west. The varied terrain spreads over 3,282 acres and attracts every kind of skier. Getting there: Silver Star is extremely easy to get […]

Posted by: Zillah Bell

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Sun Peaks

Location: Sun Peaks is the second biggest ski area in Canada, behind Whistler. It is the perfect warm up destination for anyone who is heli skiing at CMH’s Cariboos Lodge. Getting there: Sun Peaks is located in the heart of British Columbia, only a 45 minute drive from Kamloops and less than an hour by […]

Posted by: Zillah Bell